DROP K-Type Keyboard
Branded Mechanical Keyboard Concept
Drop partnered with Sophic Design to reimagine the design of their K-Type mechanical keyboard
DROP & Community-Driven Commerce
DROP (formerly Massdrop) is a community driven commerce platform that leverages user input to poll cool products and vote on them to determine new products offered on their site. Drop then negotiates large purchase discounts for group buys and passes these discounts on to their community of buyers. This interactive purchasing model allows DROP to collaborate with their consumers and build fan-favorite features into the products they sell and empower and engage their users to actively participate in shaping the platform's direction and content. Unlike traditional ecommerce platforms, DROP’s platform fosters a sense of community by giving users a voice in decision-making processes, feature suggestions, and platform policies. By harnessing the power of the community’s collective intelligence, DROP creates a unique shopping experience that emphasizes collaboration, shared values, and a strong sense of belonging that redefines the way people engage in online commerce.
Unlike traditional ecommerce platforms, DROP’s platform fosters a sense of community by giving users a voice in decision-making processes, feature suggestions, and platform policies. By harnessing the power of the community’s collective intelligence, DROP creates a unique shopping experience that emphasizes collaboration, shared values, and a strong sense of belonging that redefines the way people engage in online commerce.
Expanding The DROP Brand
Mechanical computer keyboards have gained immense popularity and appeal among enthusiasts and professionals recently and one of DROP’s most popular items in recent years is their K-Type mechanical keyboard. With its tactile feedback, satisfying keystrokes, and distinct click or clack sound it’s not hard to see why this immersive typing experience would be a hit with buyers compared to other membrane keyboards.
Additionally, mechanical keyboards offer customizable keycaps and switches, allowing users to tailor their typing experience to their preferences. Additionally, the durability and longevity of mechanical keyboards are highly regarded, as they are built with high-quality materials and robust switches that can withstand millions of keystrokes.
Riding the success of their community-driven ecommerce platform, DROP wanted to expand their brand’s reach by creating their own line of unique products starting with a fresh redesign of their K-Type keyboard.
Beauty Through Subtlety
Sophic approached the design aesthetics of the new K-Type keyboard with an intentionally-subtle, minimalist approach that celebrates the look and feel of the mechanical key caps. This design philosophy aims to prioritize the tactile feel and precise functionality of the keys, inviting users to fully immerse themselves in the typing experience without distraction.
An emphasis is placed on surface development that emphasizes the natural beauty of contrasting materials and finishes with a focus on high-quality, premium components. The keycaps are made from a smooth, wear-resistant PBT material, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable typing experience and the overall color scheme is neutral and timeless, with a subtle blend of greys, blacks, and muted tones, allowing the keys to take center stage with a pop of color from below.
Color, Material, & Finish Exploration
When exploring color, material, and finishes for the DROP K-Type mechanical keyboard, Sophic focused on bold and vibrant color combinations specifically tailored for striking key combinations that group and emphasize different key sets on the board while the color palette explored striking contrasts, such as vibrant blue and reds that highlight critical keys and neutral, complimentary colors spread out over the remaining keys. We also explored vibrant graphics and key labels against these color-grouped keys creating visually captivating and dynamic keyboard color options.
