TOPPING's Unusual Take: Keyboard + Audio Interface Hybrid (Unnamed Product)

[Exound Pro Audio]

Two months have already passed, and nobody has even mentioned this?!
Spotted this rather unconventional concept from TOPPING at Music Guangzhou 2025 - they've essentially merged a full mechanical keyboard with what appears to be a E1x2 or E2x2 OTG audio interface.


Key features observed:

• Hot-swappable mechanical keyboard (both switches and keycaps)
• Integrated audio interface with dual headphone jacks (6.35mm TRS + 3.5mm TRRS for gaming headsets with integrated mic)
• Built-in USB-C hub (3 ports) for 1) Power, 2) Data, 3) OTG; with a separate USB-A for external connectivity
• Small display with rotary encoder for settings/volume control
• Selectable volume control (mic preamp, headphone, etc.)

Wondering if there is actually a market for this form factor, or if it is solving a problem that doesn't exist?
But... how should I put it... this thing seems quite interesting. For people who prioritise desktop tidiness and those with frequent streaming needs, there might actually be some use cases for it.

No official model designation yet, and obviously no measurements available (might be close to E2x2). Curious to hear thoughts on whether this is clever engineering or unnecessary complexity.


It has two colour options: Black & White

3*USB-C Ports (Power+Data+OTG) & 1*USB-A (Hub)

Stereo TRS Line Out

2*Combo Inputs

6.35mm TRS + 3.5mm TRRS Headphone Jacks

A closer look at the screen and encoder

The White Version

 

[kemmler3D]

For a small desk it might be just the ticket. And we know there is an overlap in the market, Drop was heavy into both. Wonder if it will sell?

 

[Curvature]

I might buy one, honestly, although I have absolutely no reason to replace my current Realforce keyboard.

 

[Exound Pro Audio]

For a small desk it might be just the ticket. And we know there is an overlap in the market, Drop was heavy into both. Wonder if it will sell?

Not entirely certain, but judging from the product completion level at the show, it does appear to be approaching mass production. I think if TOPPING's marketing department has conducted their research, it should ultimately be reflected in the pricing to some extent.

 

[Exound Pro Audio]

I might buy one, honestly, although I have absolutely no reason to replace my current Realforce keyboard.

Maybe it's time for a new PC setup

 

[respice finem]

Nice - hopefully the keyboard will last as long as the rest.

 

[XpanD]

This is pretty neat, there's been a lot of keyboards appearing with (software) volume control wheels recently. This just cuts out the middleman. Cool idea.

 

[kemmler3D]

Also a good bet for people who bring their own keyboards to the office. Probably not a huge market but if they include PEQ in the DAC section it would give people a viable way to have full "setups" at work. If I didn't work from home I'd have to think about this.

 

[amirm]

Wondering if there is actually a market for this form factor, or if it is solving a problem that doesn't exist?

I actually have one from another company that was sent (over?) a year ago. Just the other day was thinking I should test it. So some market exists.

 

[Gitfiddle]

This looks right up my alley. Shame my current keyboard works so well.

 

[jhaider]

I don’t get it. All those wires coming out of keyboard looks a lot messier than a BT keyboard and an interface tucked to the side.

 

[respice finem]

Maybe for "youtubers" etc., with very little space, esp. desk space?

 

[unpluggged]

So they took Fiio's already gimmicky product and made it even more gimmicky by adding mic inputs? So innovative.

FiiO KB3 HiFi Mechanical Keyboard Review - Integrated DAC/Amp!

Popular audio brand FiiO enters the mechanical keyboard market with the 75% form factor KB3. It uses a gasket mount design with plenty of dampening and good quality switches to offer a satisfying typing experience for the money. Then things get taken to another level by the integrated DAC/amp...

www.techpowerup.com

 

[Exound Pro Audio]

I don’t get it. All those wires coming out of keyboard looks a lot messier than a BT keyboard and an interface tucked to the side.

Perhaps having everything connected in one place would be better organised? Creating a psychological sense of "All-in-one" that feels more harmonious.

 

[Exound Pro Audio]

Maybe for "youtubers" etc., with very little space, esp. desk space?

At the show, official representatives also emphasised use cases targeting streamers, such as YouTube or Twitch content creators.

 

[Exound Pro Audio]

So they took Fiio's already gimmicky product and made it even more gimmicky by adding mic inputs? So innovative.

FiiO KB3 HiFi Mechanical Keyboard Review - Integrated DAC/Amp!

Popular audio brand FiiO enters the mechanical keyboard market with the 75% form factor KB3. It uses a gasket mount design with plenty of dampening and good quality switches to offer a satisfying typing experience for the money. Then things get taken to another level by the integrated DAC/amp...

www.techpowerup.com

Maybe for topping, combining their existing audio interface products (the Ex series) with keyboards may not be too challenging. There are many related supporting manufacturers in Guangdong Province, where they are located.

 

[Exound Pro Audio]

I actually have one from another company that was sent (over?) a year ago. Just the other day was thinking I should test it. So some market exists.

Hopefully TOPPING will send you a sample when the time comes, which would make your justification more compelling

 

[unpluggged]

Maybe for topping, combining their existing audio interface products (the Ex series) with keyboards may not be too challenging. There are many related supporting manufacturers in Guangdong Province, where they are located.

Yes, each time I open AliExpress I get surprised by the products they come up to think of making over there. Like this one, for instance:

Spoiler: Shocking content

https://www.reddit.com/r/flashlight/comments/1jc704r/wtf

 

[Exound Pro Audio]

Yes, each time I open AliExpress I get surprised by the products they come up to think of making over there. Like this one, for instance:

Spoiler: Shocking content

https://www.reddit.com/r/flashlight/comments/1jc704r/wtf

Oh man, this is some genius invention

 

[Berwhale]

The Moondrop Dash 75 has been available since November 2022... https://moondroplab.com/en/products/dash75