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The keyboard allows custom icons to be displayed underneath each of the keys, as well as simple animations at ten frames per second.

This enables users to create customised icons which can be changed at the press of a button.

Different icons can be switched on instantaneously for use in different software packages, such as video editing

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or image manipulation.

No word has yet been released on pricing, but the number pad is expected to be released either at the end of the year or early in 2009.

However, the technology doesn't come cheap - the full-size version of the keyboard costs 1,200 euros (£952).

The Russian design house announced the full-size Optimus Maximus model in 2005, but production problems delayed the commercial release until early this year.

The keyboard features 113 keys, each with its own 48 by 48 pixel OLED display.

While the Maximus keyboard was delayed, the studio released a smaller version of the design featuring just three keys. The Mini Three keyboard uses 96 by 96 pixel displays, providing fewer, but more detailed, icons.

Another display, the Upravlator, has 12 pads which work as five-way buttons occupying the 10.8in 800 by 600 OLED display and is expected for release in the second half of the year.