By Chq.works
***Render***
A 65% keyboard with PC case with solid copper/brass weight as a middle piece.
Hi guys, this is CHQ. I'm originally trained as an interior and furniture designer, but over the past several years, I’ve immersed myself in the world of custom mechanical keyboards.
Driven by my fascination with the beauty, sound, and tactile experience of keyboards, I designed this board to reflect my personal preferences and needs. During its development,
I discovered the Mechanical Keyboard Design Competition (MKDC) and decided to enter and was honored as one of the winners. With the support of Elements Workshop, I’m excited to present what I’ve created.
CONTENTS- DESIGN CONCEPT
- SPECIFICATION & DETAILS
- RENDERS
- PHOTOS GALLERY
- COLLABORATION
- SOULD TEST / BUILD STREAM
- PRICING & VENDORS
- TIMELINE
- PROTOTYPE
- CONTACT & COMMUNITY
- THANK YOU
DESIGN CONCEPT
***Prototype Photography***
I love adding contrasting elements into a space—like placing antique furniture in a minimalist setting. Personally, I’m fascinated by PC boards,
But I find that the PC top often reveals weaknesses, especially at the mounting and assembly points. So I want the internal view through the PC top to have its own aesthetic—something intentional and beautiful.
I’ve chosen to make the middle structure serve as both internal weight and visual centerpiece, revealing the core material of the board itself.
The perspective from where you use the board becomes part of the experience. By adding refined details to the internal components and contrasting them with the clean lines of the exterior,
I can blend natural materials with artificial(synthetic) ones.
Typography with classic weight brings a sense of solidity, while calligraphy adds movement and emotional expression.
Everything I’ve described is an attempt to let the board express its own internal contrasts—and that’s the origin of a ‘matter’ that truly matters to me.
SPECIFICATION & DETAILS
***Render***
Housing (Top) : PC / Aluminum
Housing (Bottom) : PC
Weight : Copper / Brass
Plate Material : Aluminum / Brass / Copper / Carbon Fiber / PC / PEI
Typing Angle : 7°
Front Height : 17.8mm(Without Feet)
Weight (Fully Built) : Approx. 1.96 kg / 4.32 lbs
Layout : 65% WK / WKL
PCB : 1.6mm FR4 MX Soldered / Hotswap by Mechlovin (Venom65HE PCB compatible)
Mounting Type : Isolate O-Ring (like traditional O-ring mount but add silicone parts on the plate to isolate plate from the top case) / Silicone gasket / Top-mount
Case Assemble Method : Inspired by Baionlenja's Baionbolt (Angled bolt)
Matter65 PCB Layout options
Included in Kit
Housing (Top & Bottom) x 1 Set
Mid/Weight x 1
PCB of choice + daughter board x 1
Plate of choice x 1
O-Ring Gaskets x 1 (50A)
Plate isolate top Silicone x 1 set
Plate Silicone Gaskets x 1 sets
Silicone Feet x 1 Set
Magnetized Screws x 1 Set with extras
Color Options
Frosted PC & Copper
***Render***
Frosted PC & Brass
***Render***
BLACK EDITION Smoke PC & Black coated Brass
***Render***
MAO Aluminum Top
White MAO top on BLACK EDITION
***Prototype Photography***
More
***Prototype Photography***
Micro-Arc Oxidation (MAO), is a high-voltage electrochemical process that transforms the surface of light metals (such as Aluminum, Magnesium, and Titanium) into a hard ceramic coating.
Unlike traditional anodizing, MAO uses high voltages that trigger thousands of tiny plasma discharges (micro-arcs) across the metal surface. These arcs melt and re-solidify the surface,
Fusing the metal oxide with the electrolyte to create a thick, dense, and chemically bonded ceramic layer.
Unlike traditional anodizing, MAO uses high voltages that trigger thousands of tiny plasma discharges (micro-arcs) across the metal surface.
These arcs melt and re-solidify the surface, fusing the metal oxide with the electrolyte to create a thick, dense, and chemically bonded ceramic layer.
We offer an optional MAO Aluminum Top for those looking to elevate their keyboard’s sound profile and tactile feel.
This coating provides a unique matte finish that still beautifully preserves the metallic luster of the aluminum.
RENDERS
WKL Layout
WK Layout
PHOTOS GALLERY
Work in Progress
COLLABORATION
Both soldered and hotswap PCBs will feature Floppy’s artwork.
(Image of the PCB artwork’s prototype)
I’ve long admired Floppy Processor’s design work and felt that the contrast in the keyboard itself still had room to evolve, especially if we could bring Floppy onboard for the artwork direction.
Fortunately, I met him at a local meetup in early 2024, and I didn’t hesitate to invite him to collaborate on this project.
To shape the artwork across both the PCB and deskmat in a way that connects meaningfully with the keyboard, I chose to start from the concepts of “natural” and “artificial.” Personally,
Personally, when I think of nature, the image of a deer instantly comes to mind. It serves as a contrast to the iconic tiger often seen in Floppy Processor’s previous designs.
To enhance this contrast, we incorporated elements like metallic mecha components and a fusion of artwork and typography.
After nearly a year of experimentation and refinement, powered by Floppy Processor’s creative brilliance, this collaboration has led to something truly outstanding.
I hope you all enjoy it as much as we enjoyed creating it.
Matter65 x Floppy Processor Desk mat
***Photo with Matter65 Prototype R3***
Matter65 x Floppy Processor Desk mat BE
***Photo with Matter65 Prototype R3***
SOUND TEST & BUILD STREAM
Work in Progress
PRICING & VENDORS
TBA
TIMELINE
TBA (2026)
PROTOTYPE
Protoype R1 : Before the competition
More
***Prototype Photography***
The late 2022 prototype was designed for minimalism, utilizing just four screws for assembly and a Copper/PC color combination.
We found that the PC top lacked the necessary structural support, causing it to bend under pressure.
The mounting options for this version were O-ring and top mounts.
Protoype R2
More
First proto with Elements Workshop is in! Added four screws and improved top-part support, making the assembled board feel rock solid.
Adjust the internal to make it compatible with screw-in stabilizer even with O-ring mount.
This round also introduced WKL support and middle pieces in brass and steel, plus an MAO Aluminum top. Unfortunately,
the outcome wasn't quite there yet—the new weight coating lost its metallic feel, and there were some QC inconsistencies. Back to refining for the next round!
Protoype R3
More
***Prototype Photography***
After finding the top mount sound profile a bit lacking, I introduced silicone dampeners to isolate the plate from the case for both the top and O-ring mounts.
This also allowed us to offer a full silicone gasket mount as a third assembly option.
In this round, we also experimented with the best way to preserve the weight’s finish. The factory applied a colored protective coating to the copper and brass,
but it ultimately compromised the board’s aesthetic and feel. For the next round, I’ve decided to move to a simple clear coat.
I’d rather let the materials age naturally and develop a patina over time than sacrifice the 'metal' feel.
We are also continuing to work closely with the factory to tighten up QC.
Protoype R4 : This round
More
Following the latest round of testing, I’ve decided to remove the top mount option, as the other mounting styles significantly outperformed it.
After discussing production with the manufacturer, I’ve revised the design of the middle and bottom sections; by smoothing out sharp edges and introducing curvier lines,
we can achieve a much higher surface finish quality.
We’ve also refined several smaller details: optimizing screw sizes and types, redesigning the feet and gaskets,
and removing the LEDs from the PCB. Finally, I've added force break pads to truly perfect the board's acoustic profile.
CONTACT & COMMUNITY
Chq.works
Element Workshop
THANK YOU
Thank you for taking the time to read this IC! We would appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts if you can fill out the IC form if you’re interested or help provide us feedback!
May our switches be smooth,
stabilizers be rattleless,
and type in harmony.
Special thanks to Elements Workshop for bringing Matter 65 to life.
Wishing the best of luck to the other MKDC winners as they launch their own ICs and GBs.
