Designing the Future

Designing the Future: The Inspiration Behind Our Latest Keyboard


Welcome back to the MinakiLabs blog! I’m Andrew Polykandriotis, and today I'm excited to share a peek into our design process and the latest developments here at the lab. As we carve our path in the mechanical keyboard market, the journey has been nothing short of inspiring, especially as influenced by some standout designs in the industry.

Current Setup: The System76 Launch

Currently, my daily driver is the System76 Launch. This keyboard has not only been a reliable tool for my coding and design work but also a major source of inspiration for our own projects. Its high-quality construction and thoughtful layout have really set the bar high and pushed us to think about what makes a keyboard truly exceptional.

From Inspiration to Creation

Drawing from the Launch’s robust design, we've been hard at work developing a new model that also takes cues from the unique community-driven design of 68keys.io. This blend of inspiration has led us to create our own distinct version—a 68% keyboard that we're incredibly proud of. We were recently granted exclusive rights to produce this compact yet powerful layout, and we believe it’s going to make quite a splash in the community.

Introducing the 69 Keyboard

The latest from our design table is the newly finished 69 keyboard, featuring exactly 69 keys, each meticulously placed for the perfect balance of functionality and form. This keyboard represents a synthesis of the System76 Launch's engineering excellence and the minimalistic, user-focused design of 68keys.io.

Name in Progress: TechnoKeebs or TunnelKeebs?

We’re still on the fence about the final name for our newest creation. TechnoKeebs and TunnelKeebs are both in the running—each carries a vibe and identity that we think might resonate well with our audience. But we’re not rushing this; a name is as much a part of the keyboard’s identity as its design. Stay tuned as we decide!

What’s Next?

This keyboard isn't just another product; it's a statement of our capabilities and vision at MinakiLabs. We are setting up for a limited run soon and will be sharing details on how you can get your hands on one of these exclusive keyboards in the coming weeks. We’re also gearing up to showcase this model at upcoming tech conferences and through our online platforms, so keep an eye out for those announcements.

Join the Conversation

As we finalize our designs and move into production, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Which name do you prefer—TechnoKeebs or TunnelKeebs? What features do you look for in the perfect keyboard? Let us know in the comments below or join the discussion on our Discord.

Conclusion

Every keyboard we design at MinakiLabs isn’t just a piece of hardware—it’s a piece of art, a tool for creators, and a step towards the perfect typing experience. Thanks for following our journey, and we can’t wait to bring our latest creation to your desktops soon.

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