Mechanical computer keyboards are a hot item right now. What started as something for hobbyists has morphed into quite an industry with custom keyboard manufacturers popping up all over the place and designing keyboards to suit every taste.
But first things first. Why are mechanical keyboards suddenly so popular? Traditional membrane keyboards just aren’t robust enough to take the punishment handed out by professional keyboard users like coders, writers and gamers.
Compared with membrane keyboards, the mechanical designs provide more travel, better tactile feedback and an ability to withstand up to a million presses before the keyboard switches need replacing.
Many modern mechanical keyboards use switches that are hot-swappable by the user. If a switch should stop working, the user can replace it in seconds. Users can choose from a selection of switches ranging from near-silent ones up to the type that sounds like a machine gun. Some people love the clacky noise of a great mechanical keyboard, while others prefer quieter designs that can still offer the kind of tactile feedback that so many people find so satisfying.
Mode Designs is a leader in the design and manufacture of high-end custom mechanical keyboards. The brand was established back in 2019 with a mission to elevate keyboards from being a simple commodity to a tool that offers endless customization possibilities that could last a lifetime.
Mode Designs is based in San Francisco and Boston and is staffed by a team of keyboard enthusiasts with backgrounds in engineering and creative work. The brand’s keyboards have already garnered acclaim thanks to their minimalist design, extensive customization options and a pleasing typing experience.
The latest mechanical keyboard from Mode is the Sonnet. This is a custom keyboard designed to enhance any workspace and make typing a joy. The Sonnet uses a new design using precision-milled and high-grade aluminum and copper. An expansive top accent piece makes up the Sonnet’s face with materials such as polished stainless steel and brushed brass. Each Sonnet is also built to order using a configurator system which enables the customer to visualize their ideal keyboard as they build it in real-time.
The typing sound and feel of the Sonnet have been fine-tuned to create a pleasant typing experience. Multiple mounting styles and plate materials enable the user to fully customize the sound profile of the keys and their tactile nature. The options range from silent to expressive as well as a choice of flexible or firm feedback.
The Sonnet has a 75% layout that conserves valuable desk space while still offering a row of function keys and arrows. Each key is fully programmable for quick access to frequently used functions. The switches are available as hot-swappable or soldered onto a PCB using any MX-style switches and keycaps. The Sonnet also offers native compatibility with macOS, Windows, and Linux operating systems.
The Sonnet follows on from the success of the Mode Eighty and Mode SixtyFive — two popular models that have an emphasis on minimalist design and a premium typing experience.
Pricing & Availability: The Sonnet is available for pre-order on modedesigns.com beginning April 29th, 2022 at 10 AM PST. Pricing starts at $299. Fulfillment is expected to begin in October 2022.
More info: modedesigns.com
Features:
- Build-to-order.
- Precision-milled metal chassis with smooth, bead-blasted surfaces.
- Upscale materials and finishes (including polished stainless steel).
- Endless color and material combinations.
- Engineered sound signature and typing feel.
- Fine-tunable via seven switch plate materials, two mounting styles, plus optional
- internal dampening.
- Compact 75% form factor with function row and arrow keys.
- Hot-swap and solder PCB options for ease of assembly.
- Compatible with all MX-style switches and keycaps.
- Native macOS, Windows, Linux support.
- Ergonomic 5.5-degree typing angle, low 19mm front height.
- Weight: Approx 3 – 7.5lbs assembled.
