Gaming keyboards can be expensive, with options like the Razer Black Widow V4 75% and Wooting 80HE pushing the boundaries of affordability. But a new contender, The Icebreaker by Serene Industries, takes keyboard pricing to a whole new level with its staggering $1,600 price tag. This begs the question: what justifies such an extravagant cost?
The answer, surprisingly, is aluminum. The Icebreaker is crafted from a single block of 6061 aluminum, forming what Serene Industries describes as an “unorthodox wedge form.” Even the keycaps are machined from aluminum and feature approximately 800 micro-perforations, allowing the LED backlighting to shine through.
Aluminum keycaps on The Icebreaker keyboard.
The Icebreaker resembles a work of art more than a functional keyboard, but it boasts impressive mechanical keyboard specifications. It features a 65% layout, a metal rotary dial, and supports hot-swappable switches. Wireless connectivity is provided via Bluetooth with a built-in 4,000mAh battery, and it also offers wired connectivity through USB-C. While the sound profile remains a mystery (at least to those unwilling to shell out $1,600), Serene Industries claims the keyboard incorporates two layers of sound dampening.
The Maker Behind the Metal
This unique keyboard is the brainchild of Denis Agarkov, founder of Serene Industries. Agarkov, a Los Angeles-based filmmaker and designer, has a background in cinematography, making The Icebreaker a significant departure from his previous work. This venture stems from a self-proclaimed “love of materials, experimentation, and an endless exercise in learning new things.”
The back of The Icebreaker keyboard.
A Keyboard of Extremes
The Icebreaker is undeniably a captivating piece of engineering. Its craftsmanship is evident, and its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. However, form appears to supersede function in this design, which is unsurprising considering its all-aluminum construction. Despite its unique design, The Icebreaker’s presence in the wild remains elusive. There are no documented sightings of actual users, nor any online discussions about its performance. Hopefully, someone will take the plunge and purchase The Icebreaker, if only for the bragging rights.
A Dream of Affordability
While the allure of The Icebreaker is undeniable, its price tag remains a significant barrier for most consumers. A more budget-friendly version, perhaps without the all-aluminum construction, would undoubtedly appeal to a wider audience. For now, that remains a hopeful dream.
