Serene Industries takes us on a brutalist journey with the Cleaver, where raw industrial aesthetics meet quiet, precise typing – all packaged into an ultra-compact piece of aluminum art.
Brutalism is back in – from watches to knives to movie screens. And yes, apparently keyboards too. Los Angeles-based Serene Industries made a name for themselves in the world of designer toys with their first keyboard, the Icebreaker. This time, they’re back with something even bolder: the Serene Cleaver – a brutalist minimalist work of art, crafted from a single piece of aluminum, that despite its sturdy build, fits surprisingly well on modern office desks.
Aluminum all the way: Why the Serene Cleaver isn't just another "half-aluminum" keyboard
At a time when many brands are just adding aluminum for a cool look, Serene takes things seriously. The Cleaver is fully CNC-machined from 6061 aluminum—a material we usually associate with high-end EDC knives or high-end wallets, not everyday keyboards. The result? A compact, solid piece of engineering mastery that, despite its ruggedness, maintains minimal weight and a travel-friendly size: 36.5 cm long, 11 cm wide, and less than 2 cm thick.
The keys? Of course, they're made of aluminum too. RGB lighting subtly penetrates through laser perforations, creating a unique lighting effect without the cheap "gamer" kitsch.
And because quality matters, production takes place right in the USA, away from mass Chinese production.
Hall Effect Switches: When Silence Meets Precision
If you think this is just another keyboard for a hipster audience, think again. The Serene Cleaver boasts Hall Effect switches, which means typing is based on a magnetic field—not the physical contact of metal components. The result? Less wear, greater accuracy, and near-silent operation.
The silicone core and molded PCB further contribute to a quieter, more consistent typing sound. So the Cleaver doesn’t just look professional – it sounds professional too. If you’ve ever suffered through the click of mechanical keyboards in open offices, you’ll know why this counts.
Less is more: features you'll miss (or may not)
Sure, it's half the price of the Icebreaker ($850 $ vs $1700 $), but there are some tradeoffs. Forget wireless connectivity—the Serene Cleaver is tethered to a USB-C cable. And no, there's no fancy app for customizing macros or lighting effects. But the open-source nature of the software means enthusiasts can still deeply customize the functionality.
For most users: plug in and write.
Specifications: Serene Cleaver
- Dimensions: 36.5cm x 11cm x 1.75cm
- Weight: (still a secret)
- Material: CNC 6061 aluminum, silicone core
- Lighting: RGB LED via laser perforations
- Link: USB-C
- Colors: “Clear” (raw aluminum) or black
Price and availability
The Serene Cleaver is now available for pre-order at a price of 850 $. Production begins two weeks after pre-orders close. If you want one, get ready to act fast—Serene is targeting limited quantities.
Conclusion
Serene Cleaver is a keyboard for those who expect more from technology than just functionality – they seek an experience. Brutalist, minimalist and surprisingly useful, it is perfect proof that mechanical rawness and aesthetic perfection can be combined in one product.
If you're willing to shell out nearly a grand for a piece of typing zen, then the Cleaver might be just what you've been looking for. But if you're still typing on an old, plastic keyboard from 2010... it might be time for a brutal overhaul.
