Clevetura CLVX S review: Where we’re going, we don’t need a mouse
"By merging keyboard and trackpad into one coherent surface, the CLVX S reduces cognitive and physical friction between typing and pointing."
The Clevetura CLVX S isn’t content with being just another wireless keyboard. It represents a new approach to input devices - one that blurs the boundary between typing and touch. Rather than bolting a trackpad beside or below the keys, it embeds a capacitive touch layer directly beneath the keycaps, Clevetura’s TouchOnKeys technology aims to streamline how we interact with our machines.
For professionals who switch constantly between writing, navigation and system control, this hybrid concept offers something intriguing: fewer devices, faster interaction and more fluid workflow.
Design and construction
Precision-engineered from aluminium with a compact 78-key layout, the CLVX S is a smaller evolution of Clevetura’s earlier CLVX model. At around 430 grams and 12 millimetres thick and is about 73% of a full-size keyboard. It’s portable yet sturdy enough for serious desk work. The flat, low-profile keycaps are necessary for the integrated touch sensors, which sit beneath the typing surface and detect finger movement across the board.
The backlighting isn't just RGB gamer nonsense either—it's functional. A green trail follows your finger across the trackpad zone. Volume and brightness sliders light up when you touch them. Press the battery key and the number row becomes a battery meter.
It's a clever design that actually serves a purpose, which comes in black for Windows user or white for Mac, because apparently even keyboards have platform wars now. As far as I can tell, the only actual difference is the writing on the keyboard itself to reflect each operating system’s specific symbols.
The minimal aesthetic hides a surprising amount of intelligence: RGB backlighting that visually tracks touch gestures, a clever battery indicator that lights the number row to show remaining charge, brightness and volume gesture controls along the top row, and two physical click buttons for traditional left/right mouse actions.
Connectivity and power
Connectivity options are comprehensive: one USB-C port for wired use and charging, plus three Bluetooth 5 channels for switching between multiple devices. In testing, switching was instantaneous and lag-free - ideal for anyone working across a laptop, desktop, and tablet.
Battery performance depends on workload, but under typical use (moderate backlight, mixed typing and gestures), you’ll get around a week between charges. The CLVX S can operate while plugged in, and power management is efficient if you toggle the physical on/off switch when idle.
Typing and tactile behaviour
Typing feel is light and precise, closer to a premium ultrabook than a mechanical board. The scissor mechanism provides a short, consistent stroke. The flatness of the keys - necessary for smooth touch interaction - can take some adjustment, particularly for users who depend on sculpted key profiles for finger positioning. After a day or two, it feels natural, but I did have to actually remove my mouse for a days just to overcome the muscle memory of reaching for it.
Clevetura’s adaptive firmware automatically distinguishes between typing and gesture inputs to avoid cursor drift. For most users, it’s reliable out of the box, though touch sensitivity can be fine-tuned through the companion software.
Gesture control and workflow
The defining feature is its integrated touch surface. Every alphanumeric key doubles as part of a responsive trackpad. You can swipe, scroll, pinch to zoom, and execute two- or three-finger gestures directly on the keyboard. For general navigation, document scrolling, and tab switching, it’s efficient and intuitive. The real advantage lies in reduced hand movement - no more reaching for a mouse or separate trackpad during routine tasks.
That said, precision work such as CAD design, photo editing, or gaming still benefits from a dedicated pointer. The CLVX S complements rather than replaces other input tools.
Software and adaptability
Clevetura’s TouchOnKeys software unlocks the device’s full potential. It allows users to adjust gesture mapping, backlight behaviour and sensitivity thresholds. It also introduces “Adaptive Intelligence”, which analyses typing patterns to better differentiate between keystrokes and gestures - particularly useful for fast typists or those prone to resting their hands lightly on the keys. Currently, only the Windows version is available, with macOS support in active development.
Strategic implications for professionals
The CLVX S represents more than a convenience gadget - it signals an evolution in peripheral design. By merging keyboard and trackpad into one coherent surface, it reduces cognitive and physical friction between typing and pointing. For professionals in development, analytics and content creation, that can translate to measurable productivity gains: fewer micro-interruptions, faster transitions and less desk clutter.
It also underscores how machine interfaces are trending toward unification - merging modalities rather than multiplying them. In a workspace increasingly dominated by multi-device setups and hybrid workflows, the CLVX S’s seamless switching and compact footprint fit perfectly.
Limitations
The concept is still early in its lifecycle. The keyboard is available only via preorder and Kickstarter-style campaigns. Keycaps aren’t replaceable, layouts are limited to ANSI US, and software maturity varies by platform. Battery life is good but not outstanding, and mechanical keyboard enthusiasts may find the feel too muted.
Verdict
The Clevetura CLVX S is a bold experiment in input design, one sorely needed in an otherwise static peripheral. It delivers a glimpse of where human–machine interaction is heading: toward integrated, adaptive interfaces that eliminate unnecessary hardware boundaries.
For early adopters and professionals seeking efficiency through simplicity, it’s a genuinely transformative piece of kit. For everyone else, it’s a sign of things to come.
I was kindly provided with a pre-production model by Clevetura for this review and if you’re interested in checking it out, the project is live on Kickstarter now.
