It's infuriating how the tech community is obsessed with the latest shiny toy—open-source keyboards like the Ploopy. Sure, they might be "packed with precision," but let's face it: this is a distraction from the real issues we face in tech. Instead of improving accessibility or addressing glaring security flaws, we’re stuck drooling over custom keycaps and RGB lighting. This fixation on aesthetics over functionality is a joke! We need to prioritize innovation that actually benefits users, not just the next overpriced gadget. It's time to wake up and demand better from our tech creators instead of applauding mediocrity wrapped in flashy designs! #OpenSource #MechanicalKeyboards #TechCommunity #Innovation #Ploopy

The Crush 80 Reboot Lite is a mechanical keyboard with muted RGB and customization options, albeit without Mac-specific keycaps.Wobkey Crush 80 Reboot LiteThe mechanical keyboard marketplace offers a lot of choices for consumers in terms of specifications and colors. In most cases, what's on offer from the manufacturer is a pretty adequate keyboard in its own right, but it could be better with some tweaks.Most of the time, there's the opportunity to tinker for those brave enough to do it. Those who do can apply modifications to change how the keyboard types, far beyond simply changing the keycaps or the switches. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums #wobkey #crush #reboot #lite #mechanical

The Wobkey Rainy 75 Pro is an excellent example of what happens when a mechanical keyboard is made right. It just lacks Apple-specific keycaps.Wobkey Rainy 75 ProAt a glance, Mechanical keyboards are incredibly similar. To an outside observer, a keyboard is a basic peripheral, and there's little in the way anyone can improve the concept.That may be true to a point, but that doesn't stop people from coming up with models that strive for perfection of the form. Sometimes, they get the combination right enough to make many people feel happy using it as an input device. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums #wobkey #rainy #pro #review #excellent

A few months back, Serene Industries made waves in the mechanical keyboard world with the Icebreaker – a striking, brutalist-inspired keyboard milled from a solid block of aluminum. Now, the company is back with a refined take on the concept: the Cleaver, a more minimalist yet equally bold keyboard designed to bring industrial design sensibilities into the modern workspace and your home. Created by Denis Agarkov, the Cleaver continues Serene Industries’ tradition of monolithic design while pushing both form and function further. While the Icebreaker showcased an assertive and angular silhouette, the Cleaver dials back some of that raw visual weight. It sheds the prominent aluminum overhangs and edges, resulting in a cleaner, more office-friendly profile – yet it remains unmistakably brutalist, with sharp geometry and a cohesive color palette that evokes architectural concrete forms. Despite its sleeker appearance, the Cleaver is a feat of precision engineering. The chassis is CNC-milled from a single block of aluminum, and the internal components are encased in a custom overmolded silicone core. This silicone isn’t just there for aesthetics – it plays multiple functional roles: it acts as a sound dampener, provides grip via integrated non-slip feet, and protects the internal electronics by completely enclosing them. The silicone itself contributes to the keyboard’s unique acoustics and tactility. Hidden cavities beneath the non-slip feet help shape the typing sound while also creating a subtle suction effect that improves stability on your desk. These carefully considered details speak to Serene’s philosophy of obsessive design refinement. One of the most defining features of the Cleaver is its use of Hall Effect sensors in combination with magnetic switches. Originally developed in the mid-20th century and once used in early IBM terminals, Hall Effect keyboards have seen a resurgence in premium mechanical designs for their durability and responsiveness. Unlike traditional mechanical switches that rely on physical contact between metal parts, Hall Effect switches detect key presses magnetically. Each key has a small magnet, and when it’s pressed, the magnet’s movement alters the magnetic field, which is then detected by the Hall Effect sensor on the PCB. This contactless mechanism allows for smoother, more consistent actuation and drastically reduces wear over time. Because of this non-contact design, Serene was able to take an unconventional step: submerging the electronics entirely in silicone. Not only does this improve sound and tactile feedback, it also provides dust and splash resistance while maintaining structural integrity. The Cleaver also introduces a reimagined set of keycaps – each milled from aluminum and laser-perforated with pinpoint precision. Every character on the keyboard is rendered through a grid of tiny holes – 1,204 in total across the entire keyset – allowing RGB backlighting to shine through in a unique, diffused glow. As expected from a modern enthusiast board, the Cleaver supports hot-swappable switches and interchangeable keycaps, giving users room to experiment with the typing experience and visual customization. Two colorways are available at launch: a silver “clear” finish reminiscent of the original Icebreaker, and a matte black version that lends itself to more understated or minimal desk setups. Connectivity is handled via a durable USB-C port located discreetly on the back – chosen for its ruggedness and its role in the overall sealed design. There’s no wireless functionality here, and that’s by design. Serene Industries has chosen to focus purely on reliability and uncompromising build quality. At Cleaver isn’t just a casual purchase. But in a world of high-end mechanical keyboards, it represents a statement piece where design, engineering, and performance meet. Cleaver is available at serene.industries. Photography courtesy of Serene Industries. #cleaver #brutalistinspired #keyboard #made #block

Even though Apple DID make a 5.3mm iPad Pro, let’s just remember that they didn’t have as much success slimming down their keyboards. Remember the infamous butterfly keys on the MacBooks of 2015? Well, after that travesty, Apple just went back to what worked – relying on good-old scissor switches that resulted in a marginally thicker, yet more practical and functional device. At just 8 millimeters thick, the ‘mikefive’ doesn’t look like it should be real—let alone functional. But it is. It’s 37% slimmer than Apple’s Magic Keyboard and still manages to pack in 1.8mm of key travel, tactile mechanical switches, wireless connectivity, and a cyberpunk-grade metal chassis. It’s the kind of gear that looks like it came from a movie prop shop specializing in dystopian sci-fi—only it types better than most of what’s on your desk. The mastermind behind it is Reddit user dynam1keNL, an industrial product designer who clearly decided the mechanical keyboard rabbit hole didn’t go deep enough. Built from scratch around Kailh’s obscure PG1316 laptop switches, the mikefive is what happens when obsessive design meets precision engineering. The custom transparent caps, the CNC-machined aluminum chassis, the completely flush PCB layout—it’s all been meticulously dialed in to create a keyboard that doesn’t just challenge what a mechanical board can be. It redefines it. Designer: dynam1keNL To start, the mikefive is built around the Kailh PG1316 switches—a lesser-known, laptop-style mechanical switch that isn’t just slim, it’s shockingly tactile. These things have a travel of 1.8mm, and despite their wafer-thin profile, they pack a surprisingly aggressive tactile bump. It’s a bold choice that bucks the trend of soft, mushy low-profile inputs. You feel every keypress, and not in a nagging way—more like a firm handshake with every letter. The design language leans into a sleek cyberpunk aesthetic: a CNC-machined aluminum chassis that feels like it belongs on the deck of a spaceship, paired with transparent keycaps that hint at the internals while catching ambient light like crystal circuitry. The keycaps are proprietary, square-shaped, and clear, subtly marked with mold letters from the inside. What makes this keyboard doubly fascinating is that it isn’t some big brand prototype or crowdfunding darling, it’s a homebrew labor of love from a designer-engineer with a background in industrial product design. The entire board, including its impossibly compact controller and 301230 battery, is laid out like a masterclass in minimalism. The switch mounts directly to the PCB with no pins poking through, letting the board itself double as the bottom plate. Both halves of the unibody design are angled 15 degrees for comfort, creating a total ergonomic tilt of 30 degrees. The bottom edge has been subtly shaved down near the thumb cluster to avoid interference. And while there’s a slight warp on one end from hotplate soldering, it’s barely a blemish on an otherwise refined build. Despite its experimental nature, the keyboard’s wireless connectionworks flawlessly, even with the metal chassis surrounding the internals. Clever placement of the Bluetooth antenna and strategic removal of ground planes near it help the signal escape. Typing on the mikefive is a tactile revelation. Coming from linear switches, the force required by the PG1316s might be a shock, but there’s a tactile clarity here that’s hard to ignore. And when you realize your wrists aren’t straining after hours of use, the ultra-low height starts to feel like a long-overdue standard. The post Ultra-Slim Cyberpunk Keyboard is 37% slimmer than Apple’s own Magic Keyboard first appeared on Yanko Design. #ultraslim #cyberpunk #keyboard #slimmer #than

We’ve ported DOOM onto calculators, pregnancy tests, printers, and fridges because if it has a processor, it can run DOOM. But until now, there hasn’t been a way to embed that same chaotic devotion into the hardware we use to launch those ports. That’s where Drop’s new collab with DOOM: The Dark Ages hits just right – this time, we’re not modding to play DOOM. We’re equipping our keyboards for Hell. What you’re looking at are sculpted artifacts, shaped by NZ Caps to feel like they belong in a blood-soaked inventory screen. The craftsmanship lands somewhere between toyetic and sacred, pulling influence straight from the franchise’s newest armor-clad chapter. It’s a collector’s flex and a gamer’s dream – functional resin sculptures that turn your keeb into a demon-slaying altar. Whether you’re an old-school WAD wizard or riding the hype for Dark Ages’ launch, this drop demands attention. Designer: Drop + DOOM Start with the 1u Slayer’s Helmet. It’s as if the iconic visor and plated crown were miniaturized by a Cyberdemon with a shrinking ray. The detailing is absurd for something that takes up the real estate of a single key – each contour, vent, and battle scratch captured in resin like a relic excavated from your motherboard. The shape follows an SA R1 profile, which means it slots in beautifully on any top-row key, but let’s be honest – it’s going straight on Escape, where the Slayer belongs. Despite the size, the helmet has presence. It’s got that “last thing a Hell Priest sees” energy, amplified by the way its angular silhouette disrupts the smooth terrain of your board. It’s a visual focal point without being overbearing. Tap it once and you’ll feel that slight resistance unique to resin-cast artisans – solid, reassuring, like your keystroke just unlocked a secret corridor. This isn’t a gimmick. It’s usable, sculpted intimidation. And somehow, it doesn’t feel fragile. NZ Caps nailed the density so it holds up under regular use, assuming you don’t rage-slam your board mid-campaign. The 2.25u Flail and Shield cap, though, is a whole different beast. Bigger, bolder, and louder in both shape and metaphor, this one’s molded for the Enter key – a decision that feels poetic. It’s the cap you hit when you mean business. The flail is frozen mid-arc, sculpted with such tension that it almost hums with kinetic energy, while the shield acts as both a visual counterbalance and a protective charm. The SA Enter profile keeps the piece grounded despite its drama, with enough ergonomic curve to make daily use viable, though you might hesitate to press it just to preserve its beauty. What really sells it is how the form exaggerates intent. The flail’s spikes have depth, casting sharp shadows that change throughout the day like a sundial for violence. The shield feels ancient and brutalist, with edges that look forged by flame rather than 3D modeling. Together, they feel like a pair of miniature props from a game that prides itself on overkill. Both caps are handmade, with resin finishes that catch light in subtle ways and elevate them beyond simple fan merch. The 1u fits standard layouts perfectly, and the 2.25u finds a home on most TKL and full-size keyboards. Installation’s as easy as swapping in any MX-compatible key, and they’re priced at a piece – steep, but absolutely in line with boutique artisan work. For fans who see their keyboard as more than just a tool, this set is a full-blown character build. The post These DOOM keycaps are the most metal thing your keyboard can wear first appeared on Yanko Design. #these #doom #keycaps #are #most

If you’ve ever wished your keyboard had a little more punch when it comes to entering numbers or shortcuts, you’re not alone. With many laptops and compact wireless keyboards ditching the numeric pad to save space, a separate numpad has become a must-have for power users, data crunchers, and anyone who loves a dedicated number row. But why settle for a boring add-on when you can bring a dash of fun and extra features to your desk? The KeysMe Lunar 02 Multifunctional Numpad Keyboard doesn’t just tick the basic boxes—it gives you tools and toys to play with. This isn’t your typical number pad; it’s a gadget that’s as festive as it is functional, designed for users who want a typing experience that stands out as much as it speeds things up. Whether you’re entering data, gaming, or getting creative, the Lunar 02 brings some serious flair. Designer: KeysMe Packed into its compact layout, the Lunar 02 offers a host of clever extras. There’s a mouse control joystick in the bottom left corner, a handy alternative for those moments when reaching for a mouse just interrupts your flow. A bright little lamp sits up top, ready to give your workspace some extra glow. RGB backlighting means you can set the mood however you like, and the small display screen is flanked by two control dials, perfect for quick adjustments during work or play. And when your brain needs a break? The optional rocket-ship fidget spinner perched on the keyboard is ready to launch your creativity. These flourishes aren’t just for show: they turn the numpad into the centerpiece of your setup, especially if you pair it with the matching KeysMe Lunar 01 keyboard for a dreamy, space-themed look. Connectivity is flexible, too. Choose from Bluetooth, wireless dongle, or good old-fashioned wired connection, depending on your preference or setup. Every key, every light effect, and every shortcut is programmable through KeysMe’s software, letting you tailor everything to fit your workflow perfectly. Swap in your favorite keycaps, numbers, or symbols for a truly personalized vibe. The best part is how easy it is to assemble or tweak the Lunar 02. Each component is designed for customization, so you can dial in the typing feel that suits you best. Some might find the built-in lamp or fidget spinner a little over the top, but for those who like their tech with a side of fun, the KeysMe Lunar 02 transforms the humble numpad into a desktop highlight. The post KeysMe Lunar 02 Numpad Keyboard Adds Playful Power to Your Workspace first appeared on Yanko Design. #keysme #lunar #numpad #keyboard #adds