Why should we back?
Intro
Welcome to KickstartNew! I’m Jason, and today I’m introducing the Prolo Ring — a fingertip-ring style device designed to give full desktop control without the need for a mouse. According to its campaign, this ring is tailored for coders, creators and professionals who “live on the keyboard,” enabling gestures, cursor movement, shortcuts and macros while staying in typing posture. In this blog post I’ll cover why you might back it, what drawbacks to consider, how reliable the project seems, and help you decide whether supporting it makes sense.
Why should I back this project?
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Streamlined workflow – The Prolo Ring promises to let you stay in your typing posture and control the screen without reaching for a mouse or trackpad, which could reduce interruptions and improve focus.
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Advanced gesture and macro support – It offers multiple gesture modes, air gestures, macros and commands (the campaign mentions “6 gesture modes, 40+ commands”).
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Cross-platform compatibility – The device claims support for Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS, making it versatile for different users and setups.
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Ergonomic benefits – Designed to reduce wrist travel or posture strain by keeping control close to your dominant hand and keyboard position.
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Early adopter potential – If you’re someone who loves cutting-edge productivity tools, this project offers a chance to back something that’s less conventional and could give you a unique advantage.
What are the potential drawbacks you should consider when you back it?
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Novel hardware risk – As with any new hardware product, there’s a risk that the final ergonomics, durability or gesture responsiveness may not match expectations.
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Learning curve – Using gesture modes and macros in a ring form will likely require adaptation and time to integrate smoothly into your workflow.
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Compatibility issues & driver support – While cross-platform support is claimed, actual performance on all platforms may vary, and software/firmware updates may be required post-delivery.
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Delivery timeline & fulfillment risk – As with many crowdfunding projects, delays in production, shipping, quality control or logistics can affect when you actually receive the device.
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Value vs alternative tools – If you already use trackpads, mice or specialized control devices, you’ll want to assess whether the Prolo Ring offers a compelling enough advantage to justify backing it.
The reliability of the project
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Clear positioning & value proposition – The campaign presents a defined use case (keyboard power users) and a unique gesture ring concept, which suggests thought-through product intent.
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Prototype information available – The product page includes descriptions of “Modtouch™ technology” and the ring’s functions, which suggests the team has moved past pure concept into some development.
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Transparency about support and compatibility – They list supported platforms explicitly, which increases confidence in planning rather than vague promises.
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Risk remains given early stage – I couldn’t locate detailed manufacturing partners, certifications or large established brand backing, which means some risk remains typical of early tech crowdfunding.
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User feedback and reviews still limited – While there are some early user statements, independent reviews and mass user feedback are limited, so some uncertainty remains about real-world performance.
Conclusion
If you are a keyboard-centric power user — a coder, creator or professional whose workflow is tightly tied to staying at the keyboard — the Prolo Ring offers an intriguing proposition: gesture control, macros and cursor movement without ever leaving your typing position. The value could be real in boosting efficiency and reducing interruptions. On the other hand, this is still an early stage hardware innovation: you’ll be backing a promise rather than a mass-produced proven product, which means you accept the usual crowdfunding risks of delays, learning curves and compatibility issues. If you’re comfortable with that risk and excited by the potential productivity gains, backing the project could make sense. If you prefer tried-and-true hardware today, you might wait for reviews or a retail launch. Either way, weigh how strongly the proposed benefits match your workflow before committing.
