X-Ray Keycaps — mod musings

X-Ray Keycaps

A translucent minimal keycap set inspired by transparent tech accessories.

Available as an in-stock drop Q2 2024. Scroll down to learn more, and find your local retailer to purchase from.

X-Ray Keycaps – Overview

X-Ray is a keycap set that features a clear and white, low-contrast design, paying tribute to transparent tech peripherals. Inspired by these devices, these translucent keycaps highlight the internal structures and construction properties that define them.

From certain perspectives, these keycaps almost appear blank. Yet, when any directional light source shines on them, it casts shadows, revealing the depth of the legends.

March 11, 2024
- Kitting updated based on IC feedback.
- The base kit was broken up to lower the price. Added text esc key.
- New child kits are available: international kit, 40s kit, spacebar kit.
- New photos added.
- International vendors added.
- Pricing added.
March 28, 2024
- CA an TH vendors added.
- Artisan photos and video added.

Photo Samples

Below is a collection of photos taken of a prototype set. Click on any image to view it larger.

X-Ray keycaps featured on the Bauer Lite by Omnitype.

X-Ray keycaps featured on the Mode Tempo.

Manufacturing & Kitting

X-Ray keycaps will be manufactured by KBDfans. It will be available in a base kit, with optional child kits: 40s, Spacebar, and International.

Specs

Material: ABS Material
Color: Clear ABS with White (WS1) legends
Profile: Cherry Profile
Manufacturing Method: Double shot injection molding
Manufacturer: KBDfans
Packaging: ABS keycaps tray with designed tray cover
Compatibility: MX-style switches
Available kits: Base kit, 40s kit, International kit, Spacebar kit

Renders of kitting are slightly darkened and adjusted for visibility. Please reference the photos for actual appearance, and read the disclaimer for notes.

- These keycaps are semi-transparent; therefore, colors may be highly sensitive to lighting and the angle of view.
- The keycap base is opaque and is not intended to be used with per key rgb shine through lighting.
- One of the challenges of making semi-transparent keycaps is the manufacturing constraints of double-shot injection molding. This process leaves visible “holes” in closed legends, which detracts from the minimal aesthetic. To cover these “holes”, we came up with a novel solution that involves painting the back of the keycaps with white Tamiya acrylic paint.
KBDfans Keycap QC Standard: Link

Additional child kits available. Click on any of the renders below to view larger.

X-Ray Artisan

Designed by maxvoltar in collaboration with the set, the X-Ray artisan pushes the limits on the transparent theme with a modular design.

The bottom is made out of machined aluminum with a white powder coating and features some infill details to add a subtle pop of color. The top is delicately machined polycarbonate, held in place with an M1.6 screw. The result is an artisan you've never seen before, a perfect match for the X-Ray keycaps.

Artisan Specs

Manufacturer: Salvun
Materials: Aluminum, Polycarbonate
Profile: Cherry Profile, R1
Compatibility: MX-style switches

Click on any of the renders below to view larger.

Artisan Media

Below are a collection of photos and videos of the X-Ray artisan.

Where to Buy

X-Ray keycaps will be dropping as an in-stock sale in early Q2 2024. KBDfans is the lead global vendor, with regional proxy vendors noted below. Sign up for our newsletter for updates.

US: Omnitype
US: Divinikey
CA: Deskhero
KR: Geonworks
JP: Yushakobo
UK: MechMods
DE: Keygem
FR: Delta Key Co.
TH: Aiglatson Studio 
ID: SquarePlay
SEA: iLumkb
TW: PNKeyboard
CN: KBDfans
Base Kit: $85
40s Kit: $29
Spacebar kit: $18
International kit: $29
Artisan: $62

Prices are in USD and may vary per vendor.

About the Designer

X-Ray keycaps is designed by Matthew Encina from Mod Musings, a design studio based in Los Angeles, California. Matthew is a creative professional with 20 years of experience in design, advertising, and content creation.

Learn more about Matthew Encina

matthewencina.com, @matthewencina

modmusings.com, @mod.musings

“The design for X-Ray keycaps comes from a combination of three things: the nostalgia (and resurgence) of the transparent tech trend from my childhood, my current obsession with translucent polycarbonate keyboards, and my appreciation for minimal design aesthetics.”

— Matthew Encina
Founder & Creative Director at Mod Musings, Inc.

Inspiration

Below is a collection of objects that inspired the design of X-Ray keycaps. Click on any image to view larger.

More to come

Mod Musings has designed several keyboard products with more on the way. Sign up for our newsletter below and follow us on social media to stay updated with future releases.