We participated in the “Tenkaichi Keyboard Waiwai Kai Vol. 6” a.k.a. “Tenkey” on May 4, 2024 as media coverage.
This article will report on the day and the enthusiasm of the keyboard community.
Tenkaichi Keyboard Waiwai Kai Vol.6
- Date and Time: May 4, 2024, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- Venue: DMM.com Group Seminar Room, 24F Sumitomo Fudosan Roppongi Grand Tower, 3-2-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Opening provided by and in cooperation with DMM.com, LLC.
- Capacity: 300 people (in case of a large number of applications, first-come-first-served basis)
- Photo by: Ryosuke Kawamura (GreenEchoes Studio) @Hottyhottea
Representative of GreenEchoes Studio
He launched his own media as a site operator and web writer, and now plans and manages multiple corporate media. He often types heavily in his work, and in his search for greater efficiency, he became addicted to the keyboard swamp and established “GreenKeys”.
Keyboard/Keycap｜Kawamura Pickup
In this issue, we will focus on the works of eight creators who were able to speak with us at the event.
IO” with beautiful metallic formative beauty｜Basekeys (masro)
The IO at the table in front of the room was an eye-catching piece by Basekey staff member and designer masro ( @KS_JAPAN2021 ).
The true essence of its beauty, after all, is “the beauty of metal modeling.
The dark gray color is version 4 and silver is version 3.
In this comparison, you can see that the metal modeling evolves more complex as the version increases.
The metal modeling is not only on the back of the keyboard, but also inside.
The top case is magnetic, so the top case and circuit board can be easily removed to enjoy the metal modeling inside.
KawamuraIt is also easy to maintain.
According to him, it is expected to be FIX in the next version, which is modified to be easier to hold on the sides, and is expected to be commercially available!
PS: They said it may be difficult to concave the C surface due to cost.
Although we were not able to talk in depth about the internal structure, the typing sound was superb.
The above had a Cerakote-applied body, which gave the impression of a rounded metallic strike.
KawamuraI was shocked to see the Cerakote alone, but the rest of it was so amazing that my head couldn’t keep up with it. I was shocked, but the other parts were so amazing that my head couldn’t catch up with it.
Please let me take the time to review it next time!
Handmade wood palm rest｜Alco@Parmesan Craft Works
The wood palm rest by Alco@Parmesan Craft Works ( @alco_ramuh ) was very eye-catching with its high-end furniture-like look.
They said it was made from “lignum vitae,” the hardest and heaviest wood in the world.
The surface is carefully polished with fine sandpaper, giving it a glossy and very smooth feel.
KawamuraI found the weight to be like metal and the typing stability to be excellent.
As I said, the gap between keyboard x wood is very beautiful.
Click here to see Alco’s booth ↓.
Wooden Keyboard Case｜Nobuki Inoue
The warmth of wood and the inorganic nature of keyboards were combined at a high level in the booth of Nobuki Inoue ( @black_trooper ).
What is still of interest is “how to make a wooden case”.
According to Mr. Inoue, “They are carved from a single piece of wood using specialized equipment.
The idea of machining is the same as that of a 3D printer, but the contrast between 3D printers, which create products in a positive direction, and woodworking, which cuts in a negative direction, fits very well with my explanation.
Currently, the company is selling stock, mainly Keyball, and is “considering” future expansion.
He said that other cases can be created if the data is available, but they still need to be fine-tuned to match the actual board.
KawamuraSince Keyball is currently the main product being made, the company seemed to have its hands full when it came to making other items to order.
Please take a look at the survey below regarding future mass-produced products!
Click here to purchase the artwork ▷▷▷.
Split keyboard with magnetic pogo pins｜akaifox
The sharp, angular form and unfamiliar cables for left-right connection were impressive in the “LR46” by akaifox ( @akai_kichune ).
It can be used as an integrated keyboard with a magnetic pogo pin connection like the Maglit40, or it can be used as a split keyboard by using a cable with magnetic pogo pins at both ends.
The RP2040-Tiny was used to separate the daughterboard portion of the case, and cushions placed at the top and bottom edges of the case were used to adjust the degree of sinking when the keys were struck.
Click here for other works ↓.
HHKB orthorectification｜Leo
The look that will make you doubt your own eyes for a moment is the HHKB Pro /Studio, an authorizer produced by Leo ( @Leo_keeb ).
The key tops were printed with a 3D printer to create a grid arrangement by shifting the bearings, while keeping the position of the HHKB’s key switches.
What was particularly strange was the keystroke feel of the HHKB Pro.
It is obvious that the switch is off-center, but I can type as if there is a switch right below it.
According to Leo, “The reason may be the accuracy of the Topre axes.
KawamuraHHKB is very popular in the homebrew keyboard community… Many people on the day were expecting to see an orthogonal model or a left-right split model.
Artisan keycap with automobile motif｜John Meyer Keycap
Among the many artisan keycaps on display, one that stood out was the “Classic Car Keycap” by John Meyer Keycaps ( @kiriman_works ).
The newest addition to the collection is the “Classic Khaki Cap 60’s”.
The round headlights and fender mirrors were very impressive, as they were inspired by the design of cars popular around the 1960s.
If you look closely, you will notice that the modeling is very detailed, with these windows being transparent and the blinkers made from separate parts.
KawamuraEven the back was painted well.
I also own a 20’s and this is a highly satisfying gem to own!
In addition, there were a great many other ambitious works on display, including keycaps made of lacquered lacquer and keycaps fusing resin and wood.
Click here to purchase the artwork ▷▷▷.
Beautifully designed Akasha with Lotus array｜Murasaki_min
The Akasha series by Murasaki ( @Murasaki_min ) created a unique world view, including the desk mat.
The Lotus array, originally conceived as a motif of the lotus flower, is used.
The integrated “Akasha” and the left-right split “Akasha Amrita” were on display.
Mr. Murasaki says that he once left the home-built keyboard area.
The comeback was triggered by a friend’s invitation to a “keeket” he went to.
Mr. Murasaki says, “It would be a waste to quit after even thinking about a unique array! He came back after being admonished by a friend, “It’s a waste to quit after even thinking about your own sequence!
The speed with which he designed the two works, finishing them in less than two months after his comeback, is also astonishing.
He designs not only keyboards, but also keycaps and desk mats.
KawamuraThe aviator cables used in the split keyboard were also ordered with a lot of pressure so that they could be split in the center.
Everywhere you turn, the keyboard and world view are like a mass of design sense. I am very much looking forward to seeing how it will expand in the future!
3D printed and integrally molded 36keys ambitious work｜Nazna
One of the “prototypes” on display that surprised me was Nazna’s ( @naznaz_inv ) mockup of an integrated 36keys keyboard.
It is molded in one piece, including the keyswitch plate, and when printed, “it comes out just the way it is.
The most surprising thing was the “deflection” that the switch plate had.
The structure seemed to be folded over like mille-feuille, and there was softness in the printed area, which seemed to act as an absorber to absorb the impact of typing.
Based on an orthogonal layout, the thumb section is shifted to the center by 0.5u for ease of typing, and the gentle slope toward the left and right also shows our commitment to ease of typing.
KawamuraEverything was a doozy for me as a QAZ person, including the 3D modeling keyboard.
Keyboard/Keycaps
Here are some of the photos I took that day.
New material keycap
At this year’s meetup, it was impressive to see the introduction of “new material keycaps” using materials other than ABS /PBT, which have been widely used as keycap materials in the past.
The first is Cerakey, which is becoming a hot topic as a ceramic keycap.
There were five exhibits at this year’s event, including my booth.
The cool tactile feel, the nasal muted strike sound, and the beautiful luster of all of them were very impressive.
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Next is a metal keycap from Awekeys, which is scheduled for crowdfunding in Japan in June 2024.
The gold keycaps in particular were extremely gorgeous.
KawamuraThere seemed to be a slight error in the fit of the stem, and some loose keys were found.
We feel that this can be solved to some extent by using box-type key switches.
The same was true for Cerakey v1.
Artisan Keycap
Artisan keycaps are the very essence of craftsmanship.
The exhibition hall was filled with various types of figurative works of beauty.
split keyboard
The split keyboard is often favored by the Japanese.
This was the first time for me to participate in such a meetup event, and I was again impressed by the enthusiasm for split keyboards in Japan.
KawamuraThe reason behind the popularity of split keyboards in Japan is “too much work.
In short, I think that my search for a device that allows me to work efficiently and in an easy typing posture led me to the conclusion of splitting the device.
(I see that people overseas have a healthier way of working…)
So it seems that “efficient typing” may become popular overseas as well.
I would like to start the trend with a 65% split first.
Column staggered/autolinear
And one of the most persistently popular in the homebrew keyboard community is the Autorunia.
Also called a rectilinear array or a grid array, the main characteristics are good visibility and the shortest finger movement distance.
However, in the general public view, the “horizontal shift (row staggered),” which has been used since the typewriter era, is the mainstream, and because of the high switching cost, it does not easily exist in commercial products.
That’s why I think it’s so popular that people say, “Let’s make it! and that’s why it’s so popular.
Although it may be a bit aggressive to position this as a derivative of the orthogonal layout, the “column staggered” layout is an orthogonal layout that is vertically shifted to fit the length of the fingers.
The layout is often shaped like an open fan with the middle finger at the apex and descending toward the index and pinky fingers.
KawamuraAfter all, the best part of a homemade keyboard is this column-staggered/autolinear layout.
This is the shape I mainly use as well.
summary
We were only able to introduce a small portion of the event, but we hope you could feel the excitement of the keyboard area from the photos.
The keyboard has so many different attractions beyond just typing information.
We will continue to share the fun of the keyboard area with many people through our event reports.
KawamuraFor this issue, we have focused on the works of those who were able to be interviewed face-to-face at the exhibition!
I plan to visit you again for the next Vol. 7 for an interview, so please let me know what makes your keyboard so appealing to you!
My official X is here ▷▷▷.
List of Keyboard Events
Tenkaichi Keyboard Waiwai Kai
A meetup event for keyboard fans and those interested in keyboards.
Frequency: Twice a year (May/November approx.)
Official URL: https://tenkey.connpass.com/
Organized by : Yukari (@eucalyn_)
key section
A core meetup event for homebrew keyboard enthusiasts.
Frequency: Once every 3-4 months
Official URL: https://keeb.connpass.com/
Organized by : Salicylic Acid (@Salicylic_acid3)/Yukari (@eucalyn_)
kirkette
Keyboard exhibition and sale. Manufacturers as well as homebrew keyboard creators and artisan keycap creators will exhibit.
Frequency: Once a year (approx. in March)
Official URL: https://keyket.jp/
Organizer : Keyboard Market Management Office
key friction
Kequet spin-off event.
It is a flea market for keyboard-related products, and individuals as well as creators can set up stalls.
Frequency: Once a year (approx. in September)
Official URL: https://connpass.com/event/314453/
Organizer : Keyboard Market Management Office
