Hesper64(100) Dual-Action Keyboard Reinvents Compact Typing With Precision, Aesthetics, and Emotion

The team at Nics is reimagining what a compact keyboard can do. Their Hesper64(100) brings 100-key functionality to a 64% layout through a novel Dual-Action system — blending performance, beauty, and thoughtful design. It’s not just about efficiency; it’s about emotion, precision, and creating an immersive typing experience that feels intuitive and empowering.

From Idea to Innovation

What sparked the idea behind the Dual-Action key concept, and how did you refine it into the final product after multiple redesigns?

Over more than a decade of using all kinds of keyboards, we’ve witnessed their evolution from occupying two-thirds of the desk to becoming increasingly compact. The advent of low-profile keyboards further reduced their vertical footprint. As technology and times advance, people increasingly desire to have their personal space under their own control. However, the more compact a keyboard becomes, the more it relies on multiple layers to compensate for the keys omitted by its layout. Having more layers doesn’t necessarily make things more convenient; on the contrary, it often adds to the user’s burden. Typing can be interrupted by the need to recall which function key combination – such as Fn plus another key – triggers a certain shortcut.

This led us to wonder: what if we could fundamentally change each key, allowing every seemingly identical key to do more – just like the virtual keyboards on smartphones, where a single character can output different commands through upward or downward swipes? We began by envisioning a key capable of triggering three different commands through pressing, upward, and downward sliding gestures. We created 3D schematics, sought out various factories, and experimented with 3D printing to validate our ideas. Considering market prevalence, we chose mechanical switches as our foundation.

It quickly became apparent, after several rounds of testing, that this approach was limited by the space and usability constraints of mechanical switches. So, we explored at least two other designs, all with the same goal: enabling a key to do more than simply move up and down. (Although the advent of Hall Effect switches allows for different commands to be triggered at various travel points, they still operate solely along a vertical axis.)

Looking for inspiration

So, we went back to the drawing board and realized that innovation on a device that users have been accustomed to for over a hundred years needs a solid foundation. While studying many similar products in real life, we found inspiration in the multimedia buttons on car steering wheels. At the same time, we clearly recognized that the act of pressing a key is a precise collaboration between the keycap, switch, and PCB, all working together in an instant – no idea can bypass these fundamental elements.

Innovative PCB design is also an indispensable part of this process. Supporting a greater number of Dual-Action Keys naturally brings new challenges, such as considerations around assembly, voltage, and wiring, all of which must be carefully addressed.

In the end, we managed to realize our solution within the limited space available in a mechanical switch, and thus the Dual-Action Key you see today was born.

Hesper64(100) Dual-Action Keyboard: Compact Without Compromise

How did you manage to expand a 64-key layout into 100-key functionality without compromising comfort, aesthetics, or typing performance?

To highlight the unique features of the Dual-Action Key, our approach was to integrate it into a compact keyboard layout. However, we wanted a layout that was both compact and commonly used, so we chose the 64% layout – a space-saving yet not overly small form factor.

As you can see, our design language is first expressed by integrating less frequently used or auxiliary special keys into the Dual-Action Key’s Upper Keycap. The function key row is the ideal choice for this purpose, so Hesper64(100) comes preset with Dual-Action Keys installed on the 13 keys from “~” to “=”.

To further showcase its versatility, and considering the needs of both gamers and office users, we have extended the Dual-Action Key’s compatibility to the following keys:Q W E RA S D FZ X C VI O PK L ;, . /Right Alt/CmdFn(Due to the manufacturing challenges brought by this innovative design – especially for the PCB and other components – the keys listed above represent the current maximum extent of the expansion.)

When extending Dual-Action Keys into high-frequency typing areas, whether a user installs just one or all available positions, we must ensure that this new design does not become a learning burden – especially by minimizing accidental activations. As mentioned above, the lower keycaps are designed for high-frequency typing, while the upper keycaps are reserved for low-frequency shortcuts. To prevent misclicks, the upper keycaps have a slightly longer travel distance than the lower ones, ensuring a smooth and precise typing experience.

Gaming and Productivity, Reimagined

How does the Hesper64(100) improve both gaming precision and professional workflows through its Dual-Action system?

Regarding how professional users view this new design, I will share the impressions published by a music producer who is currently supporting us:

“By setting F1 ~ F12 as Mod-tap keys and assigning macros to the Dual-Action Keys, you can perform actions such as switching quantize values, unifying velocity, standardizing note lengths, applying legato, or selecting specific chord tones.For the left-hand Dual-Action Keys, I actively assign functions like zoom in/out and Ctrl (Cmd), while for the right hand, I’d like to set up macros related to mixing.”

Since the keyboard is fully compatible with VIA, which allows for complete keymap customization, and supports Mod-tap (which changes key functions based on press duration), you can theoretically have up to 200 key functions (though this is just on paper).Moreover, you can switch between different layers to suit various scenarios.

Hesper64(100): Design Meets Philosophy

Your brand emphasizes ambiance, philosophy, and emotional connection. How did these principles guide the design and feel of the keyboard?

As we promised, in order to create an immersive atmosphere for users, our original vision when designing the Hesper64(100) was of someone returning to the study room at 8 pm, pressing a dark gold brass switch button and turning on an antique metal desk lamp – just like powering on the keyboard.

That’s why we incorporated the concept of brass material into Hesper64(100), and, just like the innovative Dual-Action Key, we also took on the challenge of integrating an underglow light strip into a low-profile keyboard.

For more details, please refer to the sections “Thoughtful Design and Aesthetic Appeal” on our Kickstarter page.

Customization and User Empowerment

What can users expect in terms of DIY options, switch/keycap flexibility, and VIA/QMK software support to truly personalize their keyboard?

As mentioned above, users are free to choose between using a Dual-Action Key or our regular low-profile key switch for any of the available positions.(Currently, please note that Hesper64(100) only supports low-profile switches developed in-house by Nics. Expanding compatibility will be one of our optimization goals in the future.)

Regarding keycaps, the regular keys on Hesper64(100) are compatible with most low-profile keycaps available on the market. We also plan to release replacement keycap sets and shine-through keycap kits in the future.

Through extensive testing and as demonstrated on our Kickstarter page, the entire PCB is designed specifically with VIA/QMK compatibility in mind. In addition to standard VIA functionality, each Dual-Action Key’s Upper Key acts as an independent key position that can be remapped within VIA.

Thank you to the Nics team for sharing the story behind the Hesper64(100). This isn’t just a keyboard — it’s a new standard for how we interact with our digital worlds. With its Dual-Action Key system, refined design philosophy, and customization potential, it’s a tool for gamers, creators, and professionals alike to type, command, and express with confidence and style.

---

About Nics

Nics is an independent design studio guided by a love of aesthetics, philosophy, and immersive user experiences. Founded by Man Yin Ada Chan, the brand’s vision is rooted in emotional design — crafting electronic products that blend functionality with elegance. With the Hesper64(100), Nics delivers a keyboard that reflects both cutting-edge innovation and the timeless desire for harmony between user and machine.

Now on Kickstarter