Skip to main content

This retro typewriter keyboard has a Bluetooth speaker inside

What is old is new again in the KnewKey DJ88 typewriter-style keyboard, which includes a stand to house a laptop or tablet and an embedded Bluetooth speaker powered by JBL.

The keyboard is currently featured on the crowdfunding platform Gloture Japan. The website offers “support and digital marketing business that helps lesser-known products get noticed,” Tom’s Hardware noted.

The typewriter keyboard with the JBL sticker on the side.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The KnewKey DJ88 is selling for ¥57,470 plus tax ticket price (approx $460). Whether it is worth the price remains to be seen. however, the brand advertises a number of interesting specifications for the keyboard.

Recommended Videos

In addition to its JBL sound algorithms, which provide 360-degree surround sound, the audio system on the keyboard includes an AAC decode Bluetooth 5.0 chip and a digital power amplifier. Noise output on the dual-channel speakers also goes up to 90 decibels from SNR (signal-to-noise ratio). The speakers also utilize a Harman 45mm full-range driver for high frequencies and a 4D bass subwoofer for deep sounds.

The keyboard design is a die-cast aluminum in a piano black color option that addresses audio interference issues while maintaining that the product is first a keyboard, the brand said. The KnewKey DJ88 includes 83 rounded keys, which are set very closely together. The arrow keys can be used to adjust the audio volume as well as the LED lighting brightness under the keyboard.

The typewriter keyboard at an angle.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The design also has front-facing functional knobs that work for tuning the audio, and lighting as well, in addition to controlling audio tracks. The power button is located on the top right side of the keyboard.

Both the speakers and the keyboard house a built-in 2200mAh battery, with the keyboard battery being able to take over if the speakers run out of power.

The KnewKey DJ88 is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, and can connect to devices via Bluetooth and USB-A cable. Users can connect up to three devices at a time via Bluetooth.

Fionna Agomuoh
Fionna Agomuoh is a Computing Writer at Digital Trends. She covers a range of topics in the computing space, including…
This compact HP Omen gaming PC is on sale at 39% off today
The HP Omen 16L gaming desktop sitting on a desk.

For those who want a proper gaming desktop but don't have enough space for a big and bulky machine, the HP Omen 16L could be what you need. You're in luck because it's on sale from the gaming PC deals of HP right now, with this configuration featuring the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card available at 39% off. You'll only have to pay $800 instead of its original price of $1,330, but you need to push through with your purchase immediately if you want to make sure you pocket the savings of $530.

Why you should buy the HP Omen 16L gaming PC

Read more
SpaceX’s Starlink rival is about to launch more internet satellites — here’s how to watch
Amazon's KA-01 mission for Project Kuiper gets underway from the Space Coast.

[UPDATE: A technical issue with the rocket has caused the launch to be postponed. We'll update this article with the new launch schedule just as soon as it becomes available.]

Amazon is preparing to launch its second batch of Project Kuiper internet satellites to orbit as it seeks to build out a constellation to take on SpaceX’s Starlink service.

Read more
Weird Mac mini issue prompts Apple to take action
A top-down view of the Mac Mini.

Following multiple reports of specific Mac mini computers failing to power on, Apple has launched a global repair program to sort the problem out.

Apple launched the  M2 Mac mini in January 2023, though the affected units were made between June 16 and November 23 of 2024, according to a notice about the repair program that was first spotted by MacRumors.

Read more