Only an Italian artisan, driven by strong passion and ancient knowledge passed down through generations, can craft a handmade mechanical keyboard that takes design and innovation to a whole new level.
Vescovo Mechanical Keyboard
International Edition – QWERTY US (ISO mounted)
Vescovo mechanical keyboards, with their unique design and premium finishes, can be your perfect everyday work tool as well as a source of inspiration. Designed to pair with your personal computer, they are crafted from high-quality materials such as aluminum, brass, and solid wood sourced from the finest selected timbers. The double-shot resin keycaps are handcrafted one by one, featuring a distinctive surface texture that gives a realistic tactile feel. The sound is carefully engineered through various technical solutions, like a musical instrument, different keys produce different sounds. They are now available for the international market with a 105-key QWERTY US layout (ISO mounted). Finally, you can take it with you anywhere thanks to the elegant yet durable birch wood carrying case.
The model shown in the photo features a refined combination of finishes: the base is crafted from solid American walnut wood, chosen for its rich texture and natural warmth, while the insert is made of matte black anodized aluminum, offering a sleek and modern contrast. It is equipped with NovelKeys-Kailh switches (linear, self-lubricating POM, 55cN actuation force), delivering a smooth and precise typing experience. The keyboard adopts a QWERTY US International layout (ISO mounted) and is fully compatible with macOS. It also includes a dedicated Spotlight search key and a custom cloud key for enhanced functionality.
The Inspiration Behind a Unique and Timeless Design
The design of Vescovo keyboards represents a harmonious convergence of different eras of writing, a true fusion between the present and the various past periods when typewriters, especially Olivetti models, were the central tool. My workshop is a leading European reference point for the restoration of these typewriters. The oldest typewriters were black and set into a solid wooden perimeter base with a squared shape. Similarly, this wooden base is present on the keyboard. The black metal insert on the keyboard represents the typewriter itself, but unlike the typewriter, it is flush with the wood rather than protruding; this symbolizes that the typewriter hasn’t disappeared from our existence but has been absorbed by the disruptive force of modern technology.
To understand the distinctive hourglass shape of the keycaps, we must look back to another historical period. The inspiration comes from the renowned Olivetti Tekne and Praxis 48, designed in 1964 by the duo Sottsass and Von Klier, celebrated for their exceptional typing comfort throughout the typewriter world. One of the many goals of the Vescovo keyboard was to become a reliable working tool for Italian professionals, which is why the comfort of the square key was favored over the classic round one. This innovative hourglass shape was patented (Ref. application no. 015027256-002).
The Elegant and Durable Carrying Case
With its braided genuine black leather handle, distinctive butterfly latches, and laser-engraved logo, this sturdy birch plywood case —refined down to the smallest detail— allows you to carry your mechanical keyboard wherever you go. The wood retains its natural color, finished with a coat of paraffin oil followed by two hand-applied layers of shellac using a traditional pad technique. Inside, the keyboard is securely held in place by carefully positioned felt inserts, which keep it stable without the risk of scratching. The total weight of the case and keyboard is 3.3 kg. Just slightly more than a Hermes Baby typewriter and a bit less than a Groma Kolibri.
The Ancient Pad-Applied Shellac Method
The wood finish is not achieved using synthetic varnishes, but through the application of natural shellac using a traditional pad technique –just like the finest Italian violins of the 1600s– also known as "French polishing". This antique process is long and complex, consisting of three distinct stages and requiring many hours of meticulous work, punctuated by days of waiting. But the result is nothing short of extraordinary.
The first stage, known as "pomiciatura", aims to seal the pores of the wood to create an smooth surface. It involves spreading pumice powder over the piece and vigorously rubbing it with a pad soaked in an alcohol and shellac solution, using small circular motions. After this, the wood must rest for two days before being finely sanded down to bare wood again, now with the pores sealed. The second stage is the "lucidatura" or polishing phase, which consists of 12 passes with the pad, each soaked in a precise mixture of alcohol and shellac. Every pass must follow a specific technique and be followed by hours of drying time before a light sanding can be performed. The final and most delicate stage is called "brillantatura" or glossing. A very diluted shellac solution is gently applied along the grain with the pad, removing even the smallest surface imperfections and giving the wood its unmistakable sheen.
One of the most remarkable qualities of shellac is that it never cracks over time. Furniture and violins finished with shellac centuries ago still retain a flawless surface, while wooden objects coated with synthetic varnishes typically begin to crack and deteriorate after just a few decades. However, unlike synthetic finishes, shellac has a natural molecular structure that makes it more absorbent. This means it can easily take on inks or the pigments of other colored liquids. So, if you use fountain pens… be careful with the inkwell!
Available Switch Types
Changing the type of switch will affect both the feel and the sound of your keyboard. That’s why it’s important to choose the most suitable one when placing your order. There are always heated debates among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts about which switch is the best, but the truth is that the choice is vast, and the “best” really depends on how you plan to use your keyboard (gaming or writing?) and on personal preference. For this reason, Vescovo keyboards offer a carefully curated selection of ten different switches, so even the most demanding users can find the one that fits their needs. If you're unsure about which switch to choose, don’t worry, it’s completely normal. Just ask, and I’ll be happy to guide you in the right direction.
Switches fall into two main families: linear and tactile. Within the tactile category, there is a special subgroup known as clicky switches, which provide an audible feedback sound when the contact is made. Linear switches are the most sensitive and allow for theoretically faster typing, especially when you need to deliver rapid, repeated keystrokes on a single key. However, due to this sensitivity, they also make it easier to register unintended inputs. Tactile switches are designed to solve this issue thanks to a small internal bump at their actuation point. This bump requires slightly more force to overcome, making it harder to accidentally trigger adjacent keys. When you feel that bump, you know the key has been pressed and that’s why they’re called tactile. On the flip side, their maximum theoretical typing speed is lower than that of linears. Clicky tactile switches are a particular variant of tactile switches that emit a noticeable click sound upon actuation, making it almost impossible to mistype without realizing it.
Gateron Oil King black: linear, lubricated, gold-plated contacts, 55cN actuation force.
NovelKeys-Kailh cream: linear, self-lubricating, 55cN actuation force.
Everglide Peacock: linear, gold-plated spring, 55cN actuation force.
Cherry MX Red: linear, Hyperglide, 45cN actuation force.
Cherry MX Black: linear, Hyperglide, 60cN actuation force.
Everglide Dark Jade: tactile, gold-plated spring, 50cN actuation force.
Cherry MX Brown: tactile, Hyperglide, 55cN actuation force.
Cherry MX Grey: tactile, 80cN actuation force.
Cherry MX Blue: tactile with click, 60cN actuation force.
Cherry MX Green: tactile with click, 80cN actuation force.
Other switch types can be installed on request, provided they comply with the Cherry 5-pin standard and have a total travel distance of 4 mm ± 0.2.
Why is it useful to use a mechanical keyboard?
A mechanical keyboard for a personal computer is nothing like the typical keyboards commonly found on the market. Instead, it shares a strong analogy with the keyboards of the most refined typewriters. Just like on typewriters, you don’t have to press the key all the way down with force; rather, you use a quick touch, and the remaining key travel is pure comfort for your hands. If you type for many hours a day at work, a mechanical keyboard with switches and layout suited to you will definitely make your workday more enjoyable –and afterward– you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
How much does a Vescovo mechanical keyboard cost?
The price of the keyboard is €3,200 and does not vary depending on the finishes you choose. Every Vescovo keyboard is sold complete with its carrying case, a USB-C connection cable, and a keycap removal tool. Shipping within the European Union is free.
What warranty is provided on Vescovo keyboards?
Every Vescovo keyboard comes with a 5-year warranty valid within the member states of the European Union, excluding overseas territories. For more information, please request the warranty contract brochure where you will find all detailed terms and conditions.
The serial number of Vescovo keyboards
Each keyboard has a brass engraved plate displaying its serial number. The first two digits correspond to the year of production, followed by the progressive serial number. The plate is securely screwed onto the PCB and can be seen through the synthetic glass bottom panel of the keyboard, alongside diodes and solder points.
Scheme of ISO 105 QWERTY International US layout
A dialogue across generations: Vescovo keyboard and Olivetti M1, face to face.