‘levitatr’ retractable bluetooth keyboard, designed by james stumpf

currently in the prototype stage, the ‘levitatr‘ bluetooth keyboard designed by american james stumpf is a flat-surface device that becomes a tactile keyboard at the touch of a button. when ready to be used, backlit keys elevate from the face of the device, and can be lowered back in for easy transport and to protect the keyboard against dust and crumbs entering within. low-profile scissor switches are utilized for key actuation, while five hot keys for basic iPad functions are also built into the device.

measuring 12.5mm thick, the keyboard is composed of an aluminum chassis with upper and lower faces and key caps of injection-molded polycarbonate. the ‘alumnm’ aluminum kickstand is built into ‘levitatr’ to hold mobile devices at a 20 to 30 -degree angle, and latched into the keyboard via magnets when not in use.

‘levitatr’ is powered by 4 AAA batteries, and has been tested on a range of apple devices, the HP touchpad, and samsung galaxy tab. the designer is currently seeking kickstarter funding and taking preorders for production.

demo of ‘levitatr’ as designer james stumpf discusses the project

levitatr retractable keyboard frontal view of the device in use with kickstand

levitatr retractable keyboard ‘levitatr’

levitatr retractable keyboard view of the device with keys retracted and ‘alumnm’ kickstand locked in

levitatr retractable keyboard detail on ‘alumnm’ kickstand

levitatr retractable keyboard front and 3/4 rear views of the device in use

via technabob — levitatr retractable keyboard

design-aerobics 2011: TECH GADGETS course september 15 – november 15, 2011 as more and more technological objects find their way into everyday life

designboom will hold an online design course on the theme of ‘tech-gadgets’. we’ll look at the most significant designs yet and ponder what might be around the corner. to see a lesson sample and information on how to enroll click here.