Friday, January 20th 2023

Jelly Key Launches New Zen Pond Artisan Keycaps Group Buy

For those unfamiliar with Jelly Key, I highly encourage going through our previous coverage of the Vietnamese artisan's works wherein we've seen several different examples of highly detailed themes which get put to life on your keyboard courtesy artisan keycaps that use a resin pour over a layer-by-layer assembly incorporating individually molded tiny pieces. In particular, we've covered a keycap each from the Zen Pond III and Zen Pond IV group buy series that depict a school of Koi fish swimming in a pond. This was the design that made Jelly Key famous and also where it introduced the so-called "Eden Effect" that makes the resin background feel like it is part of the scene itself.

Jelly Key's latest group buy is active now and it builds upon the previous two in the new Zen Pond V series group buy titled "Zen Pond - Lost then found". Thanks to some shipping logistics issues, once again the prototype sent over came after the group buy had begun so I had no time to do a quick look article on it. Instead, I figured those interested in the Zen Ponds theme that were not able to pick one up last time should know now is the time to do so, especially given the new Droplet profile that makes for spherical corners and an overall rounded structure to make the resin and craftsmanshop more easily appreciated at a typical viewing angle. The Koi fish models are larger and look more naturally swimming in the resin pond too, including with wakes left behind the tail fins. The new group buy started Jan 18 and is scheduled to end Jan 25, however they usually sell out a few days earlier to where you might want to jump into the pond early if these keycaps interest you. The Zen Pond V keycaps are available in five designs, four keycap profiles, and 12 sizes. These cost $55-105 each and, as seen on the group buy page, there are further discounts and free shipping for those buying multiple keycaps. Read past the break for photos of my prototype space bar keycap.

Update: Jelly Key had kindly provided TPU readers with a 5% discount code: 5%-tpu-498djh9
The provided keycap is in the 6.25u size, Droplet profile, and the "Ninja Nova" design—it was similar enough to Ghost Asagi space bar keycap covered previously to where I have a couple of photos showing the progress made by the team at Jelly Key over the years to get the theme better represented on a keycap:
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17 Comments on Jelly Key Launches New Zen Pond Artisan Keycaps Group Buy

#1
VSG
Editor, Reviews & News
Since I already know some of you will ask, let me preemptively tag @jellykey so he can handle any requests for a TPU discount code. If there is one provided, I'll add it to the news post too.

Edit: NVM, he already beat me to it. Discount code "5%-tpu-498djh9" for 5% off.
Posted on Reply
#2
Solaris17
Super Dainty Moderator
Man, for those that are into it these look nice, and I mean look at the detail. My setup is too thematic to go in on these, but I appreciate the work that goes into them.
Posted on Reply
#3
Beer4Myself
VSGSince I already know some of you will ask, let me preemptively tag @jellykey so he can handle any requests for a TPU discount code. If there is one provided, I'll add it to the news post too.

Edit: NVM, he already beat me to it. Discount code "5%-tpu-498djh9" for 5% off.
Took the chance to buy one of those keycaps. Thanks for the code!
Posted on Reply
#4
VSG
Editor, Reviews & News
Beer4MyselfTook the chance to buy one of those keycaps. Thanks for the code!
Nice, what did you go with? Be aware that it might take a few months before you get the keycaps but they'll be worth it. I've bought a couple of artisans from Jelly Key myself.
Posted on Reply
#5
Beer4Myself
VSGNice, what did you go with? Be aware that it might take a few months before you get the keycaps but they'll be worth it. I've bought a couple of artisans from Jelly Key myself.
Well, got a simple 1u Ninja Nova just to test how a single key feels when typing or gaming :D
Posted on Reply
#6
VSG
Editor, Reviews & News
Beer4MyselfWell, got a simple 1u Ninja Nova just to test how a single key feels when typing or gaming :D
Awesome, please share photos when you get them eventually.
Posted on Reply
#9
ShurikN
That blue one looks sick AF, but I just can't find it in my heart (and current budget) to pay $55+ shipping for it.
Posted on Reply
#10
VSG
Editor, Reviews & News
ShurikNThat blue one looks sick AF, but I just can't find it in my heart (and current budget) to pay $55+ shipping for it.
There will always be others in the future, don't spend your money if this is not a good idea.
Posted on Reply
#11
mechtech
waiting for engraved marble keys :)
Posted on Reply
#12
zlobby
But how can I pour my anger on my kbd if I have these on? No, I need a plain kbd, which I can abuse with no remorse!
ShurikNThat blue one looks sick AF, but I just can't find it in my heart (and current budget) to pay $55+ shipping for it.
Yeah, best I can do is three fiddy. :D
Posted on Reply
#13
Candor
Something seems fishy to me. I just can't put my finger on it. :D
Posted on Reply
#14
Beer4Myself
VSGAwesome, please share photos when you get them eventually.
got it on saturday, 9 months of waiting and also had to pay 8€ on top of the 59€. looks great, feels great.
Posted on Reply
#15
VSG
Editor, Reviews & News
Beer4Myselfgot it on saturday, 9 months of waiting and also had to pay 8€ on top of the 59€. looks great, feels great.
Awesome, enjoy!
Posted on Reply
#16
zlobby
Beer4Myselfgot it on saturday, 9 months of waiting and also had to pay 8€ on top of the 59€. looks great, feels great.
While this looks awesome (and I'm this close to spend a shootton of money for a complete kit of custom keys), some people spend a lifetime of keyboards what you spent one a single key.
Posted on Reply
#17
Beer4Myself
zlobbyWhile this looks awesome (and I'm this close to spend a shootton of money for a complete kit of custom keys), some people spend a lifetime of keyboards what you spent one a single key.
yeah i know that, i love it but i cant afford a complete package right now ... fun fact the key alone is more expensive then my keyboard xD
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