Packaging and Accessories

Packaging for the Marsback M1 keyboard is fairly flashy, with a black cardboard box with a neon blue color scheme. On the front is the Marsback name in a huge recursive font as a backdrop to a render of the keyboard layout and the product name underneath. We see the color scheme continue on the back with specifications and marketing features, including for the three switch options.


The Marsback logo, again in the neon blue color, is seen on the sides, which is where we find out that the box employs a two-piece construction with the top that is simply lifted off. Greeting me was a thank you note likely included for Kickstarter backers as well, and a handwritten message about the keyboard inside being a functional prototype and not necessarily the final retail version. There is also a quick start guide that goes over the pre-programmed functions, which comes in quite handy when using the keyboard for the first few times.


Under the quick start guide is the keyboard inside a plastic wrap to keep it free of dust out of the box. The other accessories are underneath the keyboard, and we see foam pieces which support and protect the keyboard during transit.


The accessories include a more detailed user manual that also goes over the software drivers for the Marsback M1, in a similar color scheme to match the packaging. That having been said, we already know that the actual keyboard has nothing to do with this black and neon blue color scheme. There is also a plastic ring-style keycap puller, which I would like to see replaced with a metal wire-style puller to minimize any scratches to the sides of the keycaps. Lastly, we see a detached white keyboard cable with a male USB Type-A connector on one end and a male USB Type-C connector on the other, which points towards USB Type-C connectivity on the keyboard. The connectors are gold-plated for increased oxidation resistance.


[Update] Marsback has let me know that the final versions will be shipping with a switch remover as well as a metal wire keycap puller, which addresses those concerns with the prototype. In addition, seen above is an add-on leather wrist rest in two finishes that the company will make available for $20, or free for Kickstarter backers as a perk.