Are you on the hunt for a mechanical keyboard but the glowing, gaming-inspired "l33t-hax0r-gam3r" aesthetic doesn't do it for you? If a retro vibe is more your style, the options tend to be pricey. The Penna keyboard aims to offer the best of both worlds with a compact form, a lever that can be programmed as a macro, Cherry MX switches, and Bluetooth connectivity.
We spend a staggering amount of time at our keyboards, and it's reasonable to conclude that we deserve something better than the typical membrane-based generic model. They're cheap and easy to replace, but for those of us who write for a living, a sturdier solution is needed, and that's where mechanical keyboards come in. A big part of the market targets gamers, promising faster response times and lower latency in demanding titles. Many enthusiasts reject off-the-shelf designs and take the (extremely expensive) path of building their own keyboard. But what we have here is a kind of middle ground, as long as retro appeals to you.
Design and Features
The Penna is a keyboard that deceives at first glance. Despite its compact design, it weighs 800 grams, so it should feel more solid than it appears on the desk. The manufacturer offers two types of keys: one with a "diamond cut" for better writing precision, and another that follows the line of old typewriters, with a round shape and a relatively neutral profile.
The available switches are Cherry MX in Red (linear and silent), Brown (like the Reds but with tactile feedback), and Blue (tactile with a "click"). The lever on the left side lets you configure a macro (which I'd honestly only set to "Enter"), connectivity is Bluetooth 4.2, it supports up to five devices at once, and it uses two AA batteries with a claimed six-month lifespan in standby.
Kickstarter Success
The Penna hit Kickstarter and raised $200,000 in one week, four times what it originally sought. To be honest, it's not hard to find other keyboards with similar features, and the lever does a simple trick, but the Penna starts at $89, and when you factor in its aesthetic, it's not bad at all. First deliveries are due in August.
