The Astropad Darkboard is a new lightweight, ergonomic drawing surface for iPad. It gives artists a place to rest their arm while drawing without covering the tablet’s screen.
After a successful launch on Kickstarter, the product is now available worldwide.
Astropad Darkboard is for professional artists
“After years of working with digital artists, we wanted to design an accessory that makes drawing on the iPad more comfortable,” said Matt Ronge, Astropad CEO. “Darkboard is designed for all of the non-traditional ways that artists like to work, like on the couch and in bed.”
But it’s also usable on a desktop. A foldable stand holds the Darkboard upright for use with an external keyboard, or it can prop up one edge of the accessory in easel mode.
The case/stand offers a hard enclosure to securely hold the tablet, and a slot for Apple Pencil, too. Molded EVA provides a rigid and durable working surface. A neoprene sleeve protects the case, the stand and the iPad on the go.
Astropad built in openings for the USB-C port and the rear cameras, so Darkboard doesn’t interfere with charging the iPad, or taking pictures with it.
There are two versions. The D1 fits the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation and newer), while the D2 fits the 11-inch iPad Pro or the 10.9-inch iPad Air.
The D1 measures 18.1 inches by 14.2 inches x 1.3 inches. It weighs 1.4 pounds.
Available now
The Astropad Darkboard sells for $119.99. It can be ordered starting Tuesday, June 27.
Buy it from: Astropad
During the crowd-funding phase on Kickstarter in 2022, over 1,600 digital artists bought one.
Astropad also makes software and accessories that enable an iPad to act as a second screen for a Mac or Windows computer.
