The Quest for the Perfect Keyboard

In the world of keyboard enthusiasts, the term "endgame" takes on a humorous yet earnest meaning. It refers to that elusive moment when you've perfectly fine-tuned your keyboard setup—layout, features, switches, and keycaps—allowing you to focus on actually using your keyboard for work (or so we tell ourselves). Yet, just when you think you’ve found the holy grail, you spot something shiny and find yourself starting the quest all over again.

What If Compromise Wasn't Necessary?

Imagine if you had limitless time, creativity, and resources to build your dream keyboard completely from scratch. Enter the Seneca, the groundbreaking creation from Norbauer & Co. This luxurious keyboard boasts a plasma-oxide-finished aluminum chassis, a brass switchplate, custom capacitive switches, top-tier stabilizers, and retro spherical keycaps—all elevated by a zero-backlight design and an utterly flat typing angle. And with a weight of seven pounds and a price tag of $3,600, it raises both eyebrows and questions.

Is It Really Worth $3,600?

“Is it really worth that price? Who would even buy such an extravagant keyboard?” These are the questions many might ask. After weeks of typing on the Seneca, I can easily answer: YES! This keyboard is nothing short of amazing. Its build quality is mind-blowingly good, its switches outperform even the best, and typing on it is an absolute joy. The Seneca truly stands as a benchmark in keyboard craftsmanship.

Meet the Mind Behind the Magic: Ryan Norbauer

So, who does one have to thank for this exquisite piece of technology? That would be Ryan Norbauer, a well-known name in the keyboard community, recognized for his aftermarket housings. The Seneca is his first complete keyboard, born from a decade-long quest to create his dream keyboard—a mission that led to the establishment of his business, Norbauer & Co.

A Nostalgic Journey into Keyboard Design

Norbauer's inspiration springs from his childhood in 1990s West Virginia, where he watched Star Trek: The Next Generation and dreamed of a future filled with technological marvels. This nostalgia permeates the Seneca, capturing the essence of keyboards from an era when computing felt like stepping into a brighter tomorrow.

The Technical Journey to Keyboard Perfection

Norbauer's journey is not without its hurdles. From dropping out of a PhD program to learn coding, to founding startups, he eventually stumbled upon the captivating world of keyboards. His initial focus was on Topre switches, known for their unique tactile feel but limited in customizability. Frustrated by the lack of quality aftermarket options, he began crafting his designs.

Innovating Stabilizers and Switches

When it came to crafting the Seneca, Norbauer's pursuit of the finest keyboard led him to innovate stabilizers, an often-overlooked component. After years of development, he settled on a groundbreaking double-hinged design, ensuring superior performance without the annoying rattles common in traditional stabilizers.

The Art of Craftsmanship

The Seneca’s aesthetic is meticulously crafted, featuring a solid aluminum casing and a brass switchplate—not for cost savings but for superior acoustic properties. Each keyboard is hand-assembled in Norbauer's garage in Los Angeles, ensuring every detail meets his exacting standards.

Financial Challenges and Future Plans

Despite the premium price tag, Norbauer admits he's not yet profiting from the Seneca, revealing the financial strains that come with developing a high-end product. He’s not dissuaded, however. With the support of Tiny, an investment firm, he retains creative control as he aims to expand his lineup.

Not Just Any Keyboard