Custom keycaps might be far from a new phenomenon, but the detail offered by some custom designers is reaching new, heady heights. The Forbidden Realm range from keyboard specialist, Jelly Key, now offers handcrafted ecosystem keycaps, complete with rivers, clouds, plant life and valleys.
These miniature fantasy worlds are created by Jelly Key's artisans by hand, using multi-layered wood veneers, grass flock and a variety of wargaming materials to develop miniature environments that you can add to your keyboard. Each works as a key in its own right, though you may want to use these for keys you rarely use, as smashing them mid-game would be sad indeed.
The only downside to these unique creations is that they are far from cheap. While Jelly Key keycaps typically go for around $30-40 each, this new Forbidden Realms range will set you back as much as $60 for a single key (thanks Hexus).
There are three choices, for now, each offering a unique style and look. The Cloudy Cliff is the one most shrouded in mystery, with a smokey effect only hinting at what may live in the valleys created by the looming cliffs. Purple Valley has a lot of greenery following a winding river through the hills. Cyan Lake uses backlighting to create a glorious blue for the water, though a morning fog does obscure much of the detail.
The range is considered a prototype for now, but if it proves popular Jelly Key will likely continue and expand it in the future.
