The Migra TKL Prototype by Thebloodyez
“This is my keyboard. There are many like it, but this one is mine.” - William H. Rupertus.
In another life, if Major General William H. Rupertus, the Marine who coined the United States Marine Creed, had been a keyboard enthusiast, we might've gotten this line instead.
All joking aside, this has been an article that I’ve wanted to write for quite some time. There are many reasons why we love the keyboard hobby, and today, I wanted to introduce you to one of mine—prototype keyboards and helping keyboard designers by joining prototype runs. Now, it’s not risk-free, and one should weigh the pros and cons of joining a prototype run, so I encourage you to pay attention to the disclaimer portion of this article.
I know that there are prototype runs for keycaps, switches, and other cool things in our keyboard hobby, but for this article, I’ll be focusing only on keyboards. Also, please know that not every prototype run will be handled the same way, and even if you do all you can to make sure that you won’t be disappointed with the prototype unit, do know that the word “prototype” makes it pretty clear that the actual public run units will be more polished than the prototypes.
Without further ado, please allow me to explain three reasons why one of my favorite aspects of the keyboard hobby is joining prototype runs!
Disclaimer:Taking A Chance On An Undisclosed Company’s Headphone Microphone Prototype Run A Few Years Ago
I want to make myself very clear. An opportunity to join a prototype run can be exciting, but it’s not without risks.
I’ll touch upon this more in the cons section of this article, but just know that on top of the usual “issues” that may arise when it comes to joining group buys such as logistical delays, prototype runs also carry risks of potential issues with either the keyboard kit itself, manufacturer miscommunication, and so on. There’s an experimental nature to prototype runs, as the name suggests, and while it’s less of an issue if the designer or prototype runner is trustworthy, just know that you should carefully consider whether the project is worth your support, be it with your time or your money.
I do not suggest joining if you have even an ounce of trepidation, and while you may not be able to have every question answered by the designer or prototype runner, you should, at the very least, ask questions and feel comfortable before considering joining. After all, the keyboard hobby is a luxury hobby. I don’t mean in terms of how much keyboards cost necessarily (although prototype units do usually cost more as smaller MOQs (minimum order quantity) can mean that the manufacturer will charge more for the product to be made), but the fact that it’s not a “need” when it comes to other things in life.
Sure, if you joined the hobby solely for ergonomic reasons, and you rely on typing to sustain yourself financially, buying a custom keyboard that is ergonomically better than your current board may be “need,” but for the majority of us, we don’t need to buy mechanical keyboards to function, let alone joining a prototype run for a board.
So, as always, make sure you’re able to financially afford to buy a prototype board, understand the risks, and carefully research if it’s something you’re willing to take a chance on (when it comes to the board itself as well as the designer), and don’t have FOMO! There is absolutely nothing wrong with waiting to see if a public run will happen, and oftentimes, the public run will have improved units versus the prototype run units.
OR, there may be situations where the designer makes a bunch of prototype units and sells them as in-stock units. This is how I picked up my Jixte60 keyboards, and how my friend picked up his Plaque80 keyboard, which were all prototypes from Paramount Keeb.
Jixte60 Prototype
You can do everything in your power to be confident in your decision to join a proto run, and the designer/proto runner also could be the perfect person for the role, but what happens if the manufacturer messes up and/or doesn’t agree to fully fix the issue? Will you still be happy with your unit with a few cosmetic flaws? Even if everything is handled correctly on your end, there are external factors that can always affect how the unit arrives at your doorstep.
Migra TKL Prototype Damage From the Manufacturer
So know that there will always be an inherent risk, even if you and the designer have set the project up for success, and again, don’t feel like you’re missing out. Just because you didn’t buy the unit doesn’t mean you can’t help support the designer or project in other ways such as word-of-mouth advertising, assisting by asking questions or simply conversing with the designer and other interested enthusiasts like yourself.
While it can be helpful to have a physical unit to tinker with, just because you didn’t buy a proto unit doesn’t mean that you can’t give valuable advice or ask questions that will benefit future runs of the board!
Reason #1: Supporting The DesignerThe K-III Prototype by Masjewerke (James)
“Never tell me the odds.” - Han Solo.
I feel like we see the journey of keyboard newbies (someone who’s just joined the hobby) to keyboard enthusiasts (someone who’s decided that they’re interested in learning more about the hobby and being active) to keyboard designers from many designers in our hobby. It does seem like kind of a natural progression, even though not everyone becomes a keyboard designer because one can gain immense satisfaction by designing ideas or things that they want based on their preferences, and then attempting to bring that dream to life.
After all, that’s how group buys started in our hobby (although it isn’t a new concept, it’s become somewhat synonymous with the hobby!) Someone having a very cool idea, reaching out to the community to see if anyone else thought that idea was cool, and then gaining the interest of those individuals who then, as a group, join the “buy,” sometimes resulting in lower prices versus just buying one-offs if a minimum order quantity is met to achieve said discount (MOQ).
It doesn’t have to be designing something either. It could simply be “Hey, I want to buy xyz item, does anyone else want to buy xyz item? If a lot of us join and purchase as a group, we can get discounted rates versus us buying the item separately!”
Somewhere along the line, we’ve seen the evolution of the “this is cool, do you think this is cool? Let’s buy this cool thing together” mindset of passionate designers to “not only can we make cool things, but we can make a bit of a profit while doing so.” This article isn’t necessarily going to go in-depth about the history of group buys (that’s a topic for another day) or whether we’ve lost a bit of that secret/magical/exclusiveness of the early days of not only finding group buys but joining them, but it’s very easy to see the progression of the hobby and collective buying (group buys) as a whole.
From a designer who thinks they have a great idea and wants to share that idea with the rest of the community, to creating prototypes after fine-tuning their interest check or what they’re trying to achieve, it’s inspiring. That childlike wonder of endless possibilities, following your passion and creating a project that you truly love and have put your heart and soul into, and even through all the difficult hours spent figuring out the entire process, putting yourself out there, creating, and realizing your dreams in terms of keyboard designs can make the process of keyboard designs seem poetic.
It’s beautiful when you think about it, and I can understand why designers design (or, at least, a somewhat romanticized idea of designing things). Honestly, I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it right now! And another reason why I truly believe that the community is the best part of this hobby. Without the community, it would be hard to get any sort of group buy or successful IC or project up and running.
Supporting designers becomes less about giving money to a faceless name or alias on the internet, but it is about helping your friends who ended up becoming designers once they got far enough into the rabbit hole of keyboards. At least, that’s what I’ve experienced with the two designers that I mention regularly and whose prototype boards I have been waiting to arrive to write this article - Masjewerke (James) and Thebloodyez.
If you ask both of them how they became designers, you’ll get stories about them joining the hobby, then slowly getting more and more ingrained into the community, and eventually getting that itch to create something themselves, and to share those cool projects with us, the community. What started as just two acquaintances who turned into friends ended up with me supporting their projects when they took that step to become designers!
Masjewerke (James)
Thebloodyez
And, just like with your loved ones, friends, and family, you want to do anything and everything you can to help them achieve their dreams and to succeed. There will be hard, difficult times for sure, but to those that you truly call friends, against all odds, you root for them and wish them the very best, and support them in any way you can, because at the end of the day, supporting prototype runs of their projects is simply being a good friend and supporting them versus blindly throwing money around.
I think that the purest form of happiness and enjoyment in this hobby is supporting your friends who have become designers (or designers who have become your friends). There’s absolutely nothing wrong with buying keyboards from companies, brands, or designers that you don’t have a relationship with, as we enjoy the hobby in our different ways, and that’s totally fine! But there’s just something magical about supporting fellow community members by either joining a prototype run for their boards or just offering help or valuable feedback without necessarily needing to support them monetarily. It doesn’t have to be solely prototype runs either. For example, any keycap set that I can afford from James or Bloody, I’m all in for and fully support. JCS Arabic, KKB Skidata Neo, whatever it is, I’ll be more than happy to help them and to help them hit MOQ.
But let’s get back to proto boards and the second reason why I love joining prototype runs - providing valuable feedback.
Reason #2: Providing Valuable FeedbackThe QFRL100 Prototype With CRP Round 5 Egyptian Sublegend Alphas (Sold Out, But Look Out For Future CRP Runs On Drop!) “All I want to do is help.”
How fortunate am I that I can write about what I’m passionate about, and the reason why I make keyboard content on my YouTube channel? All I want to do is help, and when it comes to keyboard designers, for instance, James and thebloodyez, I don’t mind recording hundreds of hours of footage, editing videos, and staying up until 5 A.M. to make sure the renders and uploads went through. Why? Because they’re my friends! If I can provide valuable feedback to not only them but by doing so, help future potential buyers of the keyboard projects they’ve been working on, especially if that feedback can be implemented into the eventual public group buy run with production units, then I’m happy.
It’s a good idea to get prototype units in the hands of those who can give their thoughts to designers because while a designer thinks that they may be able to go over every nook and cranny of a keyboard, we see things differently through various lenses. Think of just about any successful group of people or organization. Variety and the different perspectives that others bring are nice, because you can’t even begin to experience all that life has to offer on your own, and relying on others to use their talents, skills, experiences, and opinions can create an end product that far exceeds something that can be created by yourself.
Sometimes we can overlook things that are right under our nose.
Now, this doesn’t mean that a designer has to appeal to everyone, or veer so far from their original project that it no longer is something that they’re passionate about or want to create, but truly valuable feedback that can potentially improve an initial design while still being an end product that the designer enjoys and captures their vision of said product is helpful to receive.
For example, the QFRL100 prototype, by Thebloodyez that I’m currently typing on.
I recorded a few sound test videos and a review video, and I actually caught something that the other prototype-run joiners as well as Bloody did not. While it’s obviously not widespread since no one else had this “issue”, I experienced that in its bottom mount configuration, it accentuated desk noise. I have a solid wooden desk that I use with a standard desk mat (4 mm thick), and it reminded me of Geon’s Frog TKL and other Geon boards that have long horizontal feet. Also, my HHKB Type-S hybrid. For some reason, those boards give off a rumbly sound on top of my desk, which is something that others may want to know since it’s something that many Geon horizontal feet board enjoyers experience as well.
It’s definitely not a feet issue, because the QFRL100 uses differently designed feet, and even though it could be a potential negative regarding the QFRL100, because we all have different desk set-ups and hear different things, instead of a potential buyer experiencing this issue once they receive the board when it goes into the public GB stage, at least they’ll be aware of it. Or, like what I'm doing now, we try and figure out what’s causing the issue and bring up some alternatives to fix it prior to the public GB run.
Where The Feet Go On The QFRL100
Geonworks Horizontal Feet Design For Some Of Their Boards
Frog TKL That Uses The Feet Design
Not every single person who had similarly-designed Geon boards using the horizontal feet experienced the issue since not everyone has the same typing surface or set-up, and not everyone thought it was a big issue for them, since not everyone cares about sound as much as, say, aesthetics, value, or typing feel, but it was enough of a known “issue” that people figured out ways to fix the issue, with one designer even attempting to run (whether it was ultimately successful or not is another issue) a GB for a modified feet design.
Did this result in the Frog TKL (or any similarly-designed Geon board) losing value? Well, for some people it did, but the pros far outweigh the cons for the others. But even though it might’ve ended up being a reason why not to buy a board for some people, at least they were informed prior to buying.
The same concept applies to the QFRL100. In my opinion, for the minority that may encounter the same issue, the pros of the board outweigh the cons, and at least people will know that it may be an issue if we can’t figure out a fix, which is better than a buyer being surprised and potentially angry after buying the board and finding out after they’ve spent hundreds of dollars on the board.
Or, again, because of finding out about the issue, we figure out a mod to fix it, which is why it can be helpful to not only buy into a prototype run but to get protos in the hands of as many people as possible without negatively impacting the designer too much financially. In essence, we are the guinea pigs, and while that doesn’t mean that it’s not worthwhile to join a prototype run, or that the board is bad by any means, it is indeed what the word “prototype” means and why there are prototypes made prior to a full-on public GB or in-stock sale.
In the case of the K-III from Masjewerke/James, a few of us private run/prototype run joiners realized that while top mount was an option, it wasn’t necessarily the “best” in terms of sound or feel (at least, the combinations we tried) and that the board definitely was tuned for gasket mount, both plateless and with the PC plate option. The screws didn’t completely match up with the top mount screw holes, so we couldn't use every top mount screw area.
Giving valuable feedback doesn’t have to be all negative, either.
For example, letting a designer know how great they implemented their designs is helpful as well. Again, with the QFRL100, the fact that it not only is top mount, but bottom mount and that the implementation was done so well that it’s by far my favorite typing feel (bouncy) of any board can result in Bloody continuing to implement it throughout his designs. Or letting a designer know that they guessed correctly in terms of what the “market” wants if the board looks, sounds, and feels good can be beneficial, as figuring out what works and what doesn’t is extremely important when it comes to designing boards and what the community wants.
I’m not a designer by any means, so imagine what feedback another designer could give (or someone who's experienced in reviewing keebs) to Bloody, which is why it’s nice to get units out to not only the common user like me but those that have experience reviewing boards or designing them.
This brings me to reason #3 why I enjoy prototype runs - Having unique units!
Reason #3: Having Unique UnitsAnother Picture of the Migra TKL Prototype
“Am I a bad person if I like the idea of exclusivity?”
I asked myself this when I first started learning about prototype keebs. If there’s only a small amount of units made that are run in, possibly, an exclusive colorway, have some internal engravings or ode to those that joined the proto run, would that cause FOMO or, while extremely unlikely, higher prices if those protos are sold on the aftermarket versus the public run units, especially if the board never makes it to a public run?
Absolutely.
However… I’d argue that, for the most part, designers who offer prototype runs and those who join them do so for relatively harmless reasons and not because of FOMO or selling prototypes for a profit.
No matter what, a prototype unit will have to be created, either just for the designer’s personal use and to test things, or, opened up for those that want to join. It’s not advised to design a keyboard and then go straight into selling them publicly without any sort of research and development and actual units made to test whether they’re ready for mass production. A colorway that won’t be offered for the public group buy, or an engraving that’s funny and/or gives a nod to those who helped support the project by joining the prototype run is a nice touch!
Migra TKL Engraving For Us Proto Run Joiners
Honestly, for me, I could care less and I just want to help, but as a small “thank you” of sorts, I understand why it happens. Sometimes, supporters deserve some sort of acknowledgment as thanks for their help, which is why some YouTube channels show off the names of their Patreon, YouTube members, or Twitch subscribers or give them custom badges and so on. A lot of supporters don’t do it for any benefit besides helping, but it is a nice touch when they are acknowledged. The fact that most prototype runs allow anyone to join who’s willing to pay also doesn’t mean that there’s only a small few that have the chance to join either, and those runs don’t necessarily restrict anyone from joining as long as they’re able to put forth the money for a proto unit.
And, for the most part, those who buy proto units don’t do it to sell them on the aftermarket, so that’s less of an issue. And, besides, if a public run does happen, chances are, those public units have significant improvements over the prototype units, and boards that have an issue with exclusivity driving up their prices on the aftermarket usually don’t offer proto units in the first place (TGR, Singa, Keycult for example).
I believe that there’s nothing inherently wrong about a prototype run of a board offering a colorway or little engraving as thanks to the supporters, especially if that prototype run is offered to anyone who wants to join versus restricting the number of units made. As we’ve learned with MOQ, the more people buy into the prototype run, the cheaper it’ll be for those who join. A one-off or just two or three boards will cost more for those individuals than a manufacturer making 10 or more units of protos.
Also, like I mentioned with the Plaque80 and Jixte60, sometimes, prototype units are sold after the fact as in-stock units, which is a nice touch for those who do want to buy a prototype unit, but want them in-stock.
Jixte60 Prototypes That Are Available To The Public/Sold In-Stock Currently
Some prototypes have cosmetic flaws, or some kind of quirk that usually allows them to still be functional, but not someone that specifically goes out to buy them and sell them at higher cost on the aftermarket usually is focused on. Other prototypes aren’t necessarily functional without requiring a new PCB and/or plate to be designed but are a part of that board’s history, so for those that are interested in the art and history (lore) aspect of a keyboard, they might be right up one’s alley.
Alchemist Keyboards (UK James) Aella Prototype That Needs A New PCB And Plate Designed
Or, a prototype might work, but instead of selling units, the designer decides to open-source the entire project so that anyone willing to source parts can build one!
Toad Open Source By TalkingTree With CRP R5 Korean Sublegends
Designers who open source their projects are truly some of the most passionate and kind enthusiasts in our hobby.
I don’t think that wanting to join a prototype run and getting an exclusive colorway or an engraving as a way of saying thanks is necessarily a bad thing. Protos have to be made no matter what, and a lot of times, proto runs are opened to the general public (and those that aren’t still can suffer the problem of scalpers on the aftermarket) so whoever wants to join can join.
Just like in life, there are no guarantees when it comes to prototype runs, which is what I’ll talk about in the next portion of this article, cons of joining a prototype run.
But, Of Course, There Are Cons Zoom In Under The Page Down Keycap To See Damage Of The Eye Design On The Migra TKL
“This is not ideal.”
After taking a few pictures of the Migra for Bloody, he asked me what was the weird discoloration in the eye portion on the front of the keyboard. At first, I had thought it was just dirt or dust, but when I took a picture with my digital microscope, I could see that it was actual damage.
Damage To A Part Of The Migra TKL Caused By The Manufacturer
The Migra TKL is the most beautiful board that I’ve ever seen or had my hands on (subjective of course,) and even this cosmetic flaw wasn’t enough for me to change my opinion, but the fact that the manufacturer stated this was acceptable did not sit well with Bloody (as well as other issues he had with the manufacturer.) I won’t get into specifics, but sometimes, even though the designer does their best to let manufacturers know what is acceptable and what isn’t, depending on a myriad of reasons, a factory may deem something as acceptable when, in fact, it isn’t, in the designer’s eyes.
What happens then? Well, if the designer has a good relationship with the manufacturer, or at the very least, they’re open for a discourse with the designer and the problem(s) that arose, perhaps the manufacturer will re-make units (if egregious enough,) partially refund the designer, who in turn, sends you that refund for the damage(s), or, may just shrug and say, “we deem it as acceptable, sorry.”
Most of the time, that last scenario doesn’t happen, as the keyboard community and designer community are very tight-knit, and a bad experience or a recommendation not to go with a specific keyboard manufacturer can be damaging to that manufacturer’s reputation, even though they focus on other non-keyboard-related products. However, it’s a very real possibility that for prototype runs, there will be cosmetic issues, or even screw holes not being the right size, tolerances of the case being not in spec, and even PCB hijinks. Sometimes, the entire kit is still functional, and other times, it’s not.
Generally, however, most proto runs nowadays will at least be of usable units, albeit with a few cosmetic or other quirks. But, you never know until the unit is received, QCed by the designer or whomever they entrust the QCing to, and arrives at your doorstep. Just like in life, there are no guarantees when it comes to prototype runs. I doubt that Bloody or James would allow a non-functional unit to reach our doorsteps, and they’d do anything and everything in their power to make things right, even at their own cost, because that’s just who they are, but do know that not every designer or person in charge of the prototype run will do the same.
And, as we’ve seen with many designers and vendors, the keyboard community is not immune to either exit scamming or other issues that leave those who bought keycaps, keyboards, or even artisans high and dry. Proceed with caution, because at the end of the day, it’s your wallet and your decision to make when it comes to joining prototype runs. I’d sooner win the lottery than experience Bloody or James doing something similar, but sometimes, that’s what makes it dangerous. I am, however, willing to take the risk and give designers a chance, helping them however I can with their protos.
QFRL100 With GMK Boba Fett In My VW Cabrio
Having a relationship with a designer is fantastic, but sometimes, friendship can cloud judgment. I’ve made peace with the near-zero possibility that something catastrophic may happen that might leave me without the item I’ve paid for, especially if I’m not protected by Credit Card chargebacks or PayPal, but that’s for each of you to decide yourselves.
I would feel horrible if you decide to join a prototype run after reading this article and end up getting scammed, and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, so I urge you to please consider the pros and cons before giving money to a designer or a vendor for a prototype unit. Being able to financially afford it as well as doing your homework is important, not just with prototype runs, not just in this hobby, but in life.
Conclusion:
Well, what do you think? After weighing the pros and cons, and understanding the risks associated with joining a prototype run for a keyboard, would you still be interested? Again, that’s a question you’ll have to ask yourself for each situation where a prototype run may be offered, but I’m confident in your ability to make an informed decision versus impulsively doing so.
I love this hobby, the community, and supporting my friends and designers, and I think that supporting a designer by joining a prototype run is extremely satisfying, but I also know that it’s not for everyone - and that’s fine! Please don’t have FOMO, and remember, there will always be another keyboard if the prototype run does not lead to a public run, and if it does, you’ll always be able to buy a production unit.
I hope this article has been helpful, and that you understand why I love joining proto runs (to support the designer, to give valuable feedback, and to have somewhat of a unique board,) and I’d love to hear your comments on the matter, either in the comments section of this article or a message on Discord (HubertTheMad#0073).
I hope everyone enjoys their New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, and I hope you all have a great start to 2025. And, hey, maybe consider keeping tabs on your favorite designer's discord channel for potential prototype run opportunities, whether you help out monetarily by actually buying into a proto run, or just help out with useful advice/discourse.
Thanks again, I love you all, and see you next time!
I feel like we see the journey of keyboard newbies (someone who’s just joined the hobby) to keyboard enthusiasts (someone who’s decided that they’re interested in learning more about the hobby and being active) to keyboard designers from many designers in our hobby. It does seem like kind of a natural progression, even though not everyone becomes a keyboard designer because one can gain immense satisfaction by designing ideas or things that they want based on their preferences, and then attempting to bring that dream to life. After all, that’s how group buys started in our hobby (although it isn’t a new concept, it’s become somewhat synonymous with the hobby!) Someone having a very cool idea, reaching out to the community to see if anyone else thought that idea was cool, and then gaining the interest of those individuals who then, as a group, join the “buy,” sometimes resulting in lower prices versus just buying one-offs if a minimum order quantity is met to achieve said discount (MOQ). It doesn’t have to be designing something either. It could simply be “Hey, I want to buy xyz item, does anyone else want to buy xyz item? If a lot of us join and purchase as a group, we can get discounted rates versus us buying the item separately!”
How fortunate am I that I can write about what I’m passionate about, and the reason why I make keyboard content on my YouTube channel? All I want to do is help, and when it comes to keyboard designers, for instance, James and thebloodyez, I don’t mind recording hundreds of hours of footage, editing videos, and staying up until 5 A.M. to make sure the renders and uploads went through. Why? Because they’re my friends! If I can provide valuable feedback to not only them but by doing so, help future potential buyers of the keyboard projects they’ve been working on, especially if that feedback can be implemented into the eventual public group buy run with production units, then I’m happy. It’s a good idea to get prototype units in the hands of those who can give their thoughts to designers because while a designer thinks that they may be able to go over every nook and cranny of a keyboard, we see things differently through various lenses. Think of just about any successful group of people or organization. Variety and the different perspectives that others bring are nice, because you can’t even begin to experience all that life has to offer on your own, and relying on others to use their talents, skills, experiences, and opinions can create an end product that far exceeds something that can be created by yourself. Sometimes we can overlook things that are right under our nose. Now, this doesn’t mean that a designer has to appeal to everyone, or veer so far from their original project that it no longer is something that they’re passionate about or want to create, but truly valuable feedback that can potentially improve an initial design while still being an end product that the designer enjoys and captures their vision of said product is helpful to receive. For example, the QFRL100 prototype, by Thebloodyez that I’m currently typing on.
I asked myself this when I first started learning about prototype keebs. If there’s only a small amount of units made that are run in, possibly, an exclusive colorway, have some internal engravings or ode to those that joined the proto run, would that cause FOMO or, while extremely unlikely, higher prices if those protos are sold on the aftermarket versus the public run units, especially if the board never makes it to a public run? Absolutely. However… I’d argue that, for the most part, designers who offer prototype runs and those who join them do so for relatively harmless reasons and not because of FOMO or selling prototypes for a profit. No matter what, a prototype unit will have to be created, either just for the designer’s personal use and to test things, or, opened up for those that want to join. It’s not advised to design a keyboard and then go straight into selling them publicly without any sort of research and development and actual units made to test whether they’re ready for mass production. A colorway that won’t be offered for the public group buy, or an engraving that’s funny and/or gives a nod to those who helped support the project by joining the prototype run is a nice touch!
After taking a few pictures of the Migra for Bloody, he asked me what was the weird discoloration in the eye portion on the front of the keyboard. At first, I had thought it was just dirt or dust, but when I took a picture with my digital microscope, I could see that it was actual damage.