[IC] MASS 80: The First Keyboard Kit Revolutionizing Keycaps Playabilit

[MILKYWAY KEYS]

MW MASS 80 

Backgrand

Hello everyone, this is MW~
Milkyway known for keycaps, now stepping into kits with MASS 80. After 2+ years of R&D, we present a TKL engineered around keycap-centric innovation, redefining modularity and interactivity.

The name MASS 80 represents

The name "MASS 80" represents Modular, Adaptive, Smart System in an 80-TKL form factor.
This name directly conveys the kit's positioning and core customization features. Below we'll detail the kit's specific functionalities~

Core Innovations

M-Panel Modular System
Magnetic Swappable Top Panels: Instantly reconfigure aesthetics (5s swap).
Multi-Layout Support: WK/WKL/HHKB via hotswap sockets.

Keycaps Synergy: Panels designed to match Milkyway keycap sets (e.g., MW Eyeball Collector, MW Asuka R2). Future collabs: MW Lilith R2, Alhambra R2, MW Reel to Reel.

Theme Sync Ecosystem

Auto-Detection: Screen dynamically loads wallpapers/RGB themes matching installed panel.
Designer Forward: Expands creative canvas for keycap artists to integrate panel+screen+lighting.

Detachable IPS Touchscreen

Purpose-Built UI:
Double-tap: Toggle mute

Swipe up/down: Volume control

Dual-swipe: Music track skip

Pomodoro timer

Screen-Free Option: Replace with physical buttons.
Absolutely! To accommodate players who prefer no screen and enhance versatility, the display module is designed to be detachable and replaceable with dedicated physical keys.

Future OTA updates

Seamless RGB Halo

360°light band with dedicated PCB for uniform glow.
Syncs with active panel theme (keycap + panel + lighting harmony).

Back Design

The chassis features a 360°RGB light strip wrapping around its perimeter. Beyond standard lighting effects, it can also synchronize with the installed M-Panel for exclusive coordinated lighting—syncing keycaps, panel, and ambient glow.

Stable Internal Structure

Utilizes a proven Gasket mounted design for consistent typing feel.
Supports multiple layouts: TKL, WKL, HHKB, and ISO — catering to diverse customization preferences.
(Internal structure diagram will be updated later)

Technical Specs

Structure: Gasket mount (ISO support)
Material: Full CNC 6063   aluminum + acrylic
Finishes: Anodized/spray dual-process (7 launch colors)
e.g., Sparkle Black + Anodized Black, Almond White + Champagne Gold
Connectivity: Wired (Type-C)
Front Height: 20mm | Angle: 7°
Hall Effect Option: Under discussion (update in GB phase)

Timeline

GB : October 2025 (tentative)
Color Voting: Via official Discord/QQ groups

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to:
@BOHEMIA LAB for visionary design
@Jingvv & @kenny42 for structural engineering
All community advisors

Vendors

TBD  (Feel free to contact us!) 

Join the IC

We want your feedback!
Which feature excites you most?
Colorway preferences?
Beta testers will be prioritized from active IC participants.

Instagram: @milkywaykeys
Discord Server: Milkyway keys

[ivanh98]

very interesting. I'd prefer if a traditional nav cluster was possible.

On another note: @keepoto can finally celebrate the release of HHKB TKL LOL

[Sm0k3d0uT]

are you able to display and control your music apps from the screen?

[keepoto]

very interesting. I'd prefer if a traditional nav cluster was possible.

On another note: @keepoto can finally celebrate the release of HHKB TKL LOL

yea I'll buy just for HHKB top

[Surefoot]

I like the design. To get a big screen and save the useful keys I'd have used a 75% layout and put the screen on the right side. Here I would only get the keys and not the screen, so the added value of that keyboard is lost.

[TheManicGeek]

OK this is hot. Also that HHKB layout was NOT something I was expecting to see... I kinda... like it? GLWIC, would love to build with one of these!

[giraffecrane]

interesting. Could traditional nav cluster work?

[BloodyEvilWings]

Looks cool but lack of wireless connection and quick release mechanism is really a pain. I will wait and see.

[MonacoKeys]

Good looking board and very interesting concept, Congrats :-)

[lukninja]

Looks really cool and the screen integration with the auto detection sounds interesting. I just hope you can implement a quick release mechanism like the catch ball system we've seen on a few recent boards.

[BerserKeys]

That is really a nice concept and cyberpunk style keyboard we would love to see. Good luck!

[MILKYWAY KEYS]

are you able to display and control your music apps from the screen?

Currently only compatible with certain software.

[Zahul]

I don't even like TKL's and would still consider this. GLWIC!