Altar II Keyboard on Kickstarter
Electronic Materials Office is the brainchild of Andrew Emerson. Back in 2023 he launched the Altar I, a rather distinctive mechanical keyboard. Much thinner than most, very opinionated in its industrial design and keycap typography. I got one and I don’t regret it, but there was too much I didn’t like about it, so it’s mostly sat in a drawer. Today on Kickstarter Emerson/EMO has launched a…
The Altar II mechanical keyboard, created by Andrew Emerson, launched its Kickstarter campaign in 2023. The keyboard shares a similar aesthetic to its predecessor, the Altar I, but comes with significant improvements. The new Altar II features all-new switches, a magnetically-secured dial, and a unique NiteLite feature that offers amber-red backlighting to help users sleep better.
Emerson aimed to address the issues he had with the Altar I, including its thickness and design. The Altar II is even thinner than the original, resembling the profile of Apple’s Magic Keyboard when viewed from the side. Another standout feature is the M-Dial, which now attaches magnetically, making it easy to detach for carrying around the keyboard in a bag.
The Altar II also introduces some innovative features, such as the NiteLite, a long-wavelength amber-red light that is less likely to impact users' circadian rhythms, making it easier to sleep. Although the benefit of red lights for sleep might be considered unsubstantiated, the design choice certainly enhances the keyboard's visual appeal.
Emerson emphasizes that the Altar II is a fully designed keyboard, with the designer having made all the decisions regarding switches, rather than allowing users to make their own choices. It is designed specifically for Mac users and will come with a native Mac app for configuration, making it a more streamlined experience compared to other mechanical keyboards that require complex software for customization.
The keyboard is currently in preproduction stage, which is why it is being offered on Kickstarter. Interested buyers can take advantage of an early bird price of $280, which is $70 less than the retail price of $350. This offer is only available for the first 48 hours, after which the price will increase to $300. Those who decide to buy the Altar II during the Kickstarter campaign can look forward to a properly designed keyboard that enhances their typing experience without the hassle of customization.
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