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This page is no longer linked off of my site
so if you are reading this, then you probably came here from
a blog posting or other link. If you like this keyboard, please
take a look at the new Custom
Keyboards page where there are
now several different designs in a variety of metals and finishes. |
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This
is a brushed aluminum version of the beautiful brass keyboard
unveiled a while ago by Jake Von Slatt over at the Steampunk
Workshop.
This was a commisioned piece I put together for a customer who contacted Jake
after seeing it on the internet. Jake was not interested in reproducing his
design, or as he puts it, "that sounds like work....I do this kind of stuff as
my antidote to work", so he quite generously kicked the referral over to me.
I've got projects to finish and a cross-country move to fund, so I was more than
happy to take on the commision.
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The soft underbelly...
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This
keyboard was made using a modern USB keyboard which turned
out to be a major pain, but after some adjustments
and fine-tuning, the keyboard is solid and the keystrokes
smooth and responsive.
The
keys are made using authentic vintage Royal typewriter
keys with stainless steel rings and clear lenses. The spacebar
was custom-made using a piece of border steel salvaged
from an old picture frame and a piece of gloss black plastic.
The customer wanted it in a brushed aluminum finish,
so we decided to keep a solid black-and-silver theme
throughout. Once the metal work was roughed out, I noticed
that with the drilled sides and brushed finish, the keyboard
had a sort of "vintage aircraft" feel to it. With that in mind, I suggested that we
add "jewel" style instrument lights like the kind that were used in old airplane
cockpit panels and the customer agreed.
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If
you are interested in having one made for you, please do
not hesitate to email me using the "Contact Me" button
below or on the bottom-left of the page.
Word of warning: These are not cheap.
Each keyboard is hand-made
and polished, not laser-cut or stamped.
This keyboard contains
roughly 355 different pieces, all painstakingly assembled with
loving care.
I will be
making a small batch of these in the near future in an assortment
of finishes and themes, but I will be happy to customize one
to your liking.

I
am currently offering them in Brushed Aluminum, Polished
Aluminum, Copper, and Brass.

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Noncommercial
users are welcome to copy my images provided they acknowledge the
source. I am more than happy to help people design or create their
own steampunk contraptions, but if you are a company looking to
steal my work for mass-production, please know that I have design
patents, trademarks, and copyrights pending or in place on most
of my designs, my logo, and my name.
They will be brutally
enforced if necessary.
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This
site uses only 100% Recycled Electrons,
...because I care about our children's tomorrow |
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