MECHANICAL KEYBOARDS

How it all started for Salopian

Mechanical keyboards are our bread and butter. We have coated hundreds of different boards from Chinese mass market boards to high end, super rare Korean and US made end game boards.

Cerkote is the perfect application for mech boards, it adds unparalleled protection and a high end look and feel. Cerakote is far better for the environment compared to anodizing and powder / e-coating.

There are literally millions of combinations of colours, effects, applications and finishes.

The only limit is your imagination.

We won’t wax lyrical, we’ll let the photos do the talking. We can coat Polycarb, plastic/ ABS, 3D printed, alu, steel and titanium boards!

Check out our finishes page for even more inspiration.

Explore our past projects

Top view of a vintage red mechanical keyboard with stickers on the top panel, including a star-striped badge, a yellow smiley face, and various logos such as Canon and Citizen, with visible blue switches underneath.
A black, red, and white bicycle tubeless rim style finish by Salopian Cerakote with various brand and specifications stickers, including Salopian, Proto[Typist], Shoei, and others.

Project


Kanada Bike / Akira themed T9

Description


Our friend Nick gave us full creative freedom to create an Akira / Kaneda Bike themed application on his Deadline Studio T9.

Top: USMC Red with black and rubbed back patina

Bottom: Graphite Black with speckle to recreate a tire effect. Stencil work reminiscent of tire side wall text

Extras: Custom stickers applied over the board with MC-161 Matte Armour Clear and MC-2200 Clear to protect and seal the patina, stickers and stencil work

Close-up of a colorful, graffiti-style decorated HHKB case with various drawings, text, and patterns. Work completed by Salopian Cerakote, in graffiti style. Posca marker pens and sealed with Cerakote Clear Coat MC-2200
Close-up of a colorful, graffiti-style decorated HHKB case with various drawings, text, and patterns. Work completed by Salopian Cerakote, in graffiti style. Posca marker pens and sealed with Cerakote Clear Coat MC-2200

Project


HHKB Pro Hybrid Graffiti Style

Description


Our friend Kris gave us full creative freedom on this HHKB with one idea in mind, GRAFFITI

Top & bottom: A custom mix of Bright White and Chocolate Brown to make a concrete-esque base with Gloss Black patina

Extras: A full custom graffiti style finish with Posca markers, front, back and sides . Sealed in with MC-2200 to make the colours really POP!

Custom mechanical keyboard in Cerakote FX featuring Blood Incantaion Absolute Elsewhere vinyl LP record and posters in the background
A black electronic device with a blue glowing starry night sky pattern rests on a textured surface, partially covering a sheet of printed text and a vinyl record with a space-themed label.

Project


Astral Cloudline V2

Description


Ryan over in Singapore commissioned 2 boards from us, the first being this beautiful Cloudline V2

Top: Cerakote Mixology - FX Betta Bue [Socom Blue base layer with 50/50 mix of FX Liberty & FX Anthracite, applied with High Gloss Armour Clear)

Bottom: Graphite Black base with a galaxy effects in Socom Blue with increasing levels of Bright white added to bring depth. FX Typhoon was speckled over the top with High Gloss Armour Clear to add a subtle but super effective colour shift stars when shifted in the light

A set of colorful metal cards with a keyring on a wooden surface. The cards are arranged in a fan shape, and the top card has
A teal mechanical keyboard with white and black keycaps, featuring Japanese characters on some keys, placed on a wooden surface. To the left, a ring keychain holds several black tags, and to the lower right, there are colorful cards with QR codes.

Project


Jelly Epoch Aztec Fade

Description


Johnathan came to us with an awesome idea, custom top and fade bottom.

Top: A custom mix of Aztec Teal and Shimmer Aluminium

Bottom: Solid Copper

Extras: Blue Titanium > Crushed Orchid > Copper fade on the weight

Close-up of a black and orange Leitz PeliCase 1510 with orange latches, placed on top of a keyboard and a PackCity sticker, with other items partially visible in the background.
Close-up of a side of a black electronic device with yellow and orange accents, a small port, and a blue cable, with a blurred background.

Project


Mictlan Tofu TKL

Description


Chris came to us and asked us to fresh up his plain black Tofu TKL to match the ever awesome GMK Mictlan

Top: H series Graphite Black base layer with speckles of Aztec Teal, Prison Pink and Robin’s Egg Blue applied wet on wet

Bottom: Sunflower Yellow > Hunter Orange fade

A disassembled computer keyboard on a textured gray surface with some rust-colored spots and debris. The keyboard's top cover and a metal frame with two rotary knobs are visible.
Disassembled black electronic device with knobs and switches on a gray, rusty, textured floor.

Project


Xerox Restoration

Description

This ancient Xerox board (Made in Ireland) came in to us with years of gunk, grease and damage. We restored the board to brand new after hours of hand sanding, degreasing and flattening dents, scuffs and marks.

Top & bottom : A simple, effective coat of C-series (air cure coating) Tungsten was applied to preserve, protect and not melt in the oven as its an unknown, battle hardened plastic!

A tabletop game box with an illustration of a fierce, angry fiery creature on the lid, featuring a face with horns and sharp fangs, surrounded by a cracked, lava-like pattern. There is also a game board with a grid and a plastic frame for game pieces, and an open magazine underneath.
Close-up photograph of various board game pieces and game cards, including a card featuring a dragon with fiery colors and a black cross over one eye, and a yellow tweezers-like tool, placed over a part of a printed newspaper or article.

Project


Salamanders 40K TGR Jane V2 TKL

Description


Another super custom, artistic license granted custom board. Real patina and numerous effects for an incredible outcome. Callum gave us 100% total creative freedom on this board and let us cook - VULKAN LIVES!!!

Top & bottom : Graphite Black base was laid down, part baked then Green Mamba was applied over the top, part baked, rubbed back and dragged across the workshop floor, dropped and intentional, deliberate real battle damage drove in.

Extras : The bottom plate had a cracked, fiery lava finish applied. Graphite Black base, stencils applied and infilled with Hunter Orange, Ruby Red and Corvette Yellow, rubbed back to provide depth and texture. The badge was infilled with Gold, Ruby Red, Hunter Orange and Hidden White. The TGR logo was infilled with Red and a fade of Hunter Orange and Yellow applied around to resemble the glow of a Space Marines eye lenses.

The plate had a Gold base with Graphite Black misted, brushed and rubbed on for a dirty patina effect. 100% custom, 100% unique.

A box with a galaxy and forest design on the cover, placed on top of a magazine or book with the words "Burzum" and "Fallen" visible. There are other objects around, including a skull, a wooden sign with the words "E Forest" and "Altar," and a partially visible book with the title "BLACK."
Close-up of a vintage metal arcade game, showing a grid of square holes and a small golden emblem in the corner. Part of the game's side panel with decorative artwork is visible.

Project


TGR x Monokei Tomo Charity Build for Thocc Exchange

Description

Matt over at the Thocc Exchange asked us to do another TGR Tomo for a charity raffle for a great cause, St. Christopher’s Hospice. This is the 2nd Tomo we have done for them and raised over £3,000 for a great cause.

Top: A base application of Copper with Aztec Teal and Robin’s Egg Blue applied with solvents and sponges to create a patina effect

Bottom : Cerakote FX Gold was applied with High Gloss Armour Clear over a Graphite Black base (wet on wet) to create an ancient Vikingr artefact

Extras : The bottom plate had a black base layer laid down and stencils applied to create a Nordic forest landscape, Northern Lights / star effects were applied with Aztec Teal, Robin’s Egg Blue and Bright White to tie the board together. The weight had the same effect as the top of the board, bringing solid, patina, FX and stencil effects all together for a stunning finish!

An electronic device with decorative blue and gold surfboard-themed artwork, resting on a black case, with a pink cloth, blue grid-like tool, and a document with 'TERIMA KASIH' written on it.
Close-up of a colorful turquoise box with Japanese-inspired floral patterns and a butterfly illustration on the lid. The box is on a gray surface, with part of a keyboard and a white booklet visible in the background.

Project


SingaKBD Kohaku v2 Laser Engaving

Description


This Singa was destined for something truly beautiful, laser work, simple, flat application and a little bit of metallic pop

Top & bottom : A simple application of H series Tungsten was applied

Extras : Weight, accessories and plate had an application of a mix of Robin’s Egg Blue and Aztec Teal (to match GMK Dolch accents). The weight had a beautiful laser pattern engraved over various layers to reveal the brass weight through the coating.

Close-up of a black electronic device with red and silver markings and a USB port.
A black mechanical keyboard with orange backlit keys rests on a cardboard folder or magazine, which features artwork of animals dressed in traditional clothing on a rocky ground.

Project


Salopian x Cerakote UK x Proto[Typist] J-02

Description

We teamed up with Cerakote UK and Proto[Typist] to giveaway a totally custom, fully built and ready to type on J-02 board. Massive shout out to Jae for providing the board, caps and switches!

Top: Graphite Black base with Orange and Stone Grey patina sponged, solvent smeared and wiped on.

Bottom : Galaxy effect from Graphite Black, Blues, Whites and Greys with custom mix of white and orange splashes, speckles and splatters.

Extras : The pen rail has real battle damage, scratches and dents (thanks workshop floor). A hazard stripe effect was applied with a base layer of Hidden White and a custom orange mix applied; oil smears were added with Gloss Black and Stone Grey

A pink Tetris game board on a black carrying case with a small, smiling yellow character design on the bottom left corner. The game board has some yellow blocks and a black empty space at the bottom center. The surface underneath is a textured gray concrete floor.
Close-up of a yellow skateboard deck with colorful moon phase stickers, placed on a gravel surface next to a pink skateboard deck and black skateboard trucks.

Project


Proto[Typist] Moon TKL

Description

Jae approached us to fresh up his Moon TKL with full creative freedom, the only caveat, match it to DCS Peppabeit

Top : A custom mix of Bright White and Prison Pink with speckles of Bright Purple, Wild Purple, Sunflower, Robins Egg Blue and Prison Pink

Bottom : A custom mix of Sunflower and Bright White

Extras : Weight in a dark mix of Bright Purple and Stone Grey base and a galaxy effect in Bright Purple, with Bright White progressively mixed in, Robins Egg Blue and Sunflower stars. Moon phase in a mix of colours ranging from Bright Purple to Prison Pink. Custom laser ablate moon craters

Close-up of a black and white board game box with a part of a playing card and a deck of cards on a wooden surface.
Various vintage computer keyboard parts and a keyboard case on a wooden table.

Project


KeyCult No2. TKL Waves

Description

Keycult TKL are always fun to do and take Cerakote so well. We’ve got dozens of them and they are always a joy to coat. Simple, solid colours are super effective and this application proves it!

Top: Simple, single application of H-series Bright Nickel

Bottom : Simple, single application of H-series Copper

Extras : Plate, GMK modifier keycaps and spacebars and LEMO cable in H-series Copper and Elite Series Blackout

Close-up of a keyboard with a red key and a label, alongside a shipping label or form with handwritten details and a red and black item with a website address, all on a black surface.
A pink and white electronic device with the brand name 'Sige' on it, resting on a black surface, with a partially visible ticket or receipt underneath, on a wooden surface.

Project


Perestroika KeyCult TKL

Description

Another custom request from our friend Foraz. This time the brief was GMK Perestroika bottom and a brushed Alu top.

Top : We degreased, gassed out and then brushed the top frame with various grades of carbide sandpaper to give a subtle but effective brushed effect. Sealed in with High Gloss Clear

Bottom : A custom mix of Graphite Black and Sedona to make a lovely dark maroon fit for the GMK set

Extras : Matching Keycult keycap by Silvan

Mechboards UK Hyper 7 in custom Cerakote finish by Salopian Cerakote. NRA Blue, Graphite Black and Bright White speckles, fade and splatter
Mechboards UK Hyper 7 in custom Cerakote finish by Salopian Cerakote. NRA Blue, Graphite Black and Bright White speckles, fade and splatter

Project


MechBoards Hyper 7 x MRWTB

Description

The team at Mechboards UK asked us to do a very special Hyper 7 board for Mr. WhoseTheBoss (famous tech YouTuber), the brief was artistic license- with Mr.WTB colour palette

Top: Graphite Black > Bright White > NRA Blue fade with contrasting speckles

Bottom : Bright White > NRA Blue fade with Bright White and Graphite Black speckles, splashes and splatters

Extras : Logo in heavy, raised application of Graphite Black

TGR x Monokei Tomo custom Cerakote application by Salopian Cerakote for Thocc Exchange. Cerakote FX, Cerakote Galaxy with Blood Incantaion Hidden History of the Human Race Vinyl LP record background
TGR x Monokei Tomo custom Cerakote application by Salopian Cerakote for Thocc Exchange. Cerakote FX, Cerakote Galaxy with Blood Incantaion Hidden History of the Human Race Vinyl LP record background

Project


Thocc Exchange x Salopian / TGR x Monokei - Tomo Charity Board

Description

Another charity board for our friends over at Thocc Exchange to raise money for St. Christophers Hospice. Brief, FULL artistic license, chefs choice!

Top : Cerakote FX Anthracite applied over Graphite Black base with High Gloss Clear coat

Bottom : Cerakote FX Gold & Anthracite 50/50 mix applied over Graphite Black base with High Gloss Clear coat

Extras : Tomo bage in matching Cerakote FX- Weight in Galaxy effect. Graphite Black base with various shades of green, yellow and gradually increasing levels of white with yellow stars

Warhammer 40K Khorne Chaos themed J-02 mechanical keyboard by Proto[Typist] Cerakote application by Salopian Cerakote in Burnt Bronze, Graphite Black and USMC Red blood splatter, patina and battle damage
Warhammer 40K Khorne Chaos themed J-02 mechanical keyboard by Proto[Typist] Cerakote application by Salopian Cerakote in Burnt Bronze, Graphite Black and USMC Red blood splatter, patina and battle damage

Project


J-02 Khorne Edition

Description

Blood for the Blood God. Red. Bronze. Blood. Battle Damage

Top & Bottom: Base of Burnt Bronze, faded, speckled, brushed and sponged layers of USMC Red and Graphite Black

Middle & Pen Rail : Base of Graphite Black with misted on Burnt Bronze

Extras : Real battle damage thanks to the board being dropped, thrown across concrete and tarmac, oil spills, massive, thick blood splatter and splashes. Khorne logo forged in the middle of the bottom piece

Cerakote FX Mystique with Cerakote Armor Clear Matte on a Norbauer & Co mechanical keyboard by Salopian Cerakote
Close-up of Cerakote FX Mystique with Cerakote Armor Clear Matte on a Norbauer & Co mechanical keyboard by Salopian Cerakote

Project


Norbauer [Norbatouch] FX

Description

Norbauer boards are the end game for Topre, Cerakote is the perfect coating for such beautiful boards.

Top : Cerakote FX Mystique over a Graphite Black base coat, applied with Matte Clear Coat

Bottom : Cerakote FX Anthracite over a Graphite Black base coat, applied with Matte Clear Coat

Close-up of a computer keyboard with galaxy-themed paint splatter design on the keys, surrounded by similar splattered decoration Cerakote by Salopian Cerakote
Close up of a J-02 Mechanical Keyboard from Proto[Typist] in galaxy effect, with splatter, speckle, stencil work in Graphite Black, Kel-Tec Navy Blue, Gold, Hunter Orange & NRA Blue Cerakote by Salopian Cerakote

Project


J-02 Galaxy Edition

Description

Nick asked us to do something very humbling and very special for his J-02. Match his wedding theme, waist coat and linens. Remembering the special day each time he uses the board.

Top & Bottom: Graphite Black base with a colliding galaxy of orange / blue mixes, gradually added white. Orange and Gold speckles, starts and splurges

Middle & Pen Rail : A gradient from Navy Blue, red/ copper and gold.

Extras : Alu spacebars and R4 keycaps in matching style

Top view of a HHKB mechanical keyboard with custom distressed, battle damage, stencil and splatter Cerakote effect by Salopian Cerakote
Top view of a HHKB mechanical keyboard with custom distressed, battle damage, stencil and splatter Cerakote effect by Salopian Cerakote

Project


Concrete Contrast HHKB

Description

Another mental HHKB for Hris over in Bulgaria. Simple brief of colour and rough style, then serious creative freedom.

Top & bottom : A base of Graphite Black with Hidden White streaks, Gloss Black patches rubbed back to show the underlying plastic in places. Bazooka Pink and Green Mamba stripes. Burnt Bronze section with Crocodile, Blue Titanium and Hidden White splashes

The whole board was coated with MC-161 Matte Armour Clear to seal and protect.

NRD coasters in Aztec Teal and Prison Pink Cerakote
NRD Artisan tray and coasters in various Cerakote finishes including Aztec Teal, Prison Pink and Cerakote FX

Project


NRD Artisan trays & Coasters

Description

Long time friend and client David asked us to coat up some NRD parts to give as a gift to the team at Proto[Typist], there are still good people out there.

Various different applications, custom mixes, infill and FX