Portable keyboards are nothing new, but the TextBlade is unique and is already stirring lust in the bosoms of typists everywhere. What’s more, this seriously strange little device is not intended just for on-the-go writing. It also makes a play for desk space as a replacement for your standard computer keyboard.¹
TextBlade is a collapsible magnetic device with only eight multi-function keys and a separate spacebar that houses the battery and notification LEDs. Sound strange? It sure is. The developers, WayTools, use a new technology called MultiLayering to enable eight keys to do everything you need.
MacRumors had had the chance to visit WayTools in Santa Monica to get a first-hand look at work in progress and try TextBlade in action:
Watching the employees at WayTools type on the TextBlade was fascinating, because it gave a look at what’s possible when one becomes familiar with the layout of the keys. Their fingers hardly moved on the keyboard — there was no reaching or flailing about to hit symbols or numbers. There was very little hand movement, but we watched them type as quickly as they could on a regular keyboard.
See the full review of TextBlade here at MacRumors.com
¹ I ordered one and it is scheduled for delivery at the end of June, total cost, including airfreight, $144.