Summary

• QMK/VIA support should become standard on all future keyboards for easy customization.
• We need more themed mechanical keyboards, with manufacturers going all in to produce some truly unique designs.
• Keyboards with wooden cases are still rare, so I want to see more models commit to wooden materials.
• I also want to see Hall effect switches come to more 65% models as well as low-profile keyboards.

The mechanical keyboard market is evolving in the best way possible — there's endless variety, interest from the community is high, and affordability has never been better. The kind of high-quality keyboards you could get for $200 around two years ago, you can now get for under $100. We've seen both manufacturers and consumers get more particular about case materials, pre-installed foam, and the overall experience.

That said, what do I wish to see more of in 2024 and beyond? As they say, "Life is good, but it can be better." To take the mechanical keyboard space to the next level, I have come up with my personal wishlist which I believe should be on the radar of all keyboard manufacturers. These developments can expand the reach of mechanical keyboards to a lot more users, and benefit everyone as a result.

5 QMK/VIA support

It's good to have the option

If you're relatively new to mechanical keyboards, you might not have heard about QMK and VIA. Without going into too much detail, QMK (Quantum Mechanical Keyboard) is an open-source firmware project that allows you to customize compatible keyboards according to your preferences. This usually translates to remapping keys, setting up macros, configuring multiple "layers," and customizing your RGB lighting beyond the stock effects.

One of my wishes is to see QMK/VIA support becoming pretty much a non-negotiable with all future keyboard launches.

VIA can be considered as an add-on to QMK that simplifies the process of customizing your keyboard. It provides an easy-to-use interface that anyone can use without having the technical know-how needed for vanilla QMK. Plus, unlike with stock QMK, you don't need to reflash your keyboard's firmware after every little customization. VIA stores your configuration on the keyboard itself, so you can retain it even when using your keyboard on another device.

Currently, not every keyboard comes with QMK/VIA support, and rigging your keyboard to support it is a bit complicated. Hence, one of my wishes is to see QMK/VIA support becoming pretty much a non-negotiable with all future keyboard launches. Even if you're not the DIY type, it doesn't hurt to have the option to customize every single aspect of your keyboard. Who knows, once you try it, you might never go back.

4 Themed mechanical keyboards

Why not go all out with your design?

Mechanical keyboards are deeply personal devices, and looks are a big part of the experience. While you can choose from the pre-defined options on the product page, they're mostly limited to keycap and case colors. Some manufacturers go a step further and design their keyboards around a distinct theme based on pop culture, a topical event or phenomenon, or just something cute that's trending on the internet.

Themed keyboards aren't exactly uncommon, but it wouldn't hurt to see more manufacturers join the fray and include one or two unique models in their product lines.

A great example of themed keyboards is Ducky's Year of the X series, with the latest one being the limited-edition Year of the Dragon keyboard. Other retro models like the 8BitDo Retro and the Lofree Block are also quite popular in the community. Some of my personal favorites are the extremely cute Ducky x Shibasays One 2, the cell-shading-inspired CELSHADE Base 65, and the delectable Chillkey Paw65.

Themed keyboards aren't exactly uncommon, but it wouldn't hurt to see more manufacturers join the fray and include one or two unique models in their product lines.

3 Wooden case keyboards

We need more wood in our keyboards

After 3 years of using mechanical keyboards, I know what I want in my dream keyboard. An aluminum case happens to be one of the things I'm looking forward to. However, I also love the overall feel and sound of keyboards with wooden cases. We have a few standout wooden keyboards on the market, such as the Akko MU01 Wooden Keyboard, but that's pretty much the only decent pre-built option I've come across.

The benefits of wooden cases go beyond the premium feel and sound. They add a unique flavor to your keyboard as well as the overall desk setup.

Drop has the NYM96 kit, but it doesn't seem to fully commit to the wooden vibe like the MU01. Hence, I hope we see more wooden mechanical keyboards come out in the near future. The benefits of wooden cases go beyond the premium feel and sound. They add a unique flavor to your keyboard as well as the overall desk setup. If you have some plants around your setup, a wooden keyboard would fit in quite nicely.

2 65% Hall effect keyboards

The popularity of 65% keyboards is rapidly increasing

Personally, I prefer TKL and 75% keyboards, but I have to admit that people really seem to be clamoring for 65% keyboards. The super-compact layout gets rid of the function row and some of the navigation keys like Home and End, but people prefer the aesthetic appeal and the reduced finger movement when typing. What I wish to see more this year are 65% Hall effect keyboards, as this combination seems to be a hit with fans.

I would love to see some more budget models combining wireless functionality and magnetic switches with the 65% layout.

We already have quite a few models in this category, such as the Polar 65 HE, Womier M68 HE, DrunkDeer G65, and Lamzu Atlantis Pro. However, each of these options costs around $120. The Womier keyboard is around $80, but it's wired, so you're losing out on some of the convenience of a wireless board. I would love to see some more budget models combining wireless functionality and magnetic switches with the 65% layout.

I'm yet to grow a liking toward the 65% layout, but that might change this year as I might get to review a few keyboards belonging to this compact form factor.

1 Low-profile Hall effect keyboards

Bringing Hall effect to the professionals

I've rarely used a low-profile mechanical keyboard outside of the Magic keyboard, but I've noticed a lot of professionals and people who travel often tend to prefer low-profile keyboards. The weight and form factor benefits are obvious for those who need to carry their keyboard with them, but even the typing experience seems to be an appeal for them. I prefer the feel and sound of a regular mechanical keyboard, but I want to try out a low-profile board for myself and see the difference.

Nuphy recently announced the Air60 HE as the first one of its kind, so we might see other players start populating this category.

Lately, Hall effect switches have been arriving on almost every keyboard layout, but low-profile keyboards seem to be left in the lurch. Nuphy recently announced the Air60 HE as the first one of its kind, so we might see other players start populating this category. Low-profile mechanical keyboards already have low key travel, so it would be interesting to see if the rapid trigger and heightened precision benefits are actually used by low-profile keyboard users.

What's next for mechanical keyboards?

Hall effect switches, themed designs, and premium materials — we'll probably see a lot of these features arrive on more and more models in the next few months. What's next, though? Will we have to wait for a long time to see decent budget options enjoying most, if not all, of these premium features? Knobs and screens are also quite common now, but will we see some new physical adaptations on future keyboards? Only time will tell.

It might seem that everything that could be done with mechanical keyboards has already been done, but the market has a way of surprising us. I hope someone out there is working on the next big thing that will take the keyboard community by storm on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. I'm looking forward to trying these future keyboards and covering them comprehensively on XDA.