Luna Display Creators Launch New 'Darkboard' Drawing Surface for iPad

Astropad, known for Astropad Studio software and the Luna Display dongle, today announced the launch of its latest project, called Darkboard. The Darkboard is a lightweight drawing surface designed to be used with the iPad, providing a more ergonomic way to sketch and draw wherever you are.


Weighing in at 1.4 pounds, the Darkboard is made from a rigid foam material that cushions the arm and wrist while still providing comfort and support. Astropad says that the Darkboard is ideal for using on the couch, in bed, and in other situations where you don't have the best ergonomic setup.

There is a polycarbonate frame to hold the ‌iPad‌ in place at any angle, so it can be propped up in a way that's most comfortable to each user. Astropad also added 1mm of space between the ‌iPad‌'s screen and the edge of the foam body to ensure the ‌iPad‌ stays safe should the Darkboard be dropped.

There's a cutout for the camera, charging port access, and a pocket for the Apple Pencil. The Darkboard measures in at 18 inches long, 14 inches wide, and an inch thick, and it is designed to have a textured surface that improves grip, plus there are grooved handles.

darkboard
Darkboard comes in two sizes, one that fits the third-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro or newer and one that fits the 11-inch ‌iPad Pro‌ and iPad Air models. It will also support future iPads released between now and when it ships out.

Astropad is launching Darkboard on Kickstarter, and early bird backers can pick it up for $79, which is 20 percent off of the retail price. Orders will be delivered in March 2023.

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Top Rated Comments

mw360 Avatar
35 months ago
I recently met an artist working on a graphic novel and he had the Sketchboard Pro ('https://sketchboardpro.com'). I was surprised how enthusiastic he was about it. He really, really loved it but I didn't get the point of it. Ever since then I've been hyper aware of having no surface to rest/stabilise on while drawing. I think I want one now.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ignatius345 Avatar
35 months ago
It does look useful but I'm surprised they didn't put some more work into the aesthetics. Looks like a prototype or something.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
csfossett Avatar
35 months ago
I have a Sketchboard Pro and love it. A hand/arm-resting surface is (I think) essential for drawing on the iPad for long periods of time. Darkboard looks like it solves the same issue . . . except for one major difference. The Sketchboard Pro is two pieces: a hard exterior surface with an inner flexible silicone "cradle." The iPad fits snugly into the cradle, and when Apple inevitably changes the next-gen hardware measurements, the SBP folks will make an updated cradle and you don't have to buy the whole deal a second time.

I hope it doesn't sound like I'm crabbing about this new board. Not at all! Whatever works for you is all that matters when it comes to art. Just figured it was worth pointing out the key difference, since it's what convinced me to try the SBP. Next time Apple change up the iPad's physical specs, I'll definitely get a new cradle.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macduke Avatar
35 months ago
Huh, this is kinda cool. I think I might make one out of wood in my workshop. A bit smaller, maybe with flip down legs, and the charging port could feed through the back instead. Maybe embed some neodymium magnets to hold it in place. Will need to get some magnetic paper to layout the placement. Or maybe a steel plate would be sufficient? Could maybe make magnetic inserts for my kid’s smaller iPads. I think I found my next project idea!
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Macalicious2011 Avatar
35 months ago

I recently met an artist working on a graphic novel and he had the Sketchboard Pro ('https://sketchboardpro.com'). I was surprised how enthusiastic he was about it. He really, really loved it but I didn't get the point of it. Ever since then I've been hyper aware of having no surface to rest/stabilise on while drawing. I think I want one now.
If you want to draw/paint with your elbow, not wrist, then a support like this one is essential.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
svish Avatar
35 months ago
$100 seems a bit costly for it.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)