Mechanical Keyboard Sound Isn't That Simple
Figure 1: I couldn't think of a more literal way to represent this article if I tried... Looking back just a few years ago, there’s no doubt that the huge influx of people that joined the hobby at the peak of the COVID pandemic were drawn to keyboards by way of YouTube, TikTok, and other audio-visual content platforms. Even as the output from these content creators has waned in recent months, their collective impact and legacy on the keyboard hobby is rather firmly etched in the history books. As a result of all of their sound tests, build logs, and opinion videos, the message is clear to any new person joining the hobby: mechanical keyboards are all about the sound. Thock this, clack that. Whether it’s keyboards, keycaps, or even singular switches, seemingly everyone new to the hobby meticulously pores over each component of their keyboard not in an attempt to figure out how it will feel in hand, but how it will sound as they’re furiously grinding their way out from...
Mar 27, 2024
The first time Evan, or more specifically this keyboard, came into my world view was in late February scrolling through galleries of the Southern California Keyboard Meetup, I saw this awesome 40% board. I've had a thing for small keyboards for a while and missed the JD45 build. This thing though looked like it was going to be another level. Here's the gallery from that day: http://m.imgur.com/a/MZQpp [you can also see the first rev on the datamancer wood ergodox cases that would later that week be put on my ergodox, just waiting for that 1976 set that shipped today]. I saw this keyboard sitting there immaculate orange case, looking all kinds of sexy and the PCB right below it gave me the first clue about, what was then called "The Van". And it promised to deliver right on the board!
After Google searching a lot I finally figured out to search for TheVan44 and it popped up, an interest check on GH. I immediately signed up. As time went by I forgot about it a little until this guy started posting these great shots of this 40% keyboard on Reddit. That guys is Evan. A few weeks later Evan posted about coming to SF for work and wanting to meetup, I figured "sure why not and!" And ok'd him some info.
At this point Evan didn't know who I was or where I worked (I didn't sign up or ask him questions from my normal Reddit account /u/zndr). After meeting up and getting dinner and some great beer at The Thirsty Bear in SF, we talked keyboards and Evan told me my Van was soon to be completed! I was pretty excited. He also brought a few prototype boards too. The quality of manufacturing and the explanation of where each key goes, what its function could be ergonomically, all was top notch. I was truly blown away.
He also confided that, as much fun as forcing his wife into factory assembly labor was, he wished there was an easier way. It was at that moment I knew I needed to tell him where I worked, and see if we could help. I messaged yanbo and asked if he'd be interested in talking. Yanbo being yanbo jumped at the opportunity to work with another community member to help make the best possible keyboard either of us could offer.
Evan came to the office the next day with keyboards in hand. I don't think there was a single person who saw one that wasn't wholeheartedly impressed. I cannot speak highly enough of the work Evan put into this whole project. From round 1 to the prototypes I was holding yesterday for this round 2 drop, this board is too notch. My round 1 board is my daily driver here at Massdrop, I love it. It's probably been my daily driver longer than any other single keyboard I've had in the year I've worked here.
So here's to Evan, I'm sure this drop will be amazing, and I can't wait to see what you do next
PS here's a pic of my round 1 Van with pulse