# Tactile Tablet Overlays The iPad iKeyboard Makes Makes Typing a Nightmare No More By Amelia Roblin | Published 2011-05-13 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ipad-ikeyboard References: [gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com/5800528/an-ipad-keyboard-that-lays-on-top-of-the-ipad) & [kickstarter](http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1030552097/ikeyboard-0) In theory it's good, but trying to type on an [Apple](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brydge-105-series-ii) tablet the way you do on a laptop is near impossible. The iPad iKeyboard offers a convenient way to exploit the intelligence of the [touchscreen keys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ds-pixel-keyboard), while providing a buffer that will minimize any spelling mistakes. Cliff Thier is the brains behind the operation, working closely with IDEAZ, an industrial design firm. Together they've managed to turn a clever concept into a functional prototype, which is essentially a lightweight fabric overlay for use when needed on the QWERTY half of the display. The product can be rolled up and easily transported, and thoughtfully includes a raised grid of key separators to keep each finger better associated with its corresponding placement, and when typing on the [tactile surface](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/akko-metakey-case) of the iPad iKeyboard, the reduced sensitivity translates to fewer typos and more intentional entry. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 92% | Activity: 92% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Tactile Tablet Overlays:** The development of tactile tablet overlays provides a solution to the challenge of typing on touchscreen devices, improving accuracy and user experience. - **Intelligent Touchscreen Keys:** The integration of intelligent touchscreen keys into tablet devices presents an opportunity for innovative typing solutions and enhanced user interaction. - **Portable Keyboard Solutions:** The creation of lightweight and portable keyboard overlays for tablets allows for easier transportation and increased productivity on the go. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Technology:** The technology industry can explore the development of tactile tablet overlays to enhance the usability of touchscreen devices. - **Consumer Electronics:** The consumer electronics industry can leverage intelligent touchscreen keys to create innovative tablet devices with improved typing capabilities. - **Product Design:** The product design industry can focus on creating portable keyboard solutions that are user-friendly and enhance the overall user experience with tablet devices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ergonomic Tablet Keyboard Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brydge-105-series-ii.md) - [Sleek Tablet Productivity Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mokibo-fusion-keyboard-2.md) - [Backlit Tablet Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/typecase-edge-pro.md) - [Intelligent Touchscreen Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keygo-touchscreen-keyboard.md) - [Portable Productivity Tablet Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/logitech-keystogo-2.md) - [Aftermarket Smartphone Keyboard Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/qwerty-keyboard-iphone-case.md) - [Touch Interface Keyboard Peripherals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/touch-keyboard.md) - [Smartphone Keyboard Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clicks.md) - [Miniature Braille Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tdot-braille-keyboard.md)