The sound of old typewriter keys can be annoying to some, but to us with the blood of steampunk running in our veins, they can instead be a welcome symphony that can spark your imagination and sense of wonder.
Whether you be the author of a thoughtful manuscript or simply need to type out a message to blackmail thy neighbor, you may need a powerful keyboard.
What’s more powerful than a regular keyboard, you ask? Well, a keyboard run by steam of course. That’s how the punks do it these days. Or those days.
This post will showcase both the cheapest keyboard knockoffs we could find as well as those that were crafted with great detail. Whether you prefer–what do these kids call it nowadays again?–mechanical or membrane keyboard, rest assured you can obtain information here. It is your task to choose which is best for you. So, come hither, and we will guide you to find the best steampunk keyboard only for you.
Best Mechanical Steampunk Keyboards
Ah, mechanical keyboards, the maestros of the typing world! Each key is an individual mechanical switch, giving you that distinct click with each press and a quick, precise response.
It’s like having a tiny, resilient spring under each letter, ready to bounce back and keep the typing symphony going. Not only do they provide a satisfying sensory experience, but they’re also built to endure countless tales and quests. In short, they’re the robust, responsive steeds of the keyboard realm!
If you prefer to obtain a keyboard that does give you an auditory and tactile satisfaction on the first key, look no further. Behold, the best mechanical steampunk keyboards that is both aesthetically pleasing and fully functional:
RETRO COMPACT KEYBOARD
Starting off, we have the compact keyboard in retro style from AZIO. This mechanical marvel boasts a timeless walnut wood finish and tactile, clicky backlit keys, evoking the spirit of a bygone era.
With Bluetooth and USB connectivity tailored for the modern scribe, this keyboard is a symphony of style and substance, making every keystroke a luxurious adventure. Whether for work or whimsy, the Elwood is your ticket to a grand typing experience!
MECHANICAL GAMING KEYBOARD
Deviating a bit from wood and brass aesthetics of the previous entry, our next one is a newer keyboard that seems to be enveloped in what we’d describe as an “amber-like” case. If futuristic devices are more to your liking, you will love this coffee-themed keyboard from Womier.
This wired mechanical keyboard offers a hot-swappable feature, compatible with both 5-pin and 3-pin switches, and a convenient metal scroll knob for easy volume control. It even has what it calls a vibrant, customizable, south-facing RGB backlighting which is a marvel of engineering, we say! Anyway, with its innovative dual-mount design, customizable Womier Coffee switches and pre-lubed stabilizers, the The Womier G75 75% Keyboard is perfect for those of us who dream what a steampunk future is like.
WIRELESS MECHANICAL KEYBOARD
However, if you only want a hint of steampunk aesthetics in your office or game room without going full-on Victoria Era, then you might prefer this wireless mechanical keyboard from Hexgears. Featuring shades of chocolate brown colors in its design, Hexgears X3 TKL mechanical keyboard balances the efficiency of modern technology and the subtle steampunk aesthetics.
This tenkeyless, ergonomic keyboard is equipped with high-precision red Kailh Box switches, designed for durability and resistance to dust and moisture, ensuring a lifespan of over 100 million keystrokes. Its unique white LED backlight provides eye-friendly illumination, customizable with various effects like breathing and constant light modes.
Best Steampunk Keyboards With Typewriter Keys
Indeed, when one thinks of steampunk keyboards, those adorned with typewriter keys instantly capture the imagination. Their vintage allure and tactile charm are the perfect catalysts to stir the steampunk spirit within us, making our hearts race with a blend of nostalgia and excitement.
Get ready to explore our handpicked selection of the best typewriter keyboards, each a masterpiece of design and functionality. These keyboards are not only practical but also echo the unique charm of the steampunk aesthetic.
CLASSIC TYPEWRITER KEYBOARD
Let’s start with the classic typewriter keyboard, shall we? When you search for “steampunk typewriter” in the vast stretches of the digital marketplace, you will likely see this one on the top of the searches, and it’s no wonder, as it creatively combines the elegance of writing machines from the bygone era and the convenience of modern technology. One of the best makers of such keyboards is the 7KEYS store.
This elegantly designed keyboard in particular features a classical wooden style with punk round keys, creating a nostalgic yet functional accessory for your desktop PC, laptop, or phone. Upgraded with the latest Bluetooth 5.0, it offers swift and seamless multi-device connectivity, allowing you to switch between devices with ease. The keyboard is equipped with hot-swappable blue switches, providing that satisfying ‘click’ feedback and enhanced typing speed, which is truly reminiscent of an old royal typewriter.
WIRELESS TYPEWRITER KEYBOARD
If fancier keyboards are more your cup of tea, then FINEDAY’s black-and-gold themed steampunk typewriter keyboard will surely take your breath away. This stunning wireless mechanical keyboard is designed to capture the essence of a classic typewriter while embracing the sophistication of modern technology.
Featuring 83 ABS black keycaps, this keyboard is equipped with clickety-clackety blue switch keys, providing a tactile and auditory experience reminiscent of vintage typewriters. It offers advanced connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0, allowing you to connect up to three wireless devices simultaneously, plus an additional USB connection, for a total of four devices.
The ergonomic design includes a 9.22-degree cradle angle for comfortable typing and a built-in mounting stand for your devices, reducing neck strain during extended use. The left lever, crafted from full aluminum, doubles as an enter key, enhancing the typewriter feel, while the left wheel adjusts the clean, sharp white LED backlight, and the right wheel conveniently controls the volume.
FULL SIZE WIRELESS TYPEWRITER KEYBOARD
If you love the design and the features of the previous entry but wished for a bigger, full keyboard, your wish is granted. Made by the same manufacturer as above, FINEDAY, this retro wireless mechanical keyboard, inspired by the classic typewriter, comes with a complete set of 104 ABS black keycaps and responsive blue switches, providing a satisfying tactile feedback reminiscent of old-school typewriters.
Designed to cater to a wide range of devices including iPhone, iPad, Mac, Galaxy, Android, Laptop, Windows, and PC, it boasts dual connectivity options through Bluetooth and USB-C, allowing simultaneous connection with up to four devices.
The keyboard’s ergonomic design is complemented by a unique lever that functions as an Enter key, adding to its vintage charm. For added convenience, the left wheel adjusts the keyboard’s backlight, while the right wheel controls the volume of the connected device, ensuring seamless user experience. The FINEDAY Keyboard 2.0, made from durable Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, is an ideal choice for those who appreciate the nostalgia of a typewriter but require the efficiency and versatility of modern technology.
Best Budget Steampunk Keyboards
It’s important to have a keyboard handy, coal-fired or not, in order to write scathing letters to the Times. “Sirs! What is this I hear about not allowing five-year-old urchins to climb inside my chimney to clean? Thundering typhoons! What is the world coming to?!”
In true Victorian style, your teeth may look like old piano keys, but the keys on the keyboard simply must be made of those lovely round retro Remington typewriter keys. Practical? Hell, no. But what’s more important – looking good or being efficient? Exactly. And that’s it. You’re done. Now go back to your job of being a pilchard spotter.
WOODEN KEYBOARD AND MOUSE COMBO
You’ve seen the classic keyboards above made from materials like metal and wood grain, but what about pure wood keyboard and mouse casing? Believe it or not, dear sirs and madams, they exist! If you’re bothered by the onslaught of materials coming from industrial factories, this unique set is for you.
Handcrafted entirely from natural bamboo wood, Smart Tech’s keyboard is offering a distinctive, eco-friendly alternative to traditional peripherals. Compatible with a wide range of operating systems including XP, NT, Vista, Win7/8/10, MAC OS, Linux, Android, and iOS, it ensures broad compatibility for various users.
The keyboard and mouse connect seamlessly through a 2.4GHz wireless connection with a single USB receiver, conveniently located inside the mouse’s battery compartment. Both keyboard and mouse are designed for longevity, boasting a life cycle of over 5 million keystrokes and clicks.
Additionally, the keyboard is equipped with 7 multi-media keys, enhancing your efficiency and enjoyment during music listening or video watching sessions.
COFFEE WIRELESS KEYBOARD AND MOUSE COMBO
If you’ve been browsing catalogues of steampunk keyboards for some time, by now you may have noticed how pricey they can get. Worry not, though! We have found the perfect keyboard that can fit any steampunk-themed set up, though it’s not as elaborate or close to the style of Victorian Era. Still, if steampunk technology may have developed, perchance keyboards might look like this? Who knows for sure, but we definitely love this one.
Inspired by the classic typewriter, this full-size keyboard features 104 round keycaps, offering both a nostalgic feel and a stylish touch. The keyboard is user-friendly with 12 Fn shortcuts for easy access to multimedia controls, and an ergonomic floating key design to reduce finger fatigue. The accompanying optical mouse boasts a 3-step DPI adjustment for precision control. For an anachronistic typewriter design, Links9+ keyboard meets the requirements sufficiently.
Best Luxury Steampunk Keyboards
Ah, good sir, the minute you walked through the door, I could tell you were a man of distinction, a real big spender, hey big spender! Are you a proud manager of a factory belching smoke in awe-inspiring industrial amounts? Whose company’s very name might be Amalgamated Consolidated Thermopulated Steel Bearing and Pictorial Teacup Factory. What manner of keyboard will you have? The ultimate, of course.
Fie on the plastic base of a computer keyboard. Obviously, the keys themselves will be made of the retro typewriter ones, but the base? Wood! Glorious wood! Cherry wood, tigerwood, oak, redwood – doesn’t matter. For even more panache, surround the base in gleaming copper. Add small speaker horns and a circular microphone in order to make your pronouncements. Why stop there? How about a leather tuck-and-roll mousepad? Finally, if you’re not able to train an actual mouse to do your bidding, a copper mouse will do the job nicely.
ULTIMATE STEAMPUNK KEYBOARD
Now, for the ultimate keyboard that checks all the boxes of what a steampunk keyboard should look like. This banger from Etsy (of course, the marketplace where the rarest items can be found), is made by a shop that specializes in steampunk style products called Steampunk Renovation. Who understands it better than someone who loves the genre as much as we do?
This handcrafted marvel, tailored for both Windows and Mac users, is a testament to bespoke craftsmanship. Each piece is 100% handmade, ensuring a unique and decorative addition to your desktop.
The set, made with exquisite materials like wood, copper, solid brass, metal, and glass, includes a keyboard with membraned keys, a wrist rest, pen holder, a working clock, and DC 12 V powered removable lights, all centered around a stylish switch. If you prefer a mechanical keyboard, simply request it from the maker, and he will accommodate your preference for an additional fee.
Measuring approximately 54cm in width, 15cm in height, and 40cm in depth with the wristrest, this set is what we would exactly dream of if someone asked us what we’d like as a present. While this doesn’t include a mouse, you can buy it separately from the same shop.
Of course, a beauty such as this one costs a fortune.
But for such an elegant and advanced contraption that puts others to shame, it’s truly worth saving for. You may have to part with some of your cherished inventions or treasures to gather the funds, though.
DIVINER KEYBOARD
If you want one that is less elaborate but still exudes the beauty and charm of steampunk aesthetics, Datamancer’s The Diviner Keyboard is perfect for you. Crafted from a solid piece of carved walnut, this USB keyboard boasts a lightweight yet durable design, accentuated with intricate acanthus Victorian engravings.
The Roman Ogee-patterned edges and a high-gloss lacquer finish give it a smooth, sophisticated appeal. Each keystroke on the German-engineered Cherry MX blue mechanical switches is a tactile delight, reminiscent of a classic typewriter and guaranteed for 50 million strokes.
The keys themselves are a work of art, featuring durable Datamancer parchment typewriter keycaps housed in metal, ensuring their lettering remains pristine over time. Its adjustable polished brass knobs and anti-slip rubber pads provide stability and elegance, while the refractive red jewel LEDs add a subtle, refined touch.
Designed for versatility, it supports various keyboard layouts and includes standard function media controls, making The Diviner not just a statement piece but a high-functioning tool for Windows, Linux, and Mac users.
Best Steampunk Keyboard Kits
What’s that? You have no time for erecting a keyboard yourself when you must thrash your gamekeeper about the body for allowing a young fox to go unmolested? Just get a kit!
There are quite a few available, for every budget, whether you’re from high society or the scum of the earth. The expensive ones are lovingly put together, and the cheap ones at least have the proper look. Whatever keyboard your get, use it wisely to vent your spleen with a well-timed screed.
If you’re keen on acquiring a fancy and personalized keyboard that would be the envy of your colleages but find yourself short on time to build the contraption yourself, consider these suggestions:
CUSTOMIZED MECHANICAL KEYBOARD KIT
You’d be hard-pressed to find a keyboard kit built specifically for steampunk purposes despite the relative abundance of actual steampunk-themed keyboards, but a basic keyboard kit will do just fine. However, get one that falls within the color scheme of this genre, such as brown and black. While this particular item doesn’t have a brown variety, its red one can be a good replacement.
COFFEE CAT DYE CUSTOM KEYCAPS
Need steampunk-looking keycaps right away to fill your keyboard kit? This coffee-and-cat themed keycaps set is the perfect pair to your steampunk keyboard kit with its cream and brown color scheme. It also works if you need new keys for your old mechanical keyboard and want to dress it up steampunk style. This works if you want a more subtle blend of modern and steampunk aesthetics instead of going full on the latter.
WOOD FULL KEYCAP SET
If you prefer a full-on wood keycap set, then feast your eyes on this keyboard from Etsy. Made from walnut wood and resin, this keycap set can be customized according to your preferences–just ask the seller, Liang Studio. Keycaps can vary between 16 to 87 in number, depending on which pattern you choose.