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Astrohaus Expands Its Freewrite Line with the Mechanical Keyboard Wordrunner
Astrohaus, a company based in Detroit, has spent nearly a decade developing “distraction-free writing tools” under the Freewrite brand. Traditionally, their offerings have been solitary devices focused solely on text drafting. However, at CES 2025, Astrohaus is venturing into new territory with the introduction of the Freewrite Wordrunner, a mechanical keyboard specifically tailored for writers.
This announcement follows a period of speculation after Astrohaus initially hinted at creating a keyboard called the Maestro, which was slated for a 2022 launch but was ultimately scrapped. Despite the silence surrounding the project, the company has been diligently refining the Wordrunner for close to four years, according to CEO Adam Leeb.
While mechanical keyboards have become popular primarily among gamers, Astrohaus aims to cater to the needs of professional writers. Although firsthand experience with the device is yet limited, the features presented suggest a thoughtful design aimed at enhancing the writing process.
The Wordrunner features a tenkeyless layout that might appear conventional at first glance. However, a closer look reveals an innovative function row populated by specialized keys that facilitate smoother navigation within text documents. These include shortcuts for find and replace, undo/redo actions, as well as keys for scrolling through paragraphs or refreshing pages. Although traditional media controls are absent, a distinctive red joystick/button compensates for this, providing intuitive navigation for adjusting volume, skipping tracks, or pausing music.
In addition, the keyboard includes three customizable macro keys whimsically named “zap,” “pow,” and “bam.” Users can program these keys for various functions, such as launching writing applications or inserting the current date. This feature aligns with current trends in enthusiast keyboard design, emphasizing user personalization.
An eye-catching element of the Wordrunner is the dual mechanical counters located at the top. One serves as a timer, ideal for tracking writing sprints, while the other, the Wordometer, offers an impressive eight-digit display for word count tracking. This counter retains data for as long as desired and can be reset or paused, making it easy to manage word goals seamlessly.
The keyboard boasts backlit mechanical keys utilizing Kailh switches, though it’s important to note that while the keycaps are interchangeable, the switches are not. Sound dampening features have also been integrated, allowing for quieter typing—a consideration that may appeal to users who are conscious of noise in shared spaces. In terms of connectivity, the Wordrunner offers both Bluetooth and USB-C options, allowing for pairing with up to three devices, with easy switching facilitated by dedicated hotkeys.
During a brief encounter with a prototype, I was struck by its substantial weight, crafted from polished aluminum that aligns visually with the premium Hemingway edition of the Smart Typewriter offered by Astrohaus. Leeb emphasized that the company seeks to provide a premium feel, akin to a limited-edition product, despite the keyboard being part of an ongoing lineup.
Though I didn’t have the opportunity to test the Wordrunner with a computer, I did witness the Wordometer’s gratifying increment as I typed a fictional narrative. The keys offered satisfying travel, and the tactile response of the joystick was impressive, generating anticipation for its potential versatility as a media control knob. Leeb indicated that while still a prototype, the Wordrunner has achieved a level of refinement that feels nearly final.
Looking ahead, Astrohaus plans to launch the Wordrunner via Kickstarter, continuing a pattern established over the past decade. The campaign is set to begin in February, although pricing details remain undisclosed. Potential backers can reserve a priority access spot for just $1, a minimal investment for anyone intrigued by the keyboard, with initial shipments expected before year-end.
Update, January 8 2024, 9:27PM ET: This article has been updated to include additional impressions and details about the Wordrunner.
Source
www.engadget.com