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Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec |  Mode Designs Mode Encore $299–$339 “Mode's 65% kit with hardwood accents and the Crown mounting system” |  Keychron Keychron Q2 Max $230 “65% Q with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and a knob” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $299–$339 | $230 |
| Size | 65% | 65% |
| Type , different | Kit | Pre-built |
| Connectivity , different | Wired | Wireless + Wired |
| Released , different | 2026 | 2024 |
| Mounting , different | Crown | Gasket |
| Case , different | Aluminum with a hardwood accent | Aluminum |
| Colors , different | Black Sesame, Matcha Cream, Mocha Mushroom, Monterey Dune, Studio Light | Carbon Black, Shell White |
| Weight , different | 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 | 1528g assembled |
| Dimensions , different | 326 x 125 mm (Mode) | 327 x 121mm |
| Typing angle , different | 5.5° | 6.5° |
| Front height , different | 12.5 mm (19.7 mm at the chamfer) | 21mm without keycaps |
| Switches | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | Not included | Double-shot PBT, KSA |
| PCB , different | Solder or hot-swap | Hot-swap, south-facing RGB |
| Plates , different | POM, Aluminum, Carbon fiber, Copper | PC |
| Battery , different | — | 4000mAh |
| Compatible switches | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin |
| Software , different | QMK, VIA | QMK, VIA, Keychron Launcher |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB , different | No | Yes |
| Features , different | 65% kit, Crown mount, Aluminum, Wood accent, Hot-swap or solder, QMK/VIA | 65% with knob, Aluminum, Double gasket, QMK/VIA, 2.4GHz + Bluetooth, 4000mAh, Hot-swap |
| Good for , different | 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 | Compact-layout fans who want a low-latency wireless option Typists who like a quiet, foam-dampened sound Buyers who plan to tweak switches and keycaps |
| Skip if , different | Buyers who want a finished, ready-to-type board ISO layout users who want hot-swap Wireless users | People who dislike tall, steeply sloped keyboards Anyone needing function keys without layers Travelers |
| Pros , different | 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) | 2.4 GHz at 1000 Hz, Bluetooth 5.1 and wired, all in one board Tank-like build with sound-dampening foam; PowerUp! found no rattle from the factory-lubed stabilizers Compact 121 x 327 mm footprint at 1,528 g Hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches, QMK/VIA and a programmable knob Battery rated up to 180 hours by Keychron |
| Cons , different | 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 | Wirecutter criticises the tall case, steep fixed slope and tall keycaps No adjustable feet; PowerUp! recommends a wrist rest Slight but noticeable delay when switching between Bluetooth devices (PowerUp!) No function row on the 65% layout Heavy for a compact board |
| Research take , different | 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. | A strong wireless 65% for typing and casual gaming, praised by PowerUp! for build and rattle-free stabilizers. The fixed height and tall caps are why Wirecutter passed on it, so plan on a wrist rest. |