Bringing a Product to Market - How I Designed Custom Keycaps

Learn the process of how designed my first keycap set. Thanks to Notion for sponsoring this video.
🎉 Get started with Notion, sign up for free or unlock AI for $10 per month: ntn.so/MatthewEncina1
📆 Check out Notion Calendar for free: ntn.so/matthewcalendar
▬▬▬▬ Video Overview ▬▬▬▬
If you’re like me and have fallen deep into custom mechanical keyboards, you might have thought about designing your own keycap set. As a designer and keyboard enthusiast, I've wanted to bring a few of my ideas to life but didn't know where to start. After some research and consulting with designers and vendors, I eventually figured it out.
In this video, I share my process for designing my first GMK keycap set, Modern Materials. I'll share the steps I take to come up with my idea, the pitch to potential partners, finding the manufacturer and vendors to work with, and the sales and marketing process.
I also cover the design process, coming up with a brand and visual design system, and how I use the Pantone catalog to select the colors for my product.
▬▬▬▬ Links & Resources ▬▬▬▬
Using some of the links below, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This is the easiest way to support me and helps me continue making content like this for you. Thank you 🙏
🤍 Learn all about Modern Materials keycaps: www.modmusings.com/modern-mat...
🪨 Purchase GMK CYL Modern Material Keycaps from NovelKeys: novelkeys.com/products/cyl-mo...
📝 Want to design your own keycaps? Read my blog for insights and resources: www.modmusings.com/blog/how-t...
⌨️ New to custom mechanical keyboards? Check out my guide: www.modmusings.com/how-to-bui...
🎥 My video gear: kit.co/MatthewEncina/matthew-...
🏢 Find out all the details of my office on my blog 🖥️ www.modmusings.com/blog/mod-m...
🎧 Did you like the music? It's from Musicbed. Start a free trial: fm.pxf.io/matthewencina
👀 Items featured in the video
📦 Sidio stacking storage bins: sidiocrate.com/?rfsn=6951640....
✍🏽 Reusable whiteboard paper: www.swipi.es/
📝 Grovemade notepad and stationary*: grovemade.com/?rfsn=4034913.4...
*use code MODMUSINGS for 10% off
▬▬▬▬ Video Chapters ▬▬▬▬
0:00 - Why design keycaps?
0:35 - The custom mechanical keyboard ecosystem
1:02 - Coming up with a concept and selecting colors
2:20 - How to pitch an idea for a product
3:25 - Choosing a manufacturer and vendor
4:43 - Finalizing keycap kitting
6:02 - Creating 3D product renders for marketing
6:39 - Designing a brand, visual design system, and key art
7:43 - Designing product packaging
8:05 - Creating a project hub in Notion
9:16 - Product launch: GMK CYL Modern Materials
▬▬▬▬ Follow for more ▬▬▬▬
My blog: modmusings.com
Instagram: / mod.musings
Personal Website: matthewencina.com
Personal Instagram: / matthewencina
▬▬▬▬▬ Credits ▬▬▬▬▬
Created by Matthew Encina
© 2024 Mod Musings, Inc.
Thanks to @TaehaTypes for providing the NovelKeys and GMK footage. Check out his channel for more content related to the world of custom mechanical keyboards.
• GMK Factory Tour
• Farmer Turned NovelKey...
#ProductDesign #MechanicalKeyboard #industrialdesign #modmusings #matthewencina #desksetup #designprocess
▬▬▬▬
DISCLAIMERS:
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks to Notion for sponsoring this video. 🎉 Get started with Notion, sign up for free or unlock AI for $10 per month: ntn.so/MatthewEncina1 📆 Check out Notion Calendar for free: ntn.so/matthewcalendar

[@DrayWilliams]

The ability to not only build the product but document the process so well too is impressive

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks. I've been trying to get better at it over the years.

[@bradyvilhauer4445]

I just watched this again after a while, and I literally thought this as I was watching. I was like this is such a good video - wait- he had to film and edit the entire thing while actually designing the product. I’d be so bad at that!!

[@MatthewEncina]

@@bradyvilhauer4445 I appreciate that. It's a lot. But after doing it so many times, it feels second nature.

[@corgikun2579]

Geez, at this rate you're becoming one of my most influential designers. Just by watching the video I already feel like a better designer. Great work on showing all this! Extremely valuable!

[@MatthewEncina]

I appreciate that!

[@SandroCostaRomero]

My man just made a product, from scratch to launch, pitch the project, talked to manufacturers and brands, marketed it, and documented all the process just to have a keyboard that matches his home. Mad. Respect.

[@MatthewEncina]

And to share with others ;)

[@SandroCostaRomero]

@@MatthewEncina there is no downside

[@anuragdeshmukh5989]

The fact that you not only build a aesthetic modern looking keyboard but also it represent your studio is so amazing

[@MatthewEncina]

Appreciate it.

[@bradyvilhauer4445]

This is freaking dope dude. Keep creating. This is so inspirational and fun. My buddy literally fell in love with your keycaps, not realizing who designed them. I was like ‘bro remember the dude with the greatest office of all time?? This is his keycap set.’ We were like no flipping way. I love the look of the print-your-own-paper keys, without anything inside them. So dope!

[@MatthewEncina]

Appreciate that. Thanks for sharing this little story.

[@MrSkullhead0]

So cool how just a couple years ago you were posting about this little world you discovered of custom mechanical keyboards. Now you’re making one of the most unique sets that would be a staple in a custom enthusiast lineup of Keycaps. That is true passion and very much inspires me, nice work Matt! ❤

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks for the kind words. I appreciate you following along on my journey.

[@RobertHighwind]

Your thoughts process, work flow, and execution is truly inspirational.

[@MatthewEncina]

I appreciate that Robert.

[@TaehaTypes]

This was such a great introduction for anyone looking to run a keycap set GB! Thank you for the feature

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks for the amazing footage!

[@bendurack2012]

So nice to see this so brilliantly documented! Your ability to storytell is captivating. No underestimating the time you clearly put into this alongside the project itself!

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks Ben!

[@dodifferent_co]

Great packaging insights and thought process. Taking note 📝 Color matching the key caps to the swatches was SO satisfying

[@MatthewEncina]

Belinda had the same reaction to the color matching 😅

[@kuro-shimai6290]

All the products feel premium in every way. Glad to have the opportunity to watch and learn about the overall process.

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks

[@lauro.dominici]

You have been such a huge inspiration to start my own channel especially in the creation of my "Home Office Makeover". My gratitude towards you and your way to inspire people will never be enough!🙏

[@MatthewEncina]

Cheers

[@THEMAVERICKPODACST_UG]

I could watch your channel all day long Mathew , another great piece , learning a thing or two from your processes ,purely insightful . 🇺🇬

[@MatthewEncina]

Appreciate that

[@josephhettrel]

The level of this BTS is just mind blowing. I love your style so much, it stands out and the quality is so so high. Really inspiring!

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks!

[@iLuvCats]

Thank you for all your work and inspiration in the hobby.

[@MatthewEncina]

My pleasure.

[@tatianebarros4263]

I’m SO impacted by this video! I’ve never seen a video with this much value, beauty and knowledge. It’s a masterclass! I learned a lot! Thank you!

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed.

[@SebastianPedraza]

Dude literally gave the formula. You can apply this to so many projects/personal interests. This is unreal man! Amazing and thank you! Subscribed.

[@MatthewEncina]

I appreciate that.

[@kristophermanabo6446]

One of the best documentaries I’ve seen. You are so clear in telling your process and it’s really impressive how you pace yourself telling the story. This is such a great insight on creating a product. It truly feels like I’m part of the process and part of the story. I really want to support this product. ☺️🙏 excited for you Kuya 🎉

[@MatthewEncina]

Salamat. I appreciate the kind words.

[@Rivek]

Really looking forward to this set! Thanks for the peek behind the curtain into the design process.

[@MatthewEncina]

Cheers!

[@Anorexus.design]

Thank you for sharing your design process, Mathew!

[@MatthewEncina]

You're welcome. Thanks for dropping by.

[@Charo.mp4]

It's always so inspiring seeing what goes on behind the scenes to bring your ideas to life. Fantastic work as always, Matthew!

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks for stopping by Charo

[@pryex8565]

Wow, great video. Incredible integration of the sponsorship along with a lot of useful and appreciated insight into how this whole process works. I'll definitely be checking out more.

[@MatthewEncina]

Glad you enjoyed it. I had fun making it.

[@LoobedSwitches]

Very insightful. Love how organized you are throughout the entire process!

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks always for the support Chris!

[@thedailydigs6195]

Such a detailed process. Thanks for walking us through it with you.

[@MatthewEncina]

You’re welcome!

[@lutherredd]

We will be grabbing extras when they go live! So happy for you man.

[@MatthewEncina]

I appreciate it! Good to see you here.

[@miggygaluza9234]

YESSSS, new vid to watch while sipping some morning coffee while also doing some engineering school works

[@MatthewEncina]

☕

[@jacksongrimm6460]

This is awesome! I loved the GroveMade video and its great to see another video like it with the design process.

[@MatthewEncina]

Glad you enjoyed it. I like making these.

[@GauravSharma-yu6ip]

Was waiting for this video for so long, made my day. Can't wait to buy these...🙌

[@MatthewEncina]

🙏🏽

[@jvazestudio]

Amazing! really loved when the keycaps matched the sample, and the branding on Modern Materials is so great like you can acctually feel the texture on it, Thank you for documenting in such an appealling way your journey!

[@MatthewEncina]

Glad you appreciate the details. Cheers.

[@yassinechikhi]

With every video you produce you reach a new high. These kind of documentation with full passion, transparency and details is very impressive. good job man keep producing.

[@MatthewEncina]

Thank you for the encouraging words.

[@TheOriginalTristonEvo]

i wish you would release more videos ..your videos are enticingly wonderful to watch, learn and focus to

[@corgikun2579]

I wish that too, but I doubt it because each video is a mini-documentary of a new product Matthew designs and sometimes designs+builds and goes into a product on the market. He's awesome!

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks for that. It takes so much work to make a single video (and product), so I capture and share what I can.

[@mrb-money]

This looks dope! Thanks for doing this man. Not only the production is impressive but it gives viewers (at least on my end) the other perspective of starting your own brand.

[@MatthewEncina]

Glad you found it valuable.

[@manny8042]

So beautiful. Amazing work as always Matt.🔥

[@MatthewEncina]

Appreciate that.

[@SanjotBhasin_]

your videos are always amazing with explaining the process and showcasing the process!

[@MatthewEncina]

Thank you!

[@marisbra]

that sneak peak at the end blew my mind! they are stunning!!

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks! Excited about both of these projects

[@marisbra]

@@MatthewEncinaas you should! they are a great accomplishment, I look forward to more future project

[@shrutisonali5008]

Love the video❤❤ makes me wanna leave what I am doing and switch to product design (industrial), looks so rewarding❤❤

[@MatthewEncina]

Focus. Finish. Then learn something new. You have a lifetime to grow and add to your experiences. I'm only now getting into industrial design after 20 years of exploring other creative fields. And I'm glad I'm only arriving now.

[@aydinhutchison]

I love all you product design and launches !!

[@MatthewEncina]

Cheers

[@aydinhutchison]

Your welcome mate !!!@@MatthewEncina

[@rayanafif]

thank you for sharing your process! Its great to know behind the scene on how great products are built

[@MatthewEncina]

You’re welcome

[@klaratulicic3923]

Thanks for the answer! Fantastic work, as always 🔥

[@MatthewEncina]

🙏🏽

[@nxmiji]

this is a different level of craft , creativity and dedication. Impressive work. so inspired

[@MatthewEncina]

I appreciate that. Glad it connected with you.

[@BomberTank]

This was pretty cool insight. I enjoyed this because I definitely want to build out a keyboard for my set up.

[@MatthewEncina]

Enjoy the process!

[@leftcoastfunk]

idk why this video had to be 10 minutes long, you could have just straight up told me I'll never be capable of doing this 😅 Seriously though what amazing job you did with both the keycap set and documenting your process for the video. Brilliant creativity!

[@MatthewEncina]

You can do it too. And thank you.

[@gabrielmundaka]

Amazing thank you for creating this

[@MatthewEncina]

You’re welcome

[@nickfurious]

I knew this day would come. Mad respect Matthew, can't wait to get a set for my NK65 ☕

[@MatthewEncina]

Thank you for the support!

[@AndreasHontzia]

1:30 Dieter Rams, not unexpected in this environment. Well done!

[@MatthewEncina]

Such an inspiration.

[@amitposthair]

this video couldnt have come at a better time. Was at road block on where to start my own product line but this video helps tremendously!

[@MatthewEncina]

Good luck on your venture.

[@simonmayer5083]

As a junior designer myself, I can just say that this process demonstration is super inspiring and also works for me as a framework and as inspiration for my own projects, in which I aspire to reach the level of fidelity that you display! Greetings from Germany ;)

[@MatthewEncina]

Glad you can appreciate it. Cheers.

[@igordosanjospro]

Congrats Matthew. Another very cool and very well produced video 👏👏👏

[@MatthewEncina]

Thank you

[@bizzobandoli]

Manoooo tu foi grandão nesse video. É entusiasmante ver teus vídeos, teus processos e resultados. Parabéns pra caralho pelo trabalho incrível.

[@MatthewEncina]

Thank you!

[@jongchaip]

I love all the way you do. Great product great video great content. Thank you for sharing this.

[@MatthewEncina]

You're welcome.

[@etiennegp]

You are a real keyboard enthusiast! I love notion, it's my second brain.

[@MatthewEncina]

🙏🏽

[@mehliamm]

Matthew is such an inspiration as a creative director/designer ❤ been waiting a long time for a new vid ✨✨

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks, More to come.

[@sergiorojas4291]

Hey Matthew! I've been following you since The Futur, I'm a big fan of your style and designs. You really inspire me (I'm a 3D artist). Thank you!

[@MatthewEncina]

I appreciate that!

[@user-qc5qu9dx1c]

Simply Outstanding Process

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks

[@instaq]

very interesting watch and as a fellow designer very happy to see such process step by step!

[@MatthewEncina]

Cheers

[@gustavkjellin2405]

Had no idea you were behind these - neat! Really wish there was an international kit though…

[@MatthewEncina]

Unfortunately had to make tough decisions when it came to kitting. It's the tough part when making any idea a reality.

[@ryandotfurrer]

I want more comment from you in general! Everything you touch seems to be fantastic; going to pre-order my keycaps right now

[@MatthewEncina]

I appreciate the support!

[@ryandotfurrer]

@@MatthewEncina happy to do it man, you are an inspiration

[@ivovass195]

I guess this was inevitable for you as a designer, product developer and keyboard enthusiast. The set looks great and fits yours design as intended, awesome stuff

[@MatthewEncina]

Appreciate that.

[@djcarlo]

Love this!

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks Carlo!

[@thawzie]

ahhhh matthew do be living the dream once again!

[@MatthewEncina]

Trying my best to live by design.

[@rickylucas]

This video is brilliant Matthew.

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks Ricky

[@entropy696]

holy crap amazing

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks

[@designerjed]

Such an inspiration bro!

[@MatthewEncina]

🙏🏽

[@Ziayoub]

Very intressting! I like that way how you orgnize your work flow.

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks

[@stephenokonkwo5595]

Wow! This was so interesting to watch

[@MatthewEncina]

I’m glad.

[@JuanMatajuaninamilli]

Fantastic video, sir! Looking forward to your caps!

[@MatthewEncina]

Appreciate that. Thanks for stopping by.

[@Phemmy19]

inspiring as always. excellent shot at 5:05

[@MatthewEncina]

I appreciate that.

[@cgpov]

Killer as usual! Also thanks for using our materials! ❤️

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks Chad. GSG came in clutch!

[@firmreason]

I have been here since the beginning - will be here till the end! keep inspiring us!

[@MatthewEncina]

🙌🏽🙏🏽

[@KahnJi]

Amazing job!

[@MatthewEncina]

Thank you!

[@ratixyz]

Killer video and killer keycaps, Matthew!

[@MatthewEncina]

I appreciate that!

[@MattHeintz57]

Excited to start writing with one of these keyboards one day! I'm curious, did you create a web site with notion or did you use a different tool such as square space? Either way, I'm super impressed with your process, approach and style. It's always a treat to get the notification that you've released a new video. Thanks Matthew!

[@MatthewEncina]

Hey Matt. Yes, custom mechanical keyboards are so fun to build and type on. The website for Modern Musings I built with Squarespace. But there are 3rd party tools that allow you to link and turn a notion page into a styled webpage for others to view.

[@GauravRatna]

Outstanding video🫶🏻

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks!

[@BrokenandCoastal]

Such a great break down.

[@MatthewEncina]

Thank you.

[@j0rgesousaGaming]

Awesome work!

[@MatthewEncina]

Thank you!

[@antnguyen]

Lovely set dude, HIGHLY satisfying @9:32

[@MatthewEncina]

My wife said the same thing haha

[@Iifeandmoney]

Nice one, I remember I left a comment a year ago and asking if you can make your own keyboard brands, this is wow❤ I haven't finish the video yet haha

[@MatthewEncina]

There's more to come ;)

[@me_utkarshsharma]

Is it just me or everyone is in love with his coffee cups? I mean they are so aesthetic. I am trying to find similar but not able to find till now.

[@MatthewEncina]

It's from Ben Durack: bendurack.com/product/Mμ?BDAf=3

[@sisqo-7636]

Nice 👍🏼 I already preordered all of them 😅

[@MatthewEncina]

Thank you for your support!

[@sisqo-7636]

@@MatthewEncina Good luck

[@RhysAngulatta]

As someone who works in product, I'd love to know what your market discovery process is for these new releases. Absolutely love your content, it's incredibly inspiring and certainly influenced my career pivot into product!

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks. For this product, it was a lot of intuition and anecdotal information. Since I spend a lot of time in the custom keyboard world, and not finding the keycaps I like, it was an opportunity to make something. There's also comfort in knowing that it's produced on a limited small run.

[@pedropoubel]

Amazing

[@MatthewEncina]

Cheers

[@TheHypeCom]

Would have preordered those instantly if they had norde support. Very pretty set!

[@MatthewEncina]

Totally understand. Maybe if there’s ever a round 2!

[@Touchmax]

This is so inspiring!! Thanks for sharing such transparent behind the scenes process of how to make this happen! Congrats Matthew! Just one more thing I'd love to know if you don't mind asking. What's the revenue portion in genearl among designer, vendors and manufacturer?? And how long does it take to get paid as a designer role?

[@MatthewEncina]

Thank you. I added some detail about this on the blog post linked in the description, the royalties for something like this are typically 8-10% on average. More if you have more to leverage.

[@Touchmax]

Thank you so much.. @@MatthewEncina

[@sharoonrom2938]

Mannnnn, You are so talented

[@MatthewEncina]

🙏🏽

[@bakeraus]

Love your work! Amazing kitting and set but no more GBs for me. You are in good hands with Novelkeys. Crazy I have been in this hobby for 5 years and no one has done into this sort of detail showing the process.

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks. I feel you on the GBs. Extras in stock in a few weeks! I saw the lack of content around the subject, so I thought I'd fill in with my personal experience with it.

[@ronneloares]

This is nice! Another Filipino designer of Keycaps!

[@MatthewEncina]

I know of Jaekeyed, are there more?

[@ronneloares]

@@MatthewEncina Simbusped, designer of GMK Earth Tones.

[@MatthewEncina]

@@ronneloares nice

[@ronneloares]

@@MatthewEncina waiting for your next keycaps design. More power!

[@dr.lowkey]

Thanks you for the video, I always love to see the full story behind a product. Your watch looks great, what is the brand/model ?

[@MatthewEncina]

You're welcome. It's a Timex, Expedition North Field Post

[@dr.lowkey]

and also thanks you, because you're always reply to my comments!@@MatthewEncina

[@twadd]

wow 👏

[@MatthewEncina]

🙏🏽

[@TW2LV2]

The sets look so good man! Congrats! This video was great and the insight on the process is amazing! Not many people know me yet, but i'm a keyboard youtuber and I also stream builds. Of course, no worries if it isn't possible but if I could get a set to feature in one of my videos, let me know! 🙏

[@MatthewEncina]

Thank you. Keep it at.

[@xenwildman9991]

Great job on the video and thanks for the shoutout!

[@MatthewEncina]

You’re welcome. Great product.

[@Fthan]

great!

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks

[@tegion5622]

I really enjoy the appearance of the keycaps. It's unique, but somewhat approachable. Thanks for sharing your process. Do you consider adding an international kit? (Maybe on the PBT-Fans X-Ray kit?) I hesitate to buy the keycaps, because I can't use them on my daily drive. Here in Germany, we some times need our extra keys. Please keep up this inspirational work.

[@MatthewEncina]

Thank you. We may in fact create an international kit for X-Ray. There should be more updates at the end of the month.

[@tegion5622]

@@MatthewEncina That sounds exiting

[@jamesdury]

Great video, love the key caps! ❤ what is the square notepad you use?

[@MatthewEncina]

Thank you! It’s the Notepad by Grovemade (affiliate link): geni.us/Grovemade-Stationary

[@tachicodes]

Amazing video! Question, when you are pitching to vendors, what is to stop them saying no, but then later down the line taking your idea and re-using it?

[@MatthewEncina]

Nothing, but that’s why I spend time to get to know folks and their reputation, before speaking to them, I’m not speaking to random people I haven’t heard of. I’m sure there are better ways to protect your ideas via NDA and other contracts, but even those are like handshakes. In the case you’re describing, you’d have to go to court. The winner is usually the person with more time and money.

[@raafealimirsaheb]

i have not seen craetor making this clean video by the way i lov your videos but i like more of project videos were you make multifunctional wooden workstation and shelfs .

[@MatthewEncina]

Thank you

[@jamesk7594]

This is pretty inspirational vlog for designers. May I ask how could you decide the profit or sales margin in this cooporation? Did you have the leading role on this financial matter or other holders could have it? Every designers have their dream to bring their product to market, but the budget of development, sales, and its profit, these are the hardest one to make in balancing feasibility of new product development. How was your progress? and who has the last key role to have the legit right of product and design ownership?

[@MatthewEncina]

I own the IP to the design. In this instance, there is a well-established royalty rate in the keycap space with this vendor. After talking to other vendors (in custom mechanical keyboards), the average is about 8-10%. But everything is negotiable, and every project varies. You can read more on my blog.

[@jamesk7594]

@@MatthewEncina Really appreciate Matthew! I would love to produce a good one like you soon.

[@samuelegaina8162]

I love your style and your mood, I would like to spend a day with you, so you can pass me some of your talent and energy.

[@MatthewEncina]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@renzarmas2163]

how did you manage to do all of that? Amazing! Awsome content!

[@MatthewEncina]

It was spread out over a year, with most of the work leading up to the sale. It’s a lot, but fun for me cause I can apply so many skills I’ve learned over the years.

[@rcortes999]

So nice videos.... quick question , the dry-erase sheets that you use are they soft or rigid where i can get those?

[@MatthewEncina]

They are flexible, like laminated paper.

[@MatthewEncina]

It’s from swipi.es