Naya Connect modular keyboard evaluation and options

This would possibly simply be essentially the most overengineered desktop gear I’ve ever come throughout. The Naya Connect system options 4 units constructed round a modular keyboard to improve your setup with all types of shortcuts and tactile inputs.

No matter what apps you utilize in your workflow, these devices are designed to deliver all of your instruments inside simple attain. Essentially, you are taking a look at a high-end mechanical keyboard with each merchandise on a connoisseur’s guidelines ticked off – after which there are three modules that snap on magnetically in any configuration you prefer to degree issues up.

First and most significantly, you’ve got acquired the Dock, which has 4 programmable keys, and a round receptacle to accommodate a specialised enter machine to successfully exchange your mouse in particular purposes:

• Customizable trackpad which helps multi-finger gestures and configurable contact zones – ultimate for productiveness apps and net browsers.
• 40-mm trackball with assist for axis locking, scrolling, and 4 bodily buttons. Handy for audio and visible design instruments.
• Rotary dial that allows you to program it to supply low or excessive resistance, and click on by ranges with a advantageous ratchet-like sample or a broader one. It’s additionally acquired a contact zone on the high that helps gestures. This ought to make it simple to wash by timelines whereas enhancing video.
• 6-DoF spatial mouse for exact 3D modeling work in CAD, animation, and sport growth apps, with an built-in rotary encoder in addition.

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That’s simply the primary module. There’s additionally the Multipad with 24 programmable keys that may function a numpad on both your left or proper, and the 6-Key, a column of six programmable keys.

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If you are right here in regards to the 75% keyboard, it is a low-profile 85-key affair, with a machined aluminum unibody that measures underneath 15 mm thick. There are hot-swappable Kailh Choc V2 switches on board, together with dished polycarbonate keycaps, and you’ll select from 5 completely different change varieties, from linear to clicky and a bunch in between.

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The keys are absolutely programmable, and provide single-key customizable RGB backlighting. You can join the keyboard by way of USB-C, and fix the Dock or different modules to both facet magnetically. It’ll do 1,000-Hz polling, and is appropriate with Windows, Linux, Mac, and cell working programs.

The thought is you can both get the keyboard and develop it by including modules, or get the Dock which unlocks wi-fi connectivity and fix modules to that. Naya’s desktop app allows you to configure each little element of how the {hardware} capabilities.

This seems like a dream for individuals who need extra flexibility in constructing out their desktop setups. I really like the concept of having the ability to add and customise modules relying on what I’m engaged on, and having extra methods to work together with inventive apps. Naya’s speaking up how fastidiously each part has been engineered to really feel nice beneath your fingertips, and I’m greater than just a little excited to see what that is perhaps like.

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The Connect suite is at the moment being crowdfunded on Kickstarter, the place the entire units are being made obtainable at a reduced value. The keyboard, set to retail at US$189, could be had for as little as $119 should you again the marketing campaign early; the Dock is accessible at $45, nicely under its $69 asking value. The completely different Dock enter units vary from $55 for the Touch trackpad to $129 for the Float spatial mouse.

If you want extra keys, the 6-Key is available in at $35 (down from $49), and the 24-key Multipad is priced at $50 (down from $69). Shipping prices additional, and you will get an estimate while you pledge on the platform by deciding on your location.

All crowdfunding campaigns carry a component of threat, so you may need to preserve that in thoughts should you select to again this marketing campaign. For what it is price, Groningen, The Netherlands-based Naya has previously launched a high-end split keyboard with advanced features on Kickstarter; in actual fact, the 4 enter units that work with the Dock can be utilized on that mannequin too. The Connect has already blasted previous its funding purpose with greater than 1,100 backers behind it.

Beyond the tough course of of selecting which Connect units to get, you may additionally want a complete lot of persistence. Orders positioned on Kickstarter are set to ship greater than a yr from now, beginning in February 2027. That’s an extended wait certainly, however should you obsess over your desktop rig, it looks like it’s going to be price it.

Source: Naya