Datamancer.net - Technical Art and Steampunk Contraptions

Do you want to build your own Steampunk / Victorian keyboard but lack the space or equipment to build the metal parts?

Here's your solution!

Each frame comes with 2 drilled sides, two feet in your choice of the "swoop" foot or the triangle (pictured above, left and right), top and bottom rods (aluminum has square rods and brass has round rods), connecting hardware, and a backing plate (brass frame has wood plate, not pictured but included. Aluminum frame has metal plate with black-painted bottom). The working area inside the metal measures about 7" x 17" so these frames are made to fit a small, modern keyboard (either mechanical-switch or membrane), and NOT the larger IBM Model M-style keyboards. I am, however, working on a keyboard kit for the IBMs so keep an eye on the site or join the mailing list at www.datamancer.net/list/ to stay informed of their availability.
I also include an "assembly tips" sheet with each frame to assist in your build.

The frames come in a brushed aluminum finish, polished brass finish, or if you'd like to save even more money, I am also offering them in an unfinished, raw metal form that you can sand or polish yourself! On the unfinished frames, the sides are drilled and the frame is ready to assemble, but they will require a few hours of work to make them pretty. Polishing brass can be a tricky and messy process so if you don't have much experience with metalwork, you may want to opt for an aluminum frame. The metal is softer, easier to work with, and a brushed finish is a bit more forgiving and an easier effect to achieve.

Close-up of the reflective polished brass finish.

The current price of the finished frames is $400 for polished brass and $300 for the aluminum.

The current price of the unfinished, raw metal frames is $250 for brass and $150 for aluminum.
(Pics of the unfinished keyboards to come soon )

I do hope to be able to have a large run of metal typewriter keys stamped for me in the future, so I may offer more complete kits soon with keys, jewel lights and faceplate materials!

Eventually I will set up a shopping cart system for these, but in the meantime, please drop me an email directly at datamancer@datamancer.net with any questions and order details.

Thanks!