【IC】Mystic Dao Keycaps PBT custom keycap Set

Design Concept:
We were inspired to design a set of Taoist-themed keycaps after acquiring the yellow LEOBOG HI8 keyboard. Taoism truly resonates with the spiritual disposition of contemporary youth. When facing challenges, while other belief systems rely on divine intervention or self-effort, Taoism emphasizes yielding to the natural order. Confucianism advocates for action, Buddhism for detachment, but Taoism promotes surrender. While other religions preach turning the other cheek, Taoism believes that failing to respond can breed inner turmoil. Others suggest backing down for peace, but Taoism warns that compromising principles leads to spiritual decay. Therefore, we crafted this elegant keycap set to reflect this beautiful spiritual state. Despite the playful tone, we consulted many Taoist friends during the design process to ensure authenticity and respect.

Design Concept:
The teachings of the Dao permeate throughout the Three Realms and Ten Directions, manifesting within the human realm and earthly existence. Taoism originates from the beginning of time, merging with primordial origins. The Dao flows through the river of history and pulses within the veins of our nation, a source extending infinitely and omnipresent.

Color Design:
We chose an aged yellow reminiscent of Taoist talismans, with subdued saturation. To enhance texture, we incorporated subtle dark patterns.

Character Design:
For English characters, we opted for original standard rounded fonts. For Chinese characters, we selected two styles. One is the seal script commonly used for engraving, which holds significance as the keycap set is based on Taoist talismans, often featuring seals. The other style, used for the F-row and numeric area, employs a regular font for easy recognition.

Pattern Design:
Function Keys (F1-F12): We used the twelve Earthly Branches: "Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai."（“子、丑、寅、卯、辰、巳、午、未、申、酉、戌、亥”）

Alphanumeric Keys (1-1): We employed the ten Heavenly Stems: "Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, Gui."（“甲、乙、丙、丁、午、己、庚、辛、壬、癸”）

Editing Key Area:
This area is particularly intriguing and can be used for simple divination. We employed a straightforward method of divination called "Xiao Liu Ren," where you extract the month, day, and hour information and calculate clockwise to determine the result.

Function Key Area (three keys):
These three keys correspond to auspicious periods from Ba Zi: "Guandai, Lingguan, Diwang."

Auxiliary Numeric Key Area:
Here, we included the Later Heaven Bagua. Taoism emerged in the earthly realm when Laozi taught Fuxi the principles of the Yi Jing Bagua. The Later Heaven Bagua is used to deduce the mysteries of heaven and earth. Therefore, the Former Heaven Bagua represents the essence, while the Later Heaven Bagua represents practical application. Additionally, you'll find a talisman inscribed with "Tian Guan Ci Fu." Initially, we considered using a specific directive, but after consulting Taoist friends, we opted for a gentler approach using a lotus head.

Spacebar Key:
A phrase commonly uttered among Taoist disciples: "Infinite blessings bring boundless prosperity."

Specialty Keycaps (R4):
This section features objects related to Taoism, including the Daoist sword, Ruyi scepter, jade tally, string of copper coins, and mountain ghost money—a popular folk style. The characters from R4 to R1 spell out the four blessings: "Fu, Lu, Shou, Xi."

Specifications:
Number of Keys: 141keys
Material: PBT Dye-Sublimation
Profile: Cherry
Thickness: 1.7mm
Light transmittance: No
Compatible: Works with Cherry MX switches and MX-style switches
Compatible with 100%, 80%, 75%, 65%, 60% layouts

designed by @aihey studio

All our keyboards are English keyboard layout, please choose carefully.