Canvas XDA

In the past couple of days I received the parcel from the Canvas XDA manufacturer containing the kits offered in the group buy with reviewed and adjusted legends. I took my time to carefully inspect each and every keycap, taking notes, measuring the strokes and lines with a scale meter and inspecting the prints which were the result of dye sublimation process on PBT plastic.

The numbers I obtained were satisfactory and precise upon comparison with the original files designed by me and the manufacturer. Some very minor adjustments and corrections were requested regarding overall quality control and printing procedures. I provided both Massdrop and the manufacturer with a lengthy official report containing instructions and feedback so we can deliver a pristine product to the customers!

Therefore, me and Massdrop authorized the manufacturer to go ahead and produce the group buy order on totality – it’s going to take 50 business days for manufacturing conclusion and the kits should be shipping to customers by late October.

I put together a prototype case with some switches installed in it to hold keycaps in place, and shoot some photographs to give enthusiasts an idea about what the official Canvas XDA keycap set will look like. Bear in mind the following photos were shot using a mobile camera and no color correction took place what so ever. The legends are crispy clean and sharp looking in real life but unfortunately my camera couldn’t fully capture that and presented some aberration. I tried to counter that by using a magnifying glass, aiming for closeup pictures.

The thumbnails below are a bit messed, please click on the photos for proper resolution display.

Alphas + Text Modifiers -> please click to expand

Official Batch installed vs First Batch on top -> please click to expand

Magnifying Glass Closeups -> please click to expand

Magnifying Glass – W keycap from the first batch -> please click to expand

Alphas + Bauhaus Grey/Beige + RGB -> please click to expand

Alphas + Bauhaus Grey/Beige + O -> please click to expand

Alphas + Icon Mods -> please click to expand

Betas + Icon Mods -> please click to expand

Dieter Rams + Icon Mods + Mono (sorry for the shaky hands) -> please click to expand

The improvement from the first batch is remarkably noticeable and working with this manufacturer was amazing. The legends came out sharp as I envisioned and the entire keycap set is very calm, aesthetic and pleasing to look at in real life. I’d like to take a moment to thank all of the group buy supporters for the patience and contribution to the discussion and I apologize for the delay. This project wouldn’t come to fruition without your support, so thank you very much for sticking with us!

Hope you enjoy the keycaps once they find your way!

Keeb on,

M