What's interesting about the typing feel of this keyboard is the use of low-profile keys, despite the keyboard supporting full-height mechanical switches. I'm curious if the pairing makes the keys feel too thin or unstable while typing.
Other Icebreaker specs include a “silicone damper integrated into the bottom lid that both supports the PCB and doubles as non-slip feet,” according to Serene.
The bottom of the keyboard.
Credit: Serene Industries
There is also a 4,000 mAh battery and “1/4-20” threads for professional mounting of accessories such as Picatinny rails.” You could also use the threads to attach the keyboard to monitor arms and handles.
And like many expensive keyboards that have hit the market in recent years, the Icebreaker has a rotary encoder knob. The rotary knob, like the rest of the keys on the keyboard, is programmable with the Via configurator.
The Icebreaker starts at $1,500 with a brightly colored base, hot-swappable switches, and USB-C cable connectivity. It goes up to $2,100 if you step up in black and with Bluetooth connectivity or Hall effect switches, which are controlled by magnets. Notably, the Bluetooth version of the keyboard appears to have only one Bluetooth channel, compared to cheaper wireless keyboards that allow you to pair and switch multiple, simultaneously paired devices.
The lush side of mechanical keyboards
Ultimately, the keyboard's unique construction, design features, and lack of mass production contribute to a four-figure price tag that will shock those unaccustomed to the over-the-top luxury side of mechanical keyboards. Agarkov told Null Society that one of the biggest challenges in creating The Icebreaker was “balancing the design with practical considerations.”
“For example, the keyboard was deliberately made heavy and large, which funnily enough caused confusion among the manufacturers,” he added.
As you may have noticed, The Icebreaker's price point is more about style and clout than advanced features or high-end types. In fact, you don't even get a number pad or switches for this price. By comparison, Angry Miaom is no stranger to outrageously priced keyboards, but at the time of writing the only keyboards with a suggested retail price over $1,000 are split keyboards:
Angry Miao's Afa Blade Limited Edition keyboard kit costs $2,049 and uses aluminum, stainless steel, glass, carbon, and aluminum alloys.
Credit: Angry Miao
Still, The Icebreaker is an example of how dedicated, artistic, and daring mechanical keyboard enthusiasts can be and how much time, effort, and expense can go into creating a unique keyboard that's sure to get people talking.
In the world of mechanical keyboards, unreasonable luxury is par for the course. For the avid collector, The Icebreaker could yield an expensive trophy.
