Astrohaus
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Technology, Consumer electronics |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Founder | Adam Leeb, Patrick Paul |
| Headquarters | Detroit , United States |
| Products | Portable digital typewriters, word processors, computer keyboards (Freewrite Smart Typewriter, Alpha, Traveler) |
Astrohaus is a U.S.-based technology firm established in 2014 by Adam Leeb and Patrick Paul. The company specializes in creating portable digital typewriters, word processors, and computer keyboards.
The inception of Astrohaus followed the successful crowdfunding of the Hemingwrite in 2014, an electronic typewriter equipped with an e-ink display. Due to trademark issues, the product was rebranded as the Freewrite, which led to the formal establishment of Astrohaus.
Since then, Astrohaus has expanded its lineup with multiple Freewrite versions, such as the Smart Typewriter, Alpha, and Traveler. Alongside hardware, the company provides official accessories, dedicated writing software, and optional cloud-based services. Its online store also includes third-party desk gadgets and writing aids.
Reviews of Astrohaus products have been varied. The Smart Typewriter’s metal chassis and keyboard tactile response have garnered positive feedback, whereas its price point—higher than many laptops and alternative devices—has faced criticism. Some reviewers have described the plastic construction of the Alpha and Traveler models as "inexpensive."
History
In 2014, founders Leeb and Paul initiated a Kickstarter campaign for the Hemingwrite—a portable electronic typewriter boasting an e-ink screen, mechanical keyboard, onboard memory, and an aluminum frame—marketed as a "distraction-free" writing tool.
Following this, Astrohaus began accepting public orders for the Smart Typewriter in 2016. Two years later, in 2018, they launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo for their second product, the Traveler. The Alpha was introduced in 2024 as their third Freewrite word processor through another crowdfunding effort.
In 2025, Astrohaus revealed plans for the Freewrite Wordrunner, a mechanical keyboard incorporating advanced document navigation and timing capabilities. A Kickstarter campaign is scheduled for March 2025 to finance this new product.
Smart Typewriter
The Freewrite Smart Typewriter represents Astrohaus’s flagship writing device. Initially funded via Kickstarter in 2014 and publicly released in 2016 under the Hemingwrite name, it features a black aluminum chassis, front-lit e-ink display, full mechanical keyboard, Wi-Fi connectivity, and built-in storage. The third generation employs Kailh Box Brown switches and supports 60 languages across 85 keyboard layouts.
Generations
Astrohaus has launched three iterations of the Smart Typewriter, each introducing hardware enhancements and broader software compatibility:
| Generation | Release Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2014 | Debut model with Cherry key switches |
| 2 | Fall 2017 | Improved battery life and keyboard design; supports over 20 languages |
| 3 | January 2022 | Upgraded front-lit E-Ink screen, enhanced battery performance, new processor, Kailh Box Brown switches |
Ernest Hemingway Signature Edition
In 2021, Astrohaus collaborated with Ernest Hemingway’s estate to produce a special edition based on the second-generation model—known as the Ernest Hemingway Freewrite Signature Edition or Hemingwrite edition. This premium variant features a hand-polished silver aluminum body, dark green keys, and comes with a leather briefcase engraved with Hemingway’s signature. Additionally, the device displays an image of Hemingway on its screen.
Traveler
The Freewrite Traveler is a highly portable digital writing device featuring a clamshell design constructed from polycarbonate. In contrast to the Smart Typewriter and Alpha models, it incorporates a full-size scissor-switch keyboard rather than a mechanical one. Its key components include an E-Ink display, internal storage, rechargeable battery, and Wi-Fi capability.
Funded through Indiegogo in 2018, initial shipments commenced in January 2019. The original edition showcased a white interior accented with red buttons and a glossy black exterior finish. It offers an integrated document manager operated by physical buttons, setting it apart from the Smart Typewriter’s folder toggle system. Some critics have likened its design to that of a laptop, and Astrohaus promotes it as a viable alternative to traditional laptops.
In November 2023, Astrohaus introduced the Ghost edition—a limited-release model featuring a fully transparent casing and keys inspired by transparent plastics popular in the 1990s and Y2K design trends.
Models
| Version | Release year | Limited edition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traveler | 2020 | No | Original release |
| Ghost | 2023 | Yes | Transparent design variant |
Alpha
The Freewrite Alpha is a digital writing device equipped with a mechanical keyboard, LED screen, Wi-Fi connectivity, rechargeable battery, built-in storage, and polycarbonate housing. Developed as a more affordable and portable alternative to the Smart Typewriter, it became available for pre-order in 2023 and officially launched in January 2024. The Alpha draws inspiration from the AlphaSmart educational typing devices and is regarded as their spiritual successor; Astrohaus secured the AlphaSmart domain to redirect customers to the Freewrite store.
This model features a full-size mechanical keyboard utilizing Kailh Choc V2 low-profile switches with replaceable keycaps; however, certain function keys require specialized caps due to unique mounting designs. It includes a rear kickstand to improve typing ergonomics. The initial standard release mirrored the Smart Typewriter’s color palette, with an additional Lunar special edition offered. The Alpha is equipped with a reflective FSTN LCD panel; since 2024, select limited editions have introduced a non-reflective backlit display.
Models
| Version | Release year | Limited edition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raven Black w/o Backlight | 2023 | No | Initial release model |
| Lunar w/o Backlight | 2023 | Yes | Cream case with speckled pattern and dark keys |
| Cosmic | 2024 | Yes | Speckled case colors and some colored keys; backlit display; includes limited-edition cover case |
| Lunar | 2024 | Yes | Backlit version of Lunar edition |
| Raven Black | 2025 | No | Backlit standard model |
Wordrunner
The Freewrite Wordrunner represents Astrohaus’s upcoming entry into mechanical keyboards and marks their first product not exclusively designed for word processing. Interested buyers can secure a refundable $1 reservation ahead of its planned Kickstarter launch in March 2025. A prototype was showcased at CES 2025.
Tailored for writers, the Wordrunner incorporates distinctive features such as a physical word counter and a red joystick button aimed at boosting productivity.
Reception
Professional evaluations of Astrohaus devices have been varied, frequently pointing out the elevated retail cost relative to laptops and the use of plastic materials. Tom Brant from PCMag acknowledged the Traveler as a step forward from conventional typewriters but questioned whether its $429 price tag was justified given its limited functionality. In another review for the same outlet, Will Greenwald offered a favorable assessment of the Smart Typewriter, emphasizing its aluminum chassis and mechanical keys, while noting that its worth largely depends on individual user requirements.
Joshua Hawkins of Lifehacker Australia praised the Alpha model for its portability and innovative design but criticized its plastic construction and noisy typing experience, describing the price as "horrible." Séamus Bellamy from Reviewed valued the keyboard quality and instant-on capability but felt the device had a cheap feel and a subpar screen for text review, ultimately considering it a specialized product aimed at writers focused on enhancing concentration and productivity.