Manual . Input . Device
A 40% custom mechanical keyboard featuring a folded stainless steel enclosure, dual hi-fi-inspired rotary encoders, and an indirect lighting system providing soft, desk-lamp ambient illumination. Designed and assembled in Seattle. Fully programmable with VIA and QMK.
Reservation window closed
The MID.1 reservation window ran from May 3 through May 22 and is now closed.
MID.1 is now moving into production planning for a small first production run. Final payment will not be collected until units are complete and ready to ship.
Reservation holders will get first access to purchase their assigned MID.1, with reservation deposits applied to the final purchase price. After that, any remaining units will be made available in stock.
I’m roughly expecting production to take around 3–4 months, though I’ll share updates if that changes.
To follow production updates, join the Discord or sign up for email updates below.
MID.1.RIG
Enough ortho users asked about an ortholinear version that I’ve added a small-batch variant to the first production run.
MID.1.RIG (Rectilinear Input Grid) uses the same folded stainless case, hardware, lid, and packaging as MID.1, but with a 4×12 ortholinear soldered PCB.
MID.1.RIG is not represented in the photos here yet, but it will be part of the first production run. Layout info can be found below.
Note: MID.1.RIG uses the standard case top only; it is not compatible with the corner-blocker top.
Meet the family
MID.1 is supported by a pair of optional accessories built around the same materials and design language. MID.1.LID protects the keyboard and can double as a wrist rest, while MID.1.PET keeps small items organized nearby.
MID.1 Manual Input Device
Structure-first. Industrial materials. Visible hardware. You can see how it’s put together, and take it apart the same way. Its DNA includes grandpa's toolbox, midcentury desk lamp, and technical control panel. Like typing on industrial equipment, but friendlier.
Folded stainless steel gives MID.1 its unique balance of crisp edges, soft bends, and the heft of a solid CNC-milled board. All finished in a clean matte black powder coat.
An open interior gives MID.1 a big, resonant sound out of the box, with room to add your own acoustic materials to tune it further. You can start with the included custom-cut wool felt acoustic pad.
MID.1 supports multiple bottom-row layouts through a flexible PCB and two matching case-top options. The standard top gives you a full bottom row; the corner-blocker top blocks the outer corners for a more compact layout. Both accept three different spacebar splits.
MID.1’s lighting is inspired by the glow of a small desk lamp. An internal lighting module bounces light through the case before it escapes through the top grille. The result is softer and more atmospheric than typical underglow.
MID.1's custom PCB is built for flexibility and serviceability, with Kailh hotswap sockets, dual rotary encoders, three different spacebar options, and a Unified Daughterboard.
MID.1 is made almost entirely from off-the-shelf components. Aside from the case and PCB, parts can be replaced without hunting down proprietary hardware. No adhesives. No sealed assemblies. Just visible fasteners and teardown-friendly construction.
When you want a little lift, the included screw-in rear feet give MID.1 a 4-degree typing angle. They install like hardware and are easily removed when you want things flat.
Two rotary encoders, because one felt a little lonely. Use for volume, scrolling, media, lighting, or custom functions, depending on how you set things up.
MID.1.LID Latching Input Deflector
MID.1.LID is an optional cover designed to make MID.1 easier to store, carry, and live with. It protects the keyboard when not in use, adds a handle when you're taking it somewhere, and turns into a wrist rest when it's back on your desk. Built with the same powder-coated stainless steel and visible, serviceable hardware.
Pack up MID.1 by securing MID.1.LID in place with stainless steel latches. Carry it by the soft Horween Dublin veg-tanned leather strap handle.
Some of the best reasons for a cover are not especially technical: dust, clutter, paws, and the ordinary hazards of a desk that actually gets used. MID.1.LID keeps the keyboard a little less vulnerable between sessions.
When MID.1 is in use, MID.1.LID doesn’t have to disappear. Set it in front of the keyboard for a properly sized wrist rest. The ultra-low-profile hardware and recessed strap handle keep the top surface smooth.
The underside of MID.1.LID is fitted with dedicated storage for the tools and small parts that support MID.1. The essentials stay with the keyboard instead of drifting into a drawer. Adjustments and maintenance are part of the object, not an afterthought.
MID.1.PET Personal Effects Tray
MID.1.PET is an optional desk tray for the small stuff that never quite has a home: keycaps, switches, tools, notepads, and earbuds.
Same folded, powder-coated stainless steel as MID.1. Same crisp, simple edges.
Built to last, and backed accordingly
MID.1 is designed for long-term ownership. It’s built from durable materials, assembled with serviceability in mind, and backed by a one-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. If you need support, email me at hello@aokay.com.
Sign up to receive launch updates, reservation announcements, and future MID.1 news by email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. For questions, email hello@aokay.cool.
A number of people have asked about a 60–65% version of MID.1. Nothing is planned yet, but if that’s a layout you’d be interested in, you can let me know through the Google Form linked below.
A 40% board was the starting point for this project, and will always be its heart. Keeping things small, close to home, and attainable as an independent studio has always been part of the idea: one form factor, one finish, one very specific keyboard. At the same time, I’d love to see this design at a larger scale alongside the original.
A small Discord server for A.Okay! and MID.1 updates, questions, and feedback is now open. If you'd like to follow along or ask questions:
Hey, I’m Sean. For my day job, I run a residential architecture studio. Some of my work has been featured in Dwell and a couple coffee table books.
A.Okay! is a side project and creative outlet where I make the quirky kinds of things I want to see in the world and actually use myself.
