Crowdfunding Corner: AZIO Fokal Keyboard

A wireless mechanical keyboard with a multi-functional control knob plus 7 layers of customization.

Where innovation meets classic style, AZIO, (https://aziocorp.com/ ), the company that brought you the AZIO Original Retro Classic Keyboard, is introducing a stylish, more futuristic follow up called Fokal, a vintage mechanical backlit keyboard that comes with a multi-functional control knob for ultimate efficiency.

As a leading company building premium and creative computer peripherals, AZIO has created its own market segment with its retro-styled modern keyboards. After the successful launch of its Original Retro Classic (Vintage Typewriter inspired) Keyboard, AZIO took on the challenge of improving its next keyboard model in all aspects, including aesthetics, functions, user scenario, and user environment. With the attractive combination of advanced technology and designing products with the perfect blend of elegance and performance, AZIO created the Fokal Keyboard, inspired by the iconic 1960s sleek rangefinder camera, to help users work smarter, without sacrificing style.

The Fokal Control Knob is a unique feature that separates AZIO’s keyboard from other competing models. Most other conventional keyboards currently have at most a single wheel to control volume. Fokal’s Control Knob is multi-directional, giving users the ultimate freedom of use and customization. It is a seven-way control knob, enabling the top crown two ways of infinite spin control for volume, light brightness, or any other two-way commands. The middle section of the control knob contains a button for control mode change, and the third function of the control knob serves as a joystick with 360-degree control. Users have the freedom to fully reconfigure all the keys and the control knob within the accompanying software.

Fokal includes premium and creative computer features and comes in two units sold separately. The central unit is an 81 keys format keyboard, and the number pad is a 21 keys mini keyboard. They can be used together or separately, but both units can connect to four different devices. The mode dial at the top left corner for the main keyboard and at the right top corner on the number keyboard can be used to select which devices to link to.  

“We are a collective of bold and curious individuals who are passionate about developing inspiring, functional tools by reinterpreting iconic and nostalgic objects with our creative synergy,” said David Shiue, president and CEO of AZIO. “We honor the past while incorporating modern-day innovation into the tools we offer. The result is a line of intentional, artful, and practical tools, all to equip and empower the user unlike any other.”

Benefits of the Fokal Keyboard include:

•         Innovative Function: Fokal is completely customizable, allowing the user to map any of the keys and knob to their individual needs. It enables the user to have up to seven assigned keyboard settings and is essentially seven unique keyboards all housed in one polished design. The control knob uses the HID-IO software for custom functionality.

•         Classic Inspiration: Fokal drew its design inspiration from the vintage rangefinder camera for its simplistic, well-crafted appearance. Specifically, the lens housed numerous features in a body composed of metal, leather, and composite material harmonically. The high-grade aluminum frame and top-grain leather accents perfect the balance of hard and soft materials.

•         Futuristic Technology: Fokal easily connects wirelessly through RF or Bluetooth 5.0 and can connect up to three Bluetooth devices. The keyboard comes with advanced HID-IO software by Input Club. The control knob and keys can all be fully reconfigured within the software, and seven individual profiles can be saved all through the HID-IO cloud. The main keyboard and the number pad can also connect, either together or separately, to four different devices through one RF and three Bluetooth profiles.

•         Premium Built Quality: Fokal is built with an ultra-durable structure of solid iron plates. The aluminum plates are beautifully finished with a bead blasted anodized surfacing process. The embossed logo and lettering are lacquer filled, diamond-cut knurling on the dial for better handling, and specialized locking screws at the bottom showing true craftsmanship. The lighting and brightness of the keyboard are adjusted with one touch of the crown knob. There are four different light modes, each comes with seven preset colors and one RGB mode. Gateron mechanical switches provide satisfying haptic and sound feedback with the best RGB backlit visual presentation.

•         Long-Lasting Power: Fokal has a certified battery built with the highest safety standards. It has the largest battery in its class of using Li-ion polymer battery in 5000 mAh capacity with a safety board to prevent hazardous situations and can last up to four months on a single charge.

“AZIO is still the only premium keyboard maker to use authentic materials such as an alloy frame or leather, and is able to produce it with consistently high quality and excellent customer service,” added Shiue. “There are imitators, but none dare or are skillful enough to use real authentic materials as we do.”

The company is launching an Indiegogo campaign, (https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/azio-fokal-keyboard-with-customizable-control-knob ), to spread awareness of their highly anticipated and forward-thinking Fokal Keyboard among consumers and investors. The Fokal Keyboard is available for pre-order at Indiegogo for as low as $199.