Mode Designs announces the 2026 Sonnet and Encore models. Two new keycaps are also released at the same time.

I still like the idea of Mode Designs.

On March 4, 2026, Mode Designs updated its discord channel to announce the simultaneous release of two new keycaps, Monterey and Cacao, with updates to Encore and Sonnet for the new 2026 edition.

This looks good.

Let me introduce a few.

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What is Mode Designs?

Many of you may not yet know Mode Designs.

Mode Designs is a high-end custom keyboard brand from the United States.

The company’s block mounting system maximizes the range of flexibility of the gasket-mounted structure.

In other words, grading in softness is possible, not “just softness.

Mode Design Features

• Minimalist design philosophy
• Precise material selection is possible
• High-precision finishing and metal fabricated products
• QMK/VIA compatible, open firmware
• Various mounting methods and sound tuning

As for Greenkeys, we have two models to review.

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New keycap set: Monterey & Cacao

Let’s first look at the new keycap set that went on stock sale at this time.

Monterey Keycaps

Monterey Keycaps

• Color scheme: modern beige with off-white legend. The motif is based on the sand dunes of Monterey, California.
• Material: Same as Cacao, proprietary PBT/ABS blend (aiming for a balance between sound and shine resistance).
• Legend: Handwork design / emphasis on visual balance and alignment, based on Neue Haas Grotesk.
• Formulation: Double-shot and hard to disappear legend.
• Profile / Compatibility: Cherry Profile / MX compatible.
• Kit coverage (Base kit): Full size to 60%, covering HHKB, Tsangan/WKL, Alice, 40s, GK64, Terminal ISO, etc.
• Approximate price/shipping: $59.99, expected to ship May 2026.

I personally like Mode’s keycaps because of the “hybrid material” used.

Inevitably, the PBT material tends to swing to a thumping sound, and it is difficult to make a crackly typing sound.

ABS material would be donkey-cracky, but the shiny surface would be a concern.

In this respect, this keycap made of hybrid material is a good choice.

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Cacao Keycaps

• Color scheme: rich dark brown withtan (light brown) legends. Cocoa bean motif.
• Material: Proprietary PBT/ABS blend (tuned for “full” sound while increasing surface resistance to shine).
• Legend: In-house hand-designed, with emphasis on visual balance and alignment. The original base was Neue Haas Grotesk.
• Formulation: Double-shot, with a hard-to-disappear legend.
• Profile / Compatibility: Cherry Profile / MX compatible.
• Kit coverage (Base kit): Full size to 60%, HHKB, Tsangan/WKL, Alice, 40s, GK64, Terminal ISO, etc. widely covered.
• Approximate price/shipping: $59.99, expected to ship May 2026.

It’s a calm, non-black color, perfect for a stately desk set.

It is nice that it can be easily adapted to any configuration from modern to retro.

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Model Year 2026: Encore Series & Sonnet

The focus will be on this.

Encore Series 2026

The mode’s 65% keyboard “Encore” is now available as an updated version.

The following keepers have been revamped, including new colors and the adoption of a new mounting system.

Starting with Encore, it will be part of Mode Designs’ permanent collection and will now be sold year-round.

The improved availability will be a major benefit, as the product had previously been sold on a limited basis.

In addition, although multiple series have been developed, as for the year-round sales model, it appears that the aluminum body with wood accents will be sold stock in a method that makes use of wood accents.

The wide bezel creates a fusion of wood and aluminum that is super cool.

The color lineup has also been revamped as follows

Color Lineup

• Black Sesame
• Matcha Cream
• Studio Light
• Mocha Mushroom
• Montrey Dune

It also employs the latest “crown mount system” (used in Proologue) and

Providing the most satisfying typing experience ever.”

The company is committed to

Sonnet

The mode representative 75% model “Sonnet” has also been brushed up to 2026 specifications.

However, it does not have a drastic renewal like Encore and seems to be a keep-concept.

The exterior of the new model faithfully follows the original design while the internal acoustics have been improved. The crown mounting system is not used, and the block mounting system is the same as before.

As for the improved internal acoustics, the steel-weighted, microsuede hose-grade pads and redesigned footpads seem to reduce unwanted resonance and produce a cleaner keystroke sound compared to previous models.

The color lineup is as follows

Color Lineup

• Black Sesame
• Forest Mocha
• Studio Light
• Golden Beige
• Steel Mushroom

Information reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR1xkOp5U1g&t=11s

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Summary｜A chance to experience Mode Designs’ philosophy

These are the updates we have reported on Mode Designs.

What you said at the end of the video resonates strongly with us as Greenkeys.

A keyboard should be a joy to see, hear, and touch.

As we have always communicated since the launch of this media, we believe that the significance of a keyboard is not “to type” but “to provide a typing experience” for the user.

Greenkeys’ philosophy is also consistent with their words.

A keyboard brand with a philosophy with which the author is very sympathetic.

I am looking forward to the launch.

*Prices and availability vary; be sure to check the official Mode website.

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