The Sensel Morph is a Pressure-Sensitive Surface for Interaction with Laptops and Tablets

The Sensel Morph is a Pressure-Sensitive Surface for Interaction with Laptops and Tablets

At present, the tech world is putting a lot of effort into exploring the ways we might interact with our digital devices. From Oculus Rift’s virtual reality headsets to Knocki’s ability to turn everyday objects into virtual controls, we are no longer restricted to poking at touchscreens. You could say that the Sensel Morph, a touch-sensitive pad made by a four-person startup, is one of the less ambitious interfaces around at the moment. But the ingenious simplicity of its design is precisely what makes it a compelling new product.

The Morph is very much like a regular graphics tablet to look at, and it functions in a similar way. It sits on your desk, relaying news of any pressure it senses to your laptop or mobile device via a wired USB connection, or low-energy Bluetooth. You can use brushes, pens and pencils to draw on this surface, but it is coated with a rubbery layer, because it was made for fingers to press down on.

The Sensel Morph is a Pressure-Sensitive Surface for Interaction with Laptops and Tablets

The purpose of the Morph only becomes clear when you start placing overlays on its top surface. These are squishy covers with extruding buttons, which turn the otherwise featureless pressure-sensitive surface into an array of controls. Sensel has already developed a few useful examples, such as a QWERTY keyboard, a MIDI piano, drum-pads, and a magnetic overlay which allows makers to create custom interfaces that are printed on paper. Sensel is also working on a drag-and-drop interface editor, which will give you the opportunity to 3D-print and use your own overlays.

Having launched on Kickstarter in search of production capital, the Morph has already blitzed past its funding goal with more than a month to go (at the time of writing). Backers can pre-order the tablet for $249, making it comparable with the more limited mid-range competition. This price includes three overlays, with shipping scheduled for June 2016.

Mark is best known for writing about apps, but he also loves the tactile, hardware side of technology. Being a professional photographer, he's pretty handy with a camera, and he's a self-confessed tweetaholic.
Join the Discussion

You Might Also Like

SANDSARA Obsidian & Alabaster review: These kinetic sand sculptures bring serenity to your life

SANDSARA Obsidian & Alabaster review: These kinetic sand sculptures bring serenity to your life

Meet the SANDSARA Obsidian & Alabaster Editions. These kinetic sand sculptures are completely wireless. Plus, you can create your own sand designs via the companion app. Life gets chaotic, I know. Between work and family responsibilities, it can seem like..
Flashlightgo EDC flashlights: They shine light on your outdoor adventures

Flashlightgo EDC flashlights: They shine light on your outdoor adventures

I’ve got adventurers in my family. So when the holidays roll around or their birthdays are near, I know exactly what to buy: EDC gadgets. A palm-size, lightweight design characterizes EDC products, so they’re ideal for my favorite boaters and..
Apple Wonderlust: The new iPhone 15 Pro with USB-C, Apple Watch Series 9, and more

Apple Wonderlust: The new iPhone 15 Pro with USB-C, Apple Watch Series 9, and more

We’re following the Apple September event. Everyone who follows Apple know that this one’s all about the—you did not hear it!—new iPhone 15. The event began at the Apple Park with Tim Cook and showed us glamorous Apple Watch upgrade..
Everdure KILN R Series review: An outdoor pizza oven for home that has a rotating table

Everdure KILN R Series review: An outdoor pizza oven for home that has a rotating table

Elevate your home pizza nights with the Everdure KILN R Series. This pizza oven for your backyard cooks pizza in 2 minutes. Plus, it has a rotating table, giving you an evenly-cooked pie, every time. Anyone who loves pizza knows..
Vitaloop review: This filtration water bottle purifies water from nearly any source

Vitaloop review: This filtration water bottle purifies water from nearly any source

Want to drink fresh, safe water while you hike? Maybe you’re not sure about the water quality at your school or office. Well, that’s where the Vitaloop can help. This filtration water bottle cleans water from pretty much any source...
Withings ScanWatch Light & ScanWatch 2 health smartwatches are like personal health assistants

Withings ScanWatch Light & ScanWatch 2 health smartwatches are like personal health assistants

Withings ScanWatch Light and ScanWatch 2 are both health-focused smartwatches equipped with features for tracking movement, heart rate, and menstrual cycles. Plus, they boast an impressive 30-day battery life. Smartwatches offer a wide range of features and functions that make..