When we released KLP Lamé in thick PBT earlier this year, it only came in blanks. Blank caps look clean, but they assume you already know your layout by heart. Today we're launching the first KLP Lamé sets with legends (the symbols printed on each key). They're in stock now in both MX and Choc.
Why legends, and why now
Since the blanks came out, the request we've heard most is "can I get these with legends?" A lot of people moving to a split keyboard are also learning layers for the first time, and having symbols on the keys makes those first few weeks much easier.
We also wanted the kits sized for real ergo boards. A standard keycap set is built for a full-size keyboard, so on a Corne you'd use maybe half of it and pay for the rest. We did it the other way around: we picked the boards first, then decided what goes in the box.
We kept the colorways muted on purpose. Misty Green and Purple Dusk are meant to look as good on your desk in five years as they do today.
The two sets
Mono 40s Misty Green (50 keys)
Built for 40% split boards like the Corne and Kyria, and it also works on smaller splits like the Ferris and Sweep.
It includes the modifiers a 40% actually uses, plus a set of function icons. Those icons are for keys that don't have one fixed job. On small boards a single key often does different things depending on the active layer, so an icon suits it better than a letter. On 34- or 36-key boards you won't use every cap, and the spares are handy for trying different arrangements.
Mono 60s Purple Dusk (66 keys)
Built for 60% splits with a number row, like the Sofle, Lily58 and Iris.
You get a full number row, an extended set of modifiers, and icon keys left open for you to map however you like.
MX or Choc: which one do you need?
Keycaps clip onto your switches, and different switch types use different stem shapes, so check which switches your board has before you order.
- Choc version: fits Kailh Choc v1 switches, which are common on thin, low-profile split boards.
- MX version: fits standard MX switches, plus the common low-profile MX-style switches: Cherry MX Low Profile, Gateron Low Profile, Kailh Choc v2 and Huano Low Profile.
Still not sure? Our Choc vs MX vs Topre guide walks you through it.
Dye-sub PBT: why it matters
The legends are dye-sublimated, which means the ink is dyed into the plastic instead of printed on top. They won't rub off or fade, however much you type.
The caps are PBT, a hard, dense plastic that resists the shiny, greasy look cheaper keycaps get over time.
About the profile
KLP Lamé is a sculpted, low-profile keycap design made specifically for ergo keyboards. It was created by Braindefender and released as open source. We make it in our own molds, and these dye-sub sets use the same thick PBT as our blanks.
Using Colemak, Dvorak or another layout?
The alpha legends on these sets are QWERTY. If you type on a different layout, the letters won't match what the keys actually do. For now, our KLP Lamé blanks are the better choice, available in black and white for both MX and Choc.
If you'd like to see a Colemak or Dvorak set, tell us on Discord. We decide what to make next based on what people ask for.
Specs
| Mono 40s Misty Green | Mono 60s Purple Dusk | |
|---|---|---|
| Keys | 50 | 66 |
| Coverage | 40% | 60% |
| Fits | Corne, Kyria, Ferris, Sweep | Sofle, Lily58, Iris |
| Profile | KLP Lamé | KLP Lamé |
| Material | PBT | PBT |
| Legends | Dye-sub, QWERTY | Dye-sub, QWERTY |
| Versions | MX, Choc | MX, Choc |
| MSRP | $48 | $59 |
Prices are MSRP in USD. Local prices vary by vendor.
Where to buy
- Keebart (EU)
- Keeb.Supply (EU)
- Lowprokb (Canada)
- Beekeeb (HK)
- FKcaps (Worldwide)
Thanks
Huge thanks to Braindefender for designing KLP Lamé and sharing it with the community. If you have questions about fit, layouts or what's coming next, come say hi on the FK Discord.