Lelelab Matra Alice 90 Retro Mechanical Keyboard Kit
Best ergonomic mechanical keyboard kit for retro-loving custom enthusiasts.
Experience a blend of retro charm and modern functionality with the Lelelab Matra Alice 90 Retro Mechanical Keyboard Kit. This kit pays homage to the iconic Matra Alice 90, featuring a distinctive ergonomic layout. It incorporates a gasket mount plate and sound-dampening materials for an enhanced typing experience. The included bridging USB-C hub ensures compatibility with most GH-60 PCBs, offering flexibility for customization. Crafted with aluminum top and bottom covers and brass badges, this kit is designed for enthusiasts seeking both aesthetic appeal and performance.
$138.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
74
/ 3796
#74 in Keyboards
Price vs Category Average
-1%
Below average
Weight
2.85
/ approximately KG unassembled
Who it's for
- Keyboard hobbyists wanting full control over typing feel and sound
- Typists seeking relief from wrist strain and discomfort
- Collectors who appreciate vintage design and premium build quality
Who should skip it
- Users who prefer the familiarity of standard rectangular layouts
- Casual buyers on a budget or seeking immediate availability
- Beginners intimidated by complex assembly and technical requirements
Performance breakdown
Build Quality
Premium aluminum and brass construction offers a substantial, high-end desktop presence.
Typing Ergonomics
The iconic Alice layout significantly reduces wrist strain during long sessions.
Acoustic Profile
Gasket mounting and integrated dampening create a refined, muted typing sound.
Customization Potential
QMK/VIA support and GH60 compatibility offer endless enthusiast-grade configuration options.
Assembly Complexity
The kit requires assembly, making it best suited for experienced mechanical enthusiasts.
Switch Versatility
Hot-swappable PCB supports both standard mechanical and modern magnetic switch types.
Key Specs
Weight
approximately 2.85KG unassembled
Material
6061 aluminum (top and bottom covers), H62 brass (badges)
Plate Material
FR4
Mounting Style
Gasket mount
Angle
7°
Front Height
16.20mm (excluding feet)
Compatibility
MX-style mechanical switches & magnetic switches, GH60 PCB compatible
Connection Interface
USB-C, USB-A
Features
- Retro design inspired by the Matra Alice 90
- Ergonomic Alice layout for comfortable typing
- Gasket mount system for refined typing feel
- Sound dampening for a quiet typing experience
- GH60 PCB compatibility for customization
- Hot-swappable PCB with RGB lighting
- Premium aluminum and brass construction
- QMK/VIA support for extensive customization
What customers say
This keyboard kit earns high praise for its exceptional blend of nostalgic design and advanced ergonomics. Users consistently celebrate the unique retro aesthetic, noting how the colorway and chunky bezels capture vintage computing spirit. A major draw is successfully integrating the ergonomic Alice layout into a productive 90 percent form factor. Reviewers frequently highlight the premium feel, satisfying heft, and excellent acoustic profile, often described as deep and resonant. While assembly requires patience, the overall consensus is that the high quality components and successful fusion of form and function justify the enthusiast pricing. It is viewed as functional art.
Know before you buy
The Alice layout features a split, ergonomic design that angles the keys to match the natural position of your hands and wrists. This reduces strain during long typing sessions by allowing your arms to rest at a more comfortable, neutral angle.
Yes, the Matra Alice 90 is designed for compatibility with most standard GH60 PCBs. The included bridging USB-C hub allows you to integrate your preferred PCB while maintaining the kit's specific aesthetic and mounting structure.
The gasket mount system suspends the plate using soft materials rather than rigid screws, which provides a cushioned, slightly flexible typing experience. This setup helps absorb impact and creates a more consistent, refined sound profile across the entire board.
Yes, the kit is compatible with both standard MX-style mechanical switches and magnetic switches. This versatility allows you to choose the switch technology that best fits your preference for actuation and feel.
Yes, the board supports QMK and VIA firmware. This allows you to easily remap keys, create custom macros, and manage your RGB lighting settings through a user-friendly interface.
The kit features a premium, heavy-duty construction using 6061 aluminum for the top and bottom covers, complemented by H62 brass badges. Weighing in at approximately 2.85kg unassembled, it offers a very stable and substantial feel on your desk.
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