[Pre-order] Kafka - Pre-built HE Gaming Keyboard

Pre-order Period: 28 January to 15 February
Estimated Shipping: June-July 2026

Find more information about the Kafka here!

MX Keyboard Kit: click here!

Specifications:

• Typing Angle: 6 degrees
• Dimension:  313.9 x 111.9 x 29.5 mm
• Front Height: 18.1mm
• Effective Front Height: 22.4mm
• Weight: 1.6kg
• Materials: 6061 Aluminium/C360 Brass/Walnut or Maple
• Finishes: Anodisation/Powder Coating/Water-based Polyurethane (Wood)

PCB Specifications:

• Venom65 HE PCB by Geon
  • Web-based firmware (https://venom.how/)
  • RISC-V32 architecture applied
  • Supports 8KHz polling rate / 14KHz scan rate per key
  • 0.16ms latency
  • 1.6mm thick
  • No per-key RGB
  • NKRO: Yes
  • Connector: JST-SH 4 Pin

Included in each Hall-Effect Prebuilt kit:

• Case x1 (Aluminium & Brass)
• Accent x1
• Venom65 Hall-effect PCB x1
• Switches of choice
• Keycaps of choice
• Weight x1 (Brass)
• Plate x1 (Aluminium)
• Feet x4 (Black)
• O-ring 205*3.5mm x1 (50A Silicone)
• Plate Gasket x5 (60A Silicone)
• Carrying Case x1
• Fly Daughterboard x1
• EZmate-JST 150mm cable x1
• Hardware (Pre-installed)
  

Kafka65 by Typface

Kafka is a design-first, high-performance custom mechanical keyboard made for users who value precision, material honesty, and considered design.

Kafka is offered as a pre-order, produced in multiple batches.

With Kafka, we aim to bridge the gap between high-end gaming performance and a design-first form factor that feels at home on a designer’s desk. Paired with our experience in tuning for great acoustics and type feel, we hope Kafka becomes an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a keyboard in this form factor.

Typing Feel & Acoustics

Kafka can be configured with two different mounting styles. Each of these will have its unique type feel and sound signature.

Plate Gaskets:

This configuration provides a solid type feel and bassy sound signature. It is the more muted configuration between the two.

O-ring Gasket:

This configuration provides a responsive and bouncier type feel and has a distinctively higher pitch and brighter sound signature.

Materials & Natural Variation

Kafka uses the following materials:

• Walnut/Maple
• PC
• Brass

Natural variances and changes in these materials are to be expected.

Below are specific notes for some of the materials used in the Kafka:

Wood Components

• Wood is a natural material and will vary in:
  • Grain pattern
  • Colour
  • Texture
• Small knots, mineral streaks, or natural figuring may be present.
• Minor changes due to temperature and humidity are normal.
• Any variations that do not affect the assembly will not be considered as defects.

PC Components

• PC materials may show faint surface marks.
• These marks are normal and not considered scratches.
• PC material may yellow over time due to environmental exposure.

Brass Components

• Brass may naturally oxidise over time.
• Protective coatings are applied, but light oxidation may still occur during transport or use.
• Light oxidation is considered normal and not a quality defect.

Quality Control (QC) Standards

Kafka units are inspected according to defined QC standards before shipment.

• QC applies to external, visible surfaces and functional components.
• Internal surfaces or areas not visible during normal use are not considered for cosmetic QC.
• Minor cosmetic imperfections that do not affect function or durability are acceptable.

A unit is considered defective only if:

• There is a functional failure, or
• There is cosmetic marks larger than 1×1mm on visible exterior surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does my unit look slightly different from others online?

A: Kafka uses natural and semi-natural materials. Variations in grain, colour, and finish are expected.

Q: Is VIA supported?

A: The hall-effect PCB utilises Geon’s Venom configurator instead of VIA. Our MX-compatible PCBs will be Vial-compatible.

Q: Can I cancel my pre-order?

A: Cancellation policies are determined by each regional vendor. Please check before ordering.

Q: When will shipping dates be confirmed?

A: Shipping timelines are estimated to be 4 months after pre-order closes.

A Dialogue of Materials