Vany Alice × Whatever Studio Review: Why You’ll Fall in Love With Its Butterfly-Inspired Design

There’s something about premium keyboards that just pulls you in, isn’t there? Maybe it’s the satisfying clack of the keys, the way they feel under your fingertips, or the sheer artistry that goes into designing them. For me, though, it’s the combination of all three—and then some. Four years ago, I built my very first high-end keyboard, and while that old switch-and-kit setup doesn’t see much use anymore, it sparked a love for custom boards that’s stuck with me ever since. So when I heard about the Vany Alice from Whatever Studio, I knew I had to get my hands on it. And let me tell you, this keyboard didn’t just meet my expectations—it blew them out of the water.

The Vany Alice isn’t just another keyboard; Imagine a split keyboard designed with the elegance and grace of a butterfly—because that’s exactly what it is. The team at Whatever Studio took the already-beloved Alice layout and turned it into something truly special. From its sleek aluminum case to the intricate butterfly-inspired details, this keyboard feels like it was made for people who appreciate both form and function. It’s not just about typing comfortably (though it nails that too); it’s about creating an experience that makes you stop and say, “Woah.”

What really stood out to me, though, wasn’t just how good it looked—it was how thoughtfully everything came together. Whether it’s the customizable lighting that makes the copper butterfly badge glow, the raised tent design that keeps your wrists relaxed, or the multiple mounting options that let you tweak the feel to your liking, every detail feels intentional. Oh, and did I mention it comes in eight stunning colorways? Yeah, this thing is as versatile as it is beautiful.

Design and Aesthetics

The Vany Alice keyboard is nothing short of a masterpiece. Let’s start with the most obvious feature—the butterfly theme. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “A butterfly-inspired keyboard? Really?” But trust me, it works. The whole concept ties together so well that you’ll wonder why no one thought of it sooner. The keyboard is split into two halves, mimicking butterfly wings, and the design elements are carefully crafted to reinforce that idea. It’s not just slapped on as an afterthought—it’s integrated into every aspect of the keyboard’s look and feel.

At the front of the board, you’ve got this gorgeous little butterfly badge. It’s made from copper, which gives it this luxurious, high-end vibe, and the mirror finish makes it shine like crazy under the right lighting. But here’s where it gets even cooler: the badge isn’t just static. Surrounding the metal butterfly is a customizable lighting effect that adds a subtle glow, almost like the butterfly is alive. And get this—the Caps Lock indicator is cleverly built into the logo itself. So when Caps Lock is on, the butterfly lights up in a way that feels intentional and seamless, not tacky or overdone.

Flip the keyboard over, and you’ll find another stunning butterfly design on the base. This one is a bit more intricate, with black resin and white acrylic forming the body and wings, while stainless steel and pure copper add weight and texture. The white acrylic parts are backlit by independent FPC lights, creating this ethereal glow that spills onto your desk. Depending on the angle, the light reflects off the wings and creates this mesmerizing effect that feels almost magical. It’s hard to describe until you see it in person, but it’s the kind of thing that makes you stop mid-typing just to admire it.

The overall silhouette of the keyboard also plays into the butterfly theme. The case has these angular cuts along the edges that give it a sharp, modern look, but they’re designed in such a way that they subtly resemble a butterfly’s shape. Even the raised tent design on the front contributes to the illusion, making the keyboard look like it’s mid-flight. The floating concept borrowed from Whatever Studio’s Paper series ensures that the bottom part of the keyboard doesn’t touch the desk, allowing light to flow underneath and enhancing the visual appeal. Honestly, it’s the kind of design that makes you want to show it off at a keyboard meetup—or maybe just keep it all to yourself because it’s that special.

And then there are the color options. Eight of them! You’ve got vibrant choices like Blue, Purple, and Pink if you want your setup to pop, or sleeker options like Black, Anodized Silver, and Anodized Gray Gold for a more professional vibe. Personally, I went with the Black variant, and it’s absolutely stunning. The anodized finishes on some of the colors give the aluminum case a brushed, premium look that feels like it belongs in a luxury showroom. Each color option keeps the butterfly badge intact, ensuring that the thematic consistency remains strong regardless of which one you choose.

Another thing worth mentioning is how cohesive everything feels. Every line, curve, and detail seems purposeful. There’s no wasted space or unnecessary clutter—it’s clean, elegant, and balanced. Even the key layout has been subtly adjusted to enhance the overall harmony. The spacing between the switches is uniform, and the tilt of the keycaps aligns perfectly with the rest of the design. They’ve even added gap lighting at the junctions where the keycaps meet, which creates this soft, diffused glow that ties everything together beautifully.

Build Quality and Features

Now, let’s talk about the case. The Vany Alice is fully made from aluminum, which gives it this incredibly sturdy, high-end feel. You can tell right away that this isn’t some flimsy plastic board—it’s heavy, weighing in at around 2 kg, and every part of it feels meticulously crafted. The aluminum casing has this sleek, polished finish (depending on the colorway you choose), and the attention to detail is insane. For example, the screwless design means there are no visible screws marring the clean lines of the case. Instead, it uses a ball catch system, which is one of those small but genius touches that makes custom keyboards so satisfying to use. It’s smooth, secure, and just feels right when you’re assembling or disassembling the board.

Now, let’s dive into the PCB and mounting systems because this is where things get really interesting. The Vany Alice comes with two PCB options: a default 1.6mm non-flex cut PCB and an optional 1.2mm flex cut PCB. Both are hot-swappable, which is a huge plus if you like to experiment with different switches. Want to try linear switches one day and tactile ones the next? No problem—just pop them in and out without needing to solder anything. The PCB itself is pretty standard in terms of specs, but what sets it apart is how well it integrates with the rest of the keyboard’s design. Everything feels cohesive, like all the components were designed to work together seamlessly.

Speaking of working together, let’s talk about the mounting systems. The Vany Alice offers three different mounting styles: silicon gasket mount, O-ring mount, and bean mount. Each one gives the keyboard a slightly different feel. If you’re looking for maximum stability, go with the silicon gasket mount—it keeps everything nice and firm. If you want more flex for a softer typing experience, the bean mount is your best bet. Personally, I went with the O-ring mount for my first build, and I think it strikes the perfect balance between the two. It provides just enough flex to take the edge off the keystrokes while still maintaining that satisfying stability. Plus, the O-ring mount adds a subtle bounce to the keys that feels really pleasant under your fingers.

Another thing worth mentioning is the plate options. By default, the keyboard comes with an FR4 plate, which is a solid choice for most users. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt for a polycarbonate (PC) plate or even an aluminum plate. Each material changes the sound profile and typing feel slightly, so it’s another layer of customization that lets you fine-tune the experience to your liking. For example, the PC plate tends to give a brighter, crisper sound, while the aluminum plate adds more weight and dampens the sound a bit. It’s these kinds of details that make the Vany Alice such a joy to tinker with.

Let’s not forget about the switches and keycaps, either. For my build, I used FJ400 switches, which have this lovely poppy sound profile that’s crisp without being too harsh. Paired with the PE foam installed inside the case, the sound profile ends up being surprisingly balanced. It’s not overly marbly or creamy like some keyboards with PE foam can be—it’s just… clean. And the Osum Winter Glow keycap set I threw on top? Absolutely gorgeous. The colors complement the blue variant of the keyboard perfectly, and the legends are sharp and easy to read. Together, they create a typing experience that’s as enjoyable to hear as it is to see.

One minor gripe I do have, though, is the vertical USB port. I’m not a huge fan of this design choice because it doesn’t play well with coiled cables (which I happen to love). The cable doesn’t sit flush against the port, so it sticks out awkwardly instead of lying flat. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re particular about cable management.

Finally, let’s touch on the wrist rest options because they deserve a shoutout. The Vany Alice comes with two choices: a full CNC split wrist rest or a more affordable wooden integrated wrist rest. Both are designed with ergonomics in mind, and they pair beautifully with the keyboard’s tented design. The input angle is set at 6.5°, which might not sound like much, but trust me—it makes a world of difference. Typing on the Vany Alice feels natural and comfortable, even during long sessions. My wrists didn’t feel strained at all, and I could tell that a lot of thought went into making sure the layout aligns with the natural movement of your fingers.

Ergonomics and Comfort

The Alice layout itself is inherently ergonomic. If you’re new to this style, here’s the deal—it splits the keyboard into two halves, with the left side slightly staggered forward. This design mimics the natural position of your arms when typing, reducing strain on your shoulders and elbows. The Vany Alice takes this concept and elevates it even further. The team at Whatever Studio made subtle adjustments to the angles of the left and right halves, as well as the spacing between switches, to ensure that everything feels uniform and intuitive under your fingers. It’s like they studied how your hands move and then built a keyboard around that.

One thing I noticed right away is how much more natural my typing posture felt. My fingers didn’t have to stretch awkwardly to reach keys, and my wrists stayed in a neutral position. Over long typing sessions, this made a noticeable difference—I wasn’t reaching for my wrist massager afterward, which is always a win in my book.

Tent Design and Input Angle

Another big factor in the Vany Alice’s comfort is its tent design. For those unfamiliar, “tenting” refers to the slight upward angle of the keyboard halves, which helps reduce strain on your wrists by keeping them in a more natural position. The Vany Alice has an input angle of 6.5°, which might not sound like much, but trust me, it’s enough to make a difference without feeling exaggerated or uncomfortable.

Through multiple sample tests (as mentioned in the product details), the designers found that higher slopes can actually increase pressure on the outer part of your wrists against the desk. By keeping the angle at 6.5°, they’ve struck a perfect balance—your wrists stay relaxed, and the front height of the keyboard remains manageable. Speaking of height, the tent front sits at 30mm, while the palm rest front height is slightly lower at 23.8mm. These measurements might seem minor, but they contribute to a typing experience that feels effortless and supportive.

Wrist Rest Options

No ergonomic keyboard is complete without a proper wrist rest, and the Vany Alice offers two fantastic options. First up, there’s the full CNC split wrist rest. This one is a work of art, matching the premium feel of the keyboard itself. It’s heavy, sturdy, and perfectly aligned with the butterfly theme. Typing with this wrist rest feels luxurious, like you’re treating your hands to a spa day.

If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, the wooden integrated wrist rest is an excellent alternative. It’s lighter than the CNC option but still provides the same level of support and comfort. Both options are designed with the butterfly concept in mind, so they pair seamlessly with the keyboard’s aesthetic while maintaining that all-important ergonomic functionality.

Fine-Tuned Key Layout

The attention to detail doesn’t stop at the overall design—the key layout itself has been fine-tuned for maximum comfort. The spacing between switches is uniform, and the tilt of the keycaps aligns perfectly with the natural movement of your fingers. Even the gap lighting at the junction where the keycaps meet adds to the harmony of the design. It’s these little tweaks that make typing on the Vany Alice feel so smooth and intuitive.

Sound Profile

One of the first things I noticed about the Vany Alice is how well-balanced its sound profile is. For my build, I paired FJ400 switches with the Osum Winter Glow keycap set, and the result was nothing short of impressive. These linear switches are known for their smooth keystrokes and slightly “poppy” sound signature, but the inclusion of PE foam inside the case adds just enough dampening to keep things refined without muting the overall tone.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. Normally, PE foam can give keyboards that characteristic “marbly” or “creamy” sound—think deep, thocky tones that some people love but others find overwhelming. With the Vany Alice, though, the sound isn’t overly marbly or creamy. Instead, it strikes a perfect middle ground. It’s crisp without being harsh, soft without being dull, and poppy without being overbearing. Every keystroke feels deliberate and satisfying, whether you’re typing up a storm or gaming late into the night.

The gap lighting at the junctions where the keycaps meet also plays a subtle role in enhancing the auditory experience. While it doesn’t directly affect the sound, the way the light diffuses creates a calming ambiance that complements the balanced acoustics. It’s like listening to your favorite song in a room with perfect lighting—it just feels right.

Mounting Systems and Their Impact on Sound

As I mentioned earlier, the Vany Alice offers three mounting systems: silicon gasket mount, O-ring mount, and bean mount. Each one affects the sound profile slightly, so let’s talk about how they differ.

• Silicon Gasket Mount: This option provides maximum stability and minimizes flex, resulting in a firmer, more muted sound. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, this might be your go-to choice.
• Bean Mount: On the other end of the spectrum, the bean mount introduces the most flex, giving the keys a softer, bouncier feel. This setup tends to produce a slightly higher-pitched, springier sound that some enthusiasts absolutely adore.
• O-Ring Mount: My personal favorite, the O-ring mount strikes a happy medium between the two extremes. It adds just enough flex to take the edge off each keystroke while maintaining a stable, satisfying sound. To me, it sounds clean, clear, and perfectly balanced—a Goldilocks zone for both comfort and acoustics.

No matter which mounting system you choose, the Vany Alice delivers a sound profile that’s versatile and enjoyable. And if you’re someone who likes to tinker, swapping out plates (FR4, polycarbonate, or aluminum) and trying different switch combinations will let you fine-tune the sound even further.

Software and Connectivity

The Vany Alice is a wired-only keyboard, which might be a dealbreaker for some people who prefer wireless freedom. However, if you’re like me and value the stability and zero-latency performance of a wired connection, this won’t bother you in the slightest. The keyboard uses a vertical USB port, which is where things get a bit tricky.

Now, I’ll admit—I’m not a huge fan of vertical USB ports, especially when paired with coiled cables (which I love using). The cable doesn’t sit flush against the port, so it sticks out at an awkward angle instead of lying flat. It’s not a catastrophic issue by any means, but it does make cable management slightly less clean than I’d prefer. If you’re particular about how your desk setup looks, this might irk you a little. That said, the connection itself is rock-solid, with no noticeable lag or interruptions during use.

VIA Compatibility

One of the standout features of the Vany Alice is its compatibility with VIA software, a favorite among keyboard enthusiasts. VIA allows you to remap keys, create custom layers, and adjust lighting effects with ease.

For example, let’s say you want to turn your right Alt key into a dedicated Emoji picker shortcut or assign macros to specific keys—VIA makes it a breeze. The software interface is intuitive and beginner-friendly, so even if you’re new to custom keyboards, you won’t feel overwhelmed. Plus, the fact that the Vany Alice supports hot-swappable switches means you can experiment with different switch types and customize their behavior through VIA. It’s a winning combination that adds tons of versatility to your typing experience.

Lighting Control

While the Vany Alice isn’t marketed as an RGB-heavy keyboard, its lighting features are tastefully integrated into the overall design. The butterfly badge on the front, for instance, has customizable lighting that lets you tweak the glow to match your setup. Similarly, the gap lighting at the junctions where the keycaps meet adds a subtle touch of ambiance without being over-the-top.

Through VIA, you can adjust the brightness, color, and effects of these lighting zones, giving you plenty of options to personalize your keyboard’s aesthetic. Whether you want a soft, understated glow or something more vibrant and eye-catching, the Vany Alice lets you dial it in to your liking. And because the lighting is designed to complement the butterfly theme, it never feels out of place—it enhances the overall look rather than distracting from it.

Pros and Cons

Final Verdict

At the end of the day, the Vany Alice is more than just a keyboard—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of product that makes you stop and admire the craftsmanship, while also providing a typing experience that’s second to none. If you’ve been on the fence about trying an Alice layout or splurging on a high-end custom board, the Vany Alice is the perfect excuse to take the plunge.

First and foremost, the design of the Vany Alice is nothing short of breathtaking. The butterfly theme isn’t just slapped on as an afterthought—it’s woven into every aspect of the keyboard, from the copper badge at the front to the intricate resin-and-acrylic butterfly on the base. The glowing accents, angular cuts, and floating concept all come together to create a cohesive aesthetic that feels both luxurious and purposeful. And with eight stunning color options, there’s a Vany Alice for everyone.

But the Vany Alice isn’t just about looks—it’s packed with features that cater to both comfort and customization. The ergonomic Alice layout, combined with the 6.5° tent angle and dedicated wrist rest options, ensures that typing feels natural and strain-free, even during marathon sessions. The multiple mounting systems (silicon gasket, O-ring, and bean mount) let you fine-tune the feel of the keyboard to your liking, while the hot-swappable sockets and optional plates give you endless possibilities for experimentation.

Sound-wise, the Vany Alice strikes a perfect balance. It’s crisp without being harsh, soft without being dull, and poppy without being overbearing. Whether you’re typing, gaming, or just enjoying the tactile feedback of your switches, the sound profile is satisfying and refined. And thanks to VIA compatibility, you can customize keybindings, lighting effects, and more to make this keyboard truly your own.

That said, the Vany Alice isn’t without its quirks. The vertical USB port might not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially if you’re a fan of coiled cables. And while the price tag reflects the premium build quality and unique design, it might be a bit steep for some buyers. But if you’re willing to invest in a top-tier keyboard, the Vany Alice delivers value that justifies the cost.

So, should you buy it? Absolutely—if you can swing the price and you appreciate the blend of artistry, ergonomics, and performance, the Vany Alice is a no-brainer. It’s not just a tool for typing; it’s a statement piece that elevates your entire setup. So now I can say that the Vany Alice by Whatever Studio is a triumph—a keyboard that combines beauty, comfort, and functionality in a way that few others can match. If you’re ready to treat yourself to something truly special, this butterfly-themed masterpiece is waiting to spread its wings on your desk.