An In-Depth Look at the Naya Create Keyboard

Overall Rating: 4 out of 10

Initially, I wanted to appreciate the Naya Create for its stunning aesthetics and promising features. This split keyboard boasts extensive customization options and a unique design aimed at comfort and productivity. The concept evokes a vision akin to Apple's take on ergonomic keyboards. However, my experience with it was marred by significant design flaws. Despite software updates, numerous troubleshooting attempts, and even testing a second unit, the keyboard consistently failed to function properly.

Switching to Naya Create

The Naya Create is built around innovative ideas. This sleek, split keyboard features detachable magnetic modules and keeps a low profile, varying from 16 to 19 millimeters in thickness. By allowing the keyboard halves to be spaced apart, it aims to reduce shoulder tension. The two hinges on each side allow angling during typing, meant to alleviate wrist pain. The keyboard is extensively programmable using Naya’s dedicated software, and the switches can be swapped easily.

Yet, adjusting to its layout remains a challenging task. While it preserves the typical positioning of most keys, their specific placement deviates significantly from conventional keyboards. Instead of having horizontal rows with vertical offsets, the keys are arranged vertically with staggered horizontals. This configuration complicates reaching keys like T, G, and B, or modifiers such as Shift, Alt, and Control—key locations can feel drastically alien especially for those accustomed to pressing B with the right index finger instead of the left. This is a quirk many ergonomic keyboards have addressed.

Evaluating the Novel Layout

A major shift is seen with the Enter and Backspace keys, now assigned to be engaged by the thumbs and index fingers. These commands are relocated to below the modules and the keys directly above them, with Backspace on the left and Enter on the right. Adapting to this arrangement proved difficult even after weeks of use, with frequent reach for a non-existent Backspace in its old spot.

Adjusting the keyboard’s angle should provide a more natural typing position, yet in reality, it unfortunately pushed the modules out of convenient reach, undermining their accessibility. Additionally, the typing experience was subpar. The older low-profile switches have minimal travel, resulting in a less than satisfying feel, and the unibody design created an audible ping with each keystroke, suggesting ineffective noise-dampening.

Seductive Modules

Modules, advertised as the product's standout feature, offer enticing promises with their small, interchangeable designs. They aim to replace the mouse seamlessly and facilitate swift input method changes—ideal for multimedia editing. However, numerous issues arose, necessitating keeping a traditional mouse as backup.

The trackball module performance was sporadic, with erratic navigation and an inclination to constrain motion purely horizontally or vertically. Adjusting pointer speed to the lowest helped, but consistency remained elusive.

Exploring the Naya Modules

The trackball includes a scroll feature activated by rotating it like a knob, supported by haptic feedback akin to gaming controllers. While satisfactory when intended, accidental activation occurred frequently, especially when angled—a distraction in workflow.

Another additional option, the Tune knob module, functions through a ring with increased input options like swipes and taps. Yet, the system showed considerable input lag or failed to register actions at times, necessitating tweaks or module updates but persistently presenting issues.

Unexpectedly, the Touch trackpad worked almost without flaw, though lacking physical buttons hindered functions like dragging. Tapping a stationary surface felt insufficient, missing the tactile feedback of actual buttons.

Continuous Improvements? Or an Endless Cycle?

The initial preproduction unit presented to me was rife with connection issues—modules disconnected frequently, and even USB connections were unreliable. Although Naya reassured these problems were limited to early models, persistent usability issues remained in the final product, mainly concerning software.

Naya Flow, the accompanying software, faces challenges, such as requiring a wired connection for key remapping and lacking battery life indicators within the software—it's relayed through color signals on the modules.

Software Updates: A Waiting Game?

Still in beta, Naya promises an amelioration of issues via updates. However, the reliance on potential future improvements creates uncertainty for buyers. The software’s RGB options are limited to a few presets, necessitating remapping for customization.

Admiring the Construction

Despite its issues, the Naya Create is a testament to beautiful craftsmanship. With its state-of-the-art design, utilizing CNC machining and aluminum extrusion, and precise magnetic attachments for modules alongside vibrant RGB lighting, it stands out visually.

Yet, repairability is hindered by complex internal access, which involves peeling back adhesive-laden ribbons. An intriguing choice is housing the primary batteries within the modules to maintain thinness, occasionally causing power inconsistencies.

Final Thoughts

Reflecting devices like Apple’s Magic Mouse in design philosophy—feature-rich yet flawed in practice—the Naya Create demands substantial troubleshooting and patience that feels unwarranted for its price. Right now, it remains unfinished in execution, though its core potential shines through, hinting at a promising follow-up iteration.