A mechanical keyboard is a keyboard with spring-activated switches underneath each key. Mechanical keyboards are increasingly popular because it allows you to type faster and enjoy better typing accuracy.
Mechanical keyboards are widely available at traditional retailers, but they can also be purchased using group buys. The primary advantage of using a group buy is that you can purchase some very unusual designs.
So what is a mechanical keyboard group buy, and how do they work?
What Is a Mechanical Keyboard Group Buy?
A group buy is a process where customers order a product before it is produced. They are popular with small vendors who want to prove demand for a product before they invest in making it.
It also allows a vendor to receive payment for the item and use it for production. This allows nearly anyone to launch a mechanical keyboard without significant upfront funds.
Group buys typically require that a set quantity of orders are received before the item is made. If sufficient orders are not received, the item is not produced, and all existing orders are refunded.
How Do Group Buys Work?
A group buy typically consists of at least four phases. Two additional phases also occur if the original group buy is successful.
1. Interest Check
A mechanical keyboard group buy starts with an interest check. Here, the designer attempts to determine if there is sufficient interest in the keyboard idea. Next, a prototype is developed and advertised online. Customers are then invited to give feedback and express their intention to order the product. The group buy is only initiated if the idea is sufficiently popular. A group buy is similar to a crowdfunding campaign in that sense.
2. Group Buy
During the group buy phase, customers are invited to order the product. The group buy is often open for a month. Depending on product demand, there may be limits to how many units can be purchased per person. For production to occur, a minimum number of orders must be received. If there is not sufficient interest, all orders are refunded.
3. Production
During the production phase, the vendor pays the producer, and the item goes into production. The vendor orders enough to fulfill all orders and may also order additional units to sell afterward.
4. Fulfillment
The vendor receives the items from the manufacturer. The vendor checks that the items have been properly produced and then dispatches them to anyone who ordered.
5. Optional Extras
After the item has been fulfilled, the vendor may invite additional orders. This only occurs if the vendor orders sufficient quantities during the production phase. With mechanical keyboards, you may have the opportunity to buy unique keycaps or other manufacturer-specific add-ons.
6. Optional New Group Buy
After the item has been fulfilled, the vendor may start a new group buy for the same product. This often occurs on popular items where the vendor has made a profit. New group buys often include minor variations on the original design.
Advantages of Group Buys
Mechanical keyboard group buys are increasingly popular and have two primary advantages over traditional retailers.
Unique Products Are Easy to Launch
The primary advantage of group buys is that they provide a way for small vendors to launch unique products. Because the item is paid for prior to production, a vendor can launch a design without taking the risk that it doesn't sell. For example, the keyboards sold via group buys often wouldn't be launched without the practice. It theoretically allows anybody to have a keyboard idea produced regardless of their available funds.
Keyboards Are Sold in Limited Quantities
The keyboards sold in group buys are typically sold in very limited qualities. This is useful for collectors who want to own rare items, and it sometimes means that keyboards can be resold for a higher value at a later date. Many people who are interested in unique keyboards don't want to deal with the delays associated with group buys and will instead purchase them at a higher price from resellers.
Disadvantages of Group Buys
Group buys are not popular with everyone because they require patience and research. A group buy should not be used unless you understand the inherent downsides.
Group Buys Are Often Delayed
After placing a preorder in a group buy, you need to wait until the group buy phase ends and the item is produced. This takes significantly longer than ordering a keyboard from a traditional retailer. Production time also varies widely. While a vendor might say that it will be delivered within a few months, there are many ways that an item can be delayed, such as quality control issues.
Some Group Buys Are Scams
Group buys often involve small vendors charging for an item upfront and asking buyers to wait. This is an attractive business model for scam artists, and scams are common in the group buy space (not just mechanical keyboard group buys). If you are interested in a particular group buy, it's important to research the vendor and only make an order if you are confident in their legitimacy. Ideally, you should only shop from vendors with previous successful group buys and a strong social media presence.
How to Find a Mechanical Keyboard Group Buy
If you're interested in trying a group buy, you might be wondering where to find one. Group buy trackers are widely available, aggregating group buy listings and allowing you to browse all the keyboards available.
MechGroupBuys is a popular example that provides photos, prices, and auction details for various active group buys. It's important to note that MechGroupBuys is only an aggregator and doesn't review individual listings. Research should still be carried out before ordering, though it's a great way of checking out heaps of mechanical keyboard group buy listings simultaneously.
Should You Buy a Mechanical Keyboard in a Group Buy?
If you'd like to purchase a unique keyboard, group buys are well worth considering. Retail keyboards are often purposefully generic, so people buy them in large quantities.
Group buys provide access to unique designs that aren't available anywhere else. Anything you buy is also typically only sold in limited qualities, which is attractive to both collectors and those interested in potential resale value.
On the other hand, buying from a group buy is not recommended if you want a keyboard delivered quickly. Scams are also a potential problem, and vendors should be chosen carefully.