The DS Pixel is a crowdfunded keyboard and touchscreen combo machine

The creators of the DS Pixel Keyboard have give you a possible answer to the problem of typing on a touchscreen. The keyboard, which doubles as a show, features a detachable “electrostatic capacitive keycap” body that sits atop its touchscreen, offering bodily keys that facilitate contact typing.

The DS Pixel Keyboard is now accessible by way of a Kickstarter crowdfunding marketing campaign. The earliest backers can reserve a mannequin with a 1,000Hz polling price discounted to $349 (plus transport) or a model for players with an 8,000Hz polling price that’s accessible for $419. Full retail pricing is predicted to be nearer to $580 and $640, respectively, with supply estimated as early as February 2025. That’s only a few months away, however its creators have already distributed practical prototypes to some influencers.

Constructed round a 60Hz touchscreen with a large facet ratio and a decision of three,840 by 1,100 pixels, the DS Pixel Keyboard has an HDMI enter, permitting it for use as a standalone show. For portability, it’s powered by a 20,000mAh battery that’s claimed to maintain it working for as much as 12 hours after a three-hour cost, and there’s a built-in pair of stereo audio system.

As its title implies, the DS Pixel Keyboard is extra helpful as a particularly versatile touchscreen keyboard. It means that you can customise its format, how keys seem, and even have movies taking part in within the background. It’s suitable with Home windows, macOS, Linux, and Android and might connect with units over USB-C, Bluetooth, or a 2.4GHz wi-fi connection for lowered lag whereas gaming.

For contact typists who depend on the sensation of bodily keys underneath their fingertips, the DS Pixel Keyboard can sacrifice a few of its customizability by including a layer of clear keys with 1.2mm of journey. It doesn’t provide the very same feeling as typing on a mechanical keyboard, however the detachable keycap layer leaves the touchscreen seen, so you may nonetheless see custom-made keys and animations beneath it. And because the keys don’t use mechanical switches, they are often simply cleaned with a fast rinse underneath water.