Nuio Flow is a new ergonomic keyboard and accessory system for those who don’t mind shelling out serious cash for a sleek and thoughtful design. Founded by two brothers, one of whom is a former Apple designer, Nuio has an Apple-like value proposition: a split keyboard and optional trackpad, desktop, magnetic stands, and arm units ranging from $400 to over $1,000 for the keyboard alone. all components.
At the heart of Nuio’s lineup is the Flow split ergonomic keyboard (again, there’s an Apple influence) that “puts the human form at the center of every design.” Nuio CEO Tom Wilson says the product’s goal is to reject the old decisions that often dictate keyboard design. “There are literally no right angles in the human body,” Wilson said in a press release shared with Engadget. “Yet we spend most of our lives hunched over hard, rectangular keyboards and peripherals—often enduring hours of wrist pain, tech fatigue, and poor posture.”
The company describes the keyboard’s split, radial design as optimal for hand placement. (Of course there are many You can now buy ergonomic and split keyboards at a cheaper price.) It has curved keys with a scissor-switch mechanism (like many laptops, including current Apple models), so this model is not for the faint of heart. mechanical keyboards.
The buttons and their icons are backlit, but there is no color customization. The Flow keyboard is rated for up to 28 days per charge, but with “some backlight use,” that drops to about 15 days. The keyboard has a split USB-C cable that charges both halves at once.
The company estimates the internal, non-user-replaceable battery will last about two years, but says you can send it to the company for a battery replacement after that. When we contacted the company to clarify the cost of the service, a Nuio representative said that battery replacement is free for the first two-year window. After that, “there will be a nominal replacement charge.”
Unlike many high-end keyboards, you can’t change the physical keys on the Flow keyboard. Nuio also doesn’t offer software-level key swapping; its FAQ says it offers “a limited amount of basic customization” through your device’s operating system.
While most ergonomic keyboards have built-in stands, Nuio sells a $99 pair of magnets separately. They allow you to “tent and tilt” the keyboard along several axes. The company says the stands hold their position firmly after each adjustment.
Nuio also sells a $249 wireless multitouch Flow trackpad to complement the keyboard. The company says its edge-to-edge glass surface offers precise tracking and pressure sensing. Unlike Apple Magic Trackpadit clicks mechanically, not haptically or pressure sensed. Nuio says its trackpad offers full gesture support, but doesn’t support deep presses like Apple’s. You can also buy a magnetic stand for the trackpad with multi-axis tilt support for $59.
The rest of the Nuio system includes the $99 “extremely comfortable” wristbands. They can first be added to the desktop panel, which is available in a small, travel-friendly size for $129. The price for the large one, originally listed at $179 on its website, is “still in the works,” according to a company spokeswoman. The desktop kits also include magnets that allow for “precise and flexible placement of all NUIO components.” The company says it strikes a balance between keeping all of the system’s components firmly in place while still being easy to adjust.
If you order a keyboard, trackpad, stands for each desk, and a large desk pad, you’re spending more than $1,084. (Cue saliva.) Like a luxury watch or a car, the Nuio Flow system begs you to pay enough attention to sleek, modern design (and maybe pay an Apple designer yourself) to invest in a smart-looking accessory ecosystem.
The Nuio Flow Keyboard and its peripherals are now available for pre-order from the company’s website. The space gray keyboard, small desktop keyboard stands, trackpad stand and arm pads with MacOS legend are expected to ship in early December. Meanwhile, if you want a keyboard with Windows / dual OS legends or in other colors (silver, gold, rose, blue, green and brown), you’ll have to wait until early January. Large desktop “coming soon”.
Update October 15, 2024 at 5:50 PM ET: We’ve updated the story to reflect more current details about the keyboard’s estimated battery life and pricing for the large desktop, according to a company spokesperson.
Update October 15, 2024 at 5:00 PM ET: This story has been updated to add information from a Nuio representative about the cost of the battery replacement service.
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