Customizable split mechanical keyboard with integrated central touchpad goes on preorder for $160 — and this 3-pound slab is wireless and doesn't come with an infamous Copilot key

Vantex V1 central touchpad eliminates the need to reach for a separate mouse Vantex offers wired and wireless packages starting at $129 and $159, respectively The V1 has 60 keys, four programmable layers, and an aluminium body Vantex has introduced the V1, a mechanical keyboard incorporating a centr

<![CDATA[ <article> <ul><li><strong>Vantex V1 central touchpad eliminates the need to reach for a separate mouse</strong></li><li><strong>Vantex offers wired and wireless packages starting at $129 and $159, respectively</strong></li><li><strong>The V1 has 60 keys, four programmable layers, and an aluminium body</strong></li></ul><p>Vantex has introduced the V1, a mechanical keyboard incorporating a central touchpad that lets users control their computer without reaching for a separate mouse.</p><p>The keyboard measures 30.74 × 13.74 × 3.48 cm, weighs approximately 1.57 kg, and has a rearward incline of 7°.</p><p>This device packs 60 keys and four programmable layers into a CNC-machined aluminium body with a durable powder-coated finish, designed for <a href="https://www.techradar.com/best/best-business-keyboards">office keyboard</a> users.</p><h2 id="a-split-keyboard-with-integrated-navigation">A split keyboard with integrated navigation</h2><p>The V1 uses a split key arrangement, leaving space between both sections for a 45 × 45 mm touch-sensitive surface for cursor movement.</p><p>Users can switch between typing and pointing without moving their hands far from the keyboard.</p><p>Vantex says its wired prototype has undergone testing with Windows, macOS and Linux, while connectivity options include USB-C, Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless.</p><p>The wireless model has a 4,000 mAh battery, but its operating duration and connection performance remain under evaluation.</p><p>Its mechanical switches support replacement without soldering, while a gasket-mounted construction cushions keystrokes, offering features that may interest <a href="https://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/10-best-gaming-keyboards-1295703">gaming keyboard</a> enthusiasts. </p><p>The PBT keycaps use dye sublimation printing, and their layouts can be customized using an included interchangeable keycap collection.</p><p>This device comes with white linear switches that have an actuation force of 42 ± 3 gf, a bottom-out force of 47 ± 5 gf, and a stated lifespan of 50 million keystrokes</p><h2 id="early-pledges-offer-discounts-before-production">Early pledges offer discounts before production</h2><p>The Kickstarter campaign lists an introductory price of $129 for the wired package, about 50% off the regular price of $259.</p><p>That package includes the <a href="https://www.techradar.com/news/computing-components/peripherals/what-keyboard-10-best-keyboards-compared-1028011">keyboard</a> without fitted keycaps, 148 keycaps and a data cable, requiring buyers to install their preferred arrangement themselves.</p><p>A two-keyboard wired bundle costs $239, against a listed retail price of $518, while the wireless package starts at $159.</p><p>Buyers seeking wireless connectivity can select a two-keyboard bundle priced at $299, which is 50% off the advertised standard price of $598.</p><p>The wireless version is still in development, so its real-world performance can’t be guaranteed, and backers should weigh that risk before pledging.</p><p>Unlike many newer Windows keyboards, the Vantex V1 does not include Microsoft's dedicated Copilot key.</p><p>This omission may appeal to users who prefer conventional keyboard controls without a dedicated button for launching Microsoft's AI assistant.</p><p>According to Vantex, it is still evaluating battery capacity, runtime, and connectivity for wireless operation.</p><p>The company has identified component availability, assembly consistency, final testing, packaging and international shipping as potential sources of production delays.</p><p>Vantex also discloses using AI-assisted tools for promotional writing, visual design and image enhancement, suggesting that the campaign materials may not represent the actual product.</p><p>At the time of writing, the <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/536816625/vantex-v1-the-keyboard-with-a-built-in-touchscreen/description" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Vantex V1 Kickstarter campaign</a> has raised $2,556 from 19 backers, exceeding its $637 funding goal with 27 days remaining before it closes.</p><p><em>Disclaimer: We do not recommend or endorse any crowdfunding project. All crowdfunding campaigns carry inherent risks, including the possibility of delays, changes, or non-delivery of products. Potential backers should carefully evaluate the details and proceed at their own discretion.</em></p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:676px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:31.51%;"><img id="diM9tpwF2Lz85R8q85CT78" name="tr-g_news" alt="Google logo on a black background next to text reading 'Click to follow TechRadar'" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/diM9tpwF2Lz85R8q85CT78-1920-80.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="676" height="213" attribution="" endorsement="" class="inline"></p></div></div></figure> </article> ]]>