In 2013 Matteo 'Matt3o' Spinelli designed the Brownfox, a mechanical keyboard that evolved into the 2015 Massdrop (now Drop) crowdfunded WhiteFox. This classic proved that users really wanted an ultra-compact keyboard that didn't get rid of dedicated arrow keys, whilst using standard keycap sizing, fixing keycap compatibility issues that plagued earlier compact boards. It popularised the 65% layout and ignited the modern DIY custom mechanical keyboard movement.
Nearly 10 years later, the WhiteFox Eclipse takes that original design and updates it for a modern audience, making it a shoe-in for my list of the best keyboards for designers. What's even cooler is that it's currently down from $315 to $185 over at Apos!
Picture perfect
The Apos WhiteFox Eclipse is a 68% keyboard featuring a premium CNC-milled aluminium high-profile case and an innovative screwless magnetic assembly. Or at least, one of its versions comes like that. There's a low profile version that comes in a plastic shell, and as you can imagine, that costs significantly less – $99 to be exact! Either way, it sports pre-lubed Gateron Yellow switches, gasket mounting, and a hefty 5-pound build that delivers exceptional acoustics and stability.
Having both dual-mode connectivity, and a whopping 4,000mAh battery, means long-lasting wireless use. How long? Well, there are no official claims from Apos, but doing some research of similar batteries, I'm thinking with RGB Lighting on, you can expect approximately 20 to 30 hours of continuous use. And without? More like 150/200!
However, you are paying for that exceptional battery life, and beautiful looks. $185 is no joke... but further research leads me to believe that it could have a life span of around 7 years. $26 a year seems like a good investment to me.
