SoundSlide is A Compact USB Touch Volume Controller for Laptop Audio Management
In the era of compact devices, SoundSlide is a tiny USB touch controller designed to simplify audio management on laptops or tablets. It is compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux, and it functions as a plug-and-play USB keyboard, requiring no drivers. With its intuitive touch gestures, users can adjust volume, mute/unmute speakers or microphones, and customize settings like touch sensitivity and orientation through a configuration page. Measuring just 20.9 x 6.9 x 3.5 mm, it integrates seamlessly into any workspace without clutter. The USB touch controller is ideal for everyday use. SoundSlide enhances accessibility to audio controls for activities like streaming, music, and remote work, addressing the limitations of modern Laptops or Tab’s sleek designs.
The SoundSlide is simple to set up and offers instant control. You can connect it to any USB-C port on your laptop, and its reversible design ensures you can position it without blocking nearby ports. Once connected, you can adjust the volume or mute the sound effortlessly using intuitive touch gestures like swiping or tapping.
We have not previously written about any sound controller. However, we have covered StreamUnlimited Stream210, a compact, embedded hardware module for audio streaming and IoT applications. Feel free to check this out, if you want to be familiar with this sound controller.
SoundSlide USB Touch Controller Specifications:
- Device Type: USB touch control device for audio management
- Interface: USB-C, plug-and-play (no drivers required)
- Gestures Supported: Volume adjustment, mute/unmute for speakers or microphones
- Customization Options: Touch sensor sensitivity, scale, orientation, and gesture configurations
- Power Supply: Powered via USB connection
- Dimensions: 20.9 x 6.9 x 3.5 mm
The device uses the touch interface powered by the Microchip SAM D11 Arm Cortex-M0+ microcontroller. The creators, Drake Labs, have shared the project’s firmware, schematics (available in PDF and WebP formats), and a command-line interface built with Go on their GitHub repository.
The SoundSlide offers an innovative way to control volume but takes up a USB-C port, which might not be an issue for laptops with multiple ports. However, for devices with limited USB-C ports, dedicating one solely for volume control could be a consideration. The SoundSlide is available online for purchase, with prices starting at $15 on platforms like eBay, Tindie, and Elecrow, and $18 on Amazon.