Third Reality, Inc. has announced the release of the MK1, which it says is the world’s first mechanical keyboard with built-in Matter support. This new keyboard is designed to let users control smart home devices directly from their desktop, making it both a regular typing keyboard and a control panel for connected devices. The company states that adding Matter support to a keyboard is a step toward making smart home controls more available and easier to use for people who spend a lot of time on their computers.
Matter is a smart home standard that lets devices from different brands work together in a single ecosystem. With the MK1 keyboard, users can set up shortcuts for lights, thermostats, locks, and other Matter-compatible devices. This is different from most smart home controls, which are usually managed through phones, smart speakers, or separate panels. Third Reality says the MK1’s built-in controls are designed to help users manage their smart home devices quickly, without leaving their computer or opening an app.
The MK1 keyboard is mechanical, which means it uses physical switches under each key. These keyboards are popular with people who like a certain feel when typing or gaming. Third Reality says the MK1 will still work as a normal keyboard with any computer, but it also comes with dedicated keys and software for smart home functions. Users can program these keys to control their own devices, and the keyboard connects to a Matter network, so it can work with many brands that support the standard.
In its press release, Third Reality points out that the MK1 is aimed at both smart home enthusiasts and people who want to make their home technology easier to use. The company also says it is working with other device makers to help the keyboard work with more products over time. The MK1 is available for purchase through the company’s website and will be sold through other online retailers. Third Reality says it will keep providing software updates to let the keyboard support new Matter features as they are released.
The MK1 may be the first keyboard of its type, but it is entering a market where more people are looking for ways to manage their smart home devices. With the launch of this product, Third Reality is trying to make smart home control more practical by putting it right in front of users during regular computer use. The company’s plan to support more devices and keep updating its software may help the keyboard stay useful as the Matter standard grows and changes.
View the original press release.
