THE SIXTYFIVE
Hi all! Jaicob from Mode here. I wanted to take a moment to share our latest offering, the SixtyFive, with the KeebTalk community.
The SixtyFive is a natural evolution of the ideas we explored with our first product, the Eighty. This time around, we’re taking everything we’ve learned and packaging it into a 65% form factor. A guiding principle of the SixtyFive is personalization – not only in regards to the exterior design but also the mounting style and plate materials. To further improve the personalization process, we've introduced a dedicated configurator tool to help you build the exact board you have in mind.
The configurator allows you to mix and match color and material options for each element of the keyboard. A render of your unique spec is generated in real-time and can be visualized from multiple angles and in different environments.
The configurator will continue to be updated with more information as we approach the preorder start date. You can try it out here.
MOUNTING SYSTEM
With the Eighty, we introduced the “stack mount” which provided a balanced typing feel, afforded solid acoustics, and reduced the number of parts needed for assembly. The SixtyFive architecture gives you the choice of three mounting styles that range in flex and acoustics.
Click to read more
- Top Mount - The plate is fastened directly into the top case, leaving space between the bottom of the PCB and the case for flex and more open acoustics.
- Isolated Top Mount - Soft silicone caps are slid over the plate tabs and fastened to the top case, isolating the plate material from the metal top case while still leaving room between the PCB and case.
- Stack Mount - The silicone base is fastened to the bottom case and fills the space beneath the PCB for maximum acoustic dampening and a firm but not unforgiving typing feel.
CASE CONSTRUCTION
The SixtyFive carries over the interlocking front lip design of the Eighty and uses four fasteners along the rear edge of the board to hold the top and bottom halves of the case together. The fasteners are covered by a decorative backpiece which clasps magnetically to the case. The backpiece is visible from the top of the board and will be available in a variety of finishes and materials such as brass, and copper to add another dimension of customization to your board.
LAYOUT SUPPORT
When we launched Mode we had not anticipated the amount of interest and support we received from folks outside the US, and with the SixtyFive we will be adding ISO support for both solderable and hotswap PCBs. The diagram below shows each of the supported layouts.
PLATE DESIGN
Click to read
- Three plate layouts will be offered; ANSI full-plate, ANSI half-plate, and a universal plate that supports both ANSI and ISO layouts.
- The plate design for the Eighty featured large cutouts so that stabilizers could be modified without desoldering. The SixtyFive plates will still allow easy stabilizer access but the size of the cutouts has been reduced. The extra material we've added means that switches of stabilized keys can snap into the plate. Stabilizers can be removed by removing just the one stabilized switch.
- Threaded standoffs are now components on the hotswap PCBs, so all plate materials can be used with them.
ENHANCEMENTS AND MINOR CHANGES
Click to read
- Possibility for flexible builds with top mount, PCB flex cuts and half plates.
- Improved daughterboard cables to make assembly and disassembly easier.
- New material options including brass, polycarbonate and titanium.
- Improved fit for larger keycap profiles i.e. SA/MT3
- Utilizes SKUF spec for feet and continues the use of C3 Unified Daughterboard.
SPECS
Click to read
- Size: 65%
- Weight: 2-4lbs/1-2kg unassembled, depending on material choices
- Typing angle: 5.5 degrees
- Front height: 19mm
- PCB: Hotswap and Solderable, QMK/VIA design work courtesy of Gondo
- ISO support: Yes
- Mounting: Top Mount, Isolated Top Mount, Stack Mount
- Connector: Centered USB Type-C
PRICING AND OPTIONS
The SixtyFive starts at $299 USD with standard options. Using the configurator, you will be able to specify each of the components in your ideal SixtyFive. This encompasses everything in the keyboard from the top case, bottom case, and backpiece to the plate, PCB, and internal silicone parts. Extras will be available in addition to your primary SixtyFive configuration. Pricing is as follows
Click to view option pricing
| Part | Material |
Option Cost |
| Top | Anodized Aluminum |
No Cost Option |
| Top | Electrophoresis-coated Aluminum |
+$10 |
| Top | Polycarbonate |
+$20 |
| Bottom | Anodized Aluminum |
No Cost Option |
| Bottom | Electrophoresis-coated Aluminum |
+$10 |
| Bottom | Polycarbonate |
+$15 |
| Bottom | Brass |
+$105 |
| Bottom | Copper |
+$120 |
| Bottom | PVD-coated Brass |
+$135 |
| Backpiece | Anodized Aluminum |
No Cost Option |
| Backpiece | Electrophoresis-coated Aluminum |
+$5 |
| Backpiece | Brass |
+$30 |
| Backpiece | Copper |
+$40 |
| Backpiece | PVD-coated Brass |
+$45 |
| Backpiece | Titanium |
+$50 |
| Plate | FR4, POM |
No Cost Option |
| Plate | Anodized Aluminum |
+$15 |
| Plate | Carbon Fiber |
+$20 |
| Plate | Brass |
+$35 |
| Plate | Copper |
+$40 |
| Plate | PVD-coated Brass |
+$45 |
| PCB | Solderable |
No Cost Option |
| PCB | Hotswap |
+$10 |
| Silicone Feet | Black, Yellow, Grey |
No Cost Option |
| Silicone Plate Caps | Black, Yellow, Grey |
No Cost Option |
| Silicone Base | Black, Yellow, Gray |
+$20 |
AVAILABILITY
Pre-orders for the SixtyFive will open on Friday, June 18th at 10AM PT. Review units will be in the hands of content creators starting from when the pre-order opens, with content rolling out on launch day and throughout the subsequent weeks.The pre-order will be unlimited in quantity. Additionally, the pre-order window will stay open for at least one month.We have done our best to estimate the number of each SixtyFive variants to manufacture. However, if demand for certain parts is higher than anticipated, later orders may ship out in a second batch (around early November). If this happens it will be made clear on the website.
Estimated Shipping Dates
Accelerated Fulfillment - early August (available for orders placed before July 1st)
What is accelerated fulfillment? Read more in our pricing/availability update.
Standard Fulfillment - early October
Second Batch - early November
Thanks for reading!
