The Spark

I'm a huge keyboard nerd - there's really no other way to put it.

Since 2013, keyboards have been a massive part of my life. It all started when I wanted a better tool for my day job. Bashing out Jira tickets and the occasional angry email just felt better with the right keyboard.

My first real love in keyboards was the Pok3r. Before that I had a CM Storm, and some older Cherry vintage boards liberated from a local schools waste bin. From there, I discovered the incredible keyboard community and the early days of Group Buys - 2013’s SA Calm Depths was my first, and it completely hooked me.

Soon, keyboards weren’t just a tool; they became my main hobby. I started collecting, streaming, and even podcasting about them (anyone remember my stint on Top Clack?).

After years immersed in this world, I realised I wanted to do more than just participate - I wanted to create.

In 2019, after two years of planning, ProtoTypist was born. It was my way to make things in my way, and to give back to the community that’s meant so much to me for so long.

The Journey

By 2018, I’d been streaming keyboard content for a couple of years, but I was frustrated - both in my professional life and in my hobbies. Most of the best keyboard products were only available in Asia or the US. Import fees, massive shipping costs, and low availability made it tough to get what I wanted. At work, I felt stagnant. I wasn’t growing. I needed a new challenge - an opportunity to create something of my own.

Throughout 2018, I planned to launch ProtoTypist in the spring of 2019. But just as everything was coming together, life threw a bombshell my way: my mum passed away, right on the cusp of the launch and a trip to the US to meet with other makers and vendors in the keyboard space. I still made the trip, but I wasn’t myself - and it showed.

That desperation turned into a pit. But over time, I realised that pouring myself into a creative outlet might help me heal. By the end of summer, I was ready to move forward. We launched ProtoTypist on the very day we received our business license - 1st November 2019 - with a single product.

It was a massive failure.

The Foundations

While our first product (a keyboard calendar) was a flop, it taught me exactly what was needed to build and grow in this space. I saw opportunities to open up new supply lines, create unique products, and give makers a platform to reach an emerging market hungry for something different.

I channelled that early desperation into determination: determination to make the hobby I love even better, to support the community, and to help it grow. Whether it was arranging meetups, hosting charity events, supporting creators from every corner of the globe, or simply chatting with fellow enthusiasts on Discord and Instagram - I was there, doing my bit.

Today, Prototypist is flourishing. That’s thanks to the incredible support of our customers worldwide, and the fantastic vendors, designers, and hobbyists we get to work with every day. I’m forever grateful for their - and your - trust and support.

The Future

We’re always striving to improve - both in what we offer and how we operate. As ProtoTypist grows, we’re expanding our product lines, moving towards more in-stock offerings instead of Group Buys, and adapting to meet the evolving needs of our community.

You tell us what you want to see, and we’ll do our best to make it a reality. Community matters to us, and I’m dedicated to making it better in every way I can.

The journey doesn’t end here - together, we’ll keep building a brighter, more innovative future for keyboard enthusiasts everywhere.

The Team

ProtoTypist started out as just me. That was great - until it wasn’t.

In the early days, I was lucky to partner with some fantastic people, like James from AKB, GMK, Novelkeys, Oblotzky and other talented designers, makers and vendors. But as orders grew, so did the need for a bigger team.

Mel
Mel joined the team on May 4th, 2021, and has now been our Warehouse Manager for over four years. She keeps me on my toes when it comes to products, shipping, and all the logistical challenges that come with running ProtoTypist. She’s ace - and chances are, if you’ve ordered from us, Mel’s the one who made sure it got dispatched on time!

Sharon
Sharon is our amazing bookkeeper and international logistics manager. She makes sure products flow smoothly around the globe and keeps me in check when invoices need paying or sending! Sharon is the real backbone when it comes to navigating our logistical nightmares.

Josh
When we need a designer, Josh is the man. He has an incredible flair for design and somehow always knows exactly what I’m looking for - even before I say it. Josh is a true creative visionary and my go-to for anything that needs an expert eye.

Gigi - Workshop Doggo
Chief of all Quality Control, package sniffing, treat finding and greeting visitors. She's the real boss and MVP!

Our Values

Customers First, Always: Every decision we make starts with you in mind. We listen, adapt, and strive to deliver exactly what you need.

Do the Right Thing: Integrity matters. We’re committed to honest business, transparent communication, and treating everyone - customers, partners, and team members - with respect. If you ever feel thats not the case, I want you to tell me and keep me honest. There is very little I won't share, or tell you - all you have to do is ask.

Keep Prices Fair: We work hard to keep our prices as low as possible, making high-quality keyboards and accessories accessible to more people. Profit is never at the fore-front of our decisions.

Exceed Expectations: From product quality to customer service, we aim to go above and beyond - every order, every time.

Champion the Community: We support creators, collaborate with designers, and reinvest all our profits in the keyboard community that inspires us.

Continuous Improvement: We never settle. We’re always looking for ways to innovate, improve, and make your experience even better. If you see an opportunity for us to change or grow and serve you better, just let us know.

Join Us

Whether you’re a seasoned keyboard enthusiast or just getting started, you’re always welcome at Prototypist. We’re more than just a store - we’re a community of makers, tinkerers, and fans who believe in doing things the right way.

Have a question, an idea, or just want to chat about keyboards? Reach out to us on Discord, Instagram, or by email - we love hearing from you.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Let’s keep building something amazing together.

Join us. Share your passion. Help shape the future of keyboards and the UK Community.