Astrohaus is an American technology company founded in 2014 by Adam Leeb and Patrick Paul. It designs and produces portable digital typewriters, word processors and computer keyboards, marketed as premium "distraction-free" writing devices.
Astrohaus was formed after a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2014 to launch the Hemingwrite, an electronic typewriter with an e-ink screen. Due to legal reasons, the product was renamed the Freewrite, and Astrohaus was formed.
Since its formation, Astrohaus has released several products under the Freewrite brand in different variations and colorways, including the Smart Typewriter, Alpha, and Traveler. In addition, the company produces official accessories, writing software, and optional cloud services. The Astrohaus website also sells third-party desk toys and writing tools.
History
In 2014, Leeb and Paul started a Kickstarter campaign for the Hemingwrite, a portable electronic typewriter with an e-ink screen, mechanical keyboard, memory storage, and an aluminum case. The product was pitched as a "distraction-free" writing device.[1][2]
Following the campaign, Astrohaus began taking public orders for the Smart Typewriter in 2016.[3] The company started a crowdfund project for their second product, the Traveler, on Indiegogo in 2018.[4] In 2024, Astrohaus followed up with the Alpha, which was also subject to a crowdfunding campaign, and was their third word processor in the Freewrite series.[5]
In 2025, Astrohaus announced the Freewrite Wordrunner, a mechanical computer keyboard with additional features for document navigation and timing. Astrohaus is intending to raise funds on Kickstarter, with a campaign planned for March 2025.[6][7]
Full-size mechanical keyboard, Kailh Box Brown switches (gen 3) or Cherry MX (gen 1 & 2)
Connectivity
USB-C, 2.4 Ghz Wi-Fi
Power
Lithium-ion polymer battery
Dimensions
11.7in ×9.3in ×2.8in (29.7cm ×23.6cm ×7.1cm)
Weight
4.0lb (1.8kg)
The Freewrite Smart Typewriter is the first dedicated writing device by Astrohaus, revealed in a Kickstarter campaign in 2014 and sold publicly in 2016,[3] originally named the Hemingwrite. It features a black aluminum body, a front-lit e-ink screen, a full mechanical keyboard, Wi-Fi, and embedded storage. As of generation 3, the keyboard uses Kailh Box brown switches and supports 60 languages and 85 layouts.[8][9]
Generations
There are different generations of the Smart Typewriter with minor iterations in the hardware and feel, and different levels of support for future software updates.
Generation
Release year
Notes
1
2014
Original version w/ Cherry key switches
2
2017 (Fall)
Improved battery and keyboard design, supports 20+ languages[10]
3
2022 (January)
E-Ink panel with frontlight, improved battery, new processor, keyboard changed to Kailh Box Brown switches[11]
Ernest Hemingway Signature Edition
The Ernest Hemingway Signature Edition of the Freewrite Smart Typewriter
In 2021, Astrohaus released the Hemingwrite edition based on the second-generation model (also marketed as the Ernest Hemingway Freewrite Signature Edition) in collaboration with Hemingway's estate. This is not to be confused with the original version from the Kickstarter campaign, which is essentially the base Smart Typewriter model. The licensed Hemingwrite version has a hand-polished aluminum body in silver, dark green keys, and a leather briefcase. Hemingway's signature is engraved on the case, and an image of Hemingway appears on screen.[1][12][13]
Limited Editions
There have been several limited edition colorways released across different generations of the Smart Typewriter, including Ink, Mint, Lemon, Sea Blue and Valentine. Astrohaus also produced 100 units of a white model known as the Cream edition; these were given away as part of a promotion in 2020.[14][15]
Edition
Generation
Release year
Notes
Cream
2
2020
White version; 100 units given away for a promotion[14][15]
The Freewrite Traveler is an ultra-portable digital word processor with a clamshell design made from polycarbonate. It is primarily intended for portability, and unlike the Smart Typewriter and Alpha, it does not use a mechanical keyboard, opting for a full-size scissor switch keyboard instead. It features an E-Ink screen, storage, battery, and Wi-Fi.[19][20][21]
The Traveler was crowdfunded via Indiegogo in 2018, with the first units shipped in January 2019.[4] The original model featured a white interior and red accents on some of the buttons, and a glossy black outer case. The Traveler also has a document manager built into the software, with physical buttons unlike the folder switch on the Smart Typewriter.[22] Some reviewers have compared the device to a laptop due to its form factor, and Astrohaus has marketed it as a potential laptop alternative.[23][24]
In November 2023, Astrohaus released the Ghost edition, which featured a fully transparent case and transparent keys; it was intended as a limited edition with only one batch produced.[25] The device was reportedly inspired by the transparent plastic fad of the 1990s and Y2K-era aesthetic.[26]
The Freewrite Alpha is a digital word processor which features a mechanical keyboard, LED display, Wi-Fi, battery, built-in storage, and a polycarbonate construction. It was developed as a portable and more affordable version of the Smart Typewriter.[27] It was available for pre-order in 2023 and went on sale in January 2024.[28] The Alpha bears similarities in name and design to the AlphaSmart range of typing devices, and has been described as its spiritual successor; Astrohaus subsequently bought the AlphaSmart domain name and redirected it to the Freewrite storefront.[29][30]
The Alpha uses a full-size mechanical keyboard based on Kailh Choc V2 low-profile switches.[31] It has replaceable key caps, albeit some function keys have non-standard mounting points and require specialty caps. It also has a kickstand at the back of the device.[27] The first standard version of the Alpha was styled after the Smart Typerwriter colorway, with the Lunar model offered as a special edition. The Alpha features a reflective FSTN LCD display, but since 2024, new limited-edition models use a non-reflective display with a backlight.[32]
Models
Version
Release year
Limited edition
Notes
Raven Black w/o Backlight
2023
No
Original model
Lunar w/o Backlight
2023
Yes
Bespeckled cream case with dark keys
Cosmic
2024
Yes
Bespeckled colors on case and some colored keys, backlit, includes limited edition cover case
Lunar
2024
Yes
Backlit version
Raven Black
2025
No
Backlit version
Wordrunner
The Freewrite Wordrunner is an upcoming premium mechanical keyboard. It will be the first product in the Freewrite lineup which is not a dedicated word processor. Astrohaus has set up a refundable $1 reservation page, but has yet to release the product, intending to raise funds through a Kickstarter campaign in March 2025.[7][6] A prototype of the device appeared at CES 2025.[33]
The Wordrunner is slated to have unorthodox features intended for writers, including a physical word counter and a red joystick button.[33][34]
Other products and services
Astrohaus develops writing software and online cloud services related to the Freewrite product range.
Freewrite Plus – an optional subscription-based document cloud system for the Smart Typewriter and Traveler
Postbox – a free online interface and manager for Freewrite devices[35]
Sprinter – a free, browser-based writing tool which syncs with Postbox[36]
CLAPBOSS – a smart device which listens for clapping sounds and can be programmed to perform functions[37]
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
