# Backside Keyboards Microsoft's RearType Tech Places the Keyboard on Your Gadget's Back By Josh Milenthal | Published 2010-08-15 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reartype-tech References: [engadget](http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/10/microsoft-research-reveals-reartype-puts-qwerty-back-where-it-b/) & [crunchgear](http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/08/10/microsoft-reartype-research-project-has-its-rear-in-gear/) The [Microsoft Research Center](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/incase-compact-ergonomic-keyboard) has released information on their new RearType tech, which places the [physical keyboard](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/akko-metakey-case) of your handheld on the back of the device. The unique design allows users to have the same feeling as typing on a keyboard without taking up valuable real estate on the small screens of [handheld devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/communicator). The RearType tech has some obvious advantages. Holding a device becomes not only more natural, but the typing process is also affected in a similar way. RearType tech a good fit for texters and mobile e-mailers. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 78% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Reartype Technology:** Microsoft's RearType tech offers a unique solution by placing the physical keyboard on the back of handheld devices. - **Enhanced Typing Experience:** The RearType tech provides users with a more natural and efficient typing process. - **Maximizing Screen Real Estate:** By placing the keyboard on the back, RearType tech frees up valuable screen space on handheld devices. ### Who This Affects Most - **Mobile Devices:** The RearType tech has the potential to disrupt the mobile device industry by offering a new and improved typing experience. - **Texting and Messaging Apps:** Texters and mobile e-mailers can greatly benefit from RearType tech, as it enhances their typing experience while using these apps. - **Mobile Productivity Tools:** RearType tech can revolutionize mobile productivity tools by providing a more efficient and user-friendly typing solution. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Spherical Double-Sided Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-gboard.md) - [Custom Magnetic Keyboard Attachments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/typestick.md) - [Screen-Accented Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/touchscreen-mechanical-keyboard.md) - [AI Button-Customized Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/incase-compact-ergonomic-keyboard.md) - [Multifunctional Hidden Display Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scroom-keyboard.md) - [Magnetic Mobile Device Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clicks-power-keyboard.md) - [Smartphone Keyboard Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clicks.md) - [Intelligent Touchscreen Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keygo-touchscreen-keyboard.md) - [Foldable Workstation Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keygo-gen2.md)