Altar II
Hardware
mechanical keyboard
SHOW HN2026
306points
245comments
#144of 4,366 in 2026
Top 4%of 2026 by points
How HN took it
MixedNo clear lean
40 positive, 68 neutral or asking, 18 mixed, 33 critical, out of 159 comments about the project. Thread score +0.10.
Design: 20 for, 24 againstIdea: 4 for, 3 againstPricing: 4 for, 2 againstExecution: 3 for, 2 againstPerformance: 0 for, 1 against
The thread, comment by comment
Each row is a top-level comment and its replies, in HN's order. Select a cell to open that comment on HN.
positive neutral or mixed critical about another commenter or something else the maker
What HN said
What people liked
Industrial design and website look impressive
From 3 comments
To everyone who is about to pile on regarding the lack of a fingerprint sensor: you know it's not possible, we all know it's not possible, the creator of this project knows it's…
ary on HNThe promo website is something to behold and by itself is sufficient reason to chuck a buck at the possibility of Altar II coming into existence. Thank you, good luck, and…
mistersquid on HNWow, beautiful. Both the site and the keyboard. I put a deposit down. Edit: in reply to the person above because I keep getting a "You're posting too fast. Please slow down.…
johng on HN
Objections
No fingerprint sensor
From 3 comments
I’m assuming it’s not possible for it to include a fingerprint sensor? As much as I’d like a mechanical keyboard for my Mac that’s always the part that gets me. I end up using…
charrondev on HNLooks great, but sadly no fingerprint sensor is a deal breaker for me. I know it's not actually possible, so not your fault, but it's not for me. I rely on that thing way too much.
splittydev on HNWow, beautiful. Both the site and the keyboard. I put a deposit down. Edit: in reply to the person above because I keep getting a "You're posting too fast. Please slow down.…
johng on HN
Price is high versus alternatives
From 2 comments
This looks incredible but I’m skeptical you can actually produce it for $250 and maintain the level of quality and features that you claim. And it appears you’re offering $100…
hamburglar on HNLove what you did, the dedication for 2 years to launch this is awesome. Apple keyboards are near-horrific IMO so you are filling an important niche for sure. I know it is a…
dmhmr on HN
No numpad
From 2 comments
Unfortunately, no numpad is definitely a dealbreaker. Looks like a really cool product, but the numpad is a _must_ for any keyboard you want to do real work on, at least in my…
Hugsbox on HNI don't understand the overwhelming praise. This product is just bizarre. Who is this for? What's with the giant numbers and tiny symbols? I know where the numbers are from…
gilthelander on HN
Oversized number key legends
From 2 comments
Great looking keyboard but why are the numbers on the number keys so large? They stick out like a sore thumb.
swingboy on HNLove the keyboard, looks solid. Out of curiosity, why did you make the numbers so big? It looks like an intentional design choice and I don’t know if I like it, but I’m wondering…
rckclmbr on HN
Requests
Numpad version
From 1 comment
Any plans for a model with numeric keypad too?
anentropic on HN
Windows key markings
From 1 comment
Love the design and have also wanted a super low profile mechanical keyboard like this! I have one question though - what is the travel or activation distance of the keys? The…
xingped on HN
Full color backlight
From 1 comment
Love it! Can you offer full color lighting instead of just red?
bix6 on HN
Split ergonomic layout
From 1 comment
My dream keyboard, if only it could split down the middle for ergonomics :(
nicksergeant on HN
Questions
Is the battery replaceable
From 1 comment
Is the battery replaceable? Or is the keyboard going to be tethered-only when the lithium battery degrades after 5-10 years?
ValentineC on HN
Linux compatibility and firmware openness
From 2 comments
This looks beautiful. While obviously a Mac keyboard, to what extent is it compatible with Linux? Will there be documentation of its features beyond a standard Bluetooth HID,…
ethersteeds on HNThis looks awesome! The thing I'd want to know is how much of the configuration lives on firmware vs. in the macOS app? If the app is a thin config editor and the mappings remain…
recensorium on HN
Shipping date
From 1 comment
given kickstarter is november, when do you expect to ship?
railgunmerlin on HN
Alternatives named
Apple Magic Keyboard
From 2 comments
I’m assuming it’s not possible for it to include a fingerprint sensor? As much as I’d like a mechanical keyboard for my Mac that’s always the part that gets me. I end up using…
charrondev on HNLove the design and have also wanted a super low profile mechanical keyboard like this! I have one question though - what is the travel or activation distance of the keys? The…
xingped on HN
Keychron K3
From 1 comment
Love what you did, the dedication for 2 years to launch this is awesome. Apple keyboards are near-horrific IMO so you are filling an important niche for sure. I know it is a…
dmhmr on HN
Choc switch keyboards
From 1 comment
I've built about 10 mechanical keyboards so far, including a bunch of split ergo ones and low profile variants too. From that, I know the layout matters a lot, as well as the…
allenc on HN