Hyper just threw down the gauntlet against Apple's trackpad dominance. The company's HyperSpace Trackpad Pro launches today on Kickstarter with a bold claim - it's actually better than the Magic Trackpad 2. After hands-on testing, WIRED's Luke Larsen found the $150 device delivers on precision but struggles with software complexity that could frustrate everyday users.
Windows users have been stuck with subpar trackpad options for years while Mac users enjoyed Apple's polished Magic Trackpad experience. That changes today as Hyper launches its HyperSpace Trackpad Pro on Kickstarter, promising to not just match Apple's hardware but surpass it entirely.
The $150 device immediately impresses with its premium CNC metal construction that mirrors Apple's Space Gray aesthetic. Dark silver sides frame a black glass surface that feels every bit as premium as Apple's offering. USB-C charging, Bluetooth connectivity, and the same compact footprint complete the familiar package.
But it's the performance specs that reveal Hyper's ambitions. The HyperSpace delivers a 240Hz polling rate that matches Apple's trackpad while supporting the same multi-finger gestures Windows users have been missing. During testing, WIRED's Luke Larsen found the basic navigation experience indistinguishable from Apple's hardware.
The real differentiation comes through Hyper's Hydra Connect software, which introduces "Deep Click" pressure sensitivity that transforms the entire surface into a customizable control interface. Light pressure registers standard clicks, while firm pressure triggers secondary functions like right-click menus or custom app commands.
Hyper extends this concept with "Action Zones" along the trackpad's edges that can be programmed for specific functions within apps like Chrome, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Figma. Power users can create complex workflows that replace keyboard shortcuts entirely - assuming they're willing to invest the time.
That's where the HyperSpace stumbles. Larsen's initial experience was frustrating enough that he suspected a defective unit. The Deep Click mechanism requires precise pressure calibration through software settings that aren't intuitive out of the box. Even after adjustment, accidental deep clicks during drag operations remained problematic.
The software itself feels unfinished. Action setup involves scrolling through lengthy, poorly organized lists where app-specific functions aren't clearly labeled. Some features like the Hydra Connect menu still display "coming soon" placeholders. Mac compatibility exists on paper but failed entirely during testing.
Despite these rough edges, the core hardware delivers on Hyper's promises. The haptic feedback system eliminates traditional mechanical buttons while maintaining precise click simulation across the entire surface. Multi-finger gestures work seamlessly, and cursor tracking matches Apple's gold standard.
For Windows professionals tired of reaching for keyboard shortcuts, the customization potential is genuinely compelling. Complex applications like AutoCAD or Blender could benefit from programmable gesture controls, though adoption requires significant workflow changes.
The pricing strategy reflects Hyper's premium positioning. At $150 retail, the HyperSpace costs $30 more than Apple's Magic Trackpad 2 and matches high-end mice like Logitech's MX Master 4. Early Kickstarter backers can secure units for $90 with December 2025 delivery estimates.
Hyper first announced the trackpad at CES 2025, but the Kickstarter launch suggests ongoing development challenges. WIRED typically advises caution with crowdfunding hardware, particularly given the software issues that need resolution.
The HyperSpace Trackpad Pro represents Windows users' best shot at trackpad parity with Mac users. The hardware foundation is solid, delivering premium build quality and performance that matches Apple's standard. But the software complexity that enables advanced customization also creates barriers for mainstream adoption.
The HyperSpace Trackpad Pro delivers premium hardware that finally gives Windows users a legitimate alternative to Apple's Magic Trackpad. But Hyper's ambitious software features create a double-edged sword - the deep customization that could appeal to power users also introduces complexity that may frustrate casual buyers. Success will depend on whether Hyper can refine the software experience before mainstream availability, making advanced features accessible without sacrificing the plug-and-play simplicity that made Apple's trackpad successful in the first place.
