Even though it may sound like a made-up thing, having a good keyboard is of utmost importance. No matter if it's going to be used for typing corporate stuff, writing poems, or playing video games, the right claviature comprising the letters of the alphabet, shortcuts, numbers, arrows, function keys, and some other buttons will make your time spent at the computer more enjoyable.
Most pianists start their careers by exploring an entry-level Yamaha, Kawai, Roland, or Casio. Some could even do with a simple digital instrument that has all the black and white keys. But as they mature and their skills develop, artists want better products to display their musical prowess.
Thus, if you ever have to buy a piano, you will see that prices range from $20 to millions! Those included in the latter category aren't just fine-tuned to sound exceptional but might also contain special materials, including gold. Or, they could have been designed by someone who has mastered the art of manipulating sound in a way that enhances the artist's skills.
The world of computer keyboards is pretty similar to that of pianos. These peripherals can be extremely cheap or surprisingly expensive. And, believe it or not, many people choose to pay well over $1,000 for one.
Some extreme implementations that we've seen in the past even had $10,000 price tags. It can get wild pretty fast if you're willing to splurge. Come to think of it, that's exactly how cars work, right? The more you spend, the nicer or wilder the ride is. Neat!
But this Lamborghini-inspired Black Diamond 75 keyboard isn't asking you for supercar money. For what it is, the cost is actually reasonable. It's only $240. It's not available yet. The keyboard goes on sale on September 26. Initially, it'll be made available only to Indiegogo users. But if you're reading this, you're already on pole!
Photo: Dry Studio
So, what's so special about it? The most obvious thing is the design. That's what prospective customers and buyers will see first. The keyboard mirrors the appearance of a Mansory-tuned Lamborghini Aventador Carbonado. We don't know which one exactly because there are at least two Lambo "Carbonado" iterations based on the V12-powered supercar out in the wild – one launched in 2014 and another last month.
We'll say it's the latter, considering the creator focused on a comfy but custom shape, dynamic RGB lighting, and using carbon fiber to make it feel sturdy and light at the same time.
Users can plug it in via USB, connect it via Bluetooth 5.1, or use it wirelessly. Don't worry about latency; Dry Studio says it has tested all three connectivity versions, and the product returned a stable delay of just two milliseconds. Practically, it's as fast as it could be.
The keyboard has a battery of 5,000 mAh. That gives it 60 days of wireless usage before it needs to be plugged in. But if you really dislike cables, Qi-enabled wireless charging is available only on the Advance Edition. That one will set you back $295.
It also features noise cancelation and custom esports-specific switches developed with Gateron, a household name in the world of fancy-schmancy keyboards. The brand makes Cherry MX-like buttons. But instead of producing them in Europe at a higher price like Cherry MX (labor is more expensive on the Old Continent), Gateron prefers to take advantage of what China's manufacturing facilities can offer.
Photo: Dry Studio
The switches feature Gateron's "rapid ice" technology that turns simple buttons into ultra-fast response mechanical switches tailored for professional gaming and comfortable typing. In layman's terms, that means you don't have to apply too much pressure on the keyboard every time you have some PC stuff to do. It sounds trivial, but those that deal with data or copywriting will appreciate a fine-tuned keyboard. Gamers also need low latency and durability, so it suits their needs well, too.
The test below features the Black Diamond 75 Mithril, and it shows a crisp yet somewhat creamy sound, which is made possible by a leaf spring switch mount. It blocks the high clicky notes and offers a typing experience that's satisfying and dynamic. But they are not Gateron's switches. If you want those, you'll have to get the premium option or pay extra to get them separately.
An interesting tidbit is that Dry Studio used Mansory's Aventador as the muse for the bold design it gave this keyboard, but the official presentation video also cuts to a Huracan Sterrato. Is an off-road edition coming? That could be groundbreaking!
Finally, if you don't like carbon fiber, there will also be a version featuring anodized silver aluminum.
Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one. Full profile
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