Creating for a niche
a day ago
- #craftsmanship
- #community
- #niche products
- A bespoke mechanical keyboard designer, MtnKBD, is closing due to the high costs of shipping niche products globally.
- The author praises MtnKBD's Let's Tango keyboard for its superb craftsmanship and design, which ended their search for new keyboards.
- Similar to the keyboard maker, the author creates niche software tools like Table Slayer and Counter Slayer for small gaming audiences.
- These software projects are luxury items that allow the author to refine their craft, despite having a limited user base.
- The author charges for hosted versions of their open-source software to engage with paying customers and build community.
- The author's wife, a Bluegrass musician, supports their niche pursuits, and her hobby involves a small, passionate community.
- Both the keyboard and software niches highlight the value of creating for passionate, small audiences, even if it's not profitable.