EMO Altar II Debuts as a 4.75mm Ultra-Thin Mechanical Keyboard Built for Mac Users
Electronic Materials Office, better known as EMO, has introduced the Altar II, an ultra-slim mechanical keyboard that measures just 4.75mm thick. The company describes it as the world’s thinnest production mechanical keyboard, and its biggest selling point is clear: it brings genuine mechanical switches to a form factor usually reserved for low-profile scissor or membrane keyboards.
Most slim keyboards sacrifice mechanical feel to stay thin, but the Altar II takes a different approach. EMO redesigned the switch mechanism by placing the tension spring on its side instead of positioning it vertically. This allows the keyboard to deliver 1.8mm of tactile key travel inside an extremely thin aluminum body. The switches are described as dual steel arm scissor mechanical switches with a 40gf actuation force, aiming to give users a satisfying typing experience without the height of a traditional mechanical keyboard.
The Altar II is CNC-machined from a single block of aluminum, giving it a rigid and premium construction. To improve the typing sound and feel, EMO has added a silicone damping layer and a large footpad underneath the keyboard. These additions are designed to reduce harshness and make each keystroke feel more controlled, even with the keyboard’s slim profile.
A standout feature is the detachable M-Dial, a magnetic rotary control placed in one corner of the keyboard. It can be used for volume adjustment and media control, and it includes haptic feedback to simulate the feeling of physical click points as it turns. Since the dial attaches magnetically, users can remove it when carrying the keyboard. EMO also plans to provide 3D-printable files for the dial cap, giving owners the option to create their own custom designs.
The keyboard is designed primarily for macOS users. It features Command and Option keys in familiar Mac positions and works with EMO’s Sanctuary companion app. Through the app, users can remap keys, adjust haptic feedback, and create per-app shortcuts. The Sanctuary app requires macOS 26, while the keyboard itself supports macOS 12 and later. Windows 10 and later are also supported, making the Altar II usable beyond Apple’s ecosystem.
The Altar II uses a 75% layout, giving users a compact design while still keeping the function row and arrow keys. Its dimensions are 299 x 116.5 x 4.75mm, making it easy to carry while still offering enough keys for productivity, writing, coding, and everyday work.
Other features include a haptic engine that provides feedback when holding modifier keys, a small speaker for wake chimes, and red-only backlighting. EMO says the red LEDs are intended to reduce the impact on night vision, making the keyboard more comfortable to use in darker environments.
Connectivity is handled through two Bluetooth 5.0 LE channels or a USB-C cable. Battery life is rated at up to 30 days, and a quick two-minute charge over USB-C is said to provide around two days of use. The keyboard’s keycaps are made from REGEN polymer with 50% recycled content, adding a sustainability angle to the design.
The Altar II follows EMO’s earlier Altar I keyboard, which sold out and earned a Red Dot design award. With the second-generation model, EMO appears to be targeting users who want the feel of a mechanical keyboard without the bulk, especially Mac users looking for a premium, minimalist, portable keyboard.
The EMO Altar II is scheduled to launch on Kickstarter on November 10, 2026, with deliveries expected in early summer 2027. A refundable $1 reservation secures the lowest price of $249. After the campaign opens, early orders will be priced at $279, standard campaign backers will pay $299, and the expected retail price is $349. The keyboard will be available in black.
