For those who dislike the aesthetic of modern keyboards, California-based Datamancer makes (or at least, made) a line of mechanical keyboards styled to look as if they’re from eras past. Rather than plastic, these involve wood, aluminum and brass.

The Diviner Keyboard

“Drawing inspiration from Victorian era design, The Diviner Keyboard is a modern USB keyboard with a natural wooden frame and vintage typewriter key caps. The chassis is carved from a single piece of solid walnut, a lightweight yet durable wood, giving the border its elegant curves and making room for the important internal parts of the keyboard. After carving, the wood is carefully routed along the edges with a Roman Ogee pattern and then finely hand sanded until the wood has a remarkably smooth texture.

“The four corners and center point are adorned with acanthus Victorian engraved designs that frame the typewriter key caps and accent the edges of the Diviner. Adjustable polished brass knobs act as risers underneath the keyboard that, when combined with the rubber pads at the bottom, ensure it is secure on any desk surface. The keyboard lock indicator LEDs are covered with refractive red jewel lenses wrapped in brass with a silver coating (Fender Amp Jewels).”

The Seafarer Keyboard

“The Seafarer is an intensely ornate, nautically themed keyboard with a worn-in, weather-beaten aesthetic and cast brass components. It features a gold foil map face print with the the map drawn by historic cartographer Peter Schenk the Elder, and a distinct spiral pattern along the top and bottom rods of the keyboard. Includes green jewel indicators.”

The Aviator Keyboard

“Inspired by vintage aviation design, the Aviator Keyboard features a sleek, yet industrial look. Brushed aluminum outlines a gorgeous display of signature typewriter style keys. Three sapphire blue jewel indicators shine brightly against a premium black leather face, capturing the illusion of being at the controls.”

The Machinist Keyboard

“The Machinist is an aluminum framed keyboard, designed to capture the ruggedness of the industrial era. The allure of the keyboard is in the details. A marred, neglected, metal frame is propped up by two gear-assembly risers. The optional machine hex keys against the gritty black faceplate emphasize an era more focused on production than beauty.”

The Sojourner Keyboard

“Looking as though it has traveled the world in the backpack of an intrepid explorer, the Sojourner is crafted in polished brass, then artificially tarnished. This keyboard is reminiscent of an earlier era, when beauty and technology went hand-in-hand. Featuring a unique parchment Elizabethan typeface, a brown aged leather face plate and amber jewel indicators that befit the overall aesthetic of the keyboard.”

Prices range from $550 to $1,300, but it’s not clear if Datamancer is still fulfilling orders. Sadly, company founder and steampunk artisan Richard “Doc” Nagy took his own life in 2013. While the company’s social media accounts remained active for several years more, they stopped updating them in 2018. However, their website remains live, so it’s possible they’re still in business.

Source: core77