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A co-production by DE WINKELHAAK, MVKB, Studiotype and Voxdale.

A classic keyboard is transformed into a cherished design piece thanks to three gold-coloured letter jewels that embody a piece of Belgian history. The letter jewels are also available without the keyboard, in a signed box.

The TYP letter jewels are exclusively available at DE WINKELHAAK and via this webshop.
With each purchase, you receive a FREE desktop licence for ST Pennequin, that you can install on up to three computers. The download link is included in the packaging.

Click the button below to place your order.


BEG presents: TYP (Limited Edition, 200 pcs)

At Belgian Essentials Gallery, the minimalist shop of DE WINKELHAAK, you'll discover unique products that you won't find anywhere else. 'Belgian Essentials' are collaborations between top designers and/or leading Belgian companies, resulting in products that are made and sold in limited editions.

The collection consists of affordable products that are practical, accessible, and bring beauty to everyday life. It’s precisely through their exceptional flair and refined simplicity that these Essentials quickly become new Belgian icons.

Other products of the Belgian Essentials Gallery are the "On-Line-servies", a collaboration between b0b Van Reeth and Royal Boch; and the "Patattenschiller 2.0" (sold out), a collaboration between Antoine Van Loocke and Nedda El-Asmar.

The story of a lost typeface

When William I of the Netherlands took off with all the official printing types, matrices, and punches in 1830, Belgian typographers were left facing a serious challenge: they urgently needed to print money, newspapers, and magazines for the newly-formed Kingdom of Belgium. Driven by necessity, new type foundries quickly emerged, and the first Belgian typefaces were born through innovation and craftsmanship.

Pennequin is a modern reimagining of a unique three-dimensional metal type for headlines, originally created by Charles Pennequin’s nineteenth-century type foundry in Brussels, established shortly before Belgium gained its independence. This typeface is part of the 'Typo Belgiëque' collection, a project reviving Belgium’s rich typographic heritage.

DE WINKELHAAK, known for its focus on accessible and functional products, introduces a pioneering concept: 'letter jewels'. These are plugged into a classic keyboard, turning an everyday object into a work of art for daily use. The result is a perfect fusion of beauty and functionality, design that sparkles under your fingertips every day.

Jo De Baerdemaeker redefines Belgian heritage

When type designer Jo De Baerdemaeker got the chance to revive old Belgian typefaces, the 'Typo-Belgiëque' collection was born, paying tribute to Belgian typographic heritage. This collection forms the basis for the very first Belgian type foundry, “Studio Type”, a platform where exclusive Belgian typefaces can be discovered and purchased.

Jo De Baerdemaeker is a well-established name in the world of typography. With prestigious clients like The New York Times and Microsoft, he belongs to the top of his field. He also designed the iconic typeface used by the city of Antwerp. With his craftsmanship and passion, Jo gives old heritage a contemporary interpretation, making it accessible once more for designers worldwide.

As a tribute to the launch of the first Belgian font foundry, DE WINKELHAAK wanted to have the honour of bringing these new typefaces to life. The keyboard – a faithful companion, on which we spend countless hours daily, both at home and at work – is the perfect canvas for a beautiful typeface!


Tim Van Damme: Belgian top designer of high-end keyboards

In the quest to complete this new project, DE WINKELHAAK discovered that one of the world’s most acclaimed keyboard designers hails from Belgium: Tim Van Damme, also known as Max Voltar from MVKB. Internationally recognised for his stunning, high-end keyboards, Van Damme's work is cherished by a dedicated group of discerning users. When you bring together a passionate type designer and a keyboard designer, sparks are bound to fly!


Voxdale: Innovative force behind the affordable realisation of the letter jewels

Next, Voxdale was brought in, a company with long-standing ties to DE WINKELHAAK. What once began as a promising start-up project has now grown into a leading company in the region, specialising in bold product development, engineering, and innovative hardware. Voxdale collaborates with international market leaders like Thule, Umicore, Mahindra, and Lazer and is known for its forward-thinking approach to complex technical challenges. Their expertise ensures that the keyboard concept remains practical and affordable without compromising on design and quality.

Watch a video clip with Koen Beyers, founder of Voxdale below.


Materials

The letter jewels are made from high-quality 6061-T6 aluminium, a widely used alloy known for its optimal balance between strength, corrosion resistance, and workability, properties also applied in the aviation, automotive, and shipbuilding industries. Each jewel is gold-anodised for a luxurious appearance and precisely laser-engraved for a refined finish. A polycarbonate clip is then added, allowing the key to retain the same smooth usability as the other keys on the keyboard.

The TYP letter jewels are exclusively available at DE WINKELHAAK and via this webshop.
With each purchase, you receive a FREE desktop licence for ST Pennequin, that you can install on up to three computers. The download link is included in the packaging.