◇ Case study
Boring Box TKL: triple-mounting system mechanical keyboard

Prioritizing function over form, the Boring Box is a minimalist keyboard designed with a singular focus: optimal typing.
Beneath its simple exterior lies a versatile system that accommodates three distinct mounting systems and compatibility with various switch types, providing a customizable typing experience tailored to each user's preference.
Industrial Design
CAD
CNC
Mechanical Keyboard
If you’re interested in the full build, please visit Geekhack.org
Overview
Opportunity
- Personal need: customized keyboard that met my specific requirements
- Community interest: personal project evolved into a collaborative effort between fellow enthusiasts, friends, and family.
Constraints
- Compatibility with various after market PCBs and switches.
- Design Expertise: minimal CAD design experience.
- Complex Systems: integrated 3 mounting-systems (top, bottom, and grommets).
- Cost: niche of a niche hobby, smaller interest and higher cost sharing
Accomplishments
✓ Community collaboration: partnered with manufacturers, PCB designers, and machining advisors.
✓ Design innovations: successfully integrated top, bottom, and grommet mounts.
✓ Unique implementations: wedge design, robust weight, and self-contained storage.
✓ Physical production: organized and delivered a group-buy of 35 kits.
Timeline
01
Ideation & Analysis
Dec 2019
- Realizing the need for a keyboard that fits my specific needs completely.
- Gathering other ideas as complimentary features if possible.
02
Detail Designs
Jan 2020
- Prepro
- Five failed concepts
- Implementing complimentary features

03
Prototypes & Revisions
Feb 2020 - Nov 2020
- COVID - process halt
- Three prototypes
- At least 3 testers per prototypes
- 1st prototype: Tactile Omrons
- 2nd prototype: SKCL Greens
- 3rd prototype: Vintage MX Blacks
04
Final Design
Nov 2020 - Dec 2020
- Final revision
- Final design doc
- Interest check for group buy
- Build log on Geekhack.org

05
Groupbuy
Mar 2021 - Jun 2021
- Establishing production queue with Foxlab
- Backend inventory works, mostly payment related
06
Production Delivery
Jul 2021 - Nov 2021
- Receiving product
- QA
- Product delivery
- Support & closure