Monokei Systems preview: A head-turning low-profile mechanical keyboard

During CES 2024, Monokei unveiled Systems, a beautifully designed, well-built, low-profile mechanical keyboard. Compared to what is currently available in the market, the design, construction and available options are refreshing and highlight its potential to refresh our experiences with low-profile keyboards.  Living up to their motto of Good Things For Everyone, Systems is designed to deliver a custom mechanical keyboard experience right out of the box.

This is the second ready-to-use keyboard in Monokei’s lineup of mainstream keyboards, the first being the Monokei Standard, which we have covered earlier – highlighting it as a locally-designed keyboard that is hard to pass. The key advantage of getting Systems is that one may enjoy the experience of a custom mechanical keyboard without the hassle of having to put one together. It also does not lack connectivity options and allows switching between four devices via USB-C, Bluetooth 5.1, and Wireless 2.4GHz.

Like the Monokei Standard keyboard, the System keyboard has a minimalist look with slick lines and uniform keycaps that make it a stunningly simple-looking but beautiful keyboard. I think it would sit beautifully on a desk at home or workspace. One thing which I reckon has never been done for low-profile mechanical keyboards is the use of a full aluminium case, which elevates the overall aesthetic and feel of the board, and makes it look and feel more upmarket.

Monokei has adopted various features in the Systems, many of which they have spent the last couple of years perfecting. This includes their version of gasket as well as magnetic mounts, which are seen in their more premium custom mechanical keyboard, the Kei V2. The team has also worked hard to reduce the keyboard height, making it only slightly thicker than those currently on the market.

For greater customisability, Monokei is also introducing three other keycap sets for the launch - Hyperdrive, Gestalt Roundedm and Spy X Family (Anya edition). All three keycap sets are attractive and would further provide personalisation for those seeking to stand out from the crowd. These keycaps are also compatible with other MX Mechanical keyboards, so they can be used on most other low-profile mechanical keyboards that are currently on the market. As for switches, Monokei is offering the Systems with Tactile and Silent Linear switches.

During a meet-up with the team, we got to experience the board first hand and the experience has been mostly positive. The board has a good weight and the keycaps are fun which give users customisation options. What stood out for some of us was how well the spacebar and modifiers were tuned to reduce wobble and not produce a rattling sound as they were hit. We are looking forward to having more time with the board for testing in an actual working environment.

Pricing and availability

Systems is available in two colours: Cupertino Silver and Stockholm Night. The boards are now available for pre-order at a discounted price of S$246.50 (RRP: S$272.50) and are scheduled to ship sometime in Q3 2024. You can pre-order the Systems keyboard here.

Apart from the board, you can also consider picking up the Series 2 keycaps at a discounted rate of between S$57.50 to S$70.50 (RRP S$64.50 to S$77.50). If you still need some convincing, and you are in Singapore, you can consider popping by Monokei’s Office to check it out, but do note this is by appointment only. You can make an appointment on this page.

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