The B/R/S Group, Inc., an internationally recognized qualitative research group, conducted a study that consisted of in-depth interviews and focus groups involving thirty-eight (38) total respondents in Northern California. The study utilized a standard keyboard with prototype Prosper Street keycaps. The respondents showed a wide range of sophistication with respect to computers and typing, from less proficient typists to touch-typists using keyboards more than an hour and a half daily. The detailed findings determined that "the PST Keyboard was a winner" with comfort and durability the most important features regarding keyboards in general. Following, are specific comments, quotes, and conclusions reached during the B/R/S study.

Initial Impressions

Initial verbal impressions of the PST Keyboard were very positive, both in terms of visual appeal and usability. People generally found the keyboard to be visually appealing and intuitive. Comments included:

• Can slide more easily to the different keys
• You just glide on it
• Easy to use
• User friendly
• This works like gangbusters
• A logical next step in keyboard design (this is a sentiment which many seem to share)

The written initial impressions of the PST Keyboard were also very positive:

• Innovative, light touch keyboard with a dimensional design
• Hip design, smooth typing, rounded keys and shape
• Innovative and possibly a better touch-controlled keyboard
• Innovative, interesting, pretty cool
• Functional in all areas
• Innovative, cutting edge, functional, eye-catching
• Natural, comfortable, more forgiving
• Comfortable, finger-forming
• More contour to the hand
• It flows with the natural bending of the fingers
• Easy to reach keys
• Ergonomic
• Clever, innovative, ergonomic, whimsical
• Easy to reach keys, very comfortable, soft touch keys very impressive
• I love the finger bowls and the way the rounded keys feel
• Cool, geared towards us being human; less mistakes even when you think you make them (our favorite)

Comfortable and Innovative

Comfortable and innovative were adjectives that most respondents felt accurately describe the PST Keyboard. They also linked the keyboard's comfort to its expected ease of use, especially in regard to the arrangement of the keys and the smooth transition. Many mentioned that the concave shape kept their hands in the right place and on the right keys. Some of the comments included:

• It’s easier to type because of the shape
• Everything seems within reach
• I feel like I can just use my fingertips and don’t have to use my hands to push harder

Our unique concept and design were also considered to be quite innovative, with many respondents noting that not much has ever changed in the area of keyboard design. Especially appreciated was our design's strong consideration of the user's physiology:

• It’s well thought out...
• It makes sense because our hands are shaped like this
• Looks like someone gave it some thought
• Seems like a logical next move

Home/Office Use

Respondents stated arguments for using the PST Keyboard both at work and at home. People felt that they "want this for work and for home" because it was suitable for the entire family, "good for users of all ages and abilities", and perhaps most importantly, a perfect compromise for everybody.

On the issue of ergonomics, while the PST Keyboard has made no ergonomic claims, many respondents praised the PST Keyboard for its ergonomics:

• It looks like it would be ergonomically correct
• More of a slide than a step... therefore, you’d think that for your fingers, it would be less strenuous

Product Preference

Approximately two-thirds of respondents showed a clear preference for using the PST Keyboard when asked which keyboard feels more comfortable, theirs or ours. When asked why they thought our keyboard was more comfortable, the responses included the following:

• It is more accessible
• Better flow and softer touch
• Less mistakes
• Seems like the keys are closer together, lighter to the touch, and the angle lets you type with less mistakes
• It conforms to my hands and the keys are receptive to my touch
• Fits my hands better, better fit to my fingers
• The keys are a lot more comfortable
• Easy to type on
• My fingers glide more easily over the keys

Style and Appeal

Even though a standard keyboard was used to mount the new PST keycaps, many respondents commented on the bright color and found it visually appealing. Overall, the PST Keyboard was seen as hip, modern, and even futuristic.

Pricing

Almost all respondents felt the PST Keyboard would retail higher than a standard keyboard, with the average expected price around $60. More importantly, most respondents would choose the PST Keyboard over the standard keyboard when buying a new PC. Almost all the respondents expressed a willingness to pay an extra amount for a PST Keyboard upgrade.

Summary and Conclusions

All of us at Prosper Street Technologies believed that our unique keycap technology presents a strong value proposition. Not only was this proven by the results of the study, but in the conclusions of the B/R/S/ researchers:

Compared to past keyboard research findings, attribute ratings for the PST Keyboard were above many other brands we have seen in the past. This is a great indicator that the PST Keyboard has an exceptional chance in the marketplace.