The story of the Legend‡ series, told by its designer: where it came from, what the double dagger means, and where it has gone since.
For years, people with their choc v1 switches longed and even pleaded for a proper keyset to be designed and produced within the enthusiast community. The answer? Crickets. Only blank caps (or other things less savory) were available. In what seems like a paralysis-inducing chicken-or-egg dilemma, choc switch keyboards were not being produced because there weren't any good caps to put on them, and good choc caps were not being produced because so few choc boards were available. And so, it was never certain that this request would ever be addressed.
Then suddenly, Legend‡ was born in the very first PBT dye-sublimation group buy using the new MBK profile designed by Max Burger. We could finally see and confirm what we were typing in those high-stress moments, where getting the correct keystroke was absolutely critical.
The set name, Legend, was chosen for its dance of meanings. The first is direct, signaling that it is the first choc v1 switch compatible set that has actual 'legends'. Naturally, the second would be the arrogant claim of achieving 'legendary' fame and just rolling with it.
The double dagger, or diesis, or double obelisk (‡) is a relatively obscure character in typography. It is often used to denote the 3rd footnote in a text, following the dagger († 2nd), and the asterisk (* 1st).
For the keyset, Legend‡, it is used to give a visual distinction to the word "legend". Its actual significance here is a mystery, and that's OK.
The design goal underpinning Legend‡ was to create a highly legible and timeless keyset that was specifically tailored for ortholinear and ergonomic keyboards. The typeface was chosen for its even-feeling letterform design and historical characteristics. Icons were designed to complement the letterforms, referencing the line weight and proportions. The idea? Integrate the alphas and icon mods to create a set that will always look balanced in even the most exotic layouts or rotated thumb clusters.
Initially, MBK Legend‡ ran as a 9-kit group buy with a few color variations that were mix and matchable. Additional options included hiragana alphas and Cherokee alphas. All proceeds from Cherokee set sales were donated to the Cherokee Nation's Cultural Preservation Foundation.
Following the successful group buy, MBK Legend‡ Glow in laser-etched ABS was released for direct purchase, providing everyone with low profile, shine-through legends for RGB goodness.
Next come MBK Legend‡ 40s, with just enough caps to cover those tiny, yet alluring, boards at a wallet friendly price.
And once new molds were created for traditional sized caps, MBK Legend‡ Extended hit the market, allowing non-ortho folks to also feel some fabled love.
Not wanting to leave MX boards naked and afraid in the dark, LPF Legend‡ Glow was released as an RGB-welcoming, low profile option to shine some light on the world.
Shortly thereafter, Legend‡ icons became available at FK Custom with a wide variety of keycap profile options, to be used in anyone's custom keyset creations. Everyone now can access a way to an actual Legend‡.
The story of Legend‡ isn't yet over; the exploits will continue for as long as time exists, the Keyboard Gods willing, that is.
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