# Spherical Steampunk Writers The Writing Ball is a Peculiar Vintage Typewriter By Armida Ascano | Published 2010-10-18 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/writing-ball References: [gearfuse](http://www.gearfuse.com/writing-ball-typewriter-the-curvy-steampunk-word-processor/) & [techeblog](http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/writing-ball-the-world-s-strangest-typewriter) The writing ball is an authentic piece of steampunk history. In the midst of a rise in popularity of [steampunk designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sterling-silver-penis-pen), it’s difficult to find an original steampunk piece from the Victorian era. At first glance, the vintage writing ball looks like a sci-fi villain’s world domination device; however, upon closer inspection, one can see that the writing ball is a [functioning typewriter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/typewritist). Crafted entirely out of brass, the vintage writing ball will make a great contribution to any home as an interior piece or a writing device. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 21% | Activity: 28% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Steampunk Designs:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create modern gadgets with a steampunk aesthetic to cater to the rising popularity of steampunk designs. - **Vintage Typewriters:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop modern typewriters with a vintage look to appeal to consumers who appreciate the aesthetic and experience of using a typewriter. - **Brass Interior Decor:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design and manufacture unique brass home decor items to meet the demand for stylish interior pieces with a vintage touch. ### Where This Applies - **Gadgets and Electronics:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the market for steampunk-inspired gadgets and electronics, offering a blend of modern functionality and retro design. - **Office Supplies:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Cater to the niche market of typewriter enthusiasts by creating vintage-style typewriters that combine nostalgia with practicality. - **Home Decor:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Tap into the demand for unique and stylish brass interior decor pieces that add a touch of vintage charm to modern homes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Zero-Plastic Copper Ballpoint Pens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/twyst.md) - [Author-Honoring Digital Typewriters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freewrite-ernest-hemingway.md) - [Timeless Typewriter Keyboard](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/timeless-typewriter-keyboard-design.md) - [Functional Block Brick Typewriters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-typewriter.md) - [Suspended Writing Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoverpen.md) - [Retro Writer Computers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/px88.md) - [See-Through Mobile Typewriters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freewrite-traveler-ghost-edition.md) - [Floating Futuristic Writing Utensils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/levitating-pen.md) - [Steampunk Desktop Appliances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3in1-desk.md)