A statement of purpose
Hope was conceived as an exercise in deliberate design, the first creation of the Forma collection and a reflection of its guiding principles: clarity, precision, and balance. Every decision, from form to detail, is guided by intention rather than novelty, distilling design to its essential elements while honouring tradition. Relentless refinement guided Hope’s evolution, through countless adjustments until every angle, line, and surface felt resolved. To ensure the board expresses its true character, testing was conducted exclusively with 4 mm travel switches, manufactured by Cherry, as long-pole alternatives can be misleading—masking subtle flaws that would otherwise be revealed. Machined with precision on a 5-axis CNC, every aspect of the enclosure stands as a testament to an uncompromising pursuit of perfection.
Form and silhouette
Hope’s exterior design is deliberately restrained, a quiet homage to the original TKLs that shaped the mechanical keyboard hobby. Its form is classic and measured, yet infused with subtle contemporary refinements, with a front height of approximately 17.85 mm and a considered typing angle of roughly 8°, striking a balance between comfort and visual poise.
Across the top surface, a gentle arc appears, almost imperceptible to the casual eye, softening the visual plane and lending the board an elegant profile. Mirroring the gaps between key clusters, the side bezels produce a harmonious rhythm that never draws attention to itself.
Deliberate intent guided the introduction of the enclosure seam. Alongside the acoustic qualities often associated with seamed designs, it allowed for the use of larger fasteners within the case’s restrained proportions. This decision made way for M3 screws, lending the enclosure greater durability and longevity, while gently mitigating the risk of wear or thread stripping over time.
Taking inspiration from the Kepler designs, the curves on the bottom enclosure have been refined and reinterpreted to give Hope a singular character. A small step at the base, inspired by the HHKB Professional HG, sits as a purely aesthetic detail, reflecting the deliberation behind every line.
Dominating the silhouette, the rear slope shapes the entire profile of the enclosure—distinctive, daring, yet entirely harmonious. Along the slope, the fasteners are intentionally left proud, subtly protruding from the surface rather than being concealed. This was a deliberate choice: a belief that hardware should be embraced, not hidden. The exposed screws become part of the visual language of the enclosure, presenting a bold and unapologetic expression of construction—honest, confident, and distinct. For those who prefer a quieter presence, low-profile head screws are also provided, offering a more subdued, understated aesthetic.
Recessed within the form, the weight is never flush with the exterior, creating subtle depth and layering while protecting your weight from contacting your desk.
Within the enclosure
Every element of Hope’s interior has been crafted with equal intentionality and precision. The seven-point top mount system is a familiar style cherished by many, providing a solid and reliable foundation. Designed to be stiff and resolute, the mounting system is optimised for carbon fibre and aluminium switch plates, while a polycarbonate option is offered for those seeking a subtly softer typing experience.
The switch plate design draws from multiple chapters of the hobby’s history. Mounting point locations closely resemble those found on Jane switch plates, while the form of the mounting points echoes OTD designs, a subtle nod to some of the most revered boards ever produced. A deliberate cutout positioned between the navigation cluster and the arrow keys pays homage to the early TKLs that defined the hobby’s foundations, introducing a distinct acoustic signature that gives the up arrow a confident, unmistakable presence. This language continues into the spacebar region, where further cutouts contribute to a similarly pronounced and deliberate spacebar character.
Compatibility with aftermarket PCBs was thoughtfully considered, with Hope designed to support the H87 standard footprint. To ensure proper fit, the board requires a PCB with an onboard USB-C on the top side, no JST port (to prevent bottoming out), and a north-facing spacebar stabiliser. While engineered around this format, Hope’s tightly machined tolerances mean perfect fitment with aftermarket components cannot be guaranteed, making it advisable to use parts crafted specifically for the board.
For screw-in stabilisers, the use of stoppers is not recommended. Hope was intentionally designed to remain tight and raw—a subtle nod to the classic customs of the hobby—allowing the board to deliver a consistently purposeful and considered experience. Likewise, the use of Mill-Max sockets on the solder PCB is discouraged; their added height causes the PCB to sit lower, which, given Hope’s tightly controlled internal clearances, may result in unwanted bottoming out.
Acoustic intent
The goal was clear from the outset: to create a full-sounding enclosure, one that presents depth and body without excess. This was realised through an internal architecture shaped to minimise uncontrolled sound reflections. Stepped internals guide sound waves into defined channels rather than allowing them to scatter freely within the case, while tight internal dimensions—reminiscent of early Korean customs—further constrain unwanted resonance. The result is a sound profile that sits on the deeper end of the spectrum for a top-mounted board, achieved despite the enclosure’s relatively lightweight construction and the intentional thinning of certain sections to preserve its visual language.
By virtue of its top-mounted design, the switch plate is fastened directly into the upper portion of the enclosure, introducing a degree of vibration and resonance—an aspect often debated within the hobby. Here, that resonance is embraced rather than avoided, forming a defining element of the board’s character. In concert with the enclosure’s internal geometry, this interaction yields a sound that is measured, controlled, and unmistakably intentional.
Consideration was also given to setups without a deskmat, with the enclosure tuned to perform at its best directly on a desk’s surface. The use of 3M bumpons was a deliberate acoustic decision; their material properties help dampen unwanted vibrations while maintaining a controlled, consistent sound profile, ensuring the enclosure’s character remains intact even in minimal setups.
The enclosure was evaluated using both GMK CYL and SP DCS keycaps, each bringing a distinct tonal character to the overall sound. In particular, the board’s full and composed nature allows DCS to express its clarity and immediacy without sacrificing depth, revealing a sound that feels articulate yet grounded. This balance was a careful consideration throughout development, ensuring the enclosure remains expressive and cohesive across differing keycap profiles.
The release
The group buy for Hope is now confirmed, commencing on the 1st of February 2026, and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Availability is strictly limited. There will be no R2, no V2, and no further production runs beyond this release—this decision is final and will not change. A small number of extras may be offered in-stock following fulfilment of the group buy; however, these units are expected to be extremely limited. Participation in the group buy remains the only reliable way to secure a unit.
Hope will be offered through a carefully selected group of vendors, with no regional restrictions:
Forazsignature.co
Novelkeys.com
Typeplus.net
The group buy kit is priced at USD 660, with any in-stock units offered post-fulfilment priced at USD 760—excluding taxes. Each kit includes the enclosure and weight, a carbon fibre switch plate, a solder PCB manufactured from 1.6 mm FR4, a CNC-machined authentication crest colour-matched to the enclosure, a custom carry case moulded specifically for Hope, and all required hardware.
Optional extras will be available separately, including switch plates in carbon fibre, polycarbonate, and A95052 aluminium alloy at USD 55, solder PCBs at USD 55, and hotswap PCBs at USD 60.
A curated group of content creators will present their interpretations of Hope, each build assembled with Cherry switches modded by Tomb. Featured creators include Alexotos, LightningKeyboards, ExtraPriusPlease, TylerKeyboards, Mugen.kbd, and Chung-Li, whose work will offer varied perspectives on the board’s character. Each creator will receive the full range of colour-matched authentication crests, allowing all finishes to be showcased across individual camera setups without the need for multiple enclosures. To ensure a comprehensive representation of Hope, every build will differ in its configuration—no two will be the same—offering a considered view of the board’s versatility and intent.
With appreciation
We are profoundly grateful for the support and encouragement shown throughout this journey. Every message, comment, and expression of interest has strengthened our commitment to clarity, precision, and intention in design. As our inaugural product release, Hope represents a significant milestone for the brand, and we eagerly anticipate sharing future creations with you, continuing to explore and refine our vision for thoughtfully crafted, enduring designs.
Jack.