As personal computers have evolved from clunky metal boxes to sleek, streamlined and wireless permutations, not much has changed with the number one form of user interface: the keyboard.

While there are still choices to be had – USB connected or wireless, control and function key configuration, switch technology (capacitative vs mechanical) and level of audible and tactile response – if you’ve used one keyboard, you can pretty much use them all.

So how do you slake your thirst for the latest and greatest gadgetry when it comes to your keyboard? Here are a few new ideas – some more useful than others.

Novelty key caps. Don’t despair like Homer Simpson did when his tutorial told him to press any key. (“Where’s the ‘any’ key?”) Slip some silly key caps over select letters or function keys and watch your IT guy’s eyes roll when you call him over for help. Goofy sayings include “any,” “damn it,” “panic,” “duh,” “no clue,” “oy vey” and the good old comic-strip expletive, “X%&#!”

Flexible keyboards. iGear sells a soft, flexible, light-up keyboard that claim to be waterproof and virtually indestructible. The silicon material is designed to let you type silently and the flat angle helps eliminate stress on your wrists.

Kids’ keyboards. Afraid your toddler will almost certainly hit Ctrl-Alt-Del if you let him bang away? You can buy kid-friendly keyboards that eliminate the function and command keys – leaving just letters, numbers and navigation. Some are even scaled down in size. Themes like Superman, SpongeBob and Crayola colors let kids know which keyboard is theirs to use.

And if you’re stuck with your plain Jane keyboard, make typing more fun with Jingle Keyboard freeware for Windows. Each keystroke triggers a sound – go for old school Remington electric typewriter, gunfire or bird song.