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Pick two boards from the directory and see how they differ.
Shaded rows are where they differ.
| Spec |  Qwertykeys QK65 V2 $165–$175 “Your first custom shouldn't be this good” Best Value |  Mode Designs Mode Encore $299–$339 “Mode's 65% kit with hardwood accents and the Crown mounting system” |
|---|---|---|
| Price , different | $165–$175 | $299–$339 |
| Size | 65% | 65% |
| Type | Kit | Kit |
| Connectivity , different | Wireless + Wired | Wired |
| Released , different | 2024 | 2026 |
| Mounting , different | Gasket | Crown |
| Case , different | 6063 Aluminum | Aluminum with a hardwood accent |
| Colors , different | Anodized Black, Anodized Silver, Anodized Ice Blue, Spray-coated White, Spray-coated Retro White, Spray-coated Pink, Spray-coated Lilac, Spray-coated Black, Spray-coated Red | Black Sesame, Matcha Cream, Mocha Mushroom, Monterey Dune, Studio Light |
| Weight , different | 1.4kg before build, 1.75kg after build | 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 | 312.7 x 116.5mm | 326 x 125 mm (Mode) |
| Typing angle , different | 6.5° | 5.5° |
| Front height , different | 19.8mm | 12.5 mm (19.7 mm at the chamfer) |
| Switches | Mechanical | Mechanical |
| Profile | Standard | Standard |
| Keycaps , different | Not included (kit) | Not included |
| PCB , different | Tri-mode hot-swap, flex-cut or non-flex-cut, ANSI/ISO | Solder or hot-swap |
| Plates , different | Aluminum, FR4, PC, POM, Carbon Fiber | POM, Aluminum, Carbon fiber, Copper |
| Battery , different | 2x 2200mAh | — |
| Compatible switches , different | MX-style | MX-style 3-pin and 5-pin |
| Software , different | QK Config | QMK, VIA |
| NKRO | Yes | Yes |
| RGB , different | Yes | No |
| Features , different | Gasket or Top Mount, Aluminum Case, Hot-swap, QK Config software (no VIA/Vial), Tri-mode Wireless, Mini Screen, Customizable Weight & Badge, Daughterboard | 65% kit, Crown mount, Aluminum, Wood accent, Hot-swap or solder, QMK/VIA |
| Good for , different | First custom builds where you want wireless and hot-swap Typists who want to try gasket and top mount on one board Buyers who like personalizing case colors, badge and screen Windows users comfortable with QK Config | 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 | Anyone who needs VIA, VIAL or QMK-style remapping Buyers who need an F-row (65% layout) Buyers who want everything in the box Mac users who want a finished remapping tool (QK Config for Mac is labelled beta) | Buyers who want a finished, ready-to-type board ISO layout users who want hot-swap Wireless users |
| Pros , different | Tri-mode connectivity (USB-C, Bluetooth, 2.4GHz) with two 2200 mAh batteries Supports both PCB gasket mount and top mount, with plate cushions to reduce case ping Tool-free case opening and magnetic connectors make building and tuning quick Swappable weight, badge, screen bezel and LED bezel, with 12 top-case and 13 bottom-case choices Mini screen can show custom GIFs and the time Poron case foam in the box, and a 1 mm non-flex-cut foam option | 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 | No VIA or VIAL: remapping uses Qwertykeys' QK Config, which has known issues listed by the maker Kit only: switches and keycaps are extra The case relies on clips; spares are included, and an owner of the related QK65v2 Classic HE reported breaking the pre-installed pair The included NeoStabs are a free gift and not covered by warranty (SwitchKeys listing) The mini screen is a matter of taste; Sacred Keebs considers screens unnecessary but expects many buyers to like it Prices and availability depend on regional vendor sales | 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 feature-packed wireless 65% kit whose appeal is gasket-or-top-mount flexibility, easy assembly and personalization. The maker's materials and the reviews found support the value pitch. The main caveats are QK Config instead of VIA or VIAL, plastic case clips, and a kit that needs switches and keycaps. Check the vendor's kit contents, because they differ by listing. | 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. |