For all the keen writers out there that love a bit of retro and nostalgia then the Penna by tech start-up company Elretron is just for you. It looks, feels, and sounds just like an old typewriter, but doesn’t come with any of the old pitfalls, and will be a reality if their Kickstarter project is successfully funded.
With the old school typewriters now all but obsolete, California tech start-up Elretron is offering up the next best thing in the form of the Penna - a retro-style wireless keyboard 3 years in the making, that’s compatible with everything from the iPhone to iPad.
Not only does the keyboard look like it could have been swiped from an old novelist, or a 1970’s police officer’s desk, but it also sounds like it when typing. Even cooler is the metal ‘Macro Bar’ return level at the side, which, rather than just a cosmetic inclusion, actually allows users to perform a quick manual copy and paste action or even save keywords.
But it doesn’t stop there. You have 5 colours to choose from: Matte Black, Pure White, Baby Pink, Olive Green, and Wood, and you can also change to retro chrome keycaps if you want, as well as changing the key layout should you wish.
There is also a stylish carry pouch available to purchase separately.
In terms of power, the Penna runs off just 2 AA batteries, and lasts up to six months when idle. The keyboard can be connected to Windows, iOS, and Android devices, and can support up to five at a time.
With prices starting at less than £65 needless to say this has caught the attention of the public who has already backed the project to the sum of $230,000 with 23 days still to go. No bad considering the company only required $50,000 of backing to go into production.
Take a look at the video below, and if you’d like to find out more, or back the campaign then please head over to the Kickstarter page here with the projected worldwide shipping date given as August.