all-escape keyboard by william fort encourages us to break free from the digital world

William Fort reveals custom-made keyboard featuring esc key

Belgian artist William Fort introduces The Resignation, a full-aluminum TKL (tenkeyless) keyboard with custom-made PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) keycaps. The artist reprograms the entire circuit board so that each key functions as an escape key. The piece transforms the keyboard from a traditional input device into a symbol of escape from the digital world, underscoring its primary artistic purpose. High-quality aluminum clads The Resignation, ensuring durability and a premium feel. Custom-made PBT keycaps, designed and manufactured specifically for this project, enhance the tactile experience of the keyboard. 

all images courtesy of William Fort

the resignation reflects on digital dependencies

By transforming a functional keyboard into a piece of conceptual art, William Fort challenges users to rethink their relationship with technology and the concept of escape in the digital age. The Resignation invites reflection on digital dependencies and the desire to break free from them, demonstrating the Belgian artist’s ability to blend technical skill with artistic creativity while provoking thought about our interactions with everyday objects. Inspired by a journey into the world of custom mechanical keyboards, Fort shares on Instagram, ‘Don’t ask me how, but some time ago, I fell into the custom mechanical keyboard rabbit hole. After building about 15 of these, I wanted to see if I could somehow incorporate this newfound hobby into my art practice.’ 

Belgian artist William Fort introduces The Resignation, a full-aluminum TKL keyboard

custom-made PBT keycaps all function as an escape key

the artist reprograms the entire circuit board

William Fort transforms the keyboard from a traditional input device into a symbol of escape

The Resignation is crafted from high-quality aluminum, ensuring durability and a premium feel

enhancing the tactile experience of the keyboard, the keycaps were designed specifically for this project

William Fort challenges users to rethink their relationship with technology

project info:

name: The Resignation
designer: William Fort | @williamfort

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom