Naya Connect: The Modular Keyboard for the Indecisive
The Naya Connect is a game-changer for those who struggle with decision fatigue. This innovative keyboard system offers a unique solution to the age-old dilemma of choosing between a full-size and compact keyboard, or a trackball and a mouse. But here's where it gets controversial...
Terrence O'Brien, the weekend editor at The Verge, is a veteran in the tech industry with over 18 years of experience, including 10 years as managing editor at Engadget. He's now taking on the Naya Connect, a modular mechanical keyboard system that aims to solve the indecisiveness of choosing between different input devices. The Naya Connect has already shipped one successful Kickstarter campaign for a similar keyboard, the Naya Create, which featured an ergonomic split deck with swappable controller addons. Now, the Connect takes that concept and applies it to a more traditional flat keyboard form factor, offering even more flexibility.
The Naya Connect has four main components: a low-profile 75% mechanical keyboard called the Naya Type, a 24-key multipad, a six-key programmable strip, and a dock. The dock has four keys and a slot for one of the four swappable controllers, including a touchpad, a trackball, a rotary encoder, or a 6DoF spatial mouse. This allows you to customize your setup to your heart's content, whether you want a giant rotary controller to the left of the keyboard or a touchpad on the right.
Each piece has magnetic connectors, and they can be arranged in almost any combination. You can put the multipad on the left for left-handed users, or put one on each side for dual sets of macros. The All-in bundle, which includes one of everything, including two docks, will set you back €568, or about $662. The cheapest bundle with a dock and just the touchpad controller is €187 (about $218).
But is this the future of customizable keyboards? Or is it just a flashy gadget that will gather dust on your desk? Let us know in the comments what you think!
