It’s that time of the year again! Yes, May the 4th has come once more (to be quickly followed by Revenge of the 5th) and with it a slew of Star Wars-related products. From t-shirts, to candles, to rugs, to…milk (yes, that’s why there’s blue milk in your local dairy section), there’s no shortage of Star Wars merch to buy this weekend.
But if you want to get something that’s not going to look like you’ve been blasted with a Star Wars confetti cannon, something that you can actually use past this weekend, I’d recommend these new Hybrid Laptop Sleeves from OrbitKey.
What Is It?
OrbitKey’s Hybrid Laptop Sleeve does double-duty when you’re computing on the go. It’s a leather sleeve for your 14″ or 16″ laptop (perfectly sized for the MacBook Pro) but also a fold-out desk mat with built-in mousepad.
As a sleeve, it does exactly what you’d like it to do: protect in style. My MacBook Pro fits perfectly (you can also squeeze chunkier laptops in there too, I was able to use it for my Framework laptop). The sides are open near the hinge so that you have access to charging ports. The tri-fold magnetic flap closes securely and provides ample protection.
Once you’re ready to work, the magnetic flap folds out to reveal a microfiber-lined surface for you to rest your laptop on. The leather sleeve then provides the perfect surface for your mouse or as a convenient place for you to scribble down notes. It’s a more sophisticated weapon for a more enlightened age.
How Star Wars-ey Is It?
The thing I’ve enjoyed about the majority of OrbitKey’s Star Wars products is that they’re subtly nerdy. Rather than emblazon their keychains, desk mats, and other accessories with images of the characters they’re inspired by, the designs, rather, are evocative of them.
Take the Darth Vader Hybrid Laptop Sleeve. The first thing you notice on the deep black leather is a striking red accent in the center, recalling Vader’s red lightsaber. That’s complemented with red stitching around the edges. Look closer and you’ll see an embossed Empire symbol and tiny “Star Wars” logo.
Open up the sleeve into desk mat mode and the red stitching and new red accents are revealed, with more details: Vader’s name in Aurebesh (i.e. “Galactic Basic,” the written language of the Star Wars universe) and “Impressive. Most Impressive.”
In all, it’s a fantastic dedication to the character…but only if you really know what you’re looking at.
The Obi-Wan Kenobi Hybrid Laptop Sleeve is just as gorgeous. The brown leather is perfectly reminiscent of Old Ben’s robes, with a royal blue lightsaber debossed detail and edge accent. The Rebel symbol embossed on the front of the sleeve lets everyone know your allegiance.
Inside the blue accents continue, along with Obi-Wan’s name in Aurebesh and a cheeky “Hello there!” I really appreciate that the microfiber lining is a light tan, evoking Kenobi’s robes.
For those of you that prefer working analog, Orbitkey just revealed companion Compendiums as well, with room for a notebook, pen, and notecards, all with the same details as the Hybrid Laptop Sleeves.
Where Can I Get It?
The slightly unfair detail is that you have to wait for this gorgeousness to enrobe your laptop. OrbitKey’s pre-orders are live right now but the laptop sleeves and compendiums won’t ship until July.
That said, OrbitKey is offering ample incentive to pre-order early. While supplies last, they’ll include a character-matching Key Organizer for whichever sleeve you purchase. Considering these go for around $45 on their own, it’s a most impressive deal.
OrbitKey’s Star Wars Collection can be viewed in its entirety here. Hybrid Laptop Sleeves pre-orders start at $89.90 and they ship in July.
