Remote page turners for e-readers have become a popular accessory, particularly for those who prefer not to break their comfortable reading posture. While various third-party options exist for brands like Kindle, and Kobo offers its own proprietary solution, a new contender has emerged that stands out for its unique aesthetic. The Boox Tappy, upon its announcement, captured attention for its charming, retro design, resembling a miniature toy rather than a typical tech gadget.
A Retro Delight for Your Fingertips
Upon receiving the Boox Tappy, its visual appeal is even more pronounced. The device is styled after a vintage typewriter, featuring only two keys. These keys are adorned with pixelated images, and the package includes a set of interchangeable keycaps. While the default pixelated heart and steaming coffee cup graphics are endearing, optional keycaps with ‘X’ and ‘O’ symbols are also provided. Further enhancing its retro charm, the front of the device bears the whimsical inscription ‘Tap This,’ a playful nod to traditional typewriter branding. The power switch, a small silver toggle, also evokes the feel of older mechanical devices, reminiscent of a typewriter’s cartridge release mechanism. The only modern concessions are a discreet indicator light and a USB-C port for charging.
More Than Just a Page Turner
Beyond its captivating design, the Boox Tappy offers versatile functionality. When paired with an Android phone, its default Reading Mode seamlessly transforms into volume control. A dedicated MultiMedia Mode allows for track switching in music applications, and a Browsing Mode enables scrolling through web pages or social media feeds. Testing on a Nothing Phone (4a) Pro demonstrated effective performance across all three modes, though the button functions are not customizable. The tactile experience of the buttons is particularly satisfying, offering a subtle, muffled click with each press. The device utilizes Bluetooth 5.4 for stable connectivity, boasting a wireless range of approximately 33 feet (10 meters).
Compatibility Hurdles Diminish Its Reach
Despite its many charms, the Boox Tappy’s compatibility with e-readers presents a significant limitation. While it successfully paired with a Kobo Libra Colour, it failed to advance pages. Similarly, efforts to connect with three different Kindle devices did not result in device recognition as a Bluetooth accessory. When tested with the ViWoods AiPaper digital notebook, it functioned primarily as an audio adjuster rather than a page-turner. Even when paired with an iPhone 17 Pro and a MacBook Pro, its functionality was restricted to volume adjustment on these Apple devices. This issue appears to stem from the operating system limitations imposed by e-reader manufacturers, which do not universally support wireless page-turning commands in the same way they do for audio playback. Without additional software prompts from device makers to enable universal wireless page turning, the Boox Tappy’s utility is considerably reduced.
Boox does not provide an extensive list of compatible devices, focusing primarily on its own e-readers and Android phones. However, for users within these ecosystems, the Boox Tappy offers an appealing blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal at a competitive price point of $25.99 / €29.99 / AU$49.
