ATM 98 mechanical keyboard reimagines tadao ando’s church

ATM 98 mechanical keyboard inspired by tadao ando’s church

The cement-like mechanical keyboard ATM 98 draws its Misty Dusk colorway from the style of Tadao Ando’s concrete Church of the Light in Osaka, Japan. The tool has a soft gray color and a calm, simple look, with a single key next to F12 being the change of color. The surface is matte, and the soft RGB lights glow through the keys. This colorway is joined by the other versions named Frost Whisper and Night Ink, with the former using a see-through design inspired by translucent luggage. Parts of the keyboard are clear, so you can see some of the inside structure.

Here, the inner layers, gold-colored circuit board, and glowing switches become part of the design. At night, when the RGB lights turn on, the keyboard looks like it is glowing from within, especially with Night Ink and its orange-colored beam resembling fire. The ATM 98 mechanical keyboard uses a 98-key layout, including a number pad, and the brand Angry Miao describes the tool as whisper-quiet. It is because the design follows a ‘silent-first’ idea, meaning it is built to be very quiet while still feeling smooth and satisfying. In this case, each key press comes without a sharp noise when the user begins typing.

all images courtesy of Angry Miao

Star ring knob at top can control the computer’s volume

This quiet feeling comes from how the keyboard is built inside. The ATM 98 uses a gasket mount system, so the keys sit on soft layers instead of being fixed tightly to the frame. There are eight layers inside, including foam and flexible materials, that absorb sound and vibration, and these layers help stop hollow sounds and scratching noises, making typing calm and smooth. Under the keys of the mechanical keyboard are switches called Bsun Light Sakura switches, adjusted to make typing quieter and smoother.

The material inside the switch reduces friction, so keys move easily. When users press a key all the way down, it feels firm, and when they let go, it springs back cleanly. At the top of the ATM 98 mechanical keyboard is a knob called the Star Ring. By default, it controls volume, but users can change what it does using dedicated software, so they can set it for scrolling, switching modes, or running shortcuts. The knob is made of metal and acrylic, so it feels solid. It also lights up, continuing the team’s Tadao Ando design inspiration through the Church of the Light.

view of the star ring knob