NovelKeys releases preassembled Classic-TKL Underscore Edition for $189
The new Underscore Edition targets enthusiasts and professionals seeking high-end components without the assembly effort, priced significantly below the cost of a comparable custom build.
NovelKeys has released the Classic-TKL Underscore Edition, a preassembled mechanical keyboard that marks a departure from the company’s previous model of selling bare-bones kits. Priced at $189, the wired-only, tenkeyless board is designed for users who want a retro aesthetic and high-quality components without the time and labour required for self-assembly. The release aims to broaden the appeal of the Classic-TKL to professionals and enthusiasts who may appreciate the design but do not wish to engage in the craft project of building their own hardware.
The board features a gasket-mounted design housed within an injection-molded plastic case with a high forehead, a form factor reminiscent of the 18-year-old Realforce 86U. It includes a silicone base mat for sound dampening and is available in three colour options: clay, a warm beige; boulder, a taupe shade; and lichen, a dusty green. The device is fully programmable via the Via web app and includes full RGB backlighting and a light bar, both of which can be disabled.
At the core of the Underscore Edition are name-brand components that typically command a premium in the enthusiast market. It ships with GMK CYL Classic Beige keycaps, widely regarded as the benchmark for doubleshot Cherry-profile keycaps, which cost at least $120 when purchased separately. The board also utilises TypePlus Classic Blue linear switches and preinstalled, pretuned TypePlus stabilisers. These switches offer a medium-heavy feel with 53g actuation force and 63g bottom-out, providing a smooth typing experience with minimal wobble.
NovelKeys owner Michael Sickler stated that the edition is intended to allow the company’s enthusiast customer base to recommend the product to friends and family who do not wish to build their own keyboards. This strategy mirrors approaches taken by other makers in the space, such as Ryan Norbauer with his Seneca keyboard, though the Classic-TKL positions itself as a more accessible option. The move acknowledges a segment of the market that values the specific tactile and auditory characteristics of mechanical keyboards but prioritises convenience over customisation.
From a value perspective, the preassembled edition presents a compelling case compared to building a similar unit from scratch. A reviewer noted that constructing a DIY version with comparable stabilisers and similarly priced keycaps cost approximately $276 and required an hour of assembly time. While the Underscore Edition costs $100 more than the bare-bones kit, the inclusion of high-end keycaps and switches makes it a competitive offering. Competitors in the tenkeyless space, such as the Evoworks Evo80 at $169 and the Wobkey Crush 80 at $179, offer wireless connectivity and aluminium cases, but differ in aesthetic and build material.
