The Encore Keyboard
The Encore is a keyboard that celebrates classic design features explored through a juxtaposition of unique materials.
Designed by Mod Musings and produced by Mode Designs. Returning for an Encore Q4 2024. Sign up for our newsletter to get updates. Join the discussion on the Mode Discord.
The Encore
The Encore draws inspiration from classic mechanical keyboards–thick bezels and chamfered front edge–and reimagines them in a modern expression. Contrasting materials, curves, and lines create a striking yet minimal look for your desk. The feel and sound of the Encore deliver a distinct typing experience you’ll want to return to every day.
Encore Design Language
Bold lines meet elegant curves.
Design Highlights
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The Encore's face displays the natural textures of its American hardwood component, complemented by an aluminum front that divides the top and profile.
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The front of the Encore features a steep chamfered edge, often referred to as a "Cherry Lip." This design reduces the front height of the keyboard, for comfortable typing and contributes to its classic aesthetic.
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The bottom of the Encore is inset from the top piece, creating a distinct line around the keyboard. A subtle relief detail underneath is influenced by the curved forms on the front.
“The design of the bottom draws inspiration from the front curves of the Encore. The recessed impression amplifies the contrast of the straight and curved lines, resulting in an expressive but elegant detail.”
Matthew Encina
Founder & Creative Director at Mod Musings
How the Encore is Made
This collaboration was a year-long endeavor of design and development. Matthew Encina documented the entire process to show how the Encore came to be and how it was made.
Available in Four Colorways
Encore will launch with four different pre-configured color options. Click any image to view larger.
Black / White Oak / Black
White / White Oak / Copper
Green / Walnut / Copper
Black / Walnut / Black
Customize Your Typing Experience
Feel the Difference
Experience a variety of soft to firm typing styles. Encore supports both the classic Top Mount and Mode's Lattice Mount. All are included for you to try.
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Mode’s versatile Lattice Block Mounts let you easily customize your preference for typing feedback. The various blocks allow you to go for a soft and bouncy feel or stiffen the experience with one of the harder mounting blocks.
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If you prefer a classic typing style, the Encore can be built as an Isolated Top Mount where the switch plate is fastened directly to the top case. The result is a rigid yet responsive typing feel that typically has a lower-pitched sound signature.
Dial in the Details
Encore offers a variety of switch plate materials, ranging from copper to polypropylene. Pair these with your favorite switches and foam configuration to fine-tune your desired feel and sound.
Technical Specs
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Typing Angle: 5.5 degrees
Front Height: 12.5 mm (19.7mm at the top of the chamfer)
Width: 326mm
Depth: 125mm
Weight: 2.9lbs-6.2lbs assembled
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Layout: 65% (+/- 68 switches required)
Thickness: 1.6mm
Options: Hotswap or Solder PCB
Firmware: QMK/VIA supported
MCU: ARM
Compatibility: macOS, Windows, and Linux
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Case top: Aluminum and Hardwood (white oak or walnut)
Case bottom: Aluminum or copper
Available Plates: POM, FR4, Aluminum, Carbon Fiber, Copper, Polycarbonate, Polypropylene
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The Encore is a wired-only keyboard that connects to your device via a USB Type-C cable.
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Where to Purchase
The Encore, starting at $279, will be available for purchase as a limited in-stock drop from Mode Designs on June 12, 2024, and July 12, 2024. You can buy the kit and assemble it yourself or pay an additional fee to have the Mode team professionally build the Encore for you.
What’s included in the box
Keyboard chassis (top case + bottom case)
Plate of choice
PCB (hotswap or solder)
Daughterboard and JST Cable
Mounting block pack
Feet pack
Fastener pack
Screwdriver
Keycap and switch puller
Custom die-cut force break pad kit
Acoustic foam kit
Custom packaging with limited edition serialized authenticity card
Purchase does not include switches, stabilizers, lubrication, keycaps, or carrying case. Additional upgrades and accessories are available for purchase.
Gallery
Below is a collection of photos of the Encore. Click on any image to view it larger.
An Ambitious Collaboration
Mod Musings previously collaborated with Mode Designs on the Sonnet White Oak Accent. The success of this partnership led to a more ambitious exploration of natural materials and design. This culminated in a project that offers a distinct perspective on mechanical keyboards.
Designed by Mod Musings
The Encore is designed by Matthew Encina from Mod Musings, a design studio based in Los Angeles, California. Matthew is a creative professional with 20 years of experience in design, advertising, and content creation.
Learn more about Matthew Encina
Produced by Mode Designs
The Encore is manufactured and fulfilled by Mode Designs, an expert keyboard company based in the United States. Since 2019 Mode has produced a range of products known for their high quality, expansive customization, and innovative lattice block mount system.
Learn more about Mode Designs
Frequently Asked Questions
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Encore comes in 2 wood species and will have 4 variants:
Black / Oak / Black. Top: White oak / black anodized aluminum. Bottom: Black anodized aluminum.
Black / Walnut / Black. Top: Walnut / black anodized aluminum. Bottom: Black anodized aluminum.
White / Oak / Copper. Top: White oak / E-White aluminum. Bottom: Full copper.
Green / Walnut / Copper. Top: Walnut / Green anodized aluminum. Bottom: Full copper.
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Black / Oak / Black: $279, 200 units
Black / Walnut / Black: $279, 200 units
White / Oak / Copper: $529, 50 units
Green / Walnut / Copper: $529, 50 units
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Hotswap supports standard and stepped caps, 6.25U and 7U spacebar. Solder additionally supports both these options: split left shift, split backspace, and ISO Enter.
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Encore has two mounting systems: lattice and top mount. The same as the SixtyFive (2024)
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This product is made from natural materials, and you can expect variations in color and wood grain. Which is what makes each piece unique.
Wood naturally expands and contracts in various climates and seasons. The design of the Encore takes this into account to help prevent significant warping.
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The Encore features a two-piece top made of hardwood and aluminum. The aluminum component acts as a sturdy spine for the wood and is secured at five points with screws into threaded inserts. After the wood and aluminum are joined, they are hand-sanded together for a smooth finish.
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Each two-piece top (wood + alu) is finished together so the edges line up. You can technically swap tops, but it can result in a slightly offset edge.
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The wooden tops for the Encore are finely sanded and finished with Osmo Polyx-Oil (3031 Clear matte), an oil-wax blend. It’s extremely durable and hardwearing, and makes the wood dirt and water resistant.
Osmo Polyx-Oil can be spot-repaired and refreshed with no sanding required.
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- FR4
- Carbon Fiber
- Aluminum
- Brushed Copper
- PC (Polycarbonate)
- PP (Polypropylene)
- POM (Polyoxymethylene)
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Reach out to support@modedesigns.com if you need assistance.
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Encore will only be available through Mode.
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The Encore shares the same PCB, plates, foams, and mounting blocks as the Mode SixtyFive (2024). These internals will be interchangeable between Encore and the SixtyFive (2024).
The Encore uses the same PCB as the Envoy but will require the new Encore/SixtyFive plate.
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The Encore and SixtyFive share some DNA (internals), but are completely different designs. Encore was designed by Matthew Encina of Mod Musings, with help from the Mode team.
The Encore features thicker bezels and a “cherry lip” chamfer on the front edge of the board.
The SixtyFive will be continuously available to order. The Encore will be a limited quantity in stock drop.
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The Encore will be a first-come first-served in stock sale. Sign up for the newsletter to get notified of updates.
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Currently, there are no plans to do a second run. However, if Encore proves to be popular, we may consider future rounds.
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If you purchase the Encore kit with a hotswap PCB, switches, keycaps and stabilizers, you can add the build service to your cart, and Mode team will build it for you.
