The Next Web

Keyboardr: Almost Good Enough to Replace Google

By Boris
November 24, 2008
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Keyboardr could almost replace Google as my first choice for search. Not because the results are so much better than what Google has to offer though. In fact, Keyboardr is a simple Meta search engine and the results it gives me are Google’s. The difference is in the interface. Or to be precise: the way the user interacts with the interface.

At Keyboardr you don’t need a mouse. You interact with the search results using your keyboard (hence the name Keyboardr.com) and don’t have to use the mouse for anything. Simply enter a search term and Keyboardr allows you to navigate the results with the arrow keys on your keyboard.

It sounds so simple but the result is really awesome. Suddenly searching feels fast and automated. Use Keyboardr for a while and the ‘old’ google suddenly feels like Windows 95.

The comparison to an operation system is deliberate: Keyboardr could be used as the Launch Pad for the Operating System called the Internet. Simply type “Flickr” press return and Flickr.com will open in a new window. Same for Gmail and most other Web Apps. 

Check out their demo video or just browse to Keyboardr:

Oh, if you LIKE the mouse and would rather have a solution for searching without the keyboard you could check out KallOut. They offer Mouse Only search integrated in the Operating System called your PC.

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  • Thanks Boris! Useful tip! I replaced it to be my new startpage!
  • Szymon Malinowski
    It's absolutely awesome! Thanks a lot!
  • Hmmm..

    a) it took a long time to load, as it's awfully heavy on the javascript.

    b) you can use your keyboard on Google, too. You just use tab to get through links. It's basic Web accessibility.

    OK, sure, keyboardr is prettier, but it has way less links. I also wonder how accessible it is for speech browsers in comparison to regular Google.

    I'm definitely not sold on this one.
  • I use an experimental Google search from Google Labs, which lets you use keyboard shortcuts to navigate search results:

    http://www.google.com/experimental/

    (third experiment in the list)
  • Thanks Boris, good one, I just played with it and it works!
  • Eelco
    @Walter Jessen: Yes, I use that one too. Also, I think it's much nicer than keyboarder, since you don't have to reach to the arrow keys and when you go 'past' the last result you'll get the next page of results.
  • I want to give it a try, but the site seems to be down? Already under heavy pressure from the nextweb clicks? ;)
  • Great find, most definitely trying out as my new homepage
  • it seems to be a new gui for old dos(google)
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