Mechanical Keyboard Sound Isn't That Simple
Figure 1: I couldn't think of a more literal way to represent this article if I tried... Looking back just a few years ago, there’s no doubt that the huge influx of people that joined the hobby at the peak of the COVID pandemic were drawn to keyboards by way of YouTube, TikTok, and other audio-visual content platforms. Even as the output from these content creators has waned in recent months, their collective impact and legacy on the keyboard hobby is rather firmly etched in the history books. As a result of all of their sound tests, build logs, and opinion videos, the message is clear to any new person joining the hobby: mechanical keyboards are all about the sound. Thock this, clack that. Whether it’s keyboards, keycaps, or even singular switches, seemingly everyone new to the hobby meticulously pores over each component of their keyboard not in an attempt to figure out how it will feel in hand, but how it will sound as they’re furiously grinding their way out from...
Mar 27, 2024
So I'm curious what brand new items the community is really interested in. I still think there is massive room for growth in certain areas of the community.
As far as custom keycaps go, I think playing the long game and finding manufacturers that can make new profiles (like Devlin, etc) will be fantastic. Obviously this isn't a quick undertaking. I definitely like the idea of doing more custom sets with manufacturers that haven't done as many and working making those options more open to the community.
I also see a huge void in the electro capacitive keyboard world. HHKB's (which can't be sold on MD) and Topre Realforce keyboards are fantastic, but the variety is extremely limited. Other makers have started making EC keyboards, but honestly the boards aren't really up to par with real Topre boards. I'd like to work with MD and some of these manufacturers to really craft another enthusiast grade EC keyboard option for the community.
I think seeing more kits would be fantastic as well. The Red Scarf boards are excellent boards due to pricing and features, I just want to see more of them.
Please let me know what you'd like to see!