When Apple introduced the MacBook Pro Touch Bar, it not only solved a problem most people didn’t have, but it also created several new ones. It was a failed experiment that Apple eventually rectified in 2021 with the release of the M1 Pro and M1 Max-equipped MacBook Pro, which brought back the traditional function keys. But a startup thinks it can do better.
Enter Flexbar, a fully customizable touch bar from Enilinx. It does feel like 2016 all over again, doesn’t it? Well, yes and no because, unlike Apple, which removed the traditional function keys and replaced them with touch controls, Flexbar simply adds a shortcut touchscreen. Better still, it takes that idea and finally realizes its true potential by letting you decide exactly what it does.
That said, do not let the Touch Bar lookalike mislead you. This thing is incredibly versatile and fully customizable, giving you quick access to essential macros, hotkeys, and even real-time system stats. You can also use it to streamline and personalize interactions with software, games, and streaming tools.
Obviously, a touchscreen device with this purpose is nothing new. But Flexbar stands out thanks to its extensive customization options, powered by a built-in designer that lets you tailor it to your workflow. The hardware itself is equally well thought out. It can sit neatly above your laptop’s function keys or beside your keyboard for easy access without getting in the way.
The Flexbar is housed in an aluminum-alloy body and comes with a magnetic aluminum stand that lets you prop it up at an angle, if desired. It measures 275 mm (10.8 inches) long, 15 mm (0.6 inches) deep, and 8.35 mm (0.3 inches) thick. It features a vibrant 2K OLED touchscreen with haptic feedback, so you know every touch has registered. It connects over USB-C and works across all major platforms.
The device is also designed for deep integration with popular applications, including Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office, Procreate, DaVinci Resolve, and more. Then there’s FlexGate, an online platform where users can discover new plugins or share their own creations with the community.
Oh, Flexbar isn’t exactly new, btw. It first appeared on Kickstarter in late 2024, but it has since graduated from crowdfunding and is now available as a retail product. Speaking of which, the Flexbar Customizable Touch-Bar Solution is available now at a discounted price of US$167 (U.P. US$179).
Images: Enilinx.
