The Behemoth V2, a custom 135% mechanical keyboard designed by a creator known as Shnarloc, is entering production with a $400–$500 price tag. Featuring a 32-key integrated gamepad and an aluminum CNC-milled chassis weighing 4.2 kg, the device challenges current industry trends toward keyboard miniaturization.
Design and Specs of the Behemoth V2
While the peripheral market has spent years prioritizing smaller footprints—favoring 75%, 65%, and 60% layouts to maximize desk space for mouse movement—the Behemoth V2 moves in the opposite direction.
The “135%” designation refers to the combination of a standard 104-key layout with a dedicated 32-key gamepad, resulting in a total of 136 keys. The gamepad is not placed in a traditional perpendicular orientation; instead, it is angled toward the center. This design choice is intended to improve ergonomics during gaming sessions while simultaneously preserving space for mouse maneuvers.
Construction, Materials, and Internal Hardware
The Behemoth V2 lives up to its name, measuring 609 × 177 mm with a height of 25 mm excluding keycaps. The device weighs 4.2 kg, a mass largely attributed to its chassis, which is CNC-milled from 6061-T6 aluminum. This specific alloy is frequently utilized in the aerospace industry and for high-end bicycle frames due to its strength-to-weight ratio. The creator noted that while increasing the material density might initially appear to be a cost-prohibitive design choice, it actually simplifies the manufacturing process and helps reduce overall production costs.
Under the hood, the keyboard utilizes two RP2040 microcontrollers linked via an internal USB-C interface. The device supports QMK and VIA firmware, allowing users to fully program every key, including those within the gamepad section. The board also features hot-swap sockets, enabling users to exchange mechanical switches that follow the MX standard without the need for a soldering iron.
Integrated Controls and Pricing
Beyond the primary key layout, the Behemoth V2 includes four programmable encoders located above the numeric keypad. A unique addition to the hardware is the “Rage Quit” button, which is configured by default to trigger an Alt+F4 command accompanied by an audible countdown. Users retain the ability to reassign this button to any other function.
The project is currently transitioning toward direct sales, with the creator setting a retail price between $400 and $500.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Total Keys | 136 (104 + 32 gamepad) |
| Weight | 4.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 609 × 177 mm |
| Material | 6061-T6 Aluminum (CNC-milled) |
| Firmware | QMK / VIA |
Sources: PurePC.pl.
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