Keycap Kevin: a silicone butt on a keyboard feels… wrong

What do ancient Egyptians, 90s Michelle Pfeiffer and now Zomoplus have in common? They all had and have their own way of paying homage to cats. The Egyptians built huge statues, Pfeiffer dressed and acted like the animal. But today we’re getting down to bare essentials. Namely with a body part we all know and tolerate, the cat butt. Thanks to the manufacturer from Shenzhen, China, you can now stick one on your keyboard.

Keycaps

Zomoplus Katzenpo

Keycaps

Zomoplus Katzenpo

A hidden gem

The keycap is simply called «cat butt». It comes in a small cardboard box. Opening the package, the butt greets me in another container made of plastic and rubber. One nice detail: the upper part comes in the shape of a conventional keycap.

After unpacking it, I discover another intriguing detail. This is quite evidently a boy cat. At its highest point, the keycap proudly presents his testicles to me. So, you don’t actually slap the cat on the butt while typing. No, you repeatedly punch it in the balls.

The testicles, and everything in white, are silicone. Zomoplus has omitted any penis replica, for reasons unknown. Still, at least an artificial anus has been added below the tail. This indentation as well as the rest of the visible keycap are made of aluminium. Aside from the purple paws, everything else is golden.

The underside of the keycap including the mounting mechanism for the switch is made of plastic. It is easy to put on and holds well on the switch.

Something’s wrong, I can feel it

My initial euphoria for the cap fades as soon as I press it for the first time. It just feels wrong. Here I am, having installed this cheesy tomcat butt on my keyboard. There he is, stretching out his crown jewels for all the world to see. And what do I do in response? I whack them. Over and over again.

Add to this is the fact that the whole thing is extremely malleable due to the silicone. When I press the key all the way down, it doesn’t stop like an ordinary keycap. No, I proceed to crush the poor little cat’s testicles too – the silicone gives way. Would it be better if they weren’t there? No, because it would still feel wrong to constantly pat a cat’s butt. Especially since I know from experience, bloody fingers included, that our feline friends hate it when you touch them anywhere near their rear end.

Funny, but not for me

Zomoplus has created a quirky novelty with the cat butt. Some may worship it like the ancient Egyptians did, others may view it in confusion.

I find it so cheesy that it almost becomes awesome again – but only almost. I’ve since removed the butt. The tomcat’s currently waiting in his cardboard box – which I’m sure he loves – for further use. And I’ve already got an idea what for.