In 2024, mechanical keyboard manufacturers such as Keychron, Ducky, Varmilo, and Das Keyboard are making strides toward sustainable and eco-friendly products. All of these brands show a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, proven by their use of environmentally friendly materials and energy-efficient production methods.
These brands not only offer sustainable tech options, but they also play a significant role in pushing typing and gaming toward more eco-friendly practices.
Read on to find out what makes mechanical keyboards sustainable, the brands that are gearing toward sustainability, future eco-friendly materials and technologies, and how you can make your entire mechanical keyboard setup more sustainable.
What Makes a Mechanical Keyboard Sustainable
Is there an actual "sustainable" keyboard in the market? Not really. The concept of sustainable mechanical keyboards is still an emerging concept.
In general, a "sustainable" mechanical keyboard is designed to reduce environmental impact, promote longevity, and consider ethical manufacturing practices.
Durability and Longevity: A sustainable mechanical keyboard is built to last for many years. This involves using high-quality materials for the keyboard casing, keycaps, and switches so the keyboard will withstand heavy usage without breaking or wearing out prematurely.
Modularity and Repairability: A modular design makes it easier to repair and upgrade individual components rather than replacing the entire keyboard.
Materials Selection: Sustainable keyboards will be made of environmentally friendly materials such as recycled plastics or bamboo for the casing and keycaps. Manufacturers will prioritize materials that are durable, recyclable, and have minimal environmental impact during production and disposal.
Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient design features such as low-power components and sleep modes will help reduce the keyboard's energy consumption during use.
Packaging and Shipping: Mechanical keyboard manufacturers will use minimal, recyclable, or biodegradable packaging materials to reduce waste. Manufacturers will also consider optimizing shipping methods to minimize carbon emissions associated with transportation.
Ethical Manufacturing Practices: Ensuring that the keyboard is produced in facilities that uphold fair labor practices and provide safe working conditions is important for sustainability. Certifications like Fair Trade or compliance with labor standards help verify ethical manufacturing practices.
End-of-Life Management: Sustainable keyboards are designed with end-of-life management in mind. This makes it easier for users to recycle or responsibly dispose of the keyboard components once they reach the end of their usable life.
Minimal Environmental Impact: Manufacturers should strive to minimize the environmental impact of the keyboard's production processes. This includes reducing water and energy consumption, minimizing waste generation, and using eco-friendly manufacturing techniques.
Lifecycle Assessment: Conducting a lifecycle assessment to evaluate the environmental impact of the keyboard from raw material extraction to disposal helps identify areas for improvement and ensures continuous sustainability efforts.
Top Sustainable Mechanical Keyboard Brands
Remember, there are still no truly "sustainable" keyboards in the market. However, some brands are making strides in sustainability. They have been focusing on incorporating sustainable practices into their manufacturing processes.
Das Keyboard: Das Keyboard has been known for its high-quality mechanical keyboards. They have taken steps to reduce their environmental impact by using eco-friendly packaging and implementing energy-saving features in their products.
Matias: Matias keyboards are known for their tactile feel and Mac compatibility. Like Das keyboards, the brand is active in reducing its environmental footprint by using recycled materials in their products and packaging.
Input Club: Input Club is a community-driven keyboard design and manufacturing company. Members have collaborated on projects that incorporate environmentally friendly materials and design practices.
EcoKeyboard: EcoKeyboard is a newer brand that specifically focuses on creating sustainable mechanical keyboards. They use recycled materials in their keyboards to minimize their environmental impact throughout the production process.
Keychron: Keychron produces wireless mechanical keyboards that are compatible with multiple devices. While sustainability may not be their primary focus, they have taken steps to improve their environmental practices.
WASD Keyboards: WASD Keyboards offers customizable mechanical keyboards, allowing users to choose the components and design that best suit their needs. They offer options for recycled plastic keycaps.
Potential Sustainable Materials for Mechanical Keyboard Manufacturing
Plastics, alloys, and certain metals are used to manufacture most of today's mechanical keyboards. But as technology and environmental awareness advance hand in hand, several sustainable materials can be considered for manufacturing mechanical keyboards. These materials are considered sustainable due to their eco-friendliness, durability, and recyclability.
Bamboo: Bamboo is a fast-growing and renewable resource that can be used for keyboard casings, wrist rests, and other components. It's lightweight, durable, and has a unique aesthetic appeal.
Recycled Plastic: Using recycled plastic for keyboard casings and keycaps helps reduce reliance on virgin plastic and minimizes plastic waste.
Aluminum: Aluminum is a highly recyclable material commonly used in keyboard casings. Recycled aluminum can be used to further reduce environmental impact.
Wood: Sustainable wood sources such as FSC-certified or reclaimed wood can be used for keyboard casings and wrist rests. Wood adds a natural and aesthetically pleasing element to keyboards.
Bioplastics: Bioplastics are derived from renewable biomass sources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or cellulose. These materials can be used for keycaps and other components and offer biodegradable or compostable properties.
Recycled Metal: Using recycled metals such as steel or zinc for keyboard plates and stabilizers reduces the need for virgin metal extraction and energy-intensive manufacturing processes.
Natural Fiber Composites: Natural fiber composites such as those made from hemp, flax or kenaf can be used as alternatives to traditional plastics for keyboard casings and keycaps. These materials offer good mechanical properties and biodegradability.
Cork: Cork is a sustainable and renewable material harvested from the bark of cork oak trees. It can be used for keyboard wrist rests and provides a comfortable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic materials.
Glass: Recycled glass for cases, keycaps, and other components provides a unique and visually appealing option while diverting glass waste from landfills.
Bio-based Rubber: Rubber sourced from renewable plant-based materials can be used for keyboard feet and dampeners, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based rubber.
How to Make Your Mechanical Keyboard Setup More Sustainable
You want your passion for keyboard modding to match your advocacy for environmental protection. The good news is there are several additional steps you can take to ensure your entire keyboard setup is as sustainable as possible.
Invest in longevity: A keyboard that lasts longer reduces the need for frequent replacements, ultimately reducing waste.
Customize and upgrade: Customize and upgrade your keyboard instead of replacing it entirely. Replace keycaps, switches, or cables to refresh your setup and extend its lifespan. Choose components that are easily replaceable or upgradeable to minimize electronic waste.
Make it energy efficient: Turn off backlighting or RGB lighting when not in use to conserve energy. Program your keyboard to optimize key functions and reduce unnecessary power consumption.
Recycle and dispose responsibly: When it's time to retire your old keyboard or components, recycle them properly instead of throwing them in the trash. Look for electronic recycling programs in your area. Ask if the manufacturer offers take-back or recycling options for their products.
Reduce packaging waste: Opt for minimal packaging options when purchasing new keyboards or components. Choose retailers or manufacturers that use eco-friendly packaging materials or offer plastic-free packaging alternatives.
Donate your keyboard: Give your keyboards to people or institutions that can use them such as universities, NGOs, or even personal friends.
Support sustainable brands: Support companies and brands that prioritize sustainability in their manufacturing processes and business practices. Voting with your wallet can encourage more companies to adopt sustainable initiatives in the keyboard industry.
Reduce Desk Clutter: Minimize the number of keyboards and accessories on your desk to reduce clutter and unnecessary consumption.
Conclusion
For now, there are no true sustainable mechanical keyboards. But times are changing. People are becoming more aware of the importance of environmental preservation, environmental protection, and sustainability. Manufacturers of all kinds of products are shifting towards more eco-conscious methodologies. Advancements in technology have allowed us to produce more eco-friendly raw materials and products.
Soon, we will definitely see and use environmentally sustainable mechanical keyboards as the Green Revolution permeates into all aspects of society. For now, let's show our commitment to the environment with every key we press.
Chris Greiner, a Mechanical Keyboard specialist, boasts a solid educational background with dual bachelor's degrees in Computer Science and Business Management from Lewis University. His additional certification in Mechanical Keyboard Design showcases his dedication to staying on the forefront of keyboard technology. Chris primarily writes for keyboard enthusiasts and has been featured on platforms like Jestik, solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in the mechanical keyboard community.
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