---
title: "Tap Strap review, typing without a keyboard"
language: en
topics: ["review", "sensors"]
full_article_url: https://willem.com/en/2021-04-15_enter-text-without-keys/
---
# Tap Strap review, typing without a keyboard

*A Bluetooth wearable that turns finger taps into text.*

> When I tried the Tap Strap in 2021, it paired over Bluetooth without any drivers, but learning it was hard. I see its real use in augmented and virtual reality, not in replacing a keyboard.

The Tap Strap is a strap of rings you wear on your fingers, with sensors that recognise taps and movement. It connects to any computer, tablet or phone over Bluetooth, just like a keyboard or mouse, and needs no special drivers. Mine paired with my iPad Pro without trouble.
The device itself gives no feedback or instruction, so the learning curve is steep: you memorise different rhythms and chords, much like learning piano or guitar. There are apps from Tap for practising, and I have read of people reaching 20 to 30 words per minute.
As a touch typist I would not replace my keyboard, since that would throw away years of training. The natural fit is augmented and virtual reality, where it digitises finger movements as subtle as a gentle tap. The elastic fabric is light and lets your skin breathe.