iKBC is a keyboard brand best known for mechanical keyboards, PBT keycaps, conventional layouts, and enthusiast-oriented design. The brand was established in 2007 by a group of keyboard enthusiasts and has its roots in Taiwan. Its history is closely associated with the development and popularization of PBT keycaps and compact mechanical-keyboard layouts. 1

The company describes itself as having been founded by enthusiasts who wanted to create the keyboard they themselves would want to use. 3

iKBC is commonly associated with the phrase “THE KEYBOARD TO CHEER YOU UP.” The idea behind the brand is essentially that a keyboard should not merely be a computer input device—it should make the act of typing enjoyable.

The brand’s philosophy grew out of a group of keyboard enthusiasts discussing what an “ideal” keyboard should be. iKBC’s own history compares this attitude with the famous Hasselblad story: instead of simply copying an existing product, enthusiasts should try to make something better suited to their needs. 4

That enthusiast origin is important because iKBC was established during an era when mechanical keyboards were still considerably more niche than they are today.

2007 — Foundation

iKBC was established in 2007. According to the company’s own history, it originated as a group of keyboard enthusiasts who eventually organized themselves around the idea of developing keyboards they personally considered ideal. 5

This is quite different from the origin story of many modern gaming-peripheral brands, which were often built around gaming mice, headsets or esports. iKBC began with the keyboard itself as the central product.

2008–2009 — PBT Keycaps

One of iKBC’s earliest areas of specialization was PBT keycaps. The company states that:

• In 2008, it developed OEM-profile PBT keycaps.
• In 2009, it began producing PBT keycaps at the original CHERRY keyboard height.

This became one of the defining characteristics of the brand.

Why PBT matters

PBT — polybutylene terephthalate — is a plastic commonly used for premium mechanical-keyboard keycaps. Compared with the ABS plastic widely used on inexpensive keyboards, PBT generally offers:

• Higher resistance to shine from prolonged use;
• A different, often slightly more textured surface;
• Good durability;
• A distinctive typing sound and feel.

iKBC made PBT keycaps a central part of its product identity long before PBT became almost a standard feature of enthusiast mechanical keyboards.

The Poker: Historically Important Product

In 2010, iKBC launched the Poker, a compact 60% mechanical keyboard. The company’s history identifies it as its first keyboard product and describes it as the first regular-sized 60% mechanical keyboard in its development history.

The Poker became particularly important because the 60% layout removes the dedicated:

• Function row;
• Navigation cluster;
• Number pad.

Users retain the main alphanumeric section while using Fn-layer shortcuts for many missing keys. This makes a keyboard much smaller than a conventional full-size keyboard.

At the time, enthusiast mechanical keyboards were much more focused on traditional layouts. The Poker helped establish the idea that a mechanical keyboard could be small, highly functional and enthusiast-oriented without being a cheap or compromised product. The 60% layout subsequently became extremely popular among custom-keyboard and enthusiast communities.

Unusual Keyboard Layouts

iKBC continued experimenting with keyboard sizes. According to the company’s timeline, 2011 saw the development of what it describes as the world’s first regular-size 75% mechanical keyboard.

A 75% keyboard generally retains:

• The alphanumeric area;
• Function keys;
• Arrow keys;
• A compact navigation area;

while eliminating much of the empty space found on traditional TKL/full-size designs. This helped establish one of iKBC’s recurring themes: making conventional mechanical keyboards more compact without sacrificing too much functionality.

Collaboration with DECK

In 2012, iKBC began cooperating with DECK, a U.S. keyboard company. This is significant because it demonstrates that iKBC was not solely focused on the Chinese/Taiwanese keyboard market but was already interacting with the international enthusiast mechanical-keyboard community.

PBT Double-Shot Keycaps

One of iKBC’s more important technical milestones came in 2013–2014. The company introduced double-shot PBT keycaps and double-shot/translucent PBT keycaps.

What is double-shot?

In a double-shot keycap, two different pieces/colors of plastic are molded together. Instead of simply printing a character onto the keycap, the legend itself is made from another piece of plastic. The advantage is durability: the lettering does not simply wear away like surface printing can. Combining PBT + double-shot molding was particularly attractive to mechanical-keyboard enthusiasts.

G104 and G87

iKBC expanded beyond compact layouts.

• G104 (2014): Introduced as a full-size mechanical keyboard, described in the Chinese-language company history as its first DIY-oriented full-size mechanical keyboard.
• G87 (2015): Introduced as an 87-key/TKL mechanical keyboard, described by the company as its first 87-key DIY-oriented product.

This gave iKBC a lineup covering the major enthusiast layouts: 60%, 75%, TKL/87-key, and full-size/104-key.

F “Time Machine” Series

In 2016, iKBC launched the F series, sometimes described as the “Time Machine” series. One of its distinctive features was a countdown function integrated into the keyboard. The idea was unusual because keyboard lighting was being used for more than simple RGB decoration.

For example, the F87 RGB included multiple lighting modes and supported keyboard-side configuration rather than requiring conventional computer software for every function. The F87 used CHERRY RGB switches, PBT double-shot keycaps, RGB lighting, ANSI/ISO layouts, and onboard functions. This became one of the products that helped iKBC gain international attention. A contemporary review of the F87/F108 praised their combination of CHERRY MX switches, per-key RGB and double-shot PBT keycaps, as well as the ability to control the lighting without dedicated software. 6

Going Wireless

iKBC moved into wireless mechanical keyboards in stages.

• 2017 — Bluetooth: For its 10th anniversary period, iKBC introduced the DC87 and DC108, Bluetooth dual-mode products. The DC108 was particularly notable because it brought wireless connectivity to a conventional full-size mechanical keyboard while retaining CHERRY switches. Contemporary reporting described it as iKBC’s first Bluetooth mechanical keyboard. 7
• 2019 — 2.4 GHz: In 2019, iKBC introduced its W-series 2.4 GHz wireless keyboards, expanding beyond Bluetooth. The W200 and W210 were among the early models. This represented an important transition from iKBC’s earlier identity as primarily a wired enthusiast keyboard manufacturer.

iKBC’s official Chinese timeline gives the following progression:

• 2007: Brand established.
• 2008: OEM-height PBT keycaps.
• 2009: CHERRY-height PBT keycaps.
• 2010: Poker 60%.
• 2011: 75% keyboard development.
• 2012: Cooperation with DECK.
• 2013: Double-shot PBT keycaps.
• 2014: Translucent double-shot PBT and G104.
• 2015: G87.
• 2016: F “Time Machine” series.
• 2017: DC87/DC108 Bluetooth dual-mode keyboards.
• 2018: L87/L108 left-handed keyboards.
• 2019: W-series 2.4 GHz wireless keyboards and Table E/typemaster X products.
• 2020: Various collaborations and new products, including Bilibili, Gundam and Godiva-related models.
• 2021: J1 keycaps.
• 2022: S-series low-profile keyboards.
• 2023: Multi-color keyboard design system.
• 2024: Launch of the 键赏家 sub-brand and related products. 6

So iKBC’s history isn’t simply “another mechanical gaming-keyboard company.” It has experimented with keycap technology, keyboard layouts, wireless connectivity, lighting, ergonomics and alternative designs.

PBT Keycaps

This is probably the single most recognizable part of iKBC’s historical identity. The company says it has been committed to developing and manufacturing PBT keycaps since its early years and specifically highlights its double-shot and translucent PBT work.

Focus on Typing Feel

iKBC has historically placed considerable emphasis on the physical feel of the keyboard. One example is its approach to stabilizers. Large keys such as Space, Enter, Shift, and Backspace require stabilizers because they are much wider than ordinary keys. iKBC says it uses stabilizers on its large keys and has refined their feel over multiple generations so that the large keys approach the feel of normal keys. That may sound like a minor engineering detail, but enthusiasts pay considerable attention to it. 7

CHERRY Relationship

A significant portion of iKBC’s classic mechanical keyboards used CHERRY MX switches. For example, the F87 RGB specification lists CHERRY RGB switches, while contemporary reviews of iKBC keyboards highlighted CHERRY MX switches. This helped position iKBC in the premium mainstream mechanical-keyboard segment during the 2010s. However, it is important not to assume that every modern iKBC keyboard uses CHERRY switches. The switch supplier varies by product and generation.

Design Philosophy

iKBC historically leaned toward a fairly restrained industrial design. Rather than making every keyboard aggressively “gamer-looking,” many classic iKBC products emphasize clean cases, traditional keycap profiles, conventional layouts, high-quality PBT keycaps, and straightforward physical construction. That makes the brand appealing to people who want one keyboard that can work for programming, office work, writing, gaming, and general desktop use. This is also why iKBC has historically occupied an interesting middle ground between enthusiast keyboard manufacturers and mainstream gaming-peripheral brands.

The exact lineup changes over time, but some historically important iKBC families include:

Poker

The legendary compact 60% series. Target: keyboard enthusiasts and people wanting maximum desk space.

G Series

Examples include G87 and G104. These are more traditional mechanical keyboards, emphasizing conventional layouts and DIY/customization possibilities.

F Series

Examples include F87 and F108. The F series became associated with RGB lighting, CHERRY switches and the distinctive “Time Machine” functionality. The F87 specification, for example, includes nine preset lighting modes and onboard layout/configuration features.

DC Series

The DC87/DC108 generation brought Bluetooth dual-mode connectivity to the lineup.

W Series

The W series moved into 2.4 GHz wireless mechanical keyboards.

S Series

The S series represents iKBC’s move toward low-profile mechanical keyboards, particularly visible from 2022 onward.

Current Generation

The current Taiwan-facing website lists products such as CD108HB+, CD108HB+ JIS, CD87 JIS, CD108 JIS, CD87 HR, CD108 HR, CD108v2, CD87v2, MF108, and MF87.

In other words, iKBC remains active rather than being merely a legacy mechanical-keyboard brand. A Japanese distributor also announced new CD108HB+ wireless full-size mechanical keyboards in August 2026, describing iKBC as a brand founded in 2007 by keyboard enthusiasts and emphasizing its continued focus on typing experience and mechanical-keyboard innovation. 2

This part can be confusing because iKBC has had a presence in both Taiwan and mainland China. The Taiwan-facing official site identifies iKBC Co., Ltd. at an address in Neihu District, Taipei City, Taiwan. Meanwhile, the mainland Chinese iKBC website is operated under Beijing Handmozike Technology Co., Ltd. (北京汉德默兹克科技有限公司). The official Taiwanese history also describes iKBC as a subsidiary of Taiwan VortexGear Brands.

So the simplest way to understand the brand is: iKBC originated in Taiwan and subsequently developed a substantial mainland-China business/presence and international distribution network. This is why you may see iKBC described in different sources as a Taiwanese brand, a Chinese mechanical-keyboard brand, or a Taiwan-origin brand with mainland Chinese operations. Those descriptions are referring to different aspects of its corporate/market presence.

Among mechanical-keyboard users, iKBC became particularly well known during the 2010s mechanical-keyboard boom. Its reputation was built around several things:

• PBT keycaps
• CHERRY switches on many classic models
• Relatively conservative industrial design
• Good typing feel
• Compact layouts
• Relatively strong price/performance
• Enthusiast-oriented features
• Experimentation with keyboard layouts

A contemporary review of the F87/F108, for example, rated the keyboards 8.5/10 and highlighted their CHERRY switches, RGB lighting and double-shot PBT keycaps. Chinese keyboard communities likewise frequently associate the brand with its PBT keycaps, Poker, G87/G104 and F-series keyboards.

Vs. Gaming Brands

One useful way to understand iKBC is to compare its philosophy with companies such as Razer, Logitech G or SteelSeries. iKBC historically did not build its identity primarily around esports sponsorship, gaming mice, gaming headsets, elaborate desktop software ecosystems, or aggressive RGB aesthetics. Instead, its center of gravity was the keyboard as a typing device. Gaming is certainly part of its market, especially with RGB and gaming-oriented models, but iKBC’s roots are much closer to the mechanical-keyboard enthusiast community.

Vs. Custom Mechanical Keyboards

There is another interesting distinction. Modern custom-keyboard enthusiasts often look for hot-swappable PCBs, gasket mounting, aluminum cases, QMK/VIA, enthusiast switches, extensive programmability, and custom keycap sets. Classic iKBC products generally come from a different design philosophy. They are typically complete, ready-to-use keyboards, rather than platforms designed to be endlessly modified. That makes iKBC attractive to someone who wants “a good mechanical keyboard that I can buy, plug in and use” rather than “a keyboard kit that I want to build and tune myself.” The brand has nevertheless incorporated more customization and specialized designs over time.

iKBC’s historical importance can be categorized into four areas:

1. It helped popularize PBT: iKBC invested heavily in PBT keycaps at a time when they were much less common.
2. It helped popularize compact mechanical keyboards: Poker and its other compact-layout products helped demonstrate that mechanical keyboards didn’t have to be full-size.
3. It emphasized typing feel: Rather than treating a keyboard simply as an RGB gaming accessory, iKBC paid attention to things such as keycap material, stabilizers and switch feel.
4. It brought enthusiast concepts into relatively accessible products: This may be its biggest contribution. iKBC took ideas that appealed to keyboard enthusiasts and packaged them into commercially available keyboards rather than requiring users to build everything from individual components.

The historical dates above are based primarily on iKBC’s own published timeline, with the 2026 activity corroborated by a Japanese distributor announcement. 2

iKBC is one of the more historically significant enthusiast mechanical-keyboard brands from the Taiwan/Chinese keyboard ecosystem. It isn’t necessarily the most technologically extreme keyboard company today, but its historical influence is greater than its relatively understated branding might suggest. The Poker helped popularize compact mechanical keyboards, while its long-term investment in PBT keycaps helped make PBT a mainstream expectation for enthusiast keyboards.

Its evolution can roughly be described as: enthusiast PBT/keycap specialist → compact mechanical-keyboard pioneer → mainstream enthusiast mechanical-keyboard brand → wired/wireless/RGB/low-profile product manufacturer. And importantly, iKBC is still an active brand in 2026, rather than simply a name associated with older Poker/F87/G87 keyboards.

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