The quest for a seamless ereading experience often leads to accessories designed to enhance comfort and convenience. Remote page turners, for instance, are a well-established category, with various third-party options available for popular devices like Kindles, and proprietary solutions offered by brands such as Kobo. These gadgets cater to readers who prefer not to break their immersion, especially when comfortable in bed, by eliminating the need to physically interact with the device.
A Retro-Inspired Design
While many page turners share a similar, functional remote-like appearance, one device stands out for its unique aesthetic: the Boox Tappy. First unveiled in early May, its charming, retro toy-inspired design immediately captured attention. Now in hand, the Tappy proves even more delightful, boasting intricate design details that evoke nostalgia. It’s styled as a miniature typewriter, featuring just two keys, each adorned with a pixelated image. For personalization, a pair of alternative key caps are included, offering the option to swap the default ones. The provided ‘X’ and ‘O’ key caps are less appealing than the heart and coffee cup icons.
The attention to detail extends to the front of the device, where “Tap This” is printed in place of a traditional brand name, adding a whimsical touch. The power switch, a small silver toggle, subtly resembles a typewriter cartridge release mechanism. The only concessions to modern design are a discreet indicator light and a USB-C port for charging.
Beyond Page Turning
The Boox Tappy’s appeal goes beyond its captivating looks. It offers versatile functionality when paired with compatible devices. When connected to an Android phone, its default Reading Mode seamlessly transforms into volume control. A dedicated MultiMedia Mode allows for music track switching, and a Browsing Mode enables scrolling through web pages or social media feeds. Testing on a Nothing Phone (4a) Pro confirmed its effectiveness across these modes, though button customization is not an option.
The tactile experience of using the Tappy’s buttons is a highlight. Each press is satisfying, offering a subtle, muffled click feedback. The device utilizes Bluetooth 5.4 for stable connectivity with a reported range of approximately 33 feet (10 meters), though extended use at such distances for controlling ereaders is unlikely.
Compatibility Hurdles
Despite its many charms, the Boox Tappy faces significant compatibility limitations, particularly with major ereader ecosystems. While it connected to a Kobo Libra Colour, it failed to perform page turns. Similarly, three different Kindle devices did not recognize it as a Bluetooth device. It did connect with the ViWoods AiPaper digital notebook, but only functioned as an audio adjuster. Even when paired with an iPhone 17 Pro and MacBook Pro, its functionality was restricted to volume adjustment.
These issues stem from inherent limitations in ereader operating systems. While a universal command exists for audiobook playback via wireless headphones, a standardized command for wireless page turning is lacking due to its niche status. Until ereader manufacturers implement broader software support for such functions, the Tappy’s utility for a wider audience remains constrained.
Boox does not offer an exhaustive list of compatible devices, recommending it primarily for users of Boox devices or Android phones. Given its distinctive design and multi-functional capabilities, the Boox Tappy is competitively priced at $25.99 / €29.99 / AU$49.
