I was recently reading a debate between command-line and GUI - and a keyboard like this could remove many of the learning constraints and cognitive loads of using a command-line interface for the novice. Of course, you'd have to have someone program how the keys change and perhaps even rethink how you make your shortcuts.
[citation][nom]Anaxamenes[/nom]Now this is a gaming keyboard! the buttons could display icons for your game and make it far more interesting and interactive.[/citation]
They would especially be useful for complex flight simulations with hundreds of controls
(not having to remember individual keys or looking at a chart or having to use a keyboard overlay).
For how long has the Optimus keyboard from Art Lebedev been "coming soon"?
I remember seeing his website show a prototype more than five years ago, and every time I have checked back it will be arriving "current time+2Q"...