Tag Archives: Mechanical Keyboard

Dwarf Factory’s Tiny Christmas Keycaps Are Absolutely Perfect Gifts For Gamers

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Sweetmas keycaps are what happens when a holiday cookie box collides with boutique keyboard culture. Designed by Dwarf Factory, the collection transforms the familiar 1U key into a micro stage, where a gingerbread character, a jolly Santa, or a toy soldier style nutcracker performs among piles of sweets and winter snacks.

The sculpted scenes sit under a polished resin dome, anchored to a base that looks like a miniature metal tin printed with festive graphics. It is a small gesture in physical terms, but it reshapes the way a keyboard feels on the desk, turning a technical tool into something closer to a seasonal keepsake that can live in a design conscious home.

Designer: Dwarf Factory

What makes these tiny worlds so compelling is the human touch behind them. Dwarf Factory does not mass produce these pieces; each keycap is the result of a meticulous artisanal process. The internal figures and their festive surroundings are first sculpted and then cast in resin. From there, artists take over, hand painting every minute detail, from the icing on a gingerbread man’s scarf to the rosy cheeks of Santa Claus. This level of dedication ensures that no two keycaps are perfectly identical, giving each one a unique character that automated manufacturing simply cannot replicate.

The Gingerbread variant, affectionately named Gingy, is a pure confectionery explosion. The cheerful gingerbread figure sits front and center, armed with a candy cane and surrounded by a landscape of sweets. There are chocolate bars, striped peppermints, and frosted Christmas tree cookies all packed into the scene. The entire diorama is housed on a base painted a festive green, with white snowflake details and the “Sweetmas” logo, perfectly capturing the feeling of a holiday candy shop that has been shrunk down to the size of a fingertip.

Next in the collection is Claus, a tribute to the man himself. This version features Santa Claus nestled in a treasure trove of baked goods. He is surrounded by an assortment of cookies, pretzels, and other holiday treats, as if caught mid-snack on his big night. The base of this keycap is a warm, inviting red, again styled like a classic cookie tin. The scene feels cozy and generous, a tiny, edible looking snapshot of Christmas Eve that brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia to the keyboard.

Rounding out the trio is Cracky, the Nutcracker. This design takes a more traditional, almost rustic approach to the holiday theme. The Nutcracker figure stands guard among a collection of almonds, walnuts, pine cones, and subtle green foliage. The base is a deep, royal blue, which gives it a more sophisticated and classic feel compared to the playful energy of the other two. It evokes the feeling of a classic Christmas ballet or a walk through a winter forest, offering a more elegant take on the Sweetmas theme.

As artisan pieces, the Sweetmas keycaps are designed to be both beautiful and functional. They are sized as standard 1U keys and feature a Cherry MX compatible stem, making them a drop in replacement for the vast majority of mechanical keyboards on the market. Their tall, sculpted profile, similar to an SA R1 key, gives them a satisfying presence on the board, perfect for an escape key or a macro pad. Released as a limited seasonal collection, these keycaps are collectible by nature, and the fact that each keycap is hand-crafted means that they command a fairly premium price at $49 bucks a pop. You’d have to absolutely make Santa’s list if you want these in your stockings for Christmas.

The post Dwarf Factory’s Tiny Christmas Keycaps Are Absolutely Perfect Gifts For Gamers first appeared on Yanko Design.

Freewrite Wordrunner Counts Words With Clicking Mechanical Wheels

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Writers spend more time with their keyboards than any other tool, yet most options are either gaming boards covered in RGB lights or cheap office slabs optimized for cost rather than comfort. Neither category really thinks about what writers actually need, which is a keyboard that can keep up with long sessions without killing your wrists and maybe even help you stay focused when the blank page starts feeling oppressive.

Freewrite’s Wordrunner is a mechanical keyboard built specifically for writing, complete with a built-in mechanical word counter and sprint timer. It works with any device that accepts a USB or Bluetooth keyboard, from laptops and desktops to tablets and phones, and its core features live in the hardware rather than in yet another app or cloud service that you’ll forget to open halfway through your writing session.

Designer: Freewrite

The standout feature is the Wordometer, an eight-digit electromechanical counter with rotating wheels driven by a coreless motor and controlled by an internal microprocessor. It tracks words in real time using a simple algorithm based on spaces and punctuation, stays visible even when the keyboard is off, and can be reset with a mechanical lever to the left of the display. The counter makes a soft clicking sound as the wheels turn, giving you tactile and audible feedback every time you hit a milestone.

The keyboard also includes a built-in sprint timer that lets you run Pomodoro-style sessions or custom writing sprints without leaving your desk. Subtle red and green lights keep you on track, and you can configure the timer to count up or down depending on how you prefer to work. The standard function row has been replaced with writer-centric keys like Find, Replace, Print, and Undo, plus three programmable macro keys labeled Zap, Pow, and Bam for whatever shortcuts you use most.

The typing experience is what you’d expect from a premium mechanical keyboard. High-quality tactile switches, multiple layers of sound dampening, and a gasket mount design deliver what beta testers kept calling “so satisfying.” Each switch is rated for eighty million presses, which should be enough to see you through multiple novels without the keys wearing out. The die-cast aluminum body gives the board a heft and solidity that plastic keyboards can’t match, keeping it planted on your desk no matter how fast your fingers fly.

Tucked into the top right corner is a multi-directional joystick that controls media playback and volume, so you can adjust your music without touching the mouse or breaking flow. Connectivity is equally flexible. The Wordrunner supports wired USB-C and Bluetooth, pairs with up to four devices at once, and switches between them with a keystroke. It works with Windows, macOS, iPadOS, and Android without requiring special software, which means you can move it between machines without reconfiguring anything.

Wordrunner is designed for writers who want their keyboard to be more than a generic input device. It turns progress into something physical with the mechanical word counter, structures writing sessions with the built-in timer, and wraps it all in a solid, retro-industrial chassis that looks like a specialized tool rather than consumer electronics. It’s less about flashy features and more about making the act of writing feel intentional every time you sit down to work.

The post Freewrite Wordrunner Counts Words With Clicking Mechanical Wheels first appeared on Yanko Design.

These Pokémon Keycaps turn your Mechanical Keyboard into a real-life PokéDex

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With 10 Pokémon that you can theoretically catch, Dwarf Factory’s Pokémon keycaps let you turn your keyboard into a functional monster-collection. Each keycap comes with a 3D Pokémon encased in clear resin, designed to face you when installed onto your mechanical keyboard. And if you’re a bit of a Pokémon sucker like me, these are like literal bait.

I remember the Pokémon GO days, Niantic had staggered the rollout across the globe, and India got the game months after it debuted. The only way to play was to use a VPN that let you geo-spoof your phone’s location. I used mine for a solid 2-3 months before Niantic actually caught on and banned me from the game. Some would say that would be enough to fix my fixation on Pokémon but it hasn’t. I still love the franchise, and might just end up buying a mechanical keyboard JUST so I could install these custom keycaps!

Designer: Dwarf Factory

There are an entire bunch to choose from, ranging from the original Kanto region starters to a few of the original Pokémon from the series and game. Dwarf Factory designed these keycaps to look like the blister packaging you’d get the toys in. Each Pokémon is in a clear glass enclosure, around a colored block with the Pokémon branding on the bottom and a hang-tag on the top that you’d use to hang/display these toys.

Everyone who’s played the game on their GameBoy knows that there’s no starting without a ‘starter’ Pokémon. The series includes the classic Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, as well as Pikachu, the iconic Pokémon that anyone who’s seen the series or movies will recognize.

If you haven’t seen Dwarf Factory‘s work before, I suggest you genuinely check them out. The company is the single authority on artisanal keycaps, so if there’s any company I trust with pulling this off, it’s probably them. Each keycap is meticulously made in resin, hand-painted, and then encased in clear acrylic. This gives the keycaps their sheer depth, and sometimes Dwarf Factory even manages to account for keyboard backlight, so that the light shines through the keycaps.

Other usual suspects from this series include Eevee and Meowth, shown above, along with Cubone below, followed by Koffing, Gengar, and the odd but powerful Psyduck. I wish Dwarf Factory made a few more, although that just sounds like greed on my part at this point.

Each keycap is designed with an SR1-style profile, and is designed to fit all Cherry MX switches and clones. Ideally, I’d own all 10 keycaps, but I’d first have to own a mechanical keyboard (I’m rocking a Logitech Ergo K860 which doesn’t have swappable keys), and I’d probably have to be fairly rich, given that each keycap is priced at a slightly high $44. That means setting aside almost 500 bucks (including shipping) for a set of 10 keys. Would’ve been nice to have hopped onto the crypto train back in 2012 so I could afford this stuff.

The post These Pokémon Keycaps turn your Mechanical Keyboard into a real-life PokéDex first appeared on Yanko Design.

Lemokey Keyboard With Analog Keys Triggers 4 Actions Per Press

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The mechanical keyboard market has split into factions that rarely speak to each other. Gaming boards chase millisecond advantages with features most people will never configure, while design-focused options prioritize clean lines at the expense of functionality. Premium keyboards exist in both categories, but they seldom bridge the gap between looking appropriate in a minimalist workspace and delivering the kind of technical depth that competitive players actually use.

The Lemokey L1 HE addresses this gap with a CNC-milled aluminum chassis that weighs nearly two kilograms and looks deliberate rather than flashy. Available in white with yellow accents, black, or silver, the 75% layout includes macro keys and a programmable roller on the left side that defaults to volume control but accepts custom assignments. The metal construction and clean lines work on desks where aesthetics matter.

Designer: Lemokey (Keychron)

The switches underneath are where things get interesting. Gateron’s double-rail magnetic switches use Hall Effect sensors instead of physical contact points, which sounds technical until you realize what it enables. Every key’s activation point adjusts from feather-light to deliberate across a 3.6mm range. Set your movement keys to hair-trigger sensitivity. Configure typing keys deeper so resting fingers don’t accidentally fire off characters. The keyboard adapts to how you work rather than forcing adaptation the other way.

Press a key partway, and one action triggers. Press deeper, and a different command fires. Deeper still, another. Release at the right depth and a fourth activates. This isn’t theoretical; it changes how certain games and workflows operate once you stop thinking in binary keypresses. Walking versus running becomes pressure instead of separate keys. Multi-key shortcuts collapse into single presses with varying depth. Finger gymnastics get replaced by pressure control.

Switching to analog mode turns the keyboard into something closer to a controller. Racing games suddenly respond to how deeply you press acceleration keys, not just whether they’re pressed at all. The magnetic switches detect these pressure variations smoothly enough that steering feels genuine rather than approximated. People who prefer keyboards over controllers gain functionality that previously required switching input methods entirely.

The web-based configurator runs through any modern browser without installation, working identically across operating systems. Remapping happens quickly. Macros are built through straightforward menus. The keyboard connects wirelessly at 1000Hz polling for gaming or switches between three Bluetooth devices for productivity. Battery lasts long enough that charging becomes a weekly task rather than a daily concern.

Typing produces sounds that feel dampened and substantial rather than hollow or sharp. Multiple foam layers and gasket mounting create that quality, along with stabilizers that keep larger keys smooth. The double-shot PBT keycaps handle daily wear without developing shine, and the metal body prevents any flex during aggressive typing sessions. RGB lighting exists but stays subdued enough not to dominate the aesthetic.

The L1 HE occupies unusual territory between gaming keyboards and professional boards. It delivers rapid trigger modes and analog control alongside a build quality and appearance that work in spaces where RGB unicorn vomit would draw complaints. The programmable roller, magnetic switches, and four-action keys make it technically ambitious, while the design keeps it visually restrained.

The post Lemokey Keyboard With Analog Keys Triggers 4 Actions Per Press first appeared on Yanko Design.

Holiday-themed Keycaps add a touch of Winter Celebration to your Mechanical Keyboard

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Celebrate the holiday season with the ArtiSANTA Christmas Artisan Keycaps by Dwarf Factory, a festive collection designed to bring joy to your keyboard. These handcrafted keycaps transform everyday typing into a whimsical experience, featuring intricate designs inspired by the spirit of Christmas. From nostalgic characters to sugary houses, the collection captures the magic of the season while doubling as high-quality artisan pieces that fit seamlessly into most mechanical keyboards.

Each keycap in the collection—Gingy, Nutcracker, and Sweet House—is crafted with precision and attention to detail. Made with high-quality resin and glow-in-the-dark elements, they are not only visually stunning but also built to last. Designed in the SA R1 profile, these keycaps are compatible with Cherry MX switches, ensuring a snug fit for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Perfect for personalizing your workspace or as a holiday gift, they bring a touch of seasonal magic to every keystroke.

Designer: Dwarf Factory

Gingy Keycap

The Gingy keycap is a playful nod to the classic gingerbread man, with vibrant icing details that bring the cheerful character to life. Encased in a snowglobe-like resin dome, Gingy stands atop a snowy, decorated chimney base. The hand-painted details on the figure, combined with the intricate base, evoke a sense of holiday nostalgia. Glow-in-the-dark accents enhance the charm, adding a cozy glow that illuminates your keyboard in low-light settings.

Beyond its festive appearance, the Gingy keycap is designed for practicality. The SA R1 profile ensures it fits comfortably on Cherry MX switches and their compatible clones, making it a functional addition to any keyboard setup. Its durable resin construction guarantees long-lasting use, allowing Gingy to spread holiday cheer all season long.

Nutcracker Keycap

The Nutcracker keycap captures the regal elegance of this traditional Christmas figure, complete with a bold uniform and iconic hat. Encased within a crystal-clear resin dome, the Nutcracker stands proudly on a snowy chimney base adorned with holiday lights. Every detail is hand-painted with remarkable precision, from the polished buttons on his uniform to the expressive face that mirrors classic nutcracker designs. The glow-in-the-dark feature adds a magical touch, allowing the keycap to shine as bright as the season itself.

Functionality meets artistry with the Nutcracker keycap. Its SA R1 profile ensures a snug fit on Cherry MX switches, while the durable resin construction protects the intricate design. Whether used as a centerpiece for your holiday-themed keyboard or simply as a decorative addition, this keycap blends festive tradition with modern keyboard customization.

Sweet House Keycap

The Sweet House keycap is a delightful miniature gingerbread house, complete with colorful candy decorations and sugary icing. Nestled within a resin dome, the house sits atop a snow-covered chimney base that brings to mind cozy winter scenes. The attention to detail is extraordinary, with hand-painted candies, frosted rooftops, and even tiny windows that make the design feel like a festive storybook come to life. The glow-in-the-dark accents further enhance the magical aesthetic, casting a gentle glow that transforms your keyboard into a winter wonderland.

Designed for both beauty and durability, the Sweet House keycap is built with the same SA R1 profile and Cherry MX compatibility as the rest of the collection. Its whimsical charm pairs perfectly with the season, making it a great choice for anyone looking to infuse their workspace with holiday spirit. The Sweet House is more than an accessory—it’s a tiny piece of Christmas magic at your fingertips.

These artisan keycaps (which debuted last year) are available for purchase at $39 each, offering a unique way to personalize your keyboard with holiday spirit. Whether you’re a mechanical keyboard enthusiast or looking for a special gift, the ArtiSANTA 2023 collection brings a touch of festive magic to every keystroke.

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Unleash Your Inner Otaku with the Redragon EISA K686 PRO SE Anime Keyboard

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Anime fans, gamers, and keyboard enthusiasts unite! The Redragon EISA K686 PRO SE Anime Girl keyboard is here to revolutionize your typing experience. Inspired by the vibrant world of anime and featuring the brand’s own Anime Girl representative, this keyboard combines aesthetic appeal with high performance. Meet Eisa, your personalized waifu character, ready to accompany you on every keystroke.

Designer: Redragon

Click Here to Buy Now: $58.50 $74.99 (22% off, use coupon code “YDRED22”). Hurry, exclusive YD Black Friday/ Cyber Monday deal ends soon!

Anime-Inspired Design

The Redragon EISA K686 PRO SE keyboard is a visual delight, featuring 5 sides Dye-Sub PBT keycaps adorned with themed patterns. Eisa, the adorable and reliable ally, adds a unique touch to your setup. These keycaps not only look great but also provide a satisfying tactile experience. Each keystroke brings the vibrant world of anime to life, making typing an engaging adventure.

The design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about the feel. The PBT keycaps offer unparalleled durability and resistance to wear. They ensure that Eisa remains your steadfast companion, maintaining her charm and functionality over time. This fusion of design and durability makes the Redragon Anime Girl keyboard stand out in the market.

Gasket Design for Enhanced Typing

Moving beyond traditional screw fixing, the gasket design enhances the keyboard’s structural integrity. Precision-locked covers with gaskets contribute to noise reduction and flexibility. This innovative design offers even feedback, making typing a more enjoyable experience. The vertical cushioning minimizes rigid noise, delivering a crisp, clean, and softer typing feel.

The design is a critical feature for those who seek a creamy typing experience. It transforms the way you interact with your keyboard, making each keystroke a satisfying sensation. This thoughtful design elevates the Redragon EISA K686 PRO SE from mere aesthetics to a superior typing tool.

Versatile 3-Mode Connection

The Redragon Anime keyboard is equipped with advanced tri-mode connection technology. Users can switch seamlessly between USB-C wired, BT 3.0/5.0, and 2.4GHz wireless modes. This flexibility ensures an upgraded user experience across all fields. Whether you’re gaming, working, or simply browsing, this keyboard adapts to your needs effortlessly.

With the tri-mode connection, you can enjoy uninterrupted connectivity and freedom, regardless of your situation. The ability to switch between modes ensures that your keyboard is always ready for action wherever you are. This versatility is a testament to Redragon’s commitment to innovation and user satisfaction.

Hi-Fi Custom Switches

Experience faster, creamier, and more elastic typing feedback with thick-lubed custom linear switches. The gasket form factor allows the EISA K686 PRO to deliver an enhanced typing experience. The upgraded socket is compatible with nearly all switches (3/5 pins), offering endless customization possibilities.

These custom switches are designed to meet the demands of both gamers and typists. They provide a smooth and responsive typing experience, making every keystroke feel effortless. The combination of high-quality switches and a flexible design sets this keyboard apart from the competition.

Noise Dampening and Compact Design

Mechanical keyboards are both famous and notorious for their loud sounds, but the Redragon EISA K686 PRO SE is equipped with a comprehensive noise-dampening system. Featuring 3.5mm PO foam, IXPE switch foam, PET sound pad, bottom socket foam, and a silicone bottom pad, it significantly reduces hollow noise. Each keystroke is dampened, creating ultra-clean typing acoustics that are both satisfying and comfortable.

The innovative design retains the original 100% layout’s function while shrinking the size by 20%. This tactical 98-key design offers more compactness without sacrificing functionality. It provides an efficient and space-saving solution for your desk while still offering all the functionality of a full-sized keyboard in a more manageable form. This thoughtful design is ideal for both gamers and professionals who need a reliable and space-efficient tool.

ONE-Knob Control and Pro Software

The convenient control knob allows easy access to keyboard backlight brightness and media functions. You can adjust volume, play/pause, and switch tracks with no hassle. The keyboard is also supported by pro software, enabling users to design new modes and effects. Customize macros with different keybindings or shortcuts for more efficient work and gaming. This combination of hardware and software empowers users to tailor their experience to their specific needs, enhancing both productivity and gaming performance.

With its anime-inspired design, innovative features, and superior performance, it promises to elevate your typing experience. And to complete the set, you can also grab the Redragon EISA K1NG M916 PRO mouse featuring that same Anime Girl design, tri-mode connection, and 5 redefinable DPI levels for unparalleled precision. The Redragon EISA P047 Anime Black Gaming Desk Mat binds these two together on a stylish, smooth, and easy-to-clean surface that will surely take your computing experience to the next level. It will be available for an exclusive price of $98.58, (29th Nov to 4th Dec) here.

Click Here to Buy Now: $58.50 $74.99 (22% off, use coupon code “YDRED22”). Hurry, exclusive YD Black Friday/ Cyber Monday deal ends soon!

The post Unleash Your Inner Otaku with the Redragon EISA K686 PRO SE Anime Keyboard first appeared on Yanko Design.

Level Up Your Mechanical Keyboard: Yu-Gi-Oh! Artisan Keycaps Unleash Iconic Duel Characters

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Dueling monsters and legendary spells come to life on your keyboard with the Yu-Gi-Oh! Artisan Keycaps by Eminent Crafts and Dwarf Factory. Each keycap is meticulously handcrafted and hand-painted, capturing the essence of these legendary figures. rafted in the versatile SA R1 profile and compatible with Cherry MX switches, they’re perfect for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who value both form and function. Each keycap is a visual masterpiece, created with exceptional attention to detail and finished with hand-painted artistry.

Encased in high-quality resin for durability and visual flair, these keycaps also allow for LED shine-through, enhancing their appeal in dynamic lighting setups. Whether you’re summoning nostalgic memories or personalizing your workspace, the collection—featuring the Dark Magician, Dark Magician Girl, and Blue Eyes White Dragon—adds a dash of personality to your keyboard. Priced at $64.99 each, these officially licensed keycaps are a treat for fans and collectors alike.

Designer: Eminent Crafts X Dwarf Factory

Dark Magician Keycap

The Dark Magician keycap channels the essence of Yu-Gi-Oh!’s most iconic sorcerer into a stunning, meticulously crafted design. Encased in crystal-clear resin, the figure is brought to life with flowing purple robes and a glowing staff, embodying the magician’s arcane allure. Hand-painted with precision, every detail—down to the sharp lines of the lightning strikes emerging from his scepter and the magical swirls of his attire—evokes a sense of motion and mystique. The vibrant colors and lifelike textures make this keycap a centerpiece for any mechanical keyboard setup.

More than just an aesthetic masterpiece, the Dark Magician keycap is engineered with functionality in mind. Crafted in the SA R1 profile, it offers a comfortable typing experience while fitting seamlessly onto Cherry MX switches and their clones. The resin casing doesn’t just protect the intricate design; it also enhances it, allowing LED backlighting to shine through, creating an ethereal glow reminiscent of the character’s magical power. It’s a seamless fusion of artistry and usability, ideal for fans and keyboard enthusiasts alike.

The Dark Magician keycap is a refined addition for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts and collectors. Its high level of detail and compatibility make it an excellent choice for those who value both aesthetics and usability. By combining skilled craftsmanship with durable materials, it transforms any keyboard setup into a visually captivating workstation.

Dark Magician Girl Keycap

The Dark Magician Girl keycap radiates charm with its vibrant color palette and exquisite detail. Her signature pink-and-blue outfit is meticulously rendered, with every element—from her wide-brimmed hat to her magical staff—perfectly sculpted and hand-painted. Encased in transparent resin, the design is preserved against wear while allowing your keyboard’s lighting to bring her to life. This keycap effortlessly balances fun and nostalgia, making it a must-have for fans of this beloved character.

Like its counterparts, the Dark Magician Girl keycap is built for both beauty and functionality. Its SA R1 profile ensures compatibility with Cherry MX switches, while the durable resin makes it a lasting part of your keyboard collection. The keycap is ideal for those looking to add a playful yet iconic flair to their setup, bringing the magic of Yu-Gi-Oh! into everyday use.

Blue-Eyes White Dragon Keycap

The Blue Eyes White Dragon keycap is a showstopper, embodying the raw power and majesty of the franchise’s most iconic creature. The intricate sculpting captures every detail, from the beast’s sharp claws to its meticulously scaled body, while its piercing blue eyes dominate the design. Encased in clear resin, the keycap allows for LED shine-through, adding a dramatic lighting effect that mirrors the dragon’s legendary “White Lightning” attack.

Beyond its impressive aesthetics, this keycap is designed with functionality in mind. The SA R1 profile and Cherry MX compatibility make it suitable for a wide range of mechanical keyboards. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Kaiba’s favorite monster or simply appreciate intricate artisan craftsmanship, the Blue Eyes White Dragon keycap offers a striking blend of design and usability. It’s the ultimate statement piece for any keyboard setup, channeling the spirit of this legendary dueling monster.

The post Level Up Your Mechanical Keyboard: Yu-Gi-Oh! Artisan Keycaps Unleash Iconic Duel Characters first appeared on Yanko Design.

8BitDo unveils Retro Mechanical Keyboard with 108-key integrated Numpad, shipping begins December 12

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8BitDo is famous for its retro-themed accessories, especially mechanical keyboards inspired by the classics. Joining the foray is the full-size version of the company’s Retro Mechanical Keyboard. There is not much that has changed from the classic except that the 8BitDo Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard comes in a 108-Key full layout complete with Numpad integrated into it. This makes it 22 percent wider than its predecessor.

Carrying the recognizable NES or Famicom theming, aside from the extra width to accommodate the Numpad, there is nothing much to separate it from the original tenkeyless layout board. The retro-modern peripheral comes in two variants – one is an NES-inspired version draped in white, dark gray and black color, while the other one based on the Famicom model features a white and crimson colorway with Japanese characters placed beneath English lettering. If that’s enough to win you, the Mechanical Keyboard is available for preorder at $119 through Amazon. The price is almost $30 more than the original, selling at a discount of $90 on Amazon!

Designer: 8BitDo

Click Here to Buy Now

The 8BitDo Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard with integrated Numpad, hot-swappable Kailh Box White key switches, and Bluetooth is compatible with Android and Windows. The keyboard will start shipping from December 12, 2024, featuring dye-sub PBT keycaps and function key shortcuts.

As apparent from the images, the numpad on the right features Windows shortcut keys, a calculator lock button, and a screen lock button. At the same time, a pair of tactile input knobs on the top left comprise a dedicated volume dial and a three-way toggle that allows the user to switch between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz, or turning the keyboard wireless capabilities off and use the USB cable for reduced lag during your gaming sessions.

Along with the Retro 108 Mechanical Keyboard comes the identifiable over-sized programmable Super Buttons (in red, blue or yellow options) that connect to the new keyboard through a 3.5mm cable. This is an add-on accessory that’ll cost another $30 each. Besides coming forth as a refined version of the original, the keyboard is also a tribute to the Nintendo’s NES and Famicom consoles as it comes in their thematic colorways.

Click Here to Buy Now

 

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Custom Balrog and Gandalf Keycaps give your Mechanical Keyboard a LOTR Middle-Age facelift

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Few moments in fantasy history are as iconic as Gandalf’s showdown with the Balrog on the Bridge of Khazad-dûm. Now, thanks to a collaboration between Drop and The Lord of the Rings, this epic clash has been immortalized in a way that combines fandom with functionality. The Balrog and Mithrandir Artisan Keycap and Spacebar set offers a chance to bring the magic of Middle-earth to your fingertips, and it’s more than just a collector’s item. It’s a fusion of premium craftsmanship, stunning design, and technical precision that adds a touch of the fantastical to your everyday typing experience.

Designer: Dwarf Factory for Drop

Crafted by Dwarf Factory, each piece is an artisan masterpiece in resin, featuring rich details that evoke the essence of these legendary characters. The Balrog, with its fiery menace and aggressive stance, looks ready to engulf your entire keyboard, while Mithrandir stands resolute, channeling his defiant power just as he did when facing the beast. The level of detail is extraordinary—from the flame-like textures on the Balrog to the serene yet powerful expression of Gandalf, these keycaps are tiny works of art. Available in a 1u size for both characters, and with the Balrog also available as a 6.25u spacebar, these keycaps not only add visual impact but are also fully functional. They integrate smoothly with Cherry MX switches and clones, making them a natural fit for most mechanical keyboards.

The 1u Balrog keycap is nothing short of a fiery masterpiece. Designed to reflect the raw power and menacing presence of Durin’s Bane, it features intricate detailing that brings the dark, fiery creature to life. With its flame-engulfed body and haunting expression, the keycap feels like it’s radiating heat right off your keyboard. The resin material used for the keycap captures the vivid colors of fire, from the burning red to deep molten black, creating a striking visual contrast that mirrors the Balrog’s destructive force. Every angle of this 1u keycap has been meticulously designed to showcase the Balrog’s fearsome nature, making it a perfect choice for those looking to add an element of danger and mystery to their keyboard setup. It fits comfortably on any Cherry MX switch or clone, ensuring that it’s as functional as it is eye-catching.

Mithrandir, or Gandalf, takes center stage in the second 1u keycap, offering a calm but powerful contrast to the Balrog. In this design, Gandalf is depicted in his role as the Grey Pilgrim, holding his staff and ready to face down the ancient evil with the iconic line, “You shall not pass!” The keycap perfectly captures the quiet strength and wisdom that defines the wizard, with intricate detailing in his robes and an expression of calm determination. Crafted in resin, the Mithrandir keycap offers a more subtle aesthetic compared to the fiery Balrog, but its craftsmanship is no less impressive. The muted grey tones and flowing details create a sense of movement, almost as if Gandalf himself is preparing to strike. This keycap serves as a symbol of resilience and courage, and for fans of The Lord of the Rings, it’s a meaningful reminder of Gandalf’s pivotal role in the story.

The pièce de résistance, however, is the 6.25u Balrog spacebar. A true showstopper, this spacebar turns your keyboard into a battleground between the Maiar. Unlike the 1u keycap, the spacebar offers a wider canvas, allowing for even more detail in the Balrog’s fiery design. The flames stretch across the length of the spacebar, creating a dramatic scene that feels like it’s pulled straight from the depths of Moria that comes to life with the backlight switched on. The spacebar also features subtle texturing that mimics the rugged look of stone, further emphasizing the destructive force of the Balrog. With its large profile and vivid design, this spacebar commands attention and becomes the focal point of any keyboard. And, like the other keycaps in the set, it’s compatible with Cherry MX switches, ensuring that your epic setup doesn’t sacrifice functionality for style.

The custom-made keycaps are the perfect combination of nostalgia and utility, seamlessly blending a piece of Tolkien’s world into your everyday life. Whether you’re aligning yourself with the fiery might of the Balrog or the steadfast courage of Mithrandir, these keycaps turn your keyboard into a mini piece of Middle-earth. And with their high-quality resin construction, you can trust that they’re built to last, no matter how epic your typing battles become.

Priced at $49, a notable drop from its original $65, the Balrog and Mithrandir Artisan Keycap and Spacebar set is available for pre-order now, with an estimated shipping date of February 10, 2025.

The post Custom Balrog and Gandalf Keycaps give your Mechanical Keyboard a LOTR Middle-Age facelift first appeared on Yanko Design.

Actual Copper Keycaps from Awekeys turn your mechanical keyboard into an Ocean of Rose Gold

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Copper plays a VERY important role in electronics, but this might be the first time copper’s been used for its aesthetic properties. Meet the Awekeys Copper Eagle Keycap set – made from actual copper alloy to give your keyboard drip like no other. Sure, people boast about customizing the RGB backlight on their keyboards, but nothing really matches having your keys be made of actual metal. The Copper Eagle set sports keycaps machined from literal metal, giving them a heft and shimmery appeal that plastic wishes it had. Compatible with Cherry MX switches and clones, these keys attach to any supporting mechanical keyboard (no matter the size or style), giving it an audiovisual makeover. The keys offer the distinctly cool feel of metal, but start typing and you realize how much of a difference they actually make. The metal keycaps offer a distinct kind of sound that feels less like a plastic clatter and more like coins clinking against each other. It also helps that the keys make your keyboard look like a million bucks.

Designer: Awekeys

Crafted from recycled cupronickel, a material known for its strength and durability, the Copper Eagle set is a testament to Awekeys’ commitment to sustainable practices without compromising on quality. Each keycap undergoes a meticulous milling process before receiving its signature satin copper plating. This finish isn’t just visually appealing; it also lends a unique tactile sensation to every keystroke. The weight of the metal keycaps contributes to a substantial feel, while the copper’s natural warmth adds a touch of elegance to any setup.

Beyond aesthetics, the Copper Eagle set offers a sonic user experience that sets it apart. Metal keycaps are renowned for their ability to produce a deeper, more resonant click compared to their plastic counterparts. The Copper Eagle does so too, delivering satisfyingly rich auditory feedback that can be customized further with the right switch and keyboard combination. Along with just the cold tactile feel of the metal against your fingertips, the satisfying metallic click just elevates the keyboard’s UX to an entirely new level, eschewing the ‘fake’ plasticity of regular mechanical keyboards and replacing it with the premium appeal of metal.

One’s immediate concern with copper alloys (and glossy keycaps in particular) is the issue of fingerprints and patinas. A copper keyboard only looks classy if it maintains its sheen, and to address that, Awekeys actually coated each keycap with a nanocoating that prevents the metal from oxidizing or reacting to the oil and sweat from your fingertips. The keys should remain pristine and shiny for months with regular wiping down, although the durability of the coating over time is still something to be determined.

The Copper Eagle set comes in various kits to accommodate different keyboard layouts and preferences. The base kit consists of every key required for a 100% layout keyboard, but you can grab custom caps too, including different copper grades that have slightly different hues, and a few vanity keys featuring eagle imagery for your special keys like the enter, escape, backspace, etc.

The obvious caveat here is weight – copper weighs significantly more than plastic, so this should definitely make your keyboard feel considerably heavier than usual, but that’s only really a problem if you’re carrying your keyboard around. The second caveat, and a slightly smaller one, is that these keys (just like your regular mechanical keycaps) won’t support backlights. Most keyboards come with dual-plastic keys that allow the symbols to glow so you can see them in the dark – that’s not really possible with copper, so you’ll be relying entirely on muscle-memory here. The benefit, however, is that you’ll also own the coolest-looking keyboard among your friend circuits.

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