What it does
RENWO25 enhances creative tasks like drawing, modeling, and editing on tablets by offering fast, precise control through modular physical inputs, enabling efficient tool access and parameter adjustment without sacrificing portability.
Your inspiration
The idea of RENWO25 came from my experience using MX Master mice and customized keypads like TourBox, which greatly improved my desktop workflow. But as creative apps on tablets become more professional, I found that native input methods couldn't keep up. Using desktop peripherals sacrifices portability—defeating the purpose of tablets. RENWO25 aims to solve this paradox by integrating a rear input kit into the tablet, allowing handheld flexibility while supporting advanced interaction like on desktops.
How it works
RENWO25 is a rear input module integrated into a TPU protective case for portable computers. It consists of a modular cluster of rotary inputs, directional controls, and discrete buttons, paired with a dual-angle linkage stand. Users can operate the device handheld or on the lap with the stand closed, or deploy the stand to support the device on a desk, adjusting orientation and viewing angle based on the task. While working with a stylus in the dominant hand, the non-dominant hand operates RENWO25 to assist creation—adjusting brush opacity or size precisely via scroll wheels, rotating the canvas with knobs, and resetting its angle instantly with a single button. In the companion configuration app, RENWO HUB, users can freely assign key mappings per scenario to each input element, and customize parameters such as joystick dead zones and key repeat intervals.
Design process
As creative apps like ZBrush and CSP migrated to tablets, I noticed a growing mismatch: processing power increased, but interaction models remained consumer-oriented. I initially experimented with gesture-based shortcuts (e.g., drawing “C” to copy), but these proved hard to learn and inconsistent across apps. I then turned to hardware. While non-native, peripherals still offer the most practical solution today. Yet conventional keyboards undermine portability by requiring desk space—defeating the tablet's core advantage. RENWO25 integrates input modules directly into the back of a tablet case, using vertical stacking to minimize footprint. Field research with muralists—who often work from hotels or in transit—confirmed a real need for such a device. After prototyping with clay and SLA models, I finalized a dual-inclined frustum shape (25° outer, 65° inner), which improves grip, reduces perceived bulk, and supports stable upright positioning.
How it is different
RENWO25 differs from typical keyboard-style accessories by being fully integrated into the tablet body. Its all-in-one form factor removes the need for a desktop surface, preserving handheld or lap-based mobility. Even when used on a desk, its vertically aligned layout takes up minimal horizontal space—ideal for compact environments like train trays or car desks. This design directly benefits creators who work outdoors or on-site, such as muralists or spatial designers, by addressing the challenge of precise digital input in constrained or mobile settings.
Future plans
RENWO25 has completed its structural design and layout of input components. The next stage involves internal integration and software development. For users who rely on portable computers for professional creative workflows, RENWO25 offers a viable pre-native solution—bridging the gap before tablets adopt truly integrated input systems. However, for the majority who use tablets mainly for media consumption, RENWO25 may be seen as an added burden in terms of bulk and portability. Its future may lie in niche-oriented crowdfunding aimed at professional users.
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