The first-ever magazine for keyboard enthusiasts in Korea, The KEYBOARD.
For office workers who spend all day in front of a monitor, the keyboard is the most familiar tool. For those tired of the dull typing feel of stock membrane keyboards and looking to step into the world of custom mechanical keyboards, a perfect guidebook has finally arrived. It is The KEYBOARD, Korea’s first professional magazine for keyboard enthusiasts. It asks and answers why we are so passionate about these small machines.
I recently discovered the author, David of the ‘Lattech’ channel, and I was happy to perform a pre-review of his manuscript. I was continuously impressed by the high-quality content that carries the heavy expertise of a five-year veteran YouTuber. His commitment to choosing the printed word over fragmented video information truly stands out.
The only minor drawback is that for such a high-quality, collectible book, it would have been perfect if a premium hardcover version had been produced. Now, let’s explore the world of attractive typing following the table of contents.
A $2,000 Hobby: The Ultimate Entry Guide
The first chapter, ‘COVER STORY,’ poses a provocative question: Why would someone spend over $2,000 on a keyboard setup? The book thoroughly examines the custom keyboard ecosystem, which has evolved beyond a mere input device into a perfect piece of desk decor.
The ‘BUYER’S GUIDE’ section significantly reduces the trial and error new users face. I personally love the satisfying tactile bump of tactile switches. Tired of the flatness of standard office red switches, I made the jump to the world of tactile. Once you experience that weighted feedback bouncing off your fingertips, you can never go back.
To find such a deep preference, you need criteria for choosing your first keyboard. From layout types to picking a board that fits your body for long-term use, the book explains everything in a friendly manner suited for beginners.
A Deep-Dive Lab: From Switches to Keycaps
The ‘LAB’ chapter dissects the subtle micro-world of typing. ‘LAB 1: Switch Anatomy’ covers how spring pressure affects finger fatigue. It also explains the differences created by manual lubrication processes. This is followed by ‘LAB 2: The World of Layouts’ and ‘LAB 3: The Science of Keycaps.’ It meticulously covers everything from TKL (tenkeyless) or 65% mini layouts to how keycap profiles like Cherry, or different materials, affect the feel on your desk.
I can now explain the hardware mechanics behind why I love the strong, rounded bump of non-click tactile switches. It goes beyond just chasing pretty colors, helping you cultivate an aesthetic eye that considers ergonomic design as well.
On-the-Ground Reporting: From Switch Factories to Assembly Lines
The book goes beyond desk-based reviews. The ‘FIELD REPORT’ chapter is a record of the ecosystem that David explored firsthand. By visiting domestic and international manufacturing lines, he has created an on-site report with the density of an industrial documentary.
From ‘PART 1: Switch Factories’ to ‘PART 3: Assembly Lines,’ the complex production processes are vividly captured with close-up photographs. Reading about the precise CNC metal machining and plastic double-shot injection molding processes significantly deepens one’s understanding of the component structure.
He also didn’t miss interviewing famous artisan keycap designers. The sincerity of someone who truly loves the hardware shines through the text, adding a human touch to the cold metal components.
Crowdfunding Reward Packages and Schedule
The first Korean keyboard magazine makes its debut via Wadiz. They have prepared practical reward packages so readers can immediately experience the “deskterior” vibe. Choose the option that fits your budget:
- [Book] Single Copy: 33,000 KRW
- [Book + Desk Mat] Switch Anatomy Mat Package: 48,300 KRW
- [Book + Desk Mat + Keychain] Outemu Switch Keychain Package: 65,300 KRW
- [Book + Desk Mat + Keychain + Keycaps] Full Package (with C-Dot Keycaps): 139,500 KRW (Early Bird: 110,000 KRW)
Purchase here ↓↓↓
The Wadiz “Coming Soon” page is currently accepting notifications until August 12. The main crowdfunding campaign will run for two weeks, from August 12 to August 26. You can also check the link via the Lattech channel profile.
2:00 AM: Assembling Your Own Sense of Style
The act of tapping the same keys thousands of times a day. We willingly invest time and money into that boring, repetitive routine to breathe life into it. The perfect typing feel created by a switch you picked yourself and a drop of lube carefully applied provides a powerful sense of immersion. Especially if you are as hooked on the charm of tactile switches as I am, that resonance hits even deeper.
《The KEYBOARD》 is more than just a technical manual listing parts; it is a record of the burning passion of people deeply immersed in their hobby. Even the tiny regret that it isn’t a hardcover is easily forgotten in the face of the vast amount of information this book holds. Look down at that old keyboard under your hands in front of the monitor right now. I highly recommend that you experience the entirely new world of texture and sound that your fingertips will encounter with this book.
📸 Behind the scenes
Check out more behind-the-scenes shots on my Naver blog (Korean):
당신만 모르는 기계식 키보드 종결 매거진 – The KEYBOARD
👉 https://blog.naver.com/PostView.naver?blogId=k5kun&logNo=224366874608