BlackBerry 10 Keyboard Release Date Likely for May or June, Months After Other Worldwide Launches

A keyboard for the BlackBerry is in development but it won't be seen for the U.S. market until May or June.

The expected U.S. release comes a max two months compared to other parts of the world.

Research in Motion CEO Thorsten Heins did not go into specifics as to when the U.S. release date but noted it will depend on the wireless carriers.

Heins added the physical keyboard version, known as the BlackBerry Q10, will be available eight to ten weeks after the touchscreen model, known as the BlackBerry Z10, launches, like in March.

RIM is hoping the new BlackBerry series will give the company a comeback in the smartphone competition against Samsung and notably Apple's iPhone.

"RIM promised a new system called BlackBerry 10 to catch up, using technology it got through its 2010 purchase of QNX Software Systems," reported Rob Gilles of the Associated Press. "But it has taken more than two years to unveil new phones that are redesigned for the new multimedia, Internet browsing and apps experience that customers are now demanding."

The touchscreen only BlackBerry's March launch has apparently disappointed Heins, telling the AP that the U.S. and its mobile carriers have a rigid system.

"We need to respect that. Am I a bit disappointed? Yeah, I would be lying saying no. But it is what it is, and we're working with all our carrier partners to speed it up as much as we can," Heins said.

The BlackBerry Z10 is already available in the U.S. as of last Thursday.