Tap Systems

What Tap Systems does

Tap Systems, Inc. is a Pasadena, California-based wearable input technology company founded in 2015 by Dovid Schick (CEO, former founder of Schick Technologies, sold to Sirona for $500M+) and Dr. Sabrina Kemeny (President, former co-inventor of the CMOS image sensor at NASA JPL and founder of Photobit, sold to Micron). The company builds micro-gesture controllers that convert finger taps on any surface into standard Bluetooth HID keyboard and mouse input, with two flagship hardware products: the Tap Strap 2 finger-worn ring system and the TapXR wristband (launched 2023), both incorporating 3-axis accelerometers per finger, a 6-axis IMU and optical mouse chip in the thumb, haptic feedback, and Bluetooth 4.0+ multipair connectivity. Proprietary technology includes the TapAlphabet input system, AirMouse gesture mode, the TapMapper customization tool, and 9 granted patents across the US and EU protecting gesture-detection algorithms, mechanics, and design.

The business generates revenue through three streams: (1) direct-to-consumer hardware sales via TapWithUs.com, Amazon, and Walmart ($5M+ cumulative across 45,000+ units shipped since 2018, with Tap Strap 2 historically priced at $179 and TapXR sold via quote), (2) OEM licensing targeting AI glasses manufacturers seeking a reference input layer and smartwatch co-marketing partnerships, and (3) an open developer ecosystem with Apache 2.0 SDKs for iOS, Android, Windows, and Unity plus the TapBLE API. The company has raised over $20M cumulatively from 7,000+ community investors across 6 equity crowdfunding rounds (Regulation CF, currently at a $94.6M pre-money valuation) and maintains a 12-person fully integrated team operating from a single Pasadena headquarters. Customer concentration is overwhelmingly long-tail consumer with nascent enterprise exposure across medical, logistics, field service, hospitality, engineering, education, and an emerging U.S. Army IVAS defense angle.

Name

Tap Systems

Legal name

Tap Systems Inc.

Website

https://tapwithus.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Tap Systems develops wearable Bluetooth HID input devices (TapXR wristband and Tap Strap 2 finger rings) that convert finger taps into keyboard, mouse, and gesture commands, serving VR/AR/XR users, accessibility users, professionals, and AI glasses OEMs via D2C, OEM licensing, and an open SDK ecosystem.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wearable Input Devices

SIC

Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Switchgear & Switchboard Apparatus (3613)

akta.pro primary industry

Mice, Trackballs & Pointing Devices (HDACAFAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Cloud Gaming Controllers & Input Hardware (Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth controllers, input adapters) (MPAFAHAH)

Keywords

• Wearable input devices
• Gesture-controlled keyboards
• Bluetooth HID controllers
• VR/AR input solutions
• Smart glasses input

Headquarters

HQ city

Pasadena

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Direct-to-Consumer Hardware Sales: Sale of TapXR wristband and Tap Strap 2 wearable keyboards directly to consumers through TapWithUs.com e-commerce storefront, Amazon marketplace, and Walmart retail. Generated $5M+ in revenue to date across 45,000+ units shipped since 2018.
2. OEM Licensing: License technology to AI glasses manufacturers as their reference input solution. Co-marketing deals with smartwatch makers for Apple Watch-compatible accessory integration.
3. Developer Ecosystem: Open SDK ecosystem for iOS, Android, Vision OS, and Unity. Platform-agnostic input standard recognized as Bluetooth keyboard/mouse working out of the box with any application.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Tap Systems develops and sells wearable micro-gesture controllers—primarily the TapXR wristband and Tap Strap 2—that function as Bluetooth HID keyboards, mice, and air-gesture controllers. The proprietary TapAlphabet maps finger-tap combinations to letters, numbers, symbols, and commands, enabling 70+ WPM one-handed typing on any surface. Devices integrate with VR/AR/MR headsets, smartphones, tablets, PCs, smartwatches, and smart TVs through standard Bluetooth connectivity, with an open-source SDK and TapBLE API supporting developer integrations.

Product overview

Tap Systems offers a unified portfolio of wearable input devices centered around the TapXR wristband and Tap Strap 2, both functioning as Bluetooth-enabled wearable keyboards, mice, and gesture controllers. The products convert finger tap combinations into standard HID keyboard/mouse input, enabling hands-free text entry and device control. The ecosystem includes companion mobile apps (TapManager for device setup, TapGenius/TapAcademy for learning, TapAloud for accessibility, TapMapper for customization) and mobile games (TapTapBunny, TapSquadron, TapChase, TapLoops). An open-source SDK ecosystem (iOS, Android, Windows, Unity) and TapBLE API enable developer integrations. The company targets VR/AR/XR users, accessibility users, professionals, gamers, and musicians with products priced at $179.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TapXR: Wrist-worn wearable keyboard, mouse, and controller for VR, AR, MR, tablets, PCs, laptops, smartwatches, smartphones, TVs, and projectors.
• Tap Strap 2

Products and services

• TapXR Wrist-worn wearable keyboard, mouse, and air-gesture controller that enables one-handed typing up to 80+ WPM by tapping finger combinations on any surface. Connects via Bluetooth 4.0+ to VR/AR/MR headsets, tablets, PCs, laptops, smartwatches, smartphones, smart TVs, and projectors as a standard HID input device, with AirMouse mode for cursor control via hand movements and pinches. Sold to individual consumers, enterprise VR/AR deployments, and OEM partners.
• Tap Strap 2 Finger-worn wearable keyboard, mouse, and air-gesture controller consisting of five flexible rings connected by braided nylon, each containing a 3-axis accelerometer with the thumb ring also containing a 6-axis IMU, optical mouse chip, haptic feedback, and battery. Provides up to 10 hours of operation, works as a standard Bluetooth HID device, and was previously sold at $179.

Quantifiable outcome

• Users achieve 70+ WPM typing speed with one hand
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability2 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered major, strategic and emerging.

• AmazonmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor third-party marketplace for direct-to-consumer product sales. One of three main distribution channels alongside TapWithUs.com and Walmart, contributing to $5M+ total revenue.
• WalmartmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor retail partner for product distribution. One of three main sales channels alongside TapWithUs.com and Amazon, generating $5M+ in direct-to-consumer revenue.
• ApplestrategicTechnology or IntegrationTap works seamlessly with iOS devices (iOS 9+) as a Bluetooth HID keyboard/mouse. Supports iOS-specific hotkeys and Apple VoiceOver accessibility features. TapXR optimized for iPad and iPhone use. Co-marketing potential as Apple Watch-compatible accessory.
• GooglestrategicTechnology or IntegrationTap compatible with Android devices (Android 5.0+) as standard Bluetooth HID input. Android SDK available on GitHub. Potential for co-marketing as Android smartwatch accessory.
• Meta (Facebook)strategicTechnology or IntegrationTap pairs with Meta Quest VR headsets via Bluetooth 4.0+, enabling text input and control in virtual reality environments. Referenced as key use case for overcoming VR text input limitations.
• MicrosoftstrategicTechnology or IntegrationTap compatible with Microsoft HoloLens (AR), Windows Mixed Reality headsets, and Windows PCs (8.1+). Demo available showing Tap controlling Windows Mixed Reality XR environments.
• SamsungstrategicTechnology or IntegrationTap works with Samsung Galaxy devices and potentially Samsung smartwatches. Galaxy Watch compatibility mentioned in customer reviews. Potential OEM partnership opportunity for Galaxy Watch strap integration.
• Unity TechnologiesstrategicTechnology or IntegrationOfficial Unity Plugin available on GitHub under Apache 2.0 license. Enables game developers and XR experience creators to integrate Tap gesture input into Unity-based applications.
• U.S. Army (IVAS Program)emergingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMilitary is investing in soldier-worn AR systems ($255M requested for IVAS procurement, $159M for Soldier Borne Mission Command prototyping). Tap positioned as solution for silent, hands-free, glove-compatible device control in field conditions.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• CTRL-Labs: Neural wristband for gesture-based input into computers and AR/VR. Acquired by Meta (Facebook) in 2019. Most directly comparable company to Tap in wearable gesture-input technology targeting the same use cases of replacing keyboard/mouse with hand/finger gestures.
• Mudra (Alphabet): Gesture-sensing wristband using nerve-conduction sensors to control devices. Acquired by Alphabet. Directly comparable to TapXR as a wrist-worn wearable input device translating bio-signals/finger motion into digital commands.
• 8BitDo: Compact wireless input controllers and gamepads for mobile, PC, and retro gaming platforms. Comparable to Tap as a specialized compact input hardware maker targeting enthusiast/gaming users with multi-device Bluetooth connectivity.

Broad incumbents

• Logitech: Global leader in computer peripherals including keyboards, mice, and gaming controllers. Comparable as the broad incumbent input hardware maker whose installed base and channels Tap aims to disrupt with wearable form factors.
• Razer: Major gaming peripherals maker with keyboards, mice, and controllers plus a broader software ecosystem. Comparable to Tap as a premium input device maker targeting gamers, creators, and prosumer segments.
• Valve (Steam Deck / Steam Controller): PC gaming platform that has shipped its own input hardware (Steam Controller, Steam Deck) and runs the Index VR platform. Comparable to Tap as both an input hardware maker and a platform that needs to solve text entry in VR environments where Tap is positioned as the partner input solution.
• Apple (Vision Pro / Apple Watch): Owner of the iOS and Apple Watch platforms Tap integrates with, and the maker of Vision Pro with native hand-gesture input. Tap currently co-markets as an Apple Watch-compatible accessory, but Apple could choose to build competing native gesture input, making this a key partner/competitor dynamic.
• Vuzix: Public smart glasses and AR headset maker with deep enterprise and defense deployments. Comparable to Tap as an AR glasses OEM whose customers (medical, logistics, field service) overlap with Tap's enterprise verticals, and as a potential integration partner for Tap input.

Emerging players

• Brilliant Labs: Maker of AI-integrated smart glasses (Frame, Monocle) targeting consumer and developer use cases. Comparable to Tap as an emerging player in the AI glasses ecosystem where Tap is positioning its input technology as the reference controller.
• Solos (also Kopin Solos): Smart glasses maker focused on fitness and cycling with integrated audio and micro-display. Comparable to Tap as a smaller smart glasses OEM in the same ecosystem where Tap could license its input technology, and overlapping enterprise/consumer segments.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/tapwithus
• GitHubgithub.com/TapWithUs
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/tapsystems
• Facebookfacebook.com/tapwithus
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tap-with-us
• Instagraminstagram.com/tapwithus

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds9 records

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Tap Systems