● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 positive
Altar II: A Thin, Fully Mechanical Keyboard with Haptic Feedback and Customizable Dial
Key points
- Altar II is a 4.75mm thin, fully mechanical keyboard.
- It includes a detachable and customizable M-Dial for controls.
- Harmonic Synthesiser provides haptic feedback for interactions.
- A native macOS app allows full customization of features.
Introduction to Altar II
The Altar II is a new mechanical keyboard designed to be exceptionally thin while retaining a fully mechanical switch. Its profile measures 4.75mm, which is significantly thinner than other mechanical keyboards and even thinner than the Apple Magic Keyboard.
Mechanical Design and Durability
The keyboard incorporates a fully mechanical switch within its compact chassis. This is achieved through a preloaded tension spring arranged laterally, allowing for a vertical travel depth of 1.8mm. The construction uses steel for durability and a long operating life.
M-Dial and Customization
A key feature is the M-Dial, a detachable and swappable control knob. It provides intuitive functions like volume adjustment, media playback control, and Siri activation. Users can customize M-Dial functionality via the Altar II companion app and can also design and 3D print their own M-Dials using publicly available files.
Haptic and Audio Feedback
The Altar II integrates a Harmonic Synthesiser for haptic feedback, offering tactile responses for typing, M-Dial interactions, and system notifications. This haptic feedback is configurable through the EMO app. Additionally, a built-in high-fidelity speaker provides subtle audio cues for events like waking or charging.
Software Integration
A native macOS application, written in Swift, provides comprehensive control over the Altar II. Users can customize key bindings, M-Dial behaviors, backlight settings, and haptic and audio levels directly from the application.
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Reporting from
The Altar II keyboard, developed over two years, features a fully mechanical design with a thin profile of 4.75mm, a customizable M-Dial, and haptic feedback. This product introduces a new option for users seeking a mechanical keyboard with a compact design and integrated haptics, potentially influencing future peripheral designs.