this post was submitted on 14 Jul 2026
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Why buttonless? I like buttons.
Heck, a scroll wheel would be a killer feature
Buttons and scroll wheels cost more than touchscreens at this point… 90s me wanted touchscreens on everything, and me since maybe 2015? has been firmly “bring back buttons”
…whenever they started replacing useful things that SHOILD be buttons always (car) with touch things. Absolutely not bueno.
It's not that they cost MORE, they can be sub-cent per unit if you buy enough of them:
https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/filter/tactile-switches/197?s=N4IgbCBcoJYCZRAWgIwAYUgDQgA4BdFsR8BPXAU0QEMBnAYxAF8mg
Of course they cost MORE than putting all their functions on a tiny touch screen that’s already gonna be on the device!
Beyond manufacturing the device to be able to use separate physical moving pieces, you’ve also got costs supporting pieces that break in warranty, units damaged in shipping due to moving parts being tossed around, etc.
For just the part yes. Board design, programming, and manufacture costs increase with more components.
The cheapest Pockeboot model always had buttons (and touch screen). The more expensive ones are always touch screen only. I never got it. Buttons are a nice feature, why remove them in higher end models?
My Kobo only has a power button and it’s perfect for my needs.
My kobo has a power button, and two page turn buttons and its perfect for my needs.
Seriously, I have 4 (5 if you count the ancient kindle DX) ereaders, and the kobo is the only one I use. Will never again buy one without buttons
It’s not that hard to tap the screen to turn a page lmao
Hard, no. Uncomfortable, yes.
I'm really not looking to move my fingers much when I read. What am I supposed to do, rest my finger on the display so I can turn the page and skip 15 words per page?
I prefer physical media, but I appreciate the utility of ereaders. I, too, would prefer buttons if I used an ereader with any frequency; I still lament the disappearance of them from my phone!
However, in case this is a problem you really need fixed: my wife is an avid ereader user. She didn't like the page turning for many of the reasons you listed, so she bought a ring that has Bluetooth and a singular button. The ring connects to your reader, then when you press the button, simulates a click or screen tap. You get the page turning experience it sounds like you want and, after setup, the only thing you need to physically exert at all is your thumb.
edit: Fixed an embarrassing number of typos.
No, I didn't say exhausting, I said uncomfortable. I bought my first ereader in 2009, and a lot of then in the meantime, I had devices with only buttons, only toucscreen, and both.
Using buttons for page turns is the most comfortable for me. I do appreciate a touchscreen to configure the device, select books, etc.
You’ve never read a real book in your life?? You do that every time you turn a real page. Quit being a baby.
At that point, why not just read a real book??
My whole reason for using an ereader is to eliminate the parts of reading physical books that annoys me, why would I buy a subpar reader that makes me do or simulates doing the actions I want to avoid?
Quit acting like a child that thinks everyone should think the way you do.
Don't know what you gain by calling names.
Different people have different likes. Its really not a hard concept. Have a fine day 👋