Compare
Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec |  CannonKeys CannonKeys Bakeneko65 $150 “CannonKeys' beginner aluminum 65% with an O-ring mount and included parts” |  Mode Designs Mode Encore $299–$339 “Mode's 65% kit with hardwood accents and the Crown mounting system” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $150 | $299–$339 |
| Size | 65% | 65% |
| Type | Kit | Kit |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Released , different | 2022 | 2026 |
| Mounting , different | O-ring gasket | Crown |
| Case , different | Cast aluminum (CannonKeys) | Aluminum with a hardwood accent |
| Colors , different | NG Blue Grey, NG Navy, NG White, NG Steel Blue, NG Khaki, NG Black, NG Dark Green, NG Lavender, NG Blush Red, NG Purple, Flash Black, Flash Grey, Pearl White, NG Sage, NG Charcoal | Black Sesame, Matcha Cream, Mocha Mushroom, Monterey Dune, Studio Light |
| Weight , different | About 590 g unbuilt (CannonKeys) | About 2.9 to 3.2 lb assembled (Mode build page), though Mode's story page says up to 6.2 lb; alexotos measured 1.22 kg for its build, which it also gives as 2 lb 13 oz |
| Dimensions , different | 65% | 326 x 125 mm (Mode) |
| Typing angle , different | 6° | 5.5° |
| Front height , different | Not listed | 12.5 mm (19.7 mm at the chamfer) |
| Switches | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps | Not included | Not included |
| PCB , different | Hot-swap | Solder or hot-swap |
| Plates , different | FR4 | POM, Aluminum, Carbon fiber, Copper |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin |
| Software | QMK, VIA | QMK, VIA |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB | No | No |
| Features , different | 65% kit, Polycarbonate, Gasket, Hot-swap, QMK/VIA | 65% kit, Crown mount, Aluminum, Wood accent, Hot-swap or solder, QMK/VIA |
| Good for , different | First-time custom builders People who want an easy, screw-free assembly Buyers who like a soft, cushioned O-ring feel | Builders who want a premium 65% with a soft, isolated mount People who like wood-and-metal design Hobbyists who already own switches and keycaps |
| Skip if , different | Experienced builders who want more options Anyone who wants screw-in stabilizers Those who want RGB lighting | Buyers who want a finished, ready-to-type board ISO layout users who want hot-swap Wireless users |
| Pros , different | Cast aluminum case with a removable silicone dampener (CannonKeys) O-ring mount needs no screws outside the USB port, making assembly simple (Tom's Hardware) FR4 plate, hot-swap PCB and clip-in stabilizers all included (CannonKeys) Tom's Hardware called it a great entry point to the hobby Silicone or zinc weight options (CannonKeys) Carrying case included (CannonKeys) | Crown mount with a wave spring, silicone spool and bushing at eight points (Mode) alexotos (sponsored, affiliate links) found the Crown system easy to install and the sound clean Natural hardwood accents with anodized aluminum in five colorways (Mode, PC Gamer) Four plate materials: POM, aluminum, carbon fiber and copper (Mode) QMK/VIA firmware and a hot-swap PCB with Gateron sockets (Mode, alexotos) Hand-tightened thumb screws make swapping between Crown and top mount quick (alexotos) |
| Cons , different | Tom's Hardware noted imperfections in the finish Less flex than the Bakeneko60 (Tom's Hardware) Only clip-in stabilizers are supported (Tom's Hardware) No flex cuts and warm-white-only backlighting on the PCB (Tom's Hardware) No sound-dampening foam is included (Tom's Hardware) Switches and keycaps are not included (CannonKeys) | Kit only: switches, keycaps and stabilizers are not included (Mode) Top-mount hardware is a separate purchase (alexotos) Hot-swap PCB does not support ISO, and the plates are ANSI only (alexotos, Mode) alexotos preferred the softer feel of the earlier lattice blocks Wired USB-C only, with no wireless option (Mode) Evidence is limited to one disclosed review, a press announcement and Mode's own pages |
| Research take , different | A beginner-friendly aluminum 65% that Tom's Hardware recommends for newcomers. It is simple and limited, so pick it for ease rather than depth. | A design-led premium kit whose main selling point is the new Crown mount, which alexotos found impressive. Evidence is limited to one disclosed review and Mode's own materials. |