Fully mechanical, ultra-thin typing mechanism
Altar II is described as a fully mechanical keyboard in a very thin chassis, using a preloaded tension spring arranged laterally to achieve 1.8 mm of vertical travel depth.
Altar II
Altar II is a compact, fully mechanical Mac keyboard with a detachable control dial, configurable haptics, and a native companion app.
Overview
Altar II is a low-profile mechanical keyboard from Electronic Materials Office. The product page positions it as a Mac-focused keyboard that combines a full mechanical switch mechanism with an unusually thin chassis, a 75% layout, and a set of software and hardware controls built around the M-Dial and companion app.
The page emphasizes tactile typing, configurable feedback, and compact design. It highlights a magnetically detachable control dial, haptic and audio cues, a native macOS app for customization, and a construction approach that includes recyclable aluminum, recycled-content plastics, and compact packaging.
Features
Detachable, swappable M-Dial
A magnetically detachable M-Dial provides click actions and rotation gestures for tasks such as volume, play/pause, skip, back, and Siri, and it can be swapped or custom-built.
Configurable haptic feedback
Harmonic Synthesiser haptics add subtle tactile feedback for typing, shortcuts, device state changes, and notifications, with intensity and behavior adjustable in the app.
On-device audio feedback
A built-in high-fidelity speaker supports audio cues such as wake sounds and charging chimes.
Native macOS companion app
The native macOS companion app lets users change key bindings, M-Dial behaviors, backlight settings, and haptic and audio levels, with app-specific shortcuts supported.
Low-light amber-red backlight
NiteLite backlight uses a long-wavelength amber-red light and only activates in low ambient light conditions.
Use cases
Desk work in a compact layout
For users who want a compact keyboard for daily writing or development work but still need a function row and arrow keys, Altar II offers a smaller footprint without dropping those navigation controls.
App-specific shortcuts on macOS
For Mac users who want to bind keyboard and dial actions to specific applications, the companion app supports custom shortcuts and per-app behaviors for tools like Figma, DaVinci Resolve, and Visual Studio Code.
Feedback-heavy interaction
For people who prefer tactile feedback beyond the keypress itself, the keyboard combines haptics, audio cues, and the M-Dial to make actions like volume changes and shortcut completion more noticeable.
Portable use and travel
For users who move between locations, the detachable M-Dial and on-device settings make it easier to stow the keyboard or take it with them while keeping their preferences available.
Low-light typing
For users working at night or in dim rooms, the low-light amber-red NiteLite backlight is designed to preserve night vision and reduce eye strain when activated.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very slim mechanical keyboard design with a 4.75 mm chassis and 1.8 mm vertical travel depth.
- Detachable, customizable M-Dial expands control beyond standard typing.
- Haptic and audio feedback are built into the keyboard itself.
- Native macOS app supports key bindings, device behavior, and app-specific shortcuts.
- Compact 75% layout keeps a function row and full-size arrow keys.
Cons
- Most of the advanced customization is described through a macOS companion app, so the strongest software workflow is centered on Mac.
- The page does not provide a complete public specification sheet, so details like connectivity options, battery capacity, and switch type naming are not fully spelled out in the source.
FAQ
What is Altar II for?
Altar II is presented as a fully mechanical keyboard designed for Mac, with a native companion app for customizing key bindings, M-Dial behavior, backlight, haptics, and audio levels.
What kind of keyboard layout does it use?
The product page describes Altar II as a 75% keyboard with a complete function row and full-size arrow keys, plus a Mac-style layout with Command, Option, Control, and Function keys in familiar positions.
Can the controls be customized?
Yes. The page says all M-Dial functionality is customizable in the Altar II companion app, and that settings can live on the device so they can travel with it.
Does Altar II require the app?
The product page says Altar II runs with a companion app made for macOS. It also says settings can live on Altar II and be used on any computer or OS without the app, but the app is the place to customize the device.
How much does Altar II cost?
The pricing page shows Altar II at a reserve price of $249, with the page also showing $349 and a note indicating a $100 off reservation offer.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Mechanical keyboard
- Platform
- Mac-focused, with settings available on-device for use without the app
- Layout
- 75% layout with function row and full-size arrow keys
- Price
- Reserve pricing shown at $249, with $349 also displayed and a $100 off reservation note
- Source domain
- electronicmaterialsoffice.com
- Key control
- M-Dial detachable dial with customizable actions
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