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There are some people who hate the iPhone’s virtual keyboard: especially those who are more familiar with the Blackberry. Personally, I’ve gotten pretty fast using my iPod touch (especially in landscape mode), but there is something to be said for the tactile feel of pressing down a key, and having a physical groove between letters can make touch typing easier.

The consensus seems to be that after about a week of using the iPhone layout, you’ll get comfortable with it. But for those who can’t wait—or simply can’t stand a virtual keyboard—the lack of a physical keyboard is finally at an end with the iTwinge from Mobile Mechatronics. Why name your product after a minor sensation of pain? Apparently it uses their patented “Twinge” technology.

The iTwinge works as a sleeve for your iPhone; you slide it on and begin typing (in portrait mode only). The odd thing about the case is that while the letter/number keys are physical, there are holes cut in it to give you access to the upper/lowercase and ABC/symbol shift button. Cnet is making the assumption that the iTwinge simply transfers your typing physically to the virtual keyboard, but based on the design and the iTwinge FAQ which states that it uses the iPhone’s power, it appears that it plugs into the device using the docking port.

Mobile Mechatronics is taking pre-orders for the device now. It’s selling for $29.99 and is compatable with the iPhone 3G and 3GS.

Read [Cnet] Product [iTwinge]