Mechanical keyboards are usually associated with thick cases, but EMO is taking a different approach with the Altar II. The London-based keyboard maker has introduced a mechanical keyboard measuring just 4.75mm thick, using a custom switch design that fits tactile mechanical operation into a chassis closer to the size of a traditional thin laptop keyboard.
EMO achieves the compact design by mounting the tension spring in the switch sideways rather than vertically. This arrangement gives the Altar II 1.8mm of tactile key travel while keeping the internal height low. The dual-steel-arm scissor mechanical switches are rated at 40gf actuation force. The company calls the Altar II the world’s thinnest production mechanical keyboard.
The keyboard measures 299 x 116.5 x 4.75mm and uses a 75% layout. Its body is CNC-machined from a single piece of aluminum, while a silicone damping layer and oversized footpad are used to reduce the sound produced while typing. The keycaps are made from REGEN polymer with 50% recycled content.
The Altar II also includes a removable M-Dial for volume and media controls. The rotary dial attaches magnetically and uses haptic feedback to recreate the feel of physical click positions. EMO plans to release 3D-printable files for the dial cap, giving users the option to create their own designs.
The keyboard is designed primarily around macOS, with Command and Option keys positioned according to Apple’s layout. EMO’s Sanctuary software supports key remapping, haptic feedback settings, and per-app shortcuts. The keyboard supports macOS 12 and later as well as Windows 10 and later, although the Sanctuary app requires macOS 26.
Other hardware features include a haptic engine that can provide feedback when holding modifier keys, a small speaker for wake-up sounds, and red-only backlighting. EMO says the red lighting is intended to reduce its effect on night vision. Wireless connectivity is provided through two Bluetooth 5.0 LE channels, while a USB-C connection is available for wired use.
Battery life is rated at up to 30 days, and EMO claims that a two-minute USB-C charge can provide around two days of use. The keyboard will initially be available in black.
The Altar II follows EMO’s Altar I, which sold out and received a Red Dot design award. The new model is scheduled to launch on Kickstarter on November 10, 2026, with deliveries expected in early summer 2027. A refundable $1 reservation secures a $249 price, while early Kickstarter orders will start at $279. Standard campaign pricing is listed at $299, with a planned retail price of $349 after the Kickstarter campaign.
- 4.75mm-thick mechanical keyboard
- 1.8mm tactile key travel
- Dual-steel-arm scissor mechanical switches
- 40gf actuation force
- 75% layout with function row and arrow keys
- CNC-machined aluminum body
- Up to 30 days of battery life
- Bluetooth 5.0 LE and USB-C connectivity
- Removable magnetic M-Dial
- macOS 12+ and Windows 10+ support
The pricing puts the Altar II above many conventional low-profile mechanical keyboards, but EMO is targeting users who want mechanical switches in an extremely thin aluminum design. Its sideways spring mechanism will be the key factor in determining whether the keyboard can deliver a mechanical typing experience without sacrificing the compact profile.
