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Five creative steampunk keyboard mods

The Sojourner Keyboard

Over the years artists, writers (and modders) have painstakingly tried to emulate that by-gone, quaint epoch where brass studded contraptions jingled with steam powered devices. And now some of the ingenious people among us have tried to channel all those quaint yet appealing 19th century idiosyncrasies into the domain of our ever trusty computers and their related peripherals. Have they succeeded? Certainly so in our book. So without further ado, let us check out the 5 amazingly creative steampunk keyboard mods ever designed by such innovative individuals.

1. Paradox Keyboard

Paradox Keyboard

According to sources, creator Paradox Tentacles is fond of two things – mini keyboards (without the right extending numpad) and the antique furniture that adorns his dwelling. So, in a natural way he has combined both these influences to contrive his first Steampunk keyboard project. Utilizing an USB keyboard that comes at a size of 12.5″ x 6″, the whole frame has been made from polished wood, with three dainty LED lights replacing (and denoting) the Caps Lock, Number Lock, and Scroll Lock. The original keys were replaced by authentic keys salvaged from two vintage typewriters. Finally to accentuate upon its retro essence, the designer replaced the whole plastic Space Bar button with solid carved wood.

2. The Streamline Keyboard

The Streamline Keyboard

Supposedly inspired by the ‘Machine Age’ styling of the 1920’s, this classy keyboard designed by renowned Steampunk artist Datamancer trades all the ubiquitously brass related finishing with an ultra-sober aluminum embellishment. The typewriter like reflective silver keys in a conspicuous Art Deco format is complimented by a glossy acrylic faceplate. Even the stepped layers of highly polished metal at the two flanks of the keyboard allude to that romanticized retro era with cabarets and cocktail parties.

3. Keyboard from The Steampunk Workshop

Keyboard from The Steampunk Workshop

In order to create an antediluvian conception, designer and Streampunk enthusiast Jake von Slatt actually utilized a keyboard which in itself can be considered as pretty old going by the present timeline. This is because he used a standard 1989 M “Clicky” keyboard from IBM whose key caps are removable, and also exhibits a rather plain under-key surface (that can be conducive to laying of a newer key top). So, after cleaning up of all the old plastic paraphernalia, he applied a roughish felt background along with a brass cradle for outer support. Old typewriter keys were taken and glued according to the cuttings made on the felt. Finally, he embarked upon a detailed paint job and thus came the fervently enticing end product.

4. Impressive Steampunk Keyboard

Impressive Steampunk Keyboard

Built around a Das Keyboard, this amazing conception was actually created without any gluing technique being used on the surface. The rudimentary form of the original keyboard (after stripping off the plastic) was enclosed in a bit of plywood, while hand tooled leather was fixed to the front surface. But the fascinating feature of this creation is the construction of the retro keys in a novel fashion. Each key was crafted from brass tubing, with the hollow space being inserted with wooden dowels and then draped with the appropriate key label. The designer has also given a midas touch to the whole product by actually manually engraving the conspicuous nameplate with the tip of a screwdriver.

5. The Sojourner Keyboard

The Sojourner Keyboard

Another magnificent creation from the great Datamancer, and this time he has stuck to conventionally Steampunk glistening brass covers. The whole embodiment is actually crafted in polished brass and then adroitly given a worn-out look. The antique keys have also been tarnished and fixed along an aged leather faceplate to emanate that overall authentic feel. Certainly if Indiana Jones had ever carried a PC in his backpack, its keyboard would have surely looked liked this!

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