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ZDNET's key takeaways
- Naya just announced its modular keyboard, called Connect.
- It's launching on Kickstarter, with discounts on pre-orders.
- The Connect is compatible with Naya's existing line of modules, like its trackpad and dial.
Naya, the brand that makes split keyboards and out-of-the-box computing accessories, just announced the latest product in its lineup: a low-profile modular keyboard it's calling the Naya Connect.
After launching on Kickstarter, Naya told me the plan is to list the device on the brand's official website once the crowdfunding had met its numbers. Naya's previous Create product — its modular split keyboard — was funded this same way and became available on the site after being crowdfunded.
Also: This split keyboard offers deep customization – if you're willing to go all in
The Connect is both simpler mechanically and a more affordable product overall. Where the Naya Create was a high-design device geared toward power users, the Naya Connect takes a more accessible route both in concept, design, and cost.
The keyboard itself comes in multiple parts that can be taken apart and reassembled with magnetic snap connectors on both sides, allowing for custom keyboard configurations: a left-side number pad, for example, or a custom key line on the right.
Hands-on with the Connect at CES
I went hands-on with the new keyboard at CES and found it to work exactly how you'd expect. The keyboard itself was lightweight and tactile, less like a heavy, premium mechanical and more like a mid-range specialty keyboard.
Key travel is nice and responsive, and the flat, matte keys are hot-swappable and fully mechanical with Kailh Choc V2 switches, Naya's precision input modules, and constructed with an aluminum unibody design.
Also: I switched to a split ergonomic keyboard for a week, and it's spoiled every other peripheral for me
Besides the main QWERTY keyboard, other connectable components include a 24-key multipad, six-key expansion strip with attachment pins on both sides, and of course, compatibility with all of Naya's external modules. These include a trackball, touchpad, tune dial, and a “Float” module for 3D work.
Pricing for the keyboard is listed for a promotional $99 right now, with an expected retail cost of $189. The Multipad will go for $69, and the six-key component for $49, with all of these on sale for early backers. Each module is also sold individually,
Also: This mechanical keyboard is just as good for work as it is for gaming – and it's on sale
Ultimately, the keyboard is designed to be connected to one of Naya's modules, such as the Track or Touch, as both of these have internal batteries and provide power to the keyboard. Note that it can't be wireless without one of these modules, since that's where the internal batteries lie.
Naya says the Connect is targeted toward coding professionals, business users, and creators, along with anyone who wants additional customization and efficiency options. While it could certainly appeal to gamers, the brand's subdued, professional aesthetic is more ready for the office than the elite gamer.
