Datamancer.net - Technical Art and Steampunk Contraptions

Please take a look at some of the previously commissioned keyboards and available designs, then view the Keyboard FAQ for more information concerning pricing and availability. Digg It! Click the photos for more pictures and information about each keyboard.


"The Alchemist" Keyboard -new!

This keyboard was originally designed for a pharmacist and is themed around the Alchemical/Apothecary/Medical arts.
The Datamancer Deco

"The Aviator" The Aviator features a brushed aluminum frame, a black felt faceplate, and "jewel"-styled LEDs reminiscent of an old airplane instrument panel.
“The keyboard is really lovely to work on- nicely responsive in a way that I have not felt on a keyboard for many years…works great on my iMac!” -- William King of Trollslayer.net
“ The action is great, a little like well-oiled manual, a little like one of the classic indestructible IBM clacky sysadmin keyboards... It wasn't cheap, and it took eight weeks to arrive, but man, was it worth it.” -- Cory Doctorow (full review on BoingBoing)
Here are some variations on the Aviator keyboard
This one is polished instead of brushed and has a cord sleeved in braided-steel (click for more)
This is an Aviator keyboard for a Mac. At its core is the esteemed Matias TactilePro2 (click for more)
Here's another in a more industrial style with a carbon fiber faceplate and some extra hardware. (click for more)


"The von Slatt Original" This keyboard is based off of the beautiful brass keyboard originally created by the talented Mr. Jake von Slatt over at the Steampunk Workshop. It features a black felt faceplate, chrome keys, and a polished brass frame left unvarnished so it will develop a deep, rich patina as it ages.

This one was built using the esteemed "Das Keyboard" and has an "aged" wooden faceplate (click for more)
"It is beautiful and one-of-a-kind...I asked for an heirloom, and I got one." -- D.Y. (longer review on sub-page)


"The Archbishop" Keyboard This keyboard was originally designed to accompany the Archbishop PC but is available as a stand-alone design. It features a wooden faceplate in a red mahogany stain, a polished brass frame with quatrefoil designs in the side, and keys in a fancy cursive font.


"The Sojourner" Looking as though it has traveled the world in the backpack of an intrepid explorer, this keyboard is crafted in polished brass, then artificially tarnished. The slightly weathered keys are electroplated in brass and are quite striking against the aged leather faceplate and parchment key inserts.
"Datamancer, thanks for the functional art. The keyboard is working great! It was a pleasure working out the details with you and watching the piece come together. It is now the central piece of a very eclectic office space." -- R.M.
Here are some variations on the Sojourner keyboard
Here's one with the ancient Enochian alphabet on the keys. (click for more)
“This keyboard is absolutely gorgeous-everything is finished perfectly, better than I had dreamed before commissioning it. It has infused beauty into what is an otherwise mundane task; it is a working piece of art.” -- Christopher Bradford


"The Industrial" This keyboard is good, old-fashioned, dirty steampunk. The frame is dirty aluminum and the "feet" are made from old transmission planetary gears cut in half. The faceplate is an aluminum mesh and the keys are made of hex nuts. The LEDs are hollowed-out round light bulbs mounted in a threaded holder.




"The Baron of Cyprus" This keyboard is much more intricate than any of the others. It features a polished copper frame, chrome keys, and polished copper key inserts. The main letter and number keys (A-Z, 1-0) are polished copper charms with engraved lettering. This keyboard was sold on ebay.

(click for more)


The Scrabble Keyboard This keyboard is made with real Scrabble tiles and features a brushed aluminum casing and oak faceplate.
COMING SOON! These are keyboards that I am still building and will auction soon. Be sure to join the MAILING LIST to receive updates as new gadgets are completed.
"The Aviator Mark II" The original Aviator was slightly reminiscent of an old airplane wing rib, so I thought it might look cool to make one that looked EXACTLY like a wing rib....and here it is, The Aviator "Mark II". The brown leather faceplate harkens back to an old bomber jacket, and the faceplate in this particular photo actually IS a piece of an old bomber jacket. The whole keyboard will be loosely WWII-themed including a set of sterling silver pilot wings and campaign ribbons for lights.


"The Paramount" This keyboard will have more of an Art Deco feel to it with scalloped emblems and an arcing top bar with matching badge.



I will be updating this page rather frequently as I make new designs, so check back often or sign up to the MAILING LIST to receive notifications. If you are interested in having one made for you, please read the Keyboard FAQ linked below and do not hesitate to email me using the "Contact Me" button below or on the bottom-left of the page. Bear in mind that this isn't the sort of impulse-buy item that you can have at your doorstep in 3 days. Each keyboard takes a while to build and I usually have a bit of a waiting list. Each keyboard is hand-made and polished, not laser-cut or stamped. They contain roughly 355 different pieces, all painstakingly assembled with loving care. Click here for the FAQ and information regarding pricing and availability.