A new type of keyboard promising higher typing speed has been invented by a Singaporean entrepreneur, Bob Teo, Channel NewsAsia reported on Thursday.

With its appearance similar to the 127-year-old QWERTY keyboard which is still prevailing today, the abKey has its alphabet keys " re-grouped and significantly re-arranged."

"We can almost guarantee that you can learn it in an hour, because of its intuitive nature. If you spent the last five, ten years in QWERTY to reach your current speed, you won't need that much time. You'll only need a few more weeks to pick up the same speed," the inventor was quoted as saying.

Its more ergonomic design and layout will also help ease the pain of the carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers, the report said, adding that the target buyers are kids and people in their 40s and 50s who have difficulties in learning to use the current keyboard.

As sales orders for the abKey are coming in from Europe, Asia and the United State, the inventor hopes that some 100,000 units will be sold in the first year.

Source: Xinhua