The Japanese company Hacoa has introduced a unique keyboard. Because it exclusively uses wood and avoids gaming features.
Some want it as colorful as possible, others as simple as possible and without frills. Gaming setups offer plenty of opportunities for expression. The Japanese company Hacoa has introduced a unique keyboard, the Ki-Board, a device that could particularly appeal to design lovers.
Ki is the Japanese word for spirit or energy, and Hacoa explains that the Ki-Board “gives warmth to inorganic computers” (via hacoa.net).
The keyboard is made of solid wood, uses blue switches and Bluetooth
What does the unique keyboard offer? The keyboard is made from solid wood and uses either walnut or cherry wood. This is supposed to ensure high durability. Additionally, wooden elements are considered premium by many users compared to plastic, which is mostly found on computers.
Under the wooden keys are blue mechanical switches. These accompany typing with an audible click.
The technology under the keys is rather unremarkable: inside there is a 1,000 mAh battery and the keyboard supports Bluetooth 5.0 or 2.4 GHz. A suitable receiver is included in the package.
However, for German users, there is a disadvantage: The keyboard does not come in ISO-DE layout. This means that the Enter key is smaller and some keys have a different shape. Additionally, there are no umlaut keys. Those who can touch type will likely only be somewhat hindered by this fact.
What does the model cost? The Ki-Board from Hacoa costs 99,000 yen, which is approximately 750 euros. This makes the keyboard very expensive, but you also get a model made of solid wood with a simple, elegant design. Those who want to order the device to Germany should also be prepared for additional customs fees.
Anyone who has looked around in the custom keyboard sector knows: You can spend a lot on self-made keyboards, and 500 euros for a single keyboard is not uncommon. A particularly unique keyboard costs about 750 euros. Therefore, spending a lot of money on a unique keyboard is not unusual.
By the way, a case from Fractal Design called “North” would fit well with the Hacoa keyboard. Because it features a similarly elegant wooden front. We have embedded the matching video here for you:
What do you think? Would this be a keyboard for you and your desk or would you rather not want to give up RGB and other gaming features?
A YouTuber has now taken a particularly exciting gaming keyboard. This has caused quite a stir:
