VSD MagTran M3: An interesting, customizable keyboard with on-screen buttons and rotary controls

A new customizable keyboard, the MagTran M3, is currently being financed as part of a Kickstarter campaign. The risks usually associated with crowdfunding campaigns also apply here, but this is more likely to be a disguised pre-order campaign by a manufacturer that is already well established. Starting at $79, supporters of the campaign are expected to receive a MagTran M3 unit in March 2026.

Buttons with a screen

The concept of the MagTran M3 is fairly straightforward: it is essentially a screen with transparent buttons. This allows you to determine relatively freely what should be displayed on the screen and on the buttons. The larger display allows content to be shown across all keys. As a rule, however, it makes sense to assign specific functions to the individual buttons, such as for editing images or controlling a stream. A cloud platform is available, which can also be used to install plugins, and a software development environment is also provided.

Additional rotary controls

There are a total of 15 buttons available, allowing you to quickly trigger a number of actions. Three additional rotary knobs are located on the right side, enabling tasks such as sound mixing or controlling tools in professional software with precision and relative speed. Smart home control is also advertised.

The model measures 151 x 80 x 58 millimeters and connects to a PC running Windows or macOS via USB-C. Interested buyers can take a look at the product page for further details.
 

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Editor of the original article: Silvio Werner – Senior Tech Writer – 15717 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2017

I have been active as a journalist for over 10 years, most of it in the field of technology. I worked for Tom’s Hardware and ComputerBase, among others, and have been working for Notebookcheck since 2017. My current focus is particularly on mini PCs and single-board computers such as the Raspberry Pi – so in other words, compact systems with a lot of potential. In addition, I have a soft spot for all kinds of wearables, especially smartwatches. My main profession is as a laboratory engineer, which is why neither scientific contexts nor the interpretation of complex measurements are foreign to me.

Translator: Jacob Fisher – Translator – 2504 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2022

Growing up in regional Australia, I first became acquainted with computers in my early teens after a broken leg from a football (soccer) match temporarily condemned me to a predominately indoor lifestyle. Soon afterwards I was building my own systems. Now I live in Germany, having moved here in 2014, where I study philosophy and anthropology. I am particularly fascinated by how computer technology has fundamentally and dramatically reshaped human culture, and how it continues to do so.