Wearable Keyboard Turns Into A Controller For You To Send Emails As You Walk

If it’s not broken, don’t fix it, they say—unless you have a completely radical idea that could change how people interact with something they’re familiar with. As is the case with GrabShell’s wearable keyboard, which you can hold like a controller to pace your room or office as you work.

Portable keyboards are not the newest invention. Most of us have one sitting in our pockets or desks right now, and then there was BlackBerry’s physical QWERTY board. However, this might be the first time one has come with a trackball, joystick, and toggle switch.

For a bit of backstory as to why this even exists, per Yanko Design’s report, the company figured that if it is possible to write emails, play games, and text while walking around, why can’t people code on the go as well? And hence GrabShell was born.

So how do you use it? You can slip your hands into its straps to hold it like you would a video game controller. The keyboard is entirely customizable, so you can put whichever keys you need where you need them, depending on their intended use.

If you’re tired from all that pacing and want to sit at your desk, you can unfold the GrabShell and lay it on your desk. In this state, its shape is still a departure from traditional devices and looks like a keypad with wings. Though it might take some time to get used to it in both manners, its versatility makes up for the learning curve.

The device supports a QWERTY format and houses Cherry MX1A switches and ABS keycaps for the ultimate mechanical keyboard experience. On top of that, it’s also backlit for all those looking to burn the midnight oil.

The GrabShell is wirelessly connected to Windows and macOS and is charged using a USB-C port. With its 200mAh battery, the keyboard can stay juiced up for months of walking and coding without being plugged in. 

With deliveries beginning in June 2023, the GrabShell is now up for preorder for US$299 in two colors, Onyx and Moon.

[via Yanko Design and GrabShell, images via GrabShell]