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HumanWare Mantis Q40 | 40-Cell Braille Display & QWERTY Keyboard

$2,699.00

Description

The HumanWare Mantis Q40 brings together two essential accessibility tools in one device: a full-size QWERTY keyboard and a 40-cell refreshable Braille display. Designed for people who use Braille and mainstream technology, the Mantis Q40 provides a familiar computer keyboard while displaying digital information in refreshable Braille.

Instead of carrying a separate keyboard and Braille display, the Mantis Q40 combines both into a single portable device. It can connect to compatible computers and mobile devices through Bluetooth or USB, making it useful in classrooms, workplaces, homes, and while traveling.

40-Cell Refreshable Braille Display

The Mantis Q40 features 40 refreshable Braille cells, providing a substantial amount of text at once. Each Braille cell has an associated cursor-routing button, allowing users to quickly move the editing cursor to the corresponding location in text.

The Braille display works with compatible screen readers, including JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, and Dolphin SuperNova, depending on the connected operating system and configuration.

Full-Size QWERTY Keyboard

Unlike a traditional standalone Braille display, the Mantis Q40 incorporates a full laptop-style QWERTY keyboard. This allows users to type using familiar computer keys while simultaneously reading the screen content in Braille.

This combination can be particularly useful for students and professionals who need to develop or maintain standard keyboarding skills while using Braille as their primary method for accessing text.

Connect to Multiple Devices

The Mantis Q40 can connect to up to five Bluetooth devices and one USB device simultaneously, making it possible to move between supported devices without repeatedly pairing from scratch.

Use the Mantis with compatible computers, smartphones, tablets, and other supported technology for accessible reading, writing, communication, and productivity.

Built-In Applications

The Mantis Q40 is more than a Braille display when used on its own. Built-in applications include:

  • Editor
  • Terminal
  • Library
  • Online Library
  • Calculator
  • Date and Time

Supported file formats include formats such as DOC, DOCX, TXT, BRF, BRL, HTML, RTF, and DAISY, depending on the application.

Reading and Writing

The built-in Editor can be used for creating and editing documents, while the Library provides access to compatible digital books and documents. The device can therefore be useful for taking notes, writing assignments, reading digital materials, and managing files without relying entirely on a connected computer.

Useful for School and Work

The Mantis Q40 is designed to support access to mainstream computing environments. HumanWare specifically highlights its use in educational settings, where students can use a standard QWERTY keyboard while accessing classroom technology through Braille.

For professionals, the Mantis can provide Braille access to documents, email, applications, and other computer-based information while retaining a familiar keyboard layout.

Portable Design

The Mantis Q40 measures approximately 29 × 17 × 2 cm and weighs about 786 grams (1.7 pounds). Its relatively slim design makes it practical to carry in a laptop or tablet bag.

The device also includes a protective case, USB-A to USB-C cable, USB-C power adapter, and Getting Started Guide.

Current Firmware Features

HumanWare’s 2026 firmware update for the Mantis Q40 introduced additional Braille learning tables, a recording application, and support for the eBraille format. Keeping the device updated can provide access to the latest supported functionality.

Key Features

  • 40-cell refreshable Braille display
  • Full-size QWERTY keyboard
  • Laptop-style keyboard layout
  • Cursor-routing buttons
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • USB connectivity
  • Connects to multiple Bluetooth devices
  • Built-in Editor
  • Built-in Library
  • Online Library access
  • Calculator
  • Date and Time application
  • Supports multiple Braille languages and tables
  • Supports multiple document and ebook formats
  • Compatible with major screen readers
  • Portable design
  • Approximately 1.7-pound weight
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Protective carrying case included
  • Useful as a standalone device or connected Braille display
  • Supports accessible computing, reading, and writing

Who Can Benefit

The HumanWare Mantis Q40 may be useful for:

  • People who are blind and use Braille
  • Braille readers and writers
  • Students learning or using Braille
  • College and university students
  • Professionals who use accessible technology
  • People who prefer a standard QWERTY keyboard
  • Computer users who work with screen readers
  • Individuals who need portable Braille access
  • Teachers of students who are blind
  • Assistive technology professionals
  • Schools and accessibility programs

Common Uses

School

Use the Mantis Q40 to read digital classroom materials in Braille, type assignments using a standard QWERTY keyboard, take notes, and work with compatible educational technology.

Workplace

Access documents, email, applications, and other digital information through a connected computer while reading the content through the refreshable Braille display.

Reading

Use the built-in Library and compatible connected devices to read supported documents, ebooks, and other digital materials.

Writing and Note-Taking

Create and edit documents using the QWERTY keyboard while reviewing text through Braille.

Mobile Technology

Connect the Mantis to compatible smartphones and tablets for portable Braille access.

Braille Practice

The Mantis can also support Braille development and learning through its Braille tables and newer learning-table features.