I was SO EXCITED for the all-screen keyboard - DS Pixel Keyboard
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Description
Thanks to SHARGE for sponsoring this video!
Check out their AeroMag power banks below: SHARGE website: bit.ly Amazon link: amzn.to Plouffe tests one of the strangest keyboards ever made — the DS Pixel Key Pro, a fully screen-based keyboard that can also act as a display. Between missing screws, bad battery life, and surprisingly fun animations, this thing is as confusing as it is impressive. And just when you think it can’t get weirder, there’s an even more expensive “Ergo” version on Kickstarter.
Check out the DS Pixel Keyboard: lmg.gg
Promos
Check out the DS Pixel Pro: kickstarter.com Want us to unbox something? Make a suggestion at lmg.gg ► GET MERCH: lttstore.com ► GET A VPN: piavpn.com ► GET EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ON FLOATPLANE: lmg.gg ► SPONSORS, AFFILIATES, AND PARTNERS: lmg.gg Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. Affiliate links powered in part by affilimate.com Linus Sebastian is an investor in Framework Computer, Inc CHAPTERS --------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Plouffe loves two things 0:13 Unboxing and design impressions/build quality issues 3:20 Connecting the keyboard and typing tests 7:24 Plugging in an HDMI 8:42 Build materials, built-in speakers, latency, and price 10:02 Sponsor 10:34 Unboxing the new “Ergo” model 13:58 Typing test and keycap design 15:39 Overall thoughts 16:50 Outro
The video opens with a strong expression of the host’s dual loves,displays and keyboards,setting the stage for a deep dive into the DS Pixel Key Pro, a bold all-screen keyboard concept. The initial unboxing reveals a large capacitive touch panel with magnetic accessory plates, an HDMI output for use as a secondary display, and the sense that the device is both a keyboard and a display gadget. The host notes quality and build concerns, including missing screws and a design that demands constant power or a data connection for use, which foreshadow practical tradeoffs. Throughout the first segment, the vibe shifts from sheer curiosity to cautious optimism as the device powers on, shows animated feedback while typing, and demonstrates the curious blend of form over function that defines this product. The early findings also touch on packaging, cable clutter, and the questions raised by a high price tag, framing the rest of the review around whether the experience justifies the cost. By the five-minute mark, the host has moved into real-world usage tests, including typing with and without the home-row indicators, and a candid discussion of the space-bar ergonomics. Typing with the DS Pixel Key Pro’s split-space layout proves viable but awkward, with noticeable thumb reach issues and a gap that complicates comfortable key presses. The video then pivots to the capacitive input concept, where the top keypad can translate touches into keystrokes via a pad that slots into the base. The host explores software aspects, such as VIA and QMK compatibility, and highlights the somewhat tedious process of customizing animations and key mappings, noting a few clumsy UI quirks and occasional misreads. A core takeaway emerges: despite serious reservations about ergonomics and software polish, the device delivers a genuinely compelling visual and interactive experience when the screen animations respond to typing. As the review proceeds into the HDMI display tests and dual-screen setup, the host demonstrates the external display capability and discusses latency and brightness, reporting a substantial latency figure on one variant but a more reasonable 1 ms on the new Ergo model. The dual-screen concept is shown to be stunning in concept but unwieldy in practice, since using the display compromises the keyboard surface and vice versa. The Ergo prototype is introduced: an aluminum, airier chassis with hall-effect switches and programmable actuation, promising better latency and a sleeker experience. The host weighs the trade-offs of high-cost boutique hardware, compares the build quality and tolerances to expectations for premium devices, and acknowledges that while the DS Pixel family is incredibly cool, the price,especially during sale or Kickstarter stages,complicates a straightforward recommendation. The conclusion reflects a nuanced stance: the DS Pixel keyboards are historically significant and visually arresting, offering a one-of-a-kind experience, but their practicality and value depend heavily on willingness to accept compromises in typing comfort, software polish, and price. In the closing segment, the host emphasizes personal takeaways, reiterating the dual nature of the DS Pixel Key Pro as both a groundbreaking curiosity and a questionable daily driver. They recommend trying the device if given the opportunity, but stop short of a blanket buy recommendation due to unresolved ergonomic issues, inconsistent display capabilities, and unclear pricing. The video closes by hinting at the Ergo version and other upcoming iterations, inviting viewers to watch for future refinements while acknowledging that this experiment sits firmly at the intersection of gadget spectacle and user practicality. Viewers are left with a sense of awe for the concept, tempered by pragmatism about real-world usability and budget constraints, capturing the essence of a tech culture moment that blends hype with honest scrutiny.
Topics · technology reviews · gadgets · unboxing · hardware accessories · crowdfunding
Questions answered
- What is the DS Pixel Key Pro primarily?
- It is a keyboard with a built-in display surface capable of showing animations and acting as a secondary screen via HDMI, combining input and display in one device.
- What are major downsides mentioned in the video?
- Ergonomic issues with the space bar, heavy build, high price, battery life, and mixed software usability are highlighted.
- Can the DS Pixel be used as a traditional display and keyboard at the same time?
- No, using the display prevents typing and vice versa, according to the host’s testing.
- Is the Ergo version available and what's notable about it?
- Yes, the Ergo version is teased as a future Kickstarter release featuring hall effect switches and lower latency.