Everest Is a Modular Mechanical Keyboard Launching Through Kickstarter
The new Everest modular keyboard has Cherry MX key switches, and also offers a lot more customizability than other mechanical keyboards.
Mechanical keyboards can range in price from about $30 all the way up to $300, and there is a reason people are willing to pay that premium over lesser keyboards. A good mechanical keyboard can improve both your typing performance and comfort, and can do a lot to help prevent RSI (Repetitive Stress Injury). The defining characteristic of a mechanical keyboard is the use of mechanical key switches, as opposed to the membranes used on cheap keyboards. The new Everest modular keyboard has those, and also offers a lot more customizability than most other mechanical keyboards.
Everest just recently launched through Kickstarter, and the campaign has reached nearly three times its funding goal at the time of this writing. At its core, Everest is a solid mechanical keyboard that can be outfitted with your choice of hot-swappable Cherry MX key switches. You can choose Cherry MX Red, Blue, or Brown, and can upgrade to Silent Red or Speed Silver for a small premium. The back plates are milled from a block of solid aluminum, and the keyboard has full RGB backlighting. The key switches are topped with high-quality Tai-Ho PBT double shot keycaps (for an extra fee). Magnetic riser feet on the back of the keyboard allow you to adjust the tilt angle for comfort.
All of those factors would make Everest a desirable keyboard, but they wouldn’t make it stand out among the competition. What does make it stand out is the modularity of the design. A separate number pad can be attached to either side of the keyboard via a magnetic connection, and that num pad has a set of four programmable keys at the top that can be configured with various shortcuts and images. An additional media control module can be placed anywhere along the top of the keyboard. Finally, a magnetic palm rest can be attached to the front of the keyboard to enhance your comfort while typing.
If you want your own Everest keyboard, the Kickstarter campaign will be running until April 2nd. Because it’s modular, you can order Everest in many forms. But the “Max” option, which includes everything, will cost you about $250 (with the double shot keycaps). Rewards are expected to be delivered in August.