Six handy touch-sensitive buttons and LEDs for your micro:bit. You can use touch:bit as a controller for games on micro:bit's LED matrix, or combine it with the radio functionality and use it as a controller for your robot.

Product Features:

• 6.6 cm x 3.6 cm x 1.2 cm
• Comes fully-assembled and ready to use
• 6 capacitive touch buttons
• 6 bright white LEDs
• CAP1166 capacitive touch and LED driver
• Compatible with micro:bit
• Microsoft MakeCode and MicroPython support
• No soldering required!

Product Assembly:

Additional materials needed before we start!

• Laptop
• USB Cable
• micro:bit

(Note: touch:bit does not comes with the laptop, cable and micro:bit)

Project Ideas:

• Create robot, game or menu controller. For example, a controller for games on micro:bit’s LED matrix.
• Create ‘Simon’ or reaction game.
• Combine with radio functionality.

Coding:

Code touch:bit with the block-based Microsoft MakeCode editor!

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your first project started:

Step 1: Go to https://makecode.microbit.org/#editor

Step 2: Click ‘Advanced’ then ‘Extensions’.

Step 3: Search “touchbit” then click on the ‘Learn More’.

Step 4: Start coding.

Step 5: Download the code to your micro:bit and you are set to go!

Pros & Cons:

Pros

Cost – It does not cost much to purchase one. Just SGD$20 (including GST) and you can get a device that is capable of doing fun projects!

Size – With the palm-sized touch:bit, you can bring it everywhere easily.

Assembly – You will receive it fully-assembled and ready to use with no soldering required.

Software – Microsoft MakeCode and MicroPython support.

Difficulty Level – I would rate the difficulty level 1/5. This product is straight forward and super easy to use. You simply insert the micro:bit into the touch:bit then code with the block-based Microsoft MakeCode editor and you are ready to use!

Target Demographic – Good thing is that, anyone can use it. If you are into coding and love to explore robotics, then this product is perfect for you!

Cons

Safety – Sharp edges around the micro:bit slot may not be suitable especially for kids.

Conclusion:

Overall, this product is very plain and simple but it keeps you creative by discovering new projects you never thought would be possible. I had fun playing around with the touch:bit. It is definitely worth to buying. Get yours now!

This review was written by Nurfazli Ersyakir from Republic Polytechnic pursuing a diploma in Engineering Design With Business.