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$221.33
Tap is an all-in-one wearable keyboard, mouse and air gesture controller. Tap allows you to type by tapping on any surface and control remote screens by making easy, intuitive air gestures. Tap comes in 2 sizes and made out of soft TPU materials.
| Weight | 331 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7.9 × 6.71 cm |
| Brand | TAPWITHUS |
| Compatible Devices | Projector, Personal Computer, Tablet, Smartphone |
| Power source type | Battery Powered |
| Batteries Included | Yes |
| Batteries Required | Yes |
| Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion |
| Keyboard Description | USB-C |
| Connector Type | USB |
| Material Type | Thermoplastic Polyurethane |
| Package Dimensions | 19.71 x 7.9 x 6.71 cm; 331 Grams |
| ASIN | B09C2JNXRB |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Date First Available | 18 March 2020 |
| Manufacturer | Tap Systems, Inc., TAPWITHUS |
Taylor Deane –
Better to use a wireless mouse. Decent otherwise.
TLDR:You can type on a keyboard and move a mouse using gestures via sensors only you can’t see either of them. Keyboard can make sense if you had one for both hands, otherwise I’m confused. Mouse function is pretty much a gimmick. It’s not a hands-free mouse, you still need a surface to use it. You can map gestures via the app supposedly – I havn’t tested the app. If you want a wireless mouse option just buy a bluetooth mouse and keyboard combo. A few of those keyboards can fold up nowadays as well.——————My initial idea was to use this alongside a Vufine display so I could use a keyboard and mouse function hands-free. The Tap-Strap overall feels good. It’s lightweight and responsive just it takes time to get used to. There is supposedly an application you can download for it. I didn’t download it myself but you’re supposedly able to remap the functions of the sensors and create shortcuts depending on the task.The mouse system is a thumb sensor you have to move atop a surface to use. Ideally you’re supposed to move your hand as if you were holding a mouse. In practice I just don’t thing it’s a good system. I would have preferred a thumb-controlled ball or something else.I don’t really know who this was designed for, to be honest. I guess the gesture control works fine for keyboards. I just feel the system is too bare for what it’s aiming to solve.
John Agbey –
Hard to learn, needs surface like youd have a keyboard on anyways.
I’ll start with a quick positive, this is the most portable keyboard and mouse you can find.This is not an air keyboard by any means which I still somehow thought after watching a few videos, that’s on me. This dramatically ruins the AR experience. You need a hard flat surface like a desk to use this on. If you’re going to have a surface you might as well have a keyboard and mouse in most cases.If you had only one usable hand (or needed to free up one) this might be neat. That’s the only circumstance I can see. However, you’d still likely be better off with a keyboard and mouse operated with one hand, even switching between the two…unless you’re mobile! (You’ll still need to find a surface to tap on)I don’t often use my phone with still fixed ergononical surfaces, so it’s useless there; and I always use my computers with still surfaces, where there are far more positives to a keyboard and mouse.The air mouse is impossible to use, as to click you move your wrist which is also how you move the pointer. The surface mouse is pretty cool, but requires more cooridination than a regular mouse, as your thumb indepentdantly is the x,y input. Your cursor/thumb is prone to move (not unlike in air mouse mode) when you move any of your other fingers to click, as your hand is all well connected together, unless you keep consistent pressure down on your thumb. This get tiring quickly, unlike a mouse meant to let your hand rest precisely a-top, not moving when you lift your hand or click a button.If you could disengage the mouse movement from your hand before clicking with an extra gesture it might work, but then you’ve gotta do multiple gesture to click once…Still works alright as a one handed keyboard once you learn it, with surprising accuracy (still less convenient then typing with one hand with fixed position hard keys if you can have space for a keyboard.) Other than for fun, there’s just no real point in learning a less accurate, slower, less convenient device. It’s a step in the right direction, but there’s a few miles to go.Inputs devices can only be made better with consistency/accuracy#1, memorability/speed#2, ergonmics#3, features#4(extra function(fn) or macro buttons),Style#5This device hits misses #1Might actually win number #2 if I spent enough time (as I already know how to type, comparitively)Is uncomfortable after short term use so likely missing #3 for most people (experience may vary)#4 Has a world of possiblities if they provision the right type of macro software with a slick interace, not fully applicable yet#5 Looks Awesome, you could wear this around anywhere in this day and age and it would inspire only curiosity, it’s very exciting product. (too bad it doesnt work just anywhere you want i.e. walking, at least just yet)
Keith –
My doubts were squelched!
I was very skeptical about this. Not sure if it even worked very good and the price. Since I had been eying this thing for quite some time, I decided to pull the trigger. And, well I couldn’t be happier. I was worried that it would be difficult to remember all the different letters, etc. Frankly, I had more trouble trying to tap correctly on a couple of different letters than I did recalling how to tap a given letter. I’m certainly not typing as fast as I do on a key board, with continued practice, I’m positive I’ll keep getting better.The mouse function takes some getting used to, not sure if I ever will. I wear this on my left hand, so my right hand can still work the mouse. Trying to mouse left handed is just a bit too awkward. If you’ve been skeptical about getting this, worry not. Just go for it, I’m sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Happy Customer –
I am getting the hang of it after only a couple of days.
I have bee running the training program, and I am surprised at how well I am learning to use it. I havent quite found the right setting for the pointer speed yet, but I was able to use move and point without training. The keyboard portion definitely requires practice. I am and extremely advanced “Hunt and Peck” keyboard operator, but with practicing with the Tap Genius App for about 4 hours total over 3 days, I am about 1/2 as proficient as I am with a normal keyboard. That is much better progress than I expected.It should be noted that my progress has mostly been hindered by my brain fighting the device – As I get better, I see that I am relaxing more, and the Tap is correctly identifying my intentions better. I think this is key, and the software keeps reminding me to tap lightly (yea… like tapping lighter will work!)(but it really does better when I tap lightly).One other note, I think I will be trying the wrist product in the future, as the Tap makes my fingers cold. The cold is partly because it is cold in my house, but it is also due to slightly compromised circulation in my fingers – I might tighten it down too tight. I think the wrist product might help this.
Dave Arnold –
Don’t bother on a PC
Yes, it’ll pair with your PC. You can use the basic functions (keyboard, mouse and airmouse) with your right hand.What you can’t do is customize the functionality. You can’t create your own maps. You can’t turn off the functions (which means that if you have this, you are NOT using your keyboard and mouse at the same tame since every key stroke also fires off the tap strap, and every movement triggers the mouse).And you’ll only be using it with your right hand.It might save you some desktop space if you never need to do anything with your keyboard or mouse except enter text.The reason for all of this is that all of the customization options are accessible only via the TapManager app which is only avialable for iOS and Android. So, if you needed to gesture controls or a virtual keyboard for your device that already has native gestures and a virtual keyboard, I guess this is a way to go?But if you want to add that kind of functionality to a device that doesn’t just already have it, you’re kind of out of luck.A 1-year old post on their website claims there’s a web based version of the TapManager in development and to contact them for access.So far, support has not responded to 2 emails and a voicemail.So, in a nutshell, this is a device that only works with devices that don’t need it, stubbornly doesn’t work with devices where it could be really useful, and their customer support is awfully coy to the point of apparently not existing.Having said all of that, there is a C# SDK out there. So if you’re comfortable coding in C#, or are willing to learn how to code in C#, you might be able to get it working.Maybe. It’s not clear. But regardless, it’s a pretty steep investment in both time and money for a solution that may or may not work, won’t be supported by the manufacturer if it does work, all so you can have what is essentially a kind of near keyboard and mouse.I’m going to take a stab at the C# option right up until the return date. If I haven’t got something useful going by then, I’ll return it.But I have time and a little experience to do that. I suspect most don’t.So, there you go. Neat idea, poorly marketed and implemented. Could be great if they made it work with devices that need it, instead of focusing on devices that don’t.
Dmytro Zharii –
Fun toy, keep expectations low
I am having a great time using this product and accepting all its quirks. It’s a fun way to challenge myself and learn new typing experiences. However, it requires a flat surface to work properly. I’ve tried using it on plush toys, bed sheets, and pillows but a desk works best. A sheet of paper on a bed worked for me too. The default mapping could use some improvement as pressing SHIFT or ENTER keys are inconsistent. General desktop navigation can be challenging but the mouse mode works in general. Unfortunately, I couldn’t use some TapStrap Android apps and games on my Samsung Galaxy S22 because they were made for an older version of Android.On the bright side: it is fun. Just fun.
Alicia Kessler –
Please read review including update. Initially was 1 star
I have ordered 2 straps. The first one arrived and worked for the test run so I put it away and charged it. When I pulled it out of the charging case to actually try the device it just vibrates for an extended period of time and only had the thumb tap (all other fingers no longer worked) I contacted the company and they are sending out a replacement. I decided to just order another one because the initial set up felt amazing and I figured why not have 2 in case this situation happens again. Well, immediately out of the box this strap didn’t work and did the same vibration as the first strap. I am currently waiting on the replacement to see if this is just going to be an ongoing thing. I will be sending back this second strap because you can’t depend on this item especially at that price! I will update when I receive my replacement.**UPDATE**The company was very quick to replace the non working Tap strap 2. The replacement they sent has worked beautifully. I have updated to 5 stars mainly because of the company being willing to work with me and exchange the item for a working item.The Tap strap itself gets a 4 star review, because sometimes it doesn’t register when making the exact finger gestures. I am missing some finger and hand functions from being c6/7 quadriplegic so there are actual gestures I’m unable to do, but there are ways to create gestures that work with your abilities. I’d say it’s not really disability friendly. It is extremely fun to learn though. I think there are pros for different people in different situations. I was mainly getting it thinking I could use it with my tablet so I’m not dropping my mouse constantly, but like I said it’s not really disability friendly. It’s more of a physical therapy game at the time and I think it is a great item when working properly.My conclusion is to purchase from the company themselves because all the straps I’ve ordered from here have not functioned properly.
The Great Magrina –
Excellent idea, but not practical YET for several reasons. Would consider a future upgrade though.
I loved the idea of having a newfangled typing method I could use in any room of the house or in a passenger car, etc. It only took me five dedicated days to learn the “code” of which fingers to tap for each alphabetical letter or number. I had high hopes. The problems were these: It took a long time to put them on due to having to adjust the straps correctly. Therefore I could never let a friend try it out to see if they’d like it too. Because it would be too hard to readjust the straps to fit me after someone else wore it. Also the accuracy, even after painstaking adjustment, was unexplainably low. If using it for business or writing a novel, I would have been very distracted by backtracking and redoing the incorrect letters. It would have been fun to have two pair and be playing a game with a friend, but learning the movements could not be done in a day, so no need to invest all that time turning on a friend to it. I wanted to carry it in my purse and use it randomly when inspired, but it takes two or three minutes to adjust the straps properly and by then the inspiration has passed. Also if you have to interrupt yourself to wash your hands or do the dishes, it takes a few minutes to carefully take off the strap without massively changing the arrangement of the elastics. If you want to leave the device on during a break, you have to buy a very large rubber gloves to wear over the tap strap to keep from getting the device wet. And putting the rubber glove on disarranges your elastics again so you must add additional adjusting time when you resume your task. Finally, you need to set up your phone or ipad up to see the text as it appears because it needs constant proofreading due to the occasional random inaccuracy of the tap strap typing method. But the phone is under control of the tap strap and so you can’t switch over to using your phone without accidentally typing additional random characters, unless you turn off the tap strap first. This is a great idea for the future but the obstacles held me back from being a permanent user, so I reluctantly returned it after about a month of thorough testing.
Roehl G Sybing –
Lot of fun to work with, now I just need to find a use for it
I heard about the Tap Strap 2 a while ago but never pulled the trigger on it until it came down in price for the holidays, at which point I just had to have it. I expected that it would take a long while to learn it (like learning the piano) but I got the whole alphabet down in about ten days and was able to type entire paragraphs not long afterward. It’s really easy to use, except for one little thing where it sometimes doesn’t recognize when I’m moving my thumb (sometimes I want to type an “r” but it thinks I want a backspace). And the air mouse functions just don’t work for me, but I don’t have a situation where I’ll need it as I’m working against a surface most of the time to be able to use the mouse function by turning my thumb.I don’t have a use for the Tap Strap yet, though. I like the concept and I can see where it would be useful on the subway or on an airplane where space is at a premium. Maybe during conferences and meetings where it would be rude to look down at a keyboard or at a smartphone screen. I’m pretty fast at typing so it won’t be replacing a keyboard in most situations. But I give it four stars because it’s fun and intuitive and I know it will prove useful somewhere. If you like trying out new technology (I bought an Echo Frames at first invite – has almost zero utility for me but I enjoyed playing around with it), you might like trying out a Tap Strap.
Murdoc –
Not suitable for CAD design
This could have been one of the coolest life-hacks I had ever owned. When I started using it, it was like one of those toys you got as a kid that gave you butterflies cause of how cool it was and all the possibilities it represented. I picked it up quickly, the programming app is well designed, the programmimg options and modifiers give you the sense that the sky’s the limit with how much more streamlined it would be than a clunky keyboard. Sadly (and surprisingly), the R&D guys at Tap didn’t consider some simple code tweaks that 1) Would double workflow efficiency 2) Would have nothing but a positive effect on ALL users 3) Would lead to better reviews and less returns. I genuinely wish everyone at Tap good luck with the evolution of this product. The good news is that the hardware is all there and it works GREAT! But nobody would want a Ferrari with clumsy computer code. That’s exactly what is happening here. Send me an email if you would like me to elaborate because it’s one of those things that takes a little explanation to arrive at the the core problem, but when you see it, it makes total sense. If I don’t hear from you, it’s cool. I will take another look at Tap in a few years and give it another try.