Unique keyboard accessory turns iPad into typewriter

Of all the interesting iPad accessories we’ve seen over the years, this one has to be towards the top of the list. It’s a real, working typewriter keyboard, that’s compatible with your Apple-branded tablet.

The invention comes courtesy of industrial designer Austin Yang of Edinburgh, Scotland. And it’s essentially a typewriter with capacitive touch hammers that press the keys on your iPad keyboard. Watch:

[tube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWqqtybjzXE[/tube]

Yang calls the device the iTypewriter:

“For some specific group of users, this product provides an easier way to type on the iPad. People could be able to recollect old experiences and memories by familiar appearance and haptic feedback. Instead of stroking on the screen with no feedback, this product can reflect a strong haptic feedback.”

There’s no word yet on whether or not Austin plans on selling the accessory, but we’re not in a rush to buy one. While it’s awesome in theory, it doesn’t seem like the most efficient (or safest) way to type on your tablet.

What do you think, cool, not so cool?

[Gizmodo]