Are you familiar with the keyboard brand Mode Designs?
This brand is still unfamiliar in Japan, but it is one of the keyboard brands that I have been paying attention to because of its high quality and unique construction.
Their new “SixtyFive,” released in 2024, is a gem that follows the “R1” model released in 2021, but is a conglomeration of years of progress created by incorporating the technology and user feedback they have developed over the years.
Prices start at $249.00, which is an inexpensive price for a high-end keyboard.
Let’s review the new “SixtyFive” in this issue.
Representative of GreenEchoes Studio
He launched his own media as a site operator and web writer, and now plans and manages multiple corporate media. He often types heavily in his work, and in his search for greater efficiency, he became addicted to the keyboard swamp and established “GreenKeys”.
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Conclusion: Mode Designs SixtyFive will be a keyboard of a lifetime.
Conclusion.
SixtyFive is very likely to be the best keyboard in the 65% keyboard, with ample potential to be your EndGame.
The sense of ownership created by the massive body, the beauty of the accent bar that comes into view, and the selectable block mount design… all of these elements are concentrated to satisfy your needs.
In addition, within the framework of SixtyFive, the system allows for semi-custom orders, so you can build a unit in the color of your choice.
You would be hard pressed to find a better option.
At the very least, this keyboard is going to be my 65% style EndGame.
This site is operated on an affiliate commission basis. Purchases made through the links above will generate revenue to operate GreenKeys. We would be very happy if you could help us run the site. （Even if a coupon code is not available, purchases made through the links below will generate We would be very happy if you could help us run the site.)
Product Specifications and Overview
Let’s take a quick look at SixtyFive’s product overview.
Distributors and vendors
The manufacturer and distributor is Mode Designs, located in Massachusetts, USA.
Sales vendors are located all over the world, but unfortunately Japan is not included.
List of Vendors
- Canada: Desk Hero
- EU: Keygem
- UK: Prototypist
- South Korea: Swag Keys
- Taiwan/Hong Kong: Inpad
- Thailand: Aiglatson Studio
- Vietnam: Soi Gear
- Philippines: Zion Studios
- Malaysia: Rebult Keyboards
- Singapore: Pantheon Keys
- Indonesia: Kukey Studio
- Australia: Switch Keys
KawamuraThis is a brand that makes really great keyboards, and we would love to increase the number of users in Japan.
included thing
Included in the package are the following
- Exclusive carrying case
- Key Cap Puller/Key Switch Puller
- Special tool (replaceable tip)
- Replacement block mounts (3 types)
- Spare screws
- rubber feet
- PCB
- daughter board
- keyboard chassis
Product Specifications
Typing angle | 5.5 degrees |
|---|---|
| Front height | 19.5 mm |
| range (e.g. of voice) | 313 mm |
| depth | 114mm |
| weight | 0.7kg-2.72kg after assembly |
| plate (often as in “tectonic plate”) | POM, FR4, aluminum, carbon fiber, copper, polycarbonate, polypropylene, nylon |
| PCB Thickness | 1.6mm |
| PCB Option | Hot swap or soldering |
| firmware | QMK/VIA support |
| microcontroller | ARM |
| case (e.g. receptacle, condition, event, legal action, letter style, etc.) | Aluminum, Polycarbonate |
| accent | Aluminum, steel, brass, wood |
| weight | Aluminum, copper, brass |
Mode Designs SixtyFive keystroke review
We recorded two different keystroke sounds by changing the keyswitch and mounting method.
First, here is the original “Lotus Linear” keyswitch installed, the mounting block is the “Green Lattice Block” which has the softest hitting feel, and Brass is selected for the plate.
This one has rather strong keyswitch characteristics and a cracky impression.
Next, here is a Gateron Pro Ultra Groly Yellow linear switch with a strong muted feel installed, the mounting block is the second-hardest “Solid Block” from the top, and Brass is selected for the plate.
KawamuraThe Japanese probably prefer this thocky keystroke sound.
Mode Designs SixtyFive Review
Let’s review it using photos of the actual device.
The SixtyFive order specs reviewed in this review are as follows.
Order code: S1A2B3B5B6B8B
- Top Case｜Black
- Bottom Case｜Brass
- Accent Bars｜Brass
- Weight｜Brass
- Rubber feet｜Black
- Switch Plate｜Copper
- PCB｜Hot-swappable option
- Keycap｜Obscura
- Key switch｜Lotus Linear
- Stabilizer｜DurockV2
- Form｜Yes
Appearance and Features
Let’s start with the exterior.
The layout is a general 65%, with a separate arrow key and a row of special keys on the right.
Obscura was chosen for the keycap.
The brass accent bar is a nice contrast to the black body and black keycap.
The ESC key is an Obscura Artisan Key Cap ($35.00).
There is no inaccuracy in the shaping of the stem part, which is common in metal keycaps, and the quality is very solid.
The typing angle is set at approximately 5.5 degrees.
The accent bar on the back is removable and can be easily removed with four neodymium magnets.
In the center of the rear panel is a USB Type-C port.
It is located at the very edge of the top case, but we could see that it is very precise with no interference.
The USB port uses Unified Dauterboard C3.
C4 with the same shape can also be used, but since the shape of the terminals on the daughter board side is different, a special cable that comes with the C4 when purchased is required.
KawamuraSince the terminals are independent, it is very good that the terminal area does not spoil the feel of hitting a key when compared to a board with integrated terminals.
The bottom weights are screwed on from the inside so as not to spoil the appearance.
Remove the keycap.
This time, the Copper plate is used for Lotus linear switches.
This exquisite brown color is irresistibly cool.
KawamuraPersonally, this was my first time with copper plates, and my first impression was that there was little rebound and a very tight hitting feel.
Carbon fiber is recommended for those who prefer the bouncy feel of a keystroke.
It is not easy to find a brand that provides carbon fiber plates, so you can buy several of them for replacement.
disassembly
Now let’s disassemble it.
SixtyFive has no screws in visible places, perhaps because of its emphasis on external beauty.
Therefore, when removing the top case, it is necessary to remove four screws at the end of the accent bar.
When the screws are removed, five block mounts are exposed.
KawamuraIt is a very nice mechanism to be able to change the keystroke feel by simply removing the top frame and replacing the block mounts.
- Isolated Top Mount｜Hardest hitting feeling. Mounted with the second block from the bottom and screws.
- Solid Block｜The second hardest keystroke. The rubber block in the middle is inserted into the board and mounted between the upper and lower cases.
- Black Lattice Block｜Medium strike. The black block at the top is inserted into the board and mounted between the upper and lower cases.
- Half Lattice Block｜Medium keystroke feel. The second green block from the top is inserted into the board and mounted between the upper and lower cases.
- Green Lattice Block｜The softest keystroke feel. The bottom spongy block is inserted into the board and mounted between the top and bottom cases.
By replacing five different blocks like this, you can enjoy the change in keystroke feel and sound.
Just think how many different combinations of this with different plates there are!
The blocks can be easily replaced in this way.
Inside the top frame was an indentation where the block fits snugly.
The space bar can be shifted to accommodate both 6.25u/7u switches.
As for the substrate, we use the one common to Envoy.
The board name is “M256-WH” and the MCU is ARM-based, allowing keymap changes using VIA.
Mode Designs SixtyFive is an attractive place to buy.
- High quality that satisfies the desire for ownership.
- Can be ordered to your liking.
- Extremely wide range of keystroke customization
The quality of all components is high and satisfies the desire for ownership.
The most attractive thing about SixtyFive, after all, is its high quality.
In the three years since its release in 2021, Mode Designs itself has brushed up its technology, and we appreciate that this keyboard, packed with such technology, is not only highly practical but also very complete in terms of aesthetics.
Just having it on my desk is a pleasure to have.”
It is a highly satisfying work of art.
Can be ordered according to one’s own preferences
SixtyFive uses a semi-custom ordering system called “Configure Yours,” which allows you to create your own personalized vehicle.
Let’s take a look at the examples posted on the official website.
A top case in blue-gray with multi-colored accents would look very cool.
The choice of green top case, silver mirror bottom case Copper weights, and Fluted Copper accents makes it look very classy.
If you choose polycarbonate for the top/bottom case, black mirror for the weights, and silver mirror for the accents, you will get a highly transparent and gentle impression.
This is a very heavy looking keyboard with a black top case and Copper bottom case with walnut accents selected.
In addition, we offer the option of having your personal design engraved on the bottom case.
Thus, one of the charms of SixtyFive is that it can be made “completely to your liking.
Extremely wide range of keystroke customization
The last thing to note is the variety of keystroke feel provided by the block-mounted system.
Thus, by replacing the mounting block, it is possible to adjust the hardness from hard to soft in five steps to one’s preference.
- Isolated Top Mount｜Hardest hitting feeling. Mounted with the second block from the bottom and screws.
- Solid Block｜The second hardest keystroke. The rubber block in the middle is inserted into the board and mounted between the upper and lower cases.
- Black Lattice Block｜Medium strike. The black block at the top is inserted into the board and mounted between the upper and lower cases.
- Half Lattice Block｜Medium keystroke feel. The second green block from the top is inserted into the board and mounted between the upper and lower cases.
- Green Lattice Block｜The softest keystroke feel. The bottom spongy block is inserted into the board and mounted between the top and bottom cases.
Also, since the keystroke feel varies greatly depending on the plate, finding your favorite combination will surely be fun!
Things to keep in mind before buying Mode Designs SixtyFive
- High shipping costs to the U.S.
- Semi-customization makes it difficult to make a choice.
- Basically, you need to assemble it yourself.
Shipping costs outside the U.S. are relatively high.
For international purchases, shipping costs are determined by the “weight” and “size” of the product and the distance to the shipping country.
For example, if you are buying within the U.S., shipping costs will not be a major issue.
However, if you purchase from outside the U.S., you will be charged a reasonable shipping fee.
For example, the shipping cost to Niigata Prefecture, Japan, where I live, is $40.50 by DHL Express.
It will be difficult to reduce shipping costs any further as there is no other option but DHL.
However, If the main unit accounting amount exceeds a certain amount, there may be a campaign offering a discount (perhaps up to half price) on shipping charges!
Semi-customization makes it difficult to make a choice.
SixtyFive as well as Mode Designs products can be semi-custom ordered by yourself.
The wide range of choices means that there are many more items for you to decide on, which creates the happy disadvantage of worrying about them.
If you “just can’t choose,” you can refer to the combinations listed on the official website.
Another way is to refer to the official Discord and other communities, as it is possible to share build code.
Basically needs to be assembled by yourself
SixtyFive is made to semi-custom order and is essentially a barebone (pre-assembled) unit.
Therefore, you must assemble the selected parts yourself.
Assembly instructions are also included, and those who have assembled plastic models before will have no problem assembling the model.
If you are not confident in assembly or do not have time to assemble, please consider the Build Service, which is also available.
summary
This is our review of Mode Designs SixtyFive.
I first encountered Mode Designs’ “block mounting system” when the Envoy was released, when there were still only two mounting block options and the way the blocks were arranged was very different from today.
Even then, I was amazed at the great feel of the keys, but I was even more amazed at the upgraded block-mounting system on the SixtyFive.
Mode Designs’ development attitude is remarkable, as they pursue their own originality in a straightforward manner.
We felt that SixtyFive was able to be completed because of such a company.
Why don’t you order a one-of-a-kind vehicle from Mode Designs?
This site is operated on an affiliate commission basis. Purchases made through the links above will generate revenue to operate GreenKeys. We would be very happy if you could help us run the site. （Even if a coupon code is not available, purchases made through the links below will generate We would be very happy if you could help us run the site.)
