About QK

Product Development

Since our debut in March 2022, Qwertykeys has rapidly expanded to three generations. Our product line now includes the QK65, QK75, QK80, and QK60 (1st gen), QK100, QK75N, QK65V2, and QK65V2 Classic (2nd gen), and the QK80 MK2, QK101, as well as an upcoming split Alice design (3rd gen). QK offers diverse styles and excellent value for users across various budgets.

Some Controversies

Over the past 20 months, QwertyKeys has evolved through multiple iterations. The Neo series maintains the first generation's minimalist design while offering distinct designs at $100, $150, and $200 price points. The third generation of QK series features more complex elements, appealing to users who prefer intricate designs.

We embrace this design philosophy because we believe multiple successful approaches can exist within similar styles. At QK, we value all preferences equally and aim to provide options for enthusiasts who love complex designs, allowing them to confidently express their preferences.

Our friendly Discord community also welcomes all discussions on complex design keyboards, regardless of brand.

Our Attitude

We define our design philosophy as "gadget-based," transforming keyboards into multifunctional devices by adding fun features while sacrificing less-used keys. We are pleased to embrace the pressure of innovation, exploring new paths in every price segment. From die-cast cases to tri-mode PCBs and screens, we aim to be pioneers.

We believe in accommodating diverse preferences and encourage an open, tolerant community. We also look forward to bringing more gadgets and eye-catching designs to enthusiasts.

🍻 The consistent demand for the QK100 has demonstrated that a significant number of users heavily depend on number pads for their daily tasks. This insight has inspired us to develop the QK101, a "100+1" keyboard that caters to those who require a numpad. The QK101 not only provides additional keys but also enhances functionality, introduces more design elements, and offers greater structural flexibility.

Similar to the QK80 MK2, the QK101 marks our third-generation design, featuring a comprehensive structure overhaul and upgrade. We are committed to continually introducing new themes and features, ensuring that they are also integrated and synchronized with our previous projects.

Design

Highlights

CNC-machined Aluminum Cases in 9 Meticulously Designed Color Combinations
- Spray-coated: Black*, Pink, Retro White
- Anodized: Sandgold, Red, Grey, Lilac, Ice Blue, Silver
- Reintroducing the mirror dusk weight
- Available in both WK and WKL layout
Interchangeable Badges
- The circular and "1" badges on the front are magnetic and interchangeable with the badges on the back
- Design files for the badges will be published, allowing for further customizations
Customizable Screen with the New Dynamic Theme
- Support custom GIFs for the foreground and background separately
- The GIFs' playback speed automatically adjusts to match your typing speed
Dual-Mounting System
- Top mount and gasket mount with double-sided gaskets
- Providing typing feedback ranging from firm to bouncy
NEW Plate and Stabilizer Options
- Introducing the new plate cushion that concentrates and enhances the keyboard's acoustic performance
- Providing plates compatible with plate-mount stabilizers for easier tuning
Convenient Tri-mode Connectivity
- Support wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz connectivity
- Equipped with dual 4000mAh batteries for an extended battery life

Colorways

We've removed less popular colors from the QK80 MK2, added more anodized options, and reintroduced the fan-favorite mirror dusk weight.

✨Spray-coated Black contains subtle micro-glitter. Case material: 6063 Aluminum Weight material: Stainless Steel

Interchangeable Badges

Above the number pad, we've added magnetic badges that spell out "101". These customizable badges offer several interchangeable options:

Circular badge: The circular badge on the front features a smiley face to bring positivity and joy, and can be swapped with the circular logo badge on the weight.
"1" badges: The two "1" badges on the front can be swapped with the "T" and "L" badges on the right side of the back.

The design files for the badges will be released later to allow users to design their own badges and make their QK101 truly unique.

Customizable Screen

Besides the themes available on the QK80 MK2, the QK101 features enhanced screen customization through its new dynamic theme. You can now upload and independently control separate GIFs for the foreground and background using key combinations. The foreground GIF's position and size are fully adjustable to your liking. As you type, both GIFs automatically adjust their playback speed to match your typing rhythm.

This feature enables playful interactions, such as displaying "Street Fighter" animations, or you can simply show a background GIF.

Mounting Structure

Building upon the QK100, we've significantly upgraded the QK101's internal structure and sound profile. We've added more diverse structural options to enhance customization and deliver an improved typing experience.

Gasket Mount—Bouncy

The PCB gasket mount features enhanced flexibility while maintaining a consistent typing feel. The QK101 offers a softer, bouncier typing experience than QK100, striking an ideal balance between comfort and responsiveness.

Gasket Mount (Reversed)—Firm

For a firmer typing experience, you can flip the gasket mount over. This creates more contact between the gasket and bottom case, resulting in a more rigid feel.

Top Mount—Firmest

For those seeking the firmest setup, the top mount option secures screws directly into the top case, providing maximum stability and an extremely solid typing experience.

All PCBs:

Support USB-C, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz connections
Compatible with both ANSI and ISO layouts
Support both WK and WKL layouts
Compatible with 6.25u and 7u spacebars
Using QK's custom VIA web configurator for keymapping and screen customization, as standard VIA doesn't support advanced screen functions

Tri-mode Flex-cut Hotswap PCB w/Per-key RGB
- 1.2mm thick
- Per-key RGB
Tri-mode Flex-cut Hotswap PCB
- 1.2mm thick
- No Per-key RGB
Tri-mode Non-flex cut Hotswap PCB
- 1.6mm thick
- No Per-key RGB

Plate

The QK101 offers plates in two materials: FR4 and Aluminum. We've removed soft plates like PP and POM since they inevitably deform with long-term use. Instead of offering various plate materials, we're introducing two new plate designs to enhance the sound and typing experience.

Plate cushion

The mainstream acoustic foams and pads for keyboards are typically placed between the PCB and plate or under the PCB. For the QK101, we've taken a different approach by integrating a plate cushion above the plate itself. This innovative design helps concentrate the switch sounds and better showcases the sound characteristics of different switches.

Plate-mount stabilizers

This is our first time offering plates that is compatible with plate-mount stabilizers, which makes the stabilizer tunning easier. For those who choose the plate-mount stab plate, we’ll provide a set of plate-mount stabilizers come pre-lubricated from the factory and are ready to use right out of the box. If you’re more comfortable with the PCB-mount stabilizers, we also have the traditional plate option, which will come with PCB-mount stabilizers as well.

By combining these new features, there are now six options for the plates to choose from:

FR4 plate with plate cushion (PCB-stab)
FR4 plate with plate cushion (Plate-stab) - Only support 6.25U ANSI layout
FR4 plate without plate cushion (PCB-stab)
Alu plate with plate cushion (PCB-stab)
Alu plate with plate cushion (Plate-stab) - Only support 6.25U ANSI layout
Alu plate without plate cushion (PCB-stab)

Specification

Typing angle: 7 degrees
Front height: 19mm
Size: 133mm * 442mm
Weight: 1.855kg before build

Content List

Keyboard case
- Includes pre-installed screen module and screen daughterboard
- Includes two pre-installed 4000 mAh batteries
- Includes four pre-installed rubber feet
- Includes pre-installed PCB daughterboard with magnetic connector
- Includes 2.4GHz USB dongle stored under the back badge
PCB Kit
- PCB of your choice
- PET sheet (included only with per-key RGB PCB)
- IXPE sheet
- PCB Foam
Plate of your choice
Case foam and anti-static protective film
Silicone gaskets and LED diffusers
Top-mount mounting screws
Free gifts (Disclaimer: If any of these gifts are missing or damaged, they will not be re-shipped or replaced):
- Switch and keycap puller
- Phillips screwdriver and Torx screwdriver
- USB-C cable
- Keyboard protective case
- Stabilizers (type varies based on plate selection)
- Complimentary front badge
- Backup rubber feet