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Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
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| Spec |  Mode Designs Mode Encore $299–$339 “Mode's 65% kit with hardwood accents and the Crown mounting system” |  Mode Designs Mode Sonnet $289–$349 “When you're ready to stop looking” Premium Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $299–$339 | $289–$349 |
| Size , different | 65% | 75% |
| Type | Kit | Kit |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Released , different | 2026 | 2022 |
| Mounting , different | Crown | Gasket |
| Case , different | Aluminum with a hardwood accent | Aluminum, Stainless Steel, or Wood |
| Colors , different | Black Sesame, Matcha Cream, Mocha Mushroom, Monterey Dune, Studio Light | Anodized Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Maple, Walnut, White Oak |
| 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 | 1.8-3.4kg (4-7.5lb, varies by config) |
| Dimensions , different | 326 x 125 mm (Mode) | 315 x 143 x 24mm |
| Typing angle | 5.5° | 5.5° |
| Front height , different | 12.5 mm (19.7 mm at the chamfer) | 19mm |
| Switches | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | Not included | Not included (kit) |
| PCB , different | Solder or hot-swap | Hot-swap or solder, flex cuts |
| Plates , different | POM, Aluminum, Carbon fiber, Copper | POM, Polycarbonate, FR4, Carbon Fiber, Aluminum, Copper, Brass |
| Battery , different | — | N/A (Wired model) |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin | MX-style |
| Software | QMK, VIA | QMK, VIA |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB | No | No |
| Features , different | 65% kit, Crown mount, Aluminum, Wood accent, Hot-swap or solder, QMK/VIA | Block Mount, Aluminum, Steel or Wood Case, Hot-swap or Solder PCB, QMK/VIA, Interchangeable Mounting Blocks, Flex-cut PCB, Daughterboard USB-C, Internal Weight |
| 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 | Builders who want to tune feel with swappable mounting blocks People who want a polished custom 75% without a group buy Wired desk setups where typing feel matters most Buyers happy to pick their own switches, keycaps and stabilizers |
| Skip if , different | Buyers who want a finished, ready-to-type board ISO layout users who want hot-swap Wireless users | Anyone on a tight budget People who want wireless or RGB Anyone who wants a keyboard that arrives already built Buyers who specifically want a gasket mount |
| 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) | Swappable mounting blocks let you choose a soft Lattice feel, a firmer Black Lattice feel or a top-mount build Tom's Hardware found the case sounded good with every switch and configuration it tried Hot-swap or solder PCB with QMK/VIA; Tom's Hardware reports up to four keymap layers in VIA Sold through a configurator rather than a group buy, though stock and ship dates vary by edition Written and video build guides, plus Discord support, per Mode |
| 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 | Cost climbs quickly with options; Tom's Hardware saw $661 for a near-maximum build before switches, keycaps and stabilizers Kit only: switches, keycaps and stabilizers are extra Wired USB-C only, with no backlight Tom's Hardware noted there is no gasket-mount option Individual editions sell out; one colorway showed as sold out on Mode's page when checked |
| 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 refined wired 75% kit whose strengths are its adjustable mounting blocks, material choices and a case that Tom's Hardware found sounds good however it is built. The catch is cost: the $289 starting price rises quickly with options and you still supply switches, keycaps and stabilizers. It suits builders who already know they want a premium wired 75%, and less so first-timers on a budget or anyone who wants wireless. |