Writers can now use a mechanical keyboard from Astrohaus

Astrohaus has carved out a unique niche in the tech world, focusing on creating hardware tailored for writers who want to escape the constant lure of digital distractions. For many aspiring and professional authors, staying focused on a novel or screenplay can be a challenge when platforms like Instagram are just a click away. Based in Michigan, the startup has built its reputation on defying modern tech trends, producing devices that promote distraction-free writing experiences.

At CES 2025, Astrohaus unveiled its latest innovation, the Freewrite Wordrunner. Unlike its previous devices, this product embraces the rising popularity of mechanical keyboards while staying aligned with the company’s mission of empowering writers. The Wordrunner is essentially a mechanical keyboard with a twist, offering specialized tools that cater to the needs of writers. These include a Wordometer, which tracks the word count in real-time, and a “sprint timer” designed to encourage productive writing sessions.

By integrating productivity tools directly into the keyboard, Astrohaus aims to eliminate the need for third-party writing apps, allowing users to focus solely on their creative process. Founder and CEO Adam Leeb explains, “Writers are among the most frequent users of keyboards, yet they’ve never had tools specifically designed for their craft. While gamers enjoy an entire industry dedicated to enhancing their experience, writers have had to rely on generic keyboards and external software. Wordrunner changes this dynamic by turning the keyboard into an active partner in the writing journey — not just a passive tool, but a true creative companion.”

The Wordrunner features a sleek aluminum build with floating keys and a red control knob for added functionality. The keyboard is scheduled to be shipped in late 2025, and Astrohaus intends to launch it on Kickstarter in February.

Hardware expert Brian Heater, who has contributed to renowned publications like Wired, PCMag, and TechCrunch, highlights the innovation as a promising leap for writer-focused technology.