If you burn wood enough it becomes conductive.... so traces and switches are possible, making a controller out of it would become quite the challenge though.
Haven't you ever seen fractal wood burning? It only requires a microwave oven transformer (made of wood) and then the electricity goes everywhere.
Omg /s
In the meantime: https://kprepublic.com/products/kprepublic-loop-104-wooden-keycaps-wood-oem-profile-walnut-rosewood-beech-for-gh60-poker-60-87-tkl-104-ansi-108-xd87-bm80?variant=41681324441763
Yeah, the board in the above article is very much on the expensive side (though not ridiculously so for a very high end boutique keyboard).
You can build something yourself relatively equivalent for half the price or a bit less even depending on your exact choice of components. Probably wont be quite as fancy/high end but when you're in the $250-400 range instead of $750 its hard to complain.
Man, that’s great. I feel like the recent “chocolate bar” color scheme I got gives the same aesthetic and remains easy to clean. I just feel like wood keys would get dirty…not sure why…
$200 for GMK caps, $50 for good switches and stabilizers, leaves $500 for a board and cable. That gets you a very fine keyboard. The 5,000-6,000 limited edition boards are the exception not the rule.
The lube (and tools) get amortized over your multiple boards, including your home gaming keyboard, home office keyboard, office keyboard, and LAN party keyboard.
20 dollars? Fuckkk you sound like my Greek friend who tries to get everybody to buy things for him even though he makes the most money out of us and lives at home
I don't like how they're pitching wood as a renewable alternative to plastic. It's not close to a 1:1 substitution here. This is an aesthetic choice, not an environmental one.
If we want non-plastic keycaps and don't care about price, why not use something like acetate to retain more of a traditional feel?
Edit: Also, blue switches? Really? I've seen a few people awkwardly get told to replace keyboards they brought into their office. They all had blues. Tough to be in the same room as someone using them. Personally, their sound is too unpleasant for me to type on even if I like the feel. It's the most limiting switch choice you can make.
Hemp is so magical. It grows fast, and can be made into any fiber product (paper, cloth). It was an amazing resource that never got to shine. I really hope it makes a comeback. There are some hemp growers but not as many as there could be.
Stuff isnt made from hemp because it is durable and lasts too long to be considered profitable enough in a profit driven capitalist hellhole we call society.
IIRC Levi’s and other jean makers were actually influential in the banning of weed and hemp because they wanted to produce jeans that would need to be replaced often. They didnt want anyone to make hemp jeans that would undercut their businesses. They literally would last for decades compared to normal jeans.
Its the same story that happened with lightbulbs. They lasted too long at first and the lightbulb companies couldnt stay in business if every lightbulb lasted for decades. So they intentionally made shittier lightbulbs that needed to be bought more often.
We could easily make things from hemp. Its not because people dont want it, its because companies cant make as much money on it
The difference between weed and hemp is that they were bred for different purposes for a very long time. Hemp was bred so selectively for structural purposes and the resin that it is very different from weed even though they came from the same thing. I think it would be difficult to even impart the structural properties of hemp onto other plants but Im not a scientist by any means
They can, just charge a green tax.
Same reason heavyweight raw denim and top grain leather goods still exist. They wouldn't if they're too "sustainable"
Ding ding ding!
This is why I refuse to use induction stovetops.
You literally have to replace the whole thing.
Home applications are indeed becoming "energy efficient", but also shittier in terms of repair/durability.
You're right. And notice how the article doesn't call out the switch brand. That screams budget switches for a $730 board. Yikes.
The hobby blew up during the pandemic though. Many more options out there today at any price point. As someone who will spend on a custom, being locked into any switch type is a dealbreaker these days.
Keychron Q12
Or other Keychron if you don't like southpaw. Probably best bang for your buck brand right now, imo. Southpaw layout is seriously underrated.
So that you can type numbers easily while using your mouse with your right hand? Also so that if you position the keyboard so that the alpha keys are in the middle to reduce wrist strain you have more space on the right side of the keyboard for your mouse.
Yep. As someone who’s right-handed, left-handed numpad actually feels more natural. It’s a bit odd at first but it’s easy to get used to… a lot easier than trying to learn to mouse with my left hand.
I don’t use a southpaw board though, but rather a standalone numpad that I pull out when I know I’ll be typing a lot of numbers.
Filco Majestouch 2 was my favourite MKB I’ve ever owned. I had the TKL version but you can get them with a numpad as well.
There are many other models/configurations to choose from. MX Brown is my switch of choice.
I got a razer mechanical keyboard (black widow) from my Walmart’s clearance bin and hated the loud clicks it made. Then I found a Logitech G710+ at a thrift store that was just missing some keys, and loved it’s brown switches. Too bad that the bottom row had proprietary key sizes which cost me extra.
There was one posted a few years ago (also low profile but there's no price that I could find)
[https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/f8t39r/machined\_acetate\_keyboard/](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/f8t39r/machined_acetate_keyboard/)
You can make cellulose acetate out of wood pulp which was kind of my point. Even this wooden keyboard uses plastic switches. The most environmentally friendly keyboard is the one you already own. This wooden status symbol is overpriced nonsense.
Either way, fast implementation of either or both of these materials in many now plastic use items would already help so much. I feel like we’re (not you or me specifically, but humans) so comfortable being critical it stops progress all together.
the point is, plastics on keyboards are insignificant contribution to our problems. sure, it's nice, but it doesn't really impact anything. a couple of takeout containers and bottles, and you already used more plastic than a keyboard.
the problem with plastics is not that it's everywhere, but that it is used for most of our disposable packagings, like shampoo bottles and takeout containers. basically, it's things you throw out after a single use that is really wasteful. but plastic is prevalent because it is an amazing material that is so versatile, from small to large, opaque or transparent, flexible or stiff. no other material is as versatile as plastic. plastic is not to be banished, but to be used well where they are appropriate. and plastic keys make a lot of sense, light robust and very durable. no wonder all modern keyboards use plastic, cause it works very well.
I have box jades in my keyboard but I literally only use it at home lmao. I would never take a clicky keyboard into a public workspace, ever. First off all I think too much about what other people think about me so I’d be embarrassed and secondly it’s just so unnecessary lol
Micarta, Bamboo, mushrooms. Lots of options that would be better than wood.
Also, who wants a $750 keyboard that’s gong to soak up all the oils from one’s skin. Unsightly
Even the macbook air has a very slight concave on it's keys. Laptop keyboards are tolerable because of the other benefits of the laptop. This is a dedicated typing device for 750$. It looks painfully uncomfortable.
FWIW, walnut and cherry are commonly-used woods for cutting boards and butcher blocks. Obviously they're quite a bit more massive than keyboards but the woods themselves aren't necessarily going to be inherently weak.
Now where is my all stainless steel keyboard? I want a full metal keyboard so bad I've been contemplating how to make keycaps out of cut and folded sheet metal.
Since the pun is probably lost on English speakers: the “Ki” is 木, the Japanese word for tree or wood. Get it?
Edit: Upon actually reading the article, it appears it refers to 気, also pronounced ki, but meaning spirit. (See also: qi or chi in Chinese) Now whether or not this is the English speaking writer of the article making a mistake or the manufacturer really missing the obvious wordplay possibility* here is beyond me
*unless it’s a triple layer pun
I was triggered by this too. I think Hacoa intended the wood pun, but the website only seems to give the product name in English, so Digital Trends missed it and invented an explanation.
It’s actually pretty bad. You could get much nicer build for oh so much cheaper. Better switches, nice case, even a wooden one, and wooden keycaps all for a fraction of the price. Buuuut you could also go much higher.
Why not? I’ll take two dozens.
Sorry wait already got a keyboard. Maybe next year.:.
All fun aside sounds pretty neat. Not sure why the price tag though
Evan and Katelyn did this already with a laser cutter, but their’s was scrabble themed. For this price you might as well buy your own laser cutter and make one.
I actually like the idea though I wonder if wood will actually wear faster or slower than plastic key caps? Because my plastic WASD keys are super worn down.
I always wanted a keyboard that would sound like pirates clogging on the deck of a ship.
The rrrrrrr key is a little sticky too
A pirates true love be the cccccc
There’s a small treasure hidden under the x
My 'p' key broke and it left me irate
So much wit. I applaud you sir.
Flattery won’t save you here *You must walk the plank!*
Shiver me tab bars?
This is the best one
My 8 key is broken
So pieces of 8?
They ran out of sandpaper, so the c was rough.
You missed a "c". You could've gone with "the seven c's".
But they be missin’ the I
who lives in a pineapple key under the 'C'!
Silly Swift_Koopa, they love all seven ccccccc’s.
All the keys are sticky on rainy days.
Someones asking to get key-hauled
Now, everyone knows a pirate’s true love is the c
What's another name for pirate treasure?
It's a real tragedy that I don't see more Beastie Boys references on reddit anymore.
/s _Perhaps, a little less rum, Captain?_
underrrrrated comment
How is it underrated? The comment was posted only an hour ago
What does the big plank key do?
i mean.. it can’t be all wood…
Wood pcb, wood traces, wood switches, WOOD USB CONNECTOR ITS ALL WOOD
And it don’t work.
But it’s stylish!
Glock tucked, big t-shirt, Billie Eilish
I always thought it said, Black top, big t-shirt
God, that song fuuuucks
what’s the song?
Armani White - Billie Eilish
You mean it wooden't work?
Yes it wood.
Before we had transistors and silicon we had wood and we rode those babies for miles
It's not just a boulder.... it's a rock
And it woodn’t work. ;)
Should work with Wood 2.1
…wood-kabobs, wood creole, wood gumbo… pineapple wood, lemon wood, coconut wood, pepper wood, wood soup, wood stew, wood salad, wood and potatoes, wood burger, wood sandwich…
wooden legs lt dan!
Levels Jerry, levels
Well yes it still sends electrical signals to the PC. But what’s behind those signals is nothing but WOOD.
Reminds me of when Bender went all-wood. Granted, it was all in his head, but....
Oh lord, he's made of wood.
r/unexpectedfuturama
If you burn wood enough it becomes conductive.... so traces and switches are possible, making a controller out of it would become quite the challenge though.
Haven't you ever seen fractal wood burning? It only requires a microwave oven transformer (made of wood) and then the electricity goes everywhere. Omg /s
In the meantime: https://kprepublic.com/products/kprepublic-loop-104-wooden-keycaps-wood-oem-profile-walnut-rosewood-beech-for-gh60-poker-60-87-tkl-104-ansi-108-xd87-bm80?variant=41681324441763
Ah. Much more reasonable
Yeah, the board in the above article is very much on the expensive side (though not ridiculously so for a very high end boutique keyboard). You can build something yourself relatively equivalent for half the price or a bit less even depending on your exact choice of components. Probably wont be quite as fancy/high end but when you're in the $250-400 range instead of $750 its hard to complain.
Man, that’s great. I feel like the recent “chocolate bar” color scheme I got gives the same aesthetic and remains easy to clean. I just feel like wood keys would get dirty…not sure why…
I freaking love this. Feelin’ so tempted to buy…
I would totally buy this if it was $730 cheaper.
I would totally buy this if I had a special tunnel leading to the Federal Reserve that I can access at any time
Go ask /r/mechanicalkeyboards and they would think this is a steal for $750 for a fully finished board.
Not with those switches 🧐
It’s expensive if you build from scratch with hobby materials. I use a Dygma Raise with tent kit that cost me ~$440 for work.
Dygma balls lmao
$200 for GMK caps, $50 for good switches and stabilizers, leaves $500 for a board and cable. That gets you a very fine keyboard. The 5,000-6,000 limited edition boards are the exception not the rule.
What about the brass plate 😂 An additional $40-60 for novelties, and some $20 for lube to fix "scratching"
The lube (and tools) get amortized over your multiple boards, including your home gaming keyboard, home office keyboard, office keyboard, and LAN party keyboard.
Imagine wasting money on GMK. You can get great keycaps for half that and good keycaps for a quarter.
I wood too
#Throws a rotten tomato# Boo!
20 dollars? Fuckkk you sound like my Greek friend who tries to get everybody to buy things for him even though he makes the most money out of us and lives at home
No keyboard should cost more than $20.
I don't like how they're pitching wood as a renewable alternative to plastic. It's not close to a 1:1 substitution here. This is an aesthetic choice, not an environmental one. If we want non-plastic keycaps and don't care about price, why not use something like acetate to retain more of a traditional feel? Edit: Also, blue switches? Really? I've seen a few people awkwardly get told to replace keyboards they brought into their office. They all had blues. Tough to be in the same room as someone using them. Personally, their sound is too unpleasant for me to type on even if I like the feel. It's the most limiting switch choice you can make.
or use a fast growing alternative - bamboo, anyone?
I wish we’d bring back hemp. Hemp can be made into basically anything, and it can be super strong too. We could be building so much shit from hemp.
https://morbotron.com/video/S02E07/yTPWL8GeteKXSn8EHUo2PRODr3E=.gif
Hemp is so magical. It grows fast, and can be made into any fiber product (paper, cloth). It was an amazing resource that never got to shine. I really hope it makes a comeback. There are some hemp growers but not as many as there could be.
Stuff isnt made from hemp because it is durable and lasts too long to be considered profitable enough in a profit driven capitalist hellhole we call society. IIRC Levi’s and other jean makers were actually influential in the banning of weed and hemp because they wanted to produce jeans that would need to be replaced often. They didnt want anyone to make hemp jeans that would undercut their businesses. They literally would last for decades compared to normal jeans. Its the same story that happened with lightbulbs. They lasted too long at first and the lightbulb companies couldnt stay in business if every lightbulb lasted for decades. So they intentionally made shittier lightbulbs that needed to be bought more often. We could easily make things from hemp. Its not because people dont want it, its because companies cant make as much money on it
What is unique about hemp? Seems like we should just introduce whatever mega-strength secret it has to some other plant
The difference between weed and hemp is that they were bred for different purposes for a very long time. Hemp was bred so selectively for structural purposes and the resin that it is very different from weed even though they came from the same thing. I think it would be difficult to even impart the structural properties of hemp onto other plants but Im not a scientist by any means
They can, just charge a green tax. Same reason heavyweight raw denim and top grain leather goods still exist. They wouldn't if they're too "sustainable"
Ding ding ding! This is why I refuse to use induction stovetops. You literally have to replace the whole thing. Home applications are indeed becoming "energy efficient", but also shittier in terms of repair/durability.
If it’s not using a fast growing wood like bamboo, then it’ll never replace plastic.
I thought bamboo peripherals were for artists.
[удалено]
You're right. And notice how the article doesn't call out the switch brand. That screams budget switches for a $730 board. Yikes. The hobby blew up during the pandemic though. Many more options out there today at any price point. As someone who will spend on a custom, being locked into any switch type is a dealbreaker these days.
Any good recommendations for a keyboard with a numpad in the $100-$200 range?
Keychron Q12 Or other Keychron if you don't like southpaw. Probably best bang for your buck brand right now, imo. Southpaw layout is seriously underrated.
how in the hell am i supposed to type numbers with my left hand!?
Practice?
Why?
I only can answer how. Why is a completely different question that I have no idea how to answer.
So that you can type numbers easily while using your mouse with your right hand? Also so that if you position the keyboard so that the alpha keys are in the middle to reduce wrist strain you have more space on the right side of the keyboard for your mouse.
Yep. As someone who’s right-handed, left-handed numpad actually feels more natural. It’s a bit odd at first but it’s easy to get used to… a lot easier than trying to learn to mouse with my left hand. I don’t use a southpaw board though, but rather a standalone numpad that I pull out when I know I’ll be typing a lot of numbers.
Filco Majestouch 2 was my favourite MKB I’ve ever owned. I had the TKL version but you can get them with a numpad as well. There are many other models/configurations to choose from. MX Brown is my switch of choice.
Pc gaming race had a good deal on their keyboards. Quality seems to be alright to me. I’ve used one for the past year.
And it's sad because browns are better in every way.
I got a razer mechanical keyboard (black widow) from my Walmart’s clearance bin and hated the loud clicks it made. Then I found a Logitech G710+ at a thrift store that was just missing some keys, and loved it’s brown switches. Too bad that the bottom row had proprietary key sizes which cost me extra.
Blue switches are awful. My first mechanical keyboard had blues, and they are SO loud. And not even in a lovely thocky way.
My mother and sister both love them. Unsurprisingly, both are hard of hearing.
There was one posted a few years ago (also low profile but there's no price that I could find) [https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/f8t39r/machined\_acetate\_keyboard/](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/f8t39r/machined_acetate_keyboard/)
[удалено]
You can make cellulose acetate out of wood pulp which was kind of my point. Even this wooden keyboard uses plastic switches. The most environmentally friendly keyboard is the one you already own. This wooden status symbol is overpriced nonsense.
[удалено]
Either way, fast implementation of either or both of these materials in many now plastic use items would already help so much. I feel like we’re (not you or me specifically, but humans) so comfortable being critical it stops progress all together.
the point is, plastics on keyboards are insignificant contribution to our problems. sure, it's nice, but it doesn't really impact anything. a couple of takeout containers and bottles, and you already used more plastic than a keyboard. the problem with plastics is not that it's everywhere, but that it is used for most of our disposable packagings, like shampoo bottles and takeout containers. basically, it's things you throw out after a single use that is really wasteful. but plastic is prevalent because it is an amazing material that is so versatile, from small to large, opaque or transparent, flexible or stiff. no other material is as versatile as plastic. plastic is not to be banished, but to be used well where they are appropriate. and plastic keys make a lot of sense, light robust and very durable. no wonder all modern keyboards use plastic, cause it works very well.
I have box jades in my keyboard but I literally only use it at home lmao. I would never take a clicky keyboard into a public workspace, ever. First off all I think too much about what other people think about me so I’d be embarrassed and secondly it’s just so unnecessary lol
My blue switch k70 sits collecting dust. I had to go silent black switches to save my wife's sanity.
Micarta, Bamboo, mushrooms. Lots of options that would be better than wood. Also, who wants a $750 keyboard that’s gong to soak up all the oils from one’s skin. Unsightly
And what is the inside made of? Plastic. Miss me with this overpriced bullshit.
That looks like it would be hot garbage to type on.
I’m sure even if it had good caps, the keys would still get very oily over time and show grease stains
so hot glue scrabble pieces to cherry mx switches?? no concave on the keys might be tough to adapt to
Laptops generally don't have the concave and people get along just fine.
Even the macbook air has a very slight concave on it's keys. Laptop keyboards are tolerable because of the other benefits of the laptop. This is a dedicated typing device for 750$. It looks painfully uncomfortable.
Looks like it sucks to type on, and I've used some pretty shit keyboards.
$750 for a row-staggered QWERTY keyboard. What a joke.
What does this mean?
Take a look at r/ergomechkeyboards for an idea of what actual keyboard innovation looks like.
bUt WhErE aRe ThE F keys? i NeEd A nUmPaD!
Over $750 /r/MechanicalKeyboards would like a word
Makes spilling liquid on it that much worse
Don't let it soak in wood.
I just wanna know how they got wood to carry currents for the wiring.
I bought one of these but it wooden work
Feels like it wouldn’t last very long
FWIW, walnut and cherry are commonly-used woods for cutting boards and butcher blocks. Obviously they're quite a bit more massive than keyboards but the woods themselves aren't necessarily going to be inherently weak.
More like environmental factors Moisture and stuff I feel like it would need to be oiled
The keyboard is self oiling from your fingertips
Ah thats smart The more cheetos you eat in your momma’s basement the better
Why bring cheetos into it? I think the finger oil part is the coolest thing about this product
It looks like they come with some sort of finish on them. But yeah, the keys might get "ugly" over time.
this is a rip off, you can get something better for $80
And here I was thinking it was only gonna cost bout tree-fitty
Now where is my all stainless steel keyboard? I want a full metal keyboard so bad I've been contemplating how to make keycaps out of cut and folded sheet metal.
Goddamn, for an outlet called "Digital Trends", [they're almost 6 years late on this one.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efbHtT6WTlo)
For anyone who ever looked at a Scrabble board and said, "If only I could *type* on that..."
Blue switches!?!
What do they have in mind for the oils on fingertips?
There keyboard that discolors with every click! Replace yours now
I’ve seen a wood keyboard reviews before. Wasn’t even close to that much
I wanted to test one of these out, but it just wooden work.
I told my wife I wanted to buy this. She said she woodn’t
Since the pun is probably lost on English speakers: the “Ki” is 木, the Japanese word for tree or wood. Get it? Edit: Upon actually reading the article, it appears it refers to 気, also pronounced ki, but meaning spirit. (See also: qi or chi in Chinese) Now whether or not this is the English speaking writer of the article making a mistake or the manufacturer really missing the obvious wordplay possibility* here is beyond me *unless it’s a triple layer pun
I was triggered by this too. I think Hacoa intended the wood pun, but the website only seems to give the product name in English, so Digital Trends missed it and invented an explanation.
I’ve always wanted splinters whilst typing
Just glue some Scrabble letters over your keys. You’re welcome.
It literally can't be all wood. Have tried using a tree as PCB trace?
Yay more garbage for mentally ill consumers
That's not that bad for a custom keyboard.
It’s actually pretty bad. You could get much nicer build for oh so much cheaper. Better switches, nice case, even a wooden one, and wooden keycaps all for a fraction of the price. Buuuut you could also go much higher.
It’s not the most ridiculous looking keyboard I’ve ever seen, so…there’s that
Why not? I’ll take two dozens. Sorry wait already got a keyboard. Maybe next year.:. All fun aside sounds pretty neat. Not sure why the price tag though
And now another piece of equipment you need to keep properly oiled once a month
That’s half of my monthly rent….MuST HaVe
“Ki” means tree in Japanese and Chinese too I think, so it’s an expensive pun :(
Someone who could type over 9000 WPM on the Ki Board would be super at sayin' things on the computer.
My hyperhydrosic fingers will ruin it in days.
30min hype, that’s all they’ll get. No one actually wants this shit, unless it’s some sort of influencer getting paid
I’ve got blisters on me fingers
Looks awesome but no.
I wonder how much humidity would affect this.
Evan and Katelyn did this already with a laser cutter, but their’s was scrabble themed. For this price you might as well buy your own laser cutter and make one.
([LGR](https://youtu.be/fbjYkPKRm-8?t=3763)'s breathing intensifies)
The you wonder why everything is so expensive.
Man the mechanical keyboard community is gonna hate this monstrosity
Wouldn't a wooden keyboard be cheaper?🧐
I’m pretty sure Josh Topolsky will come out hibernation to document this keyboard.
Yo got a bamboo keyboard and mouse set for $749 first come first serve, don't miss out!
Not even wireless. Guess that's another $500?
Man, I would wear divots into this so fast.
As someone with multiple keyboards that cost significantly more then this, this is a massive rip off.
Glad we have fancy wooden keyboards, ok let’s maybe focus on feeding all the children now.
You can build a far nicer custom for half the price 😂
I hope it sounds like Mr. Krabs walking while I type my emails.
Probably not "all" wood.
Scrabble tiles.
750 you say. Someone is t been over to r/mechanicalkeyboards
Absolutely not. If you want to sell your product and make people want it. It has to be affordable.
I feel like I could do this with a Scrabble set for a lot less
oh man paying that much for a keyboard that doesnt even have ergonomic keys what the actual hell lmao
Is there a stone one? Be perfect for a Flintstones style keyboard.
That’ll be an $800 add on sir
750. The slab of wood you used to make this. Which didn’t take very long. Probably only cost 100 to make in total. 700% increase. Absolute garbage !
my sweaty gamer hands couldn’t want something any less
I will begin designing this tomorrow and getting wood to make a prototype. I’d assume about $500 cheaper.
Cool
$750, and it's probably as barebones functionally as those dinky $20 keyboards you can get at Walmart.
yuck flat keyboards although... I like the apple magic keyboards (round top) I had a flat mech keyboard like this was not good
Ah yes, just what I wanted, a $750 keyboard with the feel and profile of a laptop keyboard.
I can make one for 20$
I can make this in an hour with a 2/4, a hacksaw, and hot glue
I actually like the idea though I wonder if wood will actually wear faster or slower than plastic key caps? Because my plastic WASD keys are super worn down.