Twoodcraft's Innovation: Solid Aluminum Brutalist Keyboard, the Compact Cleaver Edition
New and Improved: The Cleaver Keyboard
Brutalist design is back, baby! From watches to knives, movies, and now tech. And when Serene Industries unveiled the Icebreaker Keyboard late last year, few anticipated just how well this 20th-century architectural styling would fit the tech world.
Now, they’ve upped their game with the Cleaver — a sleeker, lighter, and surprisingly more minimalist option, and at half the price.
Aluminum Magic
You know that sleek, sturdy feel of EDC gear like pocket knives or metal wallets? Well, the Cleaver's got that, but as a keyboard! Unlike other keyboards that simply use aluminum as a top plate, Serene has crafted the entire chassis from a single block of 6061 aluminum. They've kept its weight low, but the exact numbers are shrouded in secrecy.
Just like the Icebreaker, the keycaps are aluminum as well, featuring laser perforation for an eye-catching RGB LED backlight effect. Once more, manufacturing and production happen domestically.
The Cleaver's clean lines are impressive, considering practical features like adjustable magnetized feet have been included. Despite the magnetic feet, the keyboard retains a brutalist aesthetic, taking up less space at just 14.37" long (over 3.5" shorter than the Icebreaker) and 4.33" wide. Perfect for those who work on the go!
Whisper Quiet
While other brands play around with design-forward mechanical keyboards, Serene might’ve hit the sweet spot better than anyone we’ve seen.
The Icebreaker launched Serene into the spotlight with its groundbreaking mechanical switches, but the Cleaver takes it a step further with integrated Hall Effect switches. These provide a more precise and responsive typing experience. The contactless magnetic actuation also eliminates mechanical wear issues and offers almost-silent operation, perfect for open office environments.
Serene has doubled down on auditory optimization, combining a silicone core fused to the chassis and a silicone-potted PCB beneath to dampen and balance the typing sounds. This also acts as a non-slip base for the keyboard.
No Wireless This Time
Got your heart set on a wireless option? Too bad, because the Cleaver comes equipped with USB-C connectivity only. Additionally, the Configurator suite, which allowed users to control key mapping, macros, and RGB lighting, seems to be missing.
That being said, the Cleaver is much more affordable than the Icebreaker, making with half the price tag.
Specs and Availability
Dimensions: 14.37" x 4.33" x 0.69"Weight: UnspecifiedConstruction: Fully CNC'd 6061 Aluminum with silicone core and PCBLighting: RGB LED backlightConnectivity: USB-C onlyColors: 2x (Clear or Black)
Pricing and Release
Available in black or raw aluminum, the Cleaver can be pre-ordered now for $850. Although it's a premium price, it's a significant price drop from the Icebreaker, retailing at $1,700. Manufacturing will begin two weeks after pre-orders close. Head over to Serene's website for more!
With its sleek design, practical features, and premium construction, the Cleaver embodies the fusion of brutalist aesthetics and genuine usability better than any keyboard we’ve seen.
The Cleaver, designed by Serene Industries, demonstrates a blend of brutalist aesthetics and technology, featuring integrated Hall Effect switches for a quiet, precision-based typing experience. Its chassis, constructed from a single block of 6061 aluminum, emulates the sturdy feel of everyday carry (EDC) gadgets like watches and metal wallets, while remaining lightweight. When it comes to style, the Cleaver offers a minimalist option that still showcases an eye-catching RGB LED backlight on the laser-perforated aluminum keycaps. The keyboard is available for pre-order at $850, nearly half the price of the Icebreaker.
