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SH2PE - A Magnetic Replaceable Top Metal Keycap Set By BOHEMIA LAB

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Description

SH2PE - BOHEMIA LAB

Hello from Beijing! I've just started a new one-man studio B0HEMIA LAB. I've always wanted to make something that custom keyboard users might enjoy.
After months of design iterations and prototyping, I think I have finally done it. So This is my first metal keycap set, SH2PE.

VENDORS & PRICING

Both pricing and vendors at this time are TBD

Magnetically Attached Top Design

The biggest difference between SH2PE and other metal keycaps is that it is divided into the base and top half, magnetically attached. so you can change the top whenever you like.

SH2PE provides 3 sizes: 1U, 2U, and 3U, so you can arrange function key row or navigation area freely.

What's In The Box

Each set contains: 1U Top × 8, 1U Base × 4

2U Top × 5, 2U Base × 2

3U Top × 2, 3U Base × 1, 1U Matrix Badge Holder × 1, 1U Fake WKL Switch Blocker × 2

This set didn't go for a specific theme in terms of design language. Just some basic shape combination, hence the name"SH2PE" (2 represent the 2nd product of the studio)

That's also why one set has this many keykap tops, to ensure playability. For example, you can put 3 1U top on a 3U base, or 1U top and 2U top on a 3U Base.

“Playful, Functional.”

Besides basic shape, I've added some playful mechanisms, just like the little slogon of this studio “Playful, Functional.”

1U heart top, using spring lock mechanism, you can rotate to open the heart, reveal the inside of the heart, and put a little picture in it. It could be someone you love, your pet, or a meme photo, it could be anything. If you provide the photo, the photo will be made into a pre-cut sticker, so you don't have to print and cut it yourself, and it's free.

1U Archimedean solid has 1 bearing with 12 little magnets, mimicking EDC gears, when rotating it will have a satisfying click sound, I made a rendered video to demonstrate the sound.

https://youtube.com/shorts/JW5PQhsdg8M?si=IqITwwTGON5KTHwU

2U "Slide" top (sry I don't know how to call/translate this one), it has 9 magnets, you can slide from top to bottom or left to right depending on how you place it. When you slide it, it also has an EDC-like sound.

2U dialog box top supports text customization using laser cutting, and it's free.

Each set also includes 2 1U Fake WKL switch blocker. You have to remove the switch and put the base in, and it will lock on the mounting plate. it stays almost flush with the top of the keyboard frame. Tested on Keyno Y8, Swagkeys Transition Lite, Fox Lab Sandglass Ergo, Angry Meow Neon 80, NOOIR CP-01, and more.

At last for Matrix's owners, set provide 1 1U Matrix Badge holder, support screw or magnetic to install the badge.

Prototyping

As a metal keycap collector myself, I know a lot of its downsides, like too tight or too loose to install on the switches. So I Put extra thought when designing SH2PE. Through multiple prototyping iterations, I adjust the tightness.

Also, the feel of attaching and detaching the magnet has been adjusted, you can see how it feels in the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jTsSp-BjLgE

For the height, it is slightly lower than R1, around the same height as the middle of R1's curve.

Height of the Switch Blocker.

Bottom height is adjusted, so it won't reveal too much switch.

Finishes And Colors

SH2PE provides both anodization and paint.
Anodization: silver, gunmetal
Paint: black, white, linen

Also a special three-color splash paint.

All mentioned colors and finishes are being produced at the moment. Prototypes should arrive in a week.

My other project: SH1LF, a collection shelf for custom keyboards.