Most of these keyboards are based off of the beautiful brass keyboard originally created by the talented Mr. Jake von Slatt over at the Steampunk Workshop. Jake builds his wonderful devices merely for relaxation after work and was not interested in mass-producing them for other people. After several requests he began referring people over to me and with his blessings, I've expanded upon the original design quite a bit. Please take a look at some of the previously commissioned keyboards and available designs, then view the Keyboard FAQ for more information concerning pricing and availability.

Digg It!

Click the photos for more pictures and information about each keyboard.

"The Aviator"

Credit goes to Jake von Slatt for naming this one. I liked it too, so it stuck.
The Aviator features a brushed aluminum frame, a black felt faceplate, and "jewel"-styled LEDs reminiscent of an old airplane instrument panel.

“The keyboard is really lovely to work on- nicely responsive in a way that I have not felt on a keyboard for many years…works great on my iMac!”
                                                               -- William King of Trollslayer.net

Here are some variations on the Aviator keyboard

This is an Aviator keyboard for a Mac. At its core is the esteemed Matias TactilePro2

(click for more)

Here's another in a more industrial style with a carbon fiber faceplate and some extra hardware.

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"The von Slatt Original"

This keyboard is similar to Jake von Slatt's original design. It features a black felt faceplate, chrome keys, and a polished brass frame left unvarnished so it will develop a deep, rich patina as it ages.

This one was
built using the esteemed
"Das Keyboard" and has an "aged" wooden faceplate

(click for more)

"The Sojourner"

Looking as though it has traveled the world in the backpack of an intrepid explorer, this keyboard is crafted in polished brass, then artificially tarnished. The slightly weathered keys are electroplated in brass and are quite striking against the aged leather faceplate and parchment key inserts.

"Datamancer, thanks for the functional art. The keyboard is working great! It was a pleasure working out the details with you and watching the piece come together. It is now the central piece of a very eclectic office space."
                                 -- R.M.

Here are some variations on the Sojourner keyboard

“This keyboard is absolutely gorgeous-everything is finished perfectly, better than I had dreamed before commissioning it. It has infused beauty into what is an otherwise mundane task; it is a working piece of art.”
                                                    -- Christopher Bradford

"The Industrial"

This keyboard is good, old-fashioned, dirty steampunk. The frame is dirty aluminum and the "feet" are made from old transmission planetary gears cut in half. The faceplate is an aluminum mesh and the keys are made of hex nuts. The LEDs are hollowed-out round light bulbs mounted in a threaded holder.

"The Baron of Cyprus"

This keyboard is much more intricate than any of the others. It features a polished copper frame, chrome keys, and polished copper key inserts. The main letter and number keys (A-Z, 1-0) are polished copper charms with engraved lettering.
This keyboard was sold on ebay.

(click for more)

"The Aviator Mark II"

The original Aviator was slightly reminiscent of an old airplane wing rib, so I thought it might look cool to make one that looked EXACTLY like a wing rib....and here it is, The Aviator "Mark II". The brown leather faceplate harkens back to an old bomber jacket, and the faceplate in this particular photo actually IS a piece of an old bomber jacket. The whole keyboard will be loosely WWII-themed including a set of sterling silver pilot wings and campaign ribbons for lights.

 

"The ArchBishop"

This keyboard will be slightly religious-themed, borrowing styling cues from churches and cathedrals. It will have a polished brass frame and contain pieces of real stained glass which will be backlit and cast a beautiful, multicolor glow across your desktop.

 

"The Paramount"

This keyboard will have more of an Art Deco feel to it with scalloped emblems and an arcing top bar with matching badge.