In case you haven’t heard, brutalist design is coming back in a big way, from watches to knives, to even Oscar-nominated feature films. But when Serene Industries dropped their Icebreaker Keyboard back in December, few realized how desirably the 20th-century architectural styling would translate in the world of tech.
Following up on its wedge-shaped debut, the LA-based company has already come out with a thinner, lighter, and surprisingly more minimalist option — and at about half the price.
Aluminum Alchemy
Just like the Icebreaker, the Cleaver’s standout feature is undoubtedly its fully CNC’d 6061 aluminum construction, which, in our world, we find much more common in EDC gear like pocket knives or metal wallets. Unlike keyboards that use aluminum merely as a decorative top plate, Serene has machined the entire chassis from a single block of the material. And while the brand doesn’t specify exactly how heavy the keyboard is, it ensures that it’s notably lighter than its progenitor.
Likewise, the keycaps are also made of aluminum, featuring laser perforation, where the RGB LED backlight emits through the tiny holes for an interesting effect. Best of all, manufacturing and production takes place right here in the United States.
What’s particularly impressive is how they’ve maintained clean lines while implementing practical features like the adjustable magnetized feet. The Icebreaker kept a permanent slant but the Cleaver can either lay flat or allow for three different typing angles without disrupting the brutalist aesthetic. Less than an inch thick, the unit stretches 14.37” long (nearly 3.5” shorter than the Icebreaker) and is 4.33” wide — an excellent size for those often traveling for work.
Silent Revolution
Serene is in no way the first brand to put a design-forward spin on the mechanical keyboard but they might have actually struck the balance between raw industrial aesthetic and genuine usability better than any we’ve seen.
While the Icebreaker put Serene on the map with its innovative take on mechanical switches, the Cleaver pushes things further with integrated Hall Effect switches, which result in a more precise and responsive typing experience. Likewise, contactless magnetic actuation eliminates the mechanical wear issues plaguing traditional switches and provides near-silent operation even when bottoming out. This is increasingly important as open office environments become the norm. While the Icebreaker had Hall Effect switches as an option, the Cleaver builds them in standard.
Continuing this focus on audial optimization, a silicone core has been fused to the chassis and a silicone potted PCB underneath can dampen and balance the typing sounds. This also doubles as a non-slip base for the keyboard.
Also Minimizing Its Features
Again, the Cleaver is about half the price of its forerunner and, thus, removes some of the features you may have been looking forward to. Unlike the wireless capabilities of the Icebreaker, those looking for a wireless option here might be disappointed to discover that the Cleaver only features USB-C connectivity.
And while it does give you both Windows and Mac layout options, the Configurator suite also seems to be absent. This gave users of the Icebreaker intuitive control over key mapping, macros, and RGB lighting. The open-source nature of the software is a nod to the enthusiast community that will likely embrace this board, allowing for deeper customization than most mainstream offerings.
Spec Sheet
Dimensions: 14.37” x 4.33” x 0.69”
Weight: Unspecified
Construction: Fully CNC’d 6061 Aluminum with silicone core and PCB
Lighting: RGB LED backlight
Connectivity: USB-C only
Colors: 2x (Clear or Black)
Pricing & Availability
Available in black or raw aluminum (clear), the Cleaver is up for pre-order now for $850. This takes the edge of the lofty $1,700 Icebreaker but is still a premium price. Manufacturing will commence two weeks after launch when pre-orders close. Head over to Serene’s website for more.
Recap
Serene Industries Cleaver Keyboard
Following its wedge-shaped Icebreaker keyboard from last year, Serene returns with the Cleaver, a compact, brutalist unit still made with a single block of aluminum. However, this time, the board is much shorter, cheaper, and travel-friendly.
