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Vantex V1 keyboard with central touchpad opens preorders from $129

Vantex opened preorders for the V1 split mechanical keyboard with a central touchpad, from $129 wired and $159 wireless.

AI News Feed · 2026-10-25 08:12

The V1 places 60 keys and four programmable layers in a CNC-machined aluminium body with a powder-coated finish. It measures 30.74 × 13.74 × 3.48 cm, weighs about 1.57 kg and has a 7° rearward incline. The split key arrangement leaves room between the two sections for a 45 × 45 mm touch-sensitive surface for cursor movement, so users can switch between typing and pointing without moving their hands far from the keyboard.

Vantex says its wired prototype has been tested with Windows, macOS and Linux. The keyboard offers USB-C, Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity. The wireless model has a 4,000 mAh battery, but Vantex says operating duration and connection performance are still under evaluation.

The mechanical switches can be replaced without soldering, and the gasket-mounted construction is designed to cushion keystrokes. The PBT keycaps use dye-sublimation printing, and their layouts can be customized with an included interchangeable keycap collection. The board comes with white linear switches rated at 42 ± 3 gf actuation force, 47 ± 5 gf bottom-out force and a stated lifespan of 50 million keystrokes. Unlike many newer Windows keyboards, the V1 does not include Microsoft's dedicated Copilot key.

On Kickstarter, the wired package is listed at an introductory $129, about 50% off the regular $259 price. It includes the keyboard without fitted keycaps, 148 keycaps and a data cable, leaving buyers to install their preferred arrangement. A two-keyboard wired bundle costs $239 against a listed retail price of $518, while the wireless package starts at $159. A two-keyboard wireless bundle is priced at $299, 50% off the advertised standard price of $598.

TechRadar reported that the wireless version is still in development, so its real-world performance cannot be guaranteed. Vantex has identified component availability, assembly consistency, final testing, packaging and international shipping as possible sources of production delays. The company also discloses that it used AI-assisted tools for promotional writing, visual design and image enhancement, suggesting campaign materials may not represent the actual product. At the time of writing, the Kickstarter campaign had raised $2,556 from 19 backers, exceeding its $637 goal with 27 days remaining. TechRadar also states that it does not recommend or endorse crowdfunding projects and that campaigns carry inherent risks, including delays, changes or non-delivery.