A basic keyboard returns because the hot-swappable, wi-fi WhiteFox Eclipse

The WhiteFox Eclipse is a brand new wi-fi mechanical keyboard that harks again to a basic neighborhood design. It’s based mostly on the unique WhiteFox, a undertaking that performed an enormous half in bringing customized keyboards into the mainstream, however with an up to date set of specs and options that mirror simply how a lot the scene has moved on since designer Matteo Spinelli hand-wired the unique precursor to the WhiteFox again in 2013.

Clearly, meaning the Eclipse is hot-swappable, permitting its inventory Gateron Yellow Linear switches to be rapidly eliminated and changed with out the necessity for desoldering, and it’s gasket-mounted to present it a softer feeling as you kind. It’s additionally wi-fi, with a 4,000mAh battery that producer Alpaca Keyboards reckons ought to final 90 hours with its backlighting set to low or as much as 10 days with its LEDs turned off completely. 

In some ways, the Eclipse is making an attempt to catch as much as the options provided by many mechanical keyboards in 2023. However extra distinctive is its magnetic meeting, which suggests its change plate and PCB may be eliminated while not having to undo any screws. The thought is that holding the keyboard along with magnets like this makes it far faster to open it up and begin tinkering, which is an interesting prospect if Alpaca can implement the characteristic with out making the Eclipse really feel flimsy because of this.

Different adjustments from the unique WhiteFox embrace RGB LEDs moderately than the straightforward white LEDs included on the unique and the power to reprogram the keyboard utilizing the highly effective configuration software program VIA moderately than having to depend on the unique WhiteFox software program. The WhiteFox Eclipse additionally makes use of a barely wider 68 % format in comparison with the unique that features an additional column of keys to the right-hand facet of the keyboard, and Alpaca says this implies the Eclipse can match a standard-size set of keycaps. It comes with PBT keycaps with Mac and Home windows variations within the field, and there’s a USB-C port for charging.

Though the WhiteFox Eclipse makes use of the identical title and design, it’s made by a special firm than the unique keyboard. Designer Matteo (Matt3o) Spinelli has publicly mentioned he’s not concerned, and keyboard collective Enter Membership’s involvement with the undertaking has been minimal past agreeing to let new producer Alpaca Keyboards use the WhiteFox title. So the Eclipse is finest regarded as an all-new keyboard that leans on the WhiteFox’s design, moderately than an evolution.

Costs for a totally assembled WhiteFox Eclipse begin at $120 for a model with a low-profile plastic case, rising to $180 for a low-profile aluminum case or $220 for a high-profile aluminum case. There are additionally early fowl reductions or decreased pricing in the event you’d just like the keyboard with out its switches. All the standard Kickstarter disclaimers apply, however barring any main points, Alpaca Keyboards is hoping to ship the WhiteFox Eclipse by October 2023.