Touchstone Keyboard Group Buy

Introducing the Touchstone

"A design should feel inevitable, as if it always existed, and we simply uncovered it."
James, AKB

The Story

Touchstone is deliberately unconventional.
It is an exploration of form, proportion, and colour.

Many keyboards evolve through small iterations on familiar ideas, but Touchstone feels like it arrived from somewhere else entirely. There just isn't anything else like it. The silhouette is ultra-modern with a two tone colour scheme on the top case which splits the keyboard visually creating a playful, almost Lego-like vibe. 

For its designer, James of Alchemist Keyboards and Cannonkeys, the goal was never to create just another custom board. The aim was to build something that felt distinctive the moment you saw it. Something that captured the confidence of great industrial design. It's not quiet and it doesn't apologise for that.

“I like objects that feel deliberate. Objects that look as though they were shaped by intention rather than trend.” James, AKB

There is a sense of energy and creativity to it - especially in the bright colour options. The Mono colourway takes that experience to a more classic, elegant visual identity, especially on the backpiece which is beautifully inlaid with cream accent panels and textured surfaces.

Those who know the Thocc Exchange will know we only partner with businesses and communities that share our values of kindness and inclusivity. AKB continues to embody those values in both their design work and their presence in the community.

💬 Why Choose Touchstone?

A design unlike anything else in the hobby.
There are thousands of custom keyboards in existence. Very few have a silhouette that is instantly recognisable. Touchstone is one of them.

From the mind behind Caerdroia.
If you admired the thoughtfulness and originality behind Caerdroia, Touchstone continues that same design philosophy but expressed through geometry and proportion rather than symbolism.

Southpaw support
Showing some love to our left handed enthusiasts with the option for Southpaw configuration in WK and WKL. No longer do you need a separate numpad, tangled arms or to struggle with right handed number entry.

Built for enthusiasts who appreciate form.
This is not a keyboard designed to chase trends. It’s for builders who enjoy owning objects that feel a little more considered, a little more distinctive, and a little more enduring. It won't ever be mass produced; it will be beloved by those who the design speaks to. 

🔧 Keyboard Specifications

Specs
• Typing Angle: 7°
• Effective Front Height: 20mm
• Layout: Full-size, 108 keys+
• Mounting Style: Top-mounted, with separate PCBs and plates for the TKL & numpad sections.
• Medium: E-yellow brass bottom weights and aluminum on aluminum (Primary), Steel bottom weights and aluminum on aluminum (Mono)
• Weight: 5.8lbs/2633g (Unbuilt), 7lbs/3117g (Built)
• QMK/VIA supported PCB

📦 Included

Top Case - front and rear
Bottom case
Badge - Alu (Primary), Steel (Mono)
Plates - Main & Numpad in Alu
Weight Frame
Bottom Weights - 6 Alu (Primary), 4 Alu & 2 Steel
PCB - Main & Numpad in either solder or hotswap
Ribbon cable to connect the two PCBs
Fly DB with cable
Hardware
Carrying case
Microfiber cloth

⚠️ Group Buys

This is a Group Buy item, not an in-stock product. Extras will not be available after the group buy period closes.

Group Buy Period: March 13th to April 13th 

Estimated Delivery: Q4 2026 to Cannonkeys for QC. Depending on unit purchase volume this may be either air freighted to the UK or via sea. TBC once Group Buy closes.

By purchasing, you are reserving a unit that will be manufactured and delivered at a later date. As with all group buys, timelines may shift due to manufacturing or logistics.

As always, the Thocc Exchange maintains an industry-leading policy whereby group buy revenue is held separately from operational working capital until the project completes. This ensures we can fulfil our obligations with confidence and transparency. 

All purchases can receive a full refund prior to GB closure if circumstances change. No reason needed. After GB close orders are locked.

If you have questions at any point during the project, you are always welcome to reach out. I’m here to help.