Tag: modular keyboard

  • Womier DUO87 Modular Mechanical Keyboard with Touchscreen for $99

    Womier DUO87 Modular Mechanical Keyboard with Touchscreen for $99

    Key Takeaway

    – Modular Womier DUO87 offers a touchscreen (optional numeric keypad) and a decorative figurine port.
    – Planned plugin store enables productivity features with customizable icons; touchscreen can operate independently of the keyboard.
    – Two pre-lubed mechanical switch options are available.
    – Crowdfunding price is $99, with typical risks of crowdfunding (potential changes or non-fulfillment).

    Keyboards that feature a screen or even a touchscreen are already broadly available, such as the Corsair Galleon 100 SD. Such keyboards can not only display user-specific information but also execute macros. In this context, the Womier DUO87 is a modular keyboard with both a touchscreen and a optionally mountable numeric keypad. Figurines can also be inserted into this modular port, but these are for aesthetic purposes only and offer no practical value.

    Design & Display

    According to the manufacturer, various plugins can be used, which can make operation beneficial in productive contexts such as word processing. The advantage of a touchscreen compared to macro keys is, of course, that users can see which functions they are activating, and the icons can be customized to their preferences. A corresponding plugin store is planned, so users won’t have to define the macros themselves. The touchscreen can also be used independently of the keyboard if desired.

    Software & Plugins

    This is a mechanical keyboard available with two different switches. Both come pre-lubricated, ensuring optimal responsiveness. As part of the crowdfunding campaign, the model is currently available for just $99. As always, crowdfunding campaigns harbour certain risks, including the eventuality that the final product may work differently than advertised or may not make it to market at all.

     

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  • Modular Low-Profile Mechanical Keyboard with Num Pad and More

    Modular Low-Profile Mechanical Keyboard with Num Pad and More

    Key Takeaways

    1. Modular Design: The Naya Connect features a unique modular design, allowing users to customize their keyboard setup with various modules that connect around a central hub.

    2. Typing Experience: The Naya Type uses Kailh Choc V2 switches for a smooth and pleasant typing experience, distinguishing it in the low-profile mechanical keyboard market.

    3. Connectivity Features: The keyboard and modules utilize magnetic connections and proprietary pogo pins for seamless electrical links, with the Naya Type supporting both wired and wireless connectivity.

    4. Battery Life: The modules for the Naya Connect have battery capacities between 800 mAh and 1,500 mAh, with expected good battery life based on the Naya Create’s performance.

    5. Launch Offers: The Naya Connect will have special launch discounts for early buyers on its various components, with the Kickstarter campaign starting on January 13.

    Naya, the brand behind the Naya Create modular, ergonomic, and sleek wireless mechanical keyboard, is preparing for its upcoming product launch. This time, they are taking a more traditional approach, yet still keeping a modular element that enables users to customize the keyboard to fit their specific preferences and optimize their experience. The Naya Connect is set to be a low-profile wireless mechanical keyboard that will work with Naya’s range of modules designed for the Create. A recent announcement reveals that the Naya Connect will debut on Kickstarter on January 13, but the pricing can get tricky due to the keyboard’s modular design.

    Modular Design Features

    Unlike a typical low-profile mechanical keyboard, the Naya Connect offers a system of interconnected modules that can be arranged around a central hub. The primary components include either the Naya Type, which is a 75% low-profile mechanical keyboard, or the Naya Dock, a separate hub that accommodates one of the other input devices designed for the ergonomic wireless keyboard, the Naya Create. By default, the Naya Type functions as a wired mechanical keyboard; however, connecting it to a Dock and a module adds wireless features, similar to the Naya Create. The Dock itself has four extra keys beneath the input module, likely intended for macros or specific functions based on the module in use.

    Typing Experience

    The Naya Type is a compact 75% low-profile keyboard utilizing Kailh Choc V2 switches, which we have previously examined in the Iqunix Magi65 Pro (currently priced at $128.79 on Amazon). During our tests, these Kailh switches provided an impressively smooth typing experience along with a pleasant sound, which has been somewhat uncommon in the low-profile mechanical keyboard market until this point.

    Connectivity and Features

    Modules for the Naya Connect connect magnetically and use proprietary pogo pins for electrical links. Besides its modular design, the Naya Type includes several attractive features, such as a full aluminum casing only 14.9 mm thick with switches and keycaps. It also features a split space bar for better efficiency and unique shine-through polycarbonate keycaps for the white backlighting. When not being used wirelessly, the Naya Type connects via USB-C, and it comes with an easy-access hardware on/off switch.

    Naya promotes the Connect as a tool for enhancing productivity, so the expansion modules focus on productivity features. Some modules, such as the Float mentioned earlier, introduce innovative navigation or interaction methods for the keyboard or Dock hub. While additional modules might be available at launch, the current confirmed lineup for the Naya Connect module ecosystem includes:

    Battery and Firmware

    The Naya Dock does not appear to feature a built-in battery or antenna; however, the modules that attach to the Dock include wireless connectivity components, with battery capacities ranging from 800 mAh to 1,500 mAh. It remains uncertain how long the Naya Connect devices will operate on battery alone, but the Naya Create split keyboard is said to last about 80 days on a single charge, depending on the module in use. It’s reasonable to expect that the Type and Connect will offer good battery life, as they are less complex devices with fewer wireless components than the Create. The Naya Create runs on ZMK firmware, recognized for its high customizability and efficiency, and it is believed that the same Flow configuration tool will be utilized for the Naya Connect.

    Special Offers for Early Buyers

    Customers purchasing the Naya Connect devices will receive a special launch discount on the new Type low-profile keyboard, Multipad, 6-key module, and Dock through a VIP offer currently available on the Naya website. There is also a discount for existing modules when bought together with the Naya Connect Dock. The Naya Type keyboard starts at $99 with the VIP discount, but the standard MSRP will be $189. The Multipad has a VIP price of $44 with an MSRP of $69, the 6-key module is $29 for VIPs and $49 MSRP, while the Dock will be available for $39 for VIPs and $69 retail. Although these products are not available yet, the Kickstarter campaign will launch on January 13.

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