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
These are made not in a factory, but by two actual human beings with their hands. This is not just cutting a piece of wood, putting a bevel on it and calling it a day. These are sanded to be glass smooth - you can ask anyone that has received one from us, including the Massdrop team. The amount of care and time that goes into the sanding process is significant. In addition, when we finish them, this isn't using typical finishes from Home Depot. We use professional furniture quality finishes. These are very different finishes from what you will find on any other wood product sold here on MD (and that is not meant to disparage, but simply point out a difference). We apply multiple coats and we allow for proper drying time in between each one.
So you have to understand, the price is reached by taking many things into account. Not just the material price, but also the cost of sanding, and finishing, the blades needed to make these, the feet that go on the underside and, it should go without saying, but the amount of time it takes to make something that is worth selling (and, in my opinion buying).
I understand that this may not be for everyone. And I respect everyone's opinion on cost, and any other feedback. I realize I may not sway anyone with my explanation, but it is better to provide one then say nothing.
Thank you!
These shipping rates are actually Massdrop's, not mine. I am doing the fulfillment, but they are providing the shipping labels. I have no idea how they got you a $6 shipping rate from US to Germany. When I ship normally it costs like 3x that much, and no tracking is provided.
Perhaps someone from the MD team could chime in?