# Droid Keyboard Projectors The R2-D2 Virtual Keyboard Was a Special May 4th Release By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2014-05-06 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-keyboard References: [en.rocketnews24](http://en.rocketnews24.com/2014/05/05/we-try-out-the-upcoming-r2-d2-virtual-keyboard-projector/) & [runatown](http://www.runatown.com/shopdetail/000000004561/) Taking advantage of Star Wars mania on May 4th, manufacturer 'imp' opened the flood gates for pre-orders on its [R2-D2](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/audio-technica-r2-d2) Virtual Keyboard. [Virtual keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keygo-touchscreen-keyboard) have been around for a while now, but projectors are never as cute or as helpful as this desktop-sized version of one of [Star Wars' most loveable characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/star-wars-tamagotchi). As well as saving you valuable space on your desk, the tiny R2 acts as a companion and produces signature sound effect noises. The R2-D2 keyboard will set you back a whopping $329, which is a little more than the average virtual keyboard, but it is a pretty cool gadget for Star Wars fans to have. Unfortunately, most of the diehard fans have already gotten their hands on them and since its release yesterday, the R2-D2 keyboard has already completely sold out. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.6/10 - Popularity: 96% | Activity: 95% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Virtual Projector Keyboards:** Manufacturers should explore developing more novelty and functional virtual keyboards with fun designs and projectors. - **Character-based Gadgets:** Designers can explore making character-based gadgets to tap into the fandom market. - **Limited Edition Tech Merchandise:** Manufacturers can capitalize on the fandom market by creating more limited edition tech merchandise like the sold-out R2-D2 keyboard. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Technology Hardware:** New players can enter the technology hardware industry by creating innovative and unique gadgets, like virtual projectors and character-based tech. - **Entertainment Merchandise:** Companies can create more limited edition entertainment merchandise, in partnership with popular franchises and characters for additional revenue streams. - **Novelty Gifts:** The novelty gift industry can capitalize on trends by offering unique and whimsical gifts, like character-based gadgets and virtual projectors. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Real Life Cinematic Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/g1t4m1n1-droid.md) - [Sci-Fi-Themed Desktop Mats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/star-wars-orbitkey-desk-mat.md) - [Wireless-Charging Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cyberboard.md) - [Celebratory Sci-Fi Tech Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/logitech-g-return-of-the-jediinspired-collection.md) - [Retro Futurist Keyboard Replicas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mdr-dasher-keyboard.md) - [Virtual World Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-metaverse-keyboard.md) - [Limited-Edition Fantasy-Inspired Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lord-of-the-rings-keyboard.md) - [Sci-Fi-Branded Special-Edition Earbuds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/audio-technica-r2-d2.md) - [Large Screen-Equipped Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/k2-rgb.md)