Apple hit a home run with its wireless Bluetooth keyboard. The keyboard is compact, good-looking and functional. It even works great in conjunction with devices like the iPad, thanks to its easy setup over Bluetooth.
Being only 12.5mm thick, the Levitatr Bluetooth keyboard features a design that Apple would be proud of. With a LED backlit set of keys that magically lifts off of a flat slab when you’re ready to type, this Kickstarter project has us already wanting to buy.
James Stumpf, designer of the Levitatr, thought up a genius idea when he created a portable keyboard with collapsable keys. When not in use, the Levitar’s keys descend into the device’s aluminum and polycarbonate plastic body. No more sticky keys from grime and dirt getting stuck in the crevices. Collapsable keys also keep the user from accidentally pressing keys when the Levitatr is thrown in a bag.
When you’re ready to type, simply press a button that raises the backlit keys from the Levitatr. Now that’s magical.
The Levitar features a sturdy, aluminum kickstand for the iPad and ‘other devices’ to rest comfortably on when typing. Stumpf wanted the Levitar to be versatile, so other tablets and mobile devices should work fine with the keyboard.
While the Levitar is meant for more devices than just the iPad, it actually features 5 iPad-specific buttons, including a home button trigger.
“Designed around a singular chassis cast in aluminum and precision-machined to its final form, Levitatr is durable to its core. The face, bottom cover and key caps are injection-molded from beautiful high-gloss polycarbonate plastic. The ALUMNM kickstand is composed of two pieces, precision-machined from aluminum and pinned together. The assembled kickstand is then pinned to the keyboard frame. The ALUMNM kickstand latches into its resting position via high-powered magnets. Low-profile scissor switches are used for key actuation. This gives the keyboard swift key actuation and response.”
One thing about the Levitar that may be a deal-breaker is the battery. James Stumpf hasn’t disclosed what battery life will be yet, and the device runs on 4 AAA batteries. We’re hoping that the Levitar can at least match Apple’s wireless keyboard in battery longevity.
You can help fund the Levitar Kickstarter project by preordering for $79. Those that back will be getting a Levitar when the project reaches its $60,000 goal.
(via GigaOM)
Alex Heath is a journalist who works for Tech Insider. He’s the former co-host of The CultCast. He has been quoted by the likes of the BBC, KRON 4 News, and books like “ICONIC: A Photographic Tribute to Apple Innovation.” He lives in Lexington, Kentucky. If you want to pitch a story, share a tip, or just get in touch, additional contact information is available on his personal site. Follow him on Twitter.
34 responses to “Forget Apple’s Keyboards, The Levitatr for iPad Is Truly Magical”
It looks very nice, I just don’t see any keys in any of the photographs, what do they look like?
Have you watched the video on this page?
No, we mac users got no flash hun.
Someone who puts this much effort into such a wonderful designs earns my support; beautifully done.
Sure, he’ll have to revisit the four AA batteries issue, but for what he has already done, it’s a nice addition to an iPad.
OK, I went to the KickStarter page and found the video and watched it. Looks interesting. I still think this CultOfMac page should have the video embedded.
Be nice if the final version could be no thicker than the iPad. Realize that this is a prototype and can be modified, but it looks so thick by comparison when the demonstrator pops in the iPad!
These pictures are misleading.. they’re of the underside of the keyboard.
Could be somewhat cool to have a backlit keyboard with keys popping magically like that, but I don’t think this design is comfortable at all! Perhaps if it sheds a little millimeters here & there, & have a slanted surface like normal keyboards do…..
with all the trouble with ideation and manufacturing, the press shots look fingerprinty filthy. w0mp
Boy that was lame. What a build-up and in the end it’s just a keyboard. Very poor presentation also. I think you’d have to be a little nuts to invest money in something that was presented to you like that. The video doesn’t even answer any of the basic questions one would have about the product.
The only real novelty here is the idea that it could be included in a tablet, but he doesn’t demonstrate how that will work and still have the screen work for touch. Apple and Microsoft have been working on that for years and both have patents on the subject. Are we supposed to believe that this person has solved it all on their own?
You are right. Its a normal keyboard. If there is something new he did not show it at all. I think he focus on the shooting a Hollywood promo rather then the product.My advice to him to take an iphone and let your friend shot you in a single sincere take while you explains what this keyboard is all about.
Apple has done a pretty good job at developing products that consumers love. So I’m a bit confused with the title that Alex chose, “Forget Apples Keyboard’s…”. Weird.
That said, I have a few basic questions that will hopefully get to the manufacturer.
(1) Has anyone questioned the form factor of this keyboard? All of the Apple Keyboards are angled towards the user for a more comfortable form factor (usability). That’s a basic concept. Is there a metal kickstand for this keyboard that’s extra?
(2) It’s 2011 and society [in general] is trying to become more sustainable by accomplishing more with less. The products that Apple manufactures have a minimalistic, compact and slim design. And that style continues to perform pretty well for Apple. This keyboard is a box (err.. slab). A metal slap that’s 1/2 inch thick and [probably] a pound in weight. …And Alex wrote, “Forget Apples Keyboards” lol. okay.
(3) Finally, what’s wrong with Apples keyboards? As an owner of the Apple Wireless Keyboard I’m confused as to why I would change to the Levitatr. Is it because there keys that pop-up? Seriously?
I’m not one bash new ideas but this one isn’t there yet. If James Stumpf is in love with pop up keys on a keyboard then make it happen with the same design style of the Apple wireless keyboard.
great product. hoope ur a milly now
the video got me excited for nothing!
ok, nice idea BUT the main problem I have with it is the weight. Making out of a chunk of metal and having an excess of moving parts is going to make this heavy. Heavy makes me think why would I choose this over an Apple keyboard, why would I choose it over a cheap plastic one? It’s a nice idea but I truly don’t think it offers enough to make me want this over the current competition. The backlit keys are a nice touch but it’s not enough to make a sale.
The final problem i have is a tiny detail BUT a big deal for me. The fold out stand is milled or CNC’d aluminium, fair enough BUT it’s raw at the point it touches the iPad. I know this is a tiny detail but I know that with use this will scratch the crap out of the back of iPad. It also ads a lot of unneeded complexity to the design both in terms of usability and manufacture.
I understand it is there to ensure the middle third doesn’t topple the unit but I’m sure there is a nicer approach he could take to achieve the same goal.
Cool Idea.
There is a video on a keyboard and they don’t even type on it???