Encore Extra vs. Eighty Extra: Which Keyboard Kit Is Right for You?

By Mode Designs: Makers of Mechanical Keyboards | Published: 2026-09-05

Category: Comparisons

Compare Mode's Encore Extra and Eighty Extra kits: layout, mounting, sound, and value. Find out which keyboard kit fits your typing style and desk setup.

Quick Answer

Choose the Encore Extra if you want a compact, 65% keyboard with a softer, gasket-style feel and a focus on portability. Choose the Eighty Extra if you prefer a full TKL layout with more room for navigation keys and a firmer, more traditional typing experience. Both kits are excellent, but your layout and feel preferences will decide the winner.

When you're looking at Mode Designs, the Encore Extra and Eighty Extra are two of the most popular keyboard kits. Both are designed for enthusiasts, but they serve different needs. The Encore Extra is a compact 65% board, while the Eighty Extra is a TKL (tenkeyless) board. This difference alone changes your desk footprint, key layout, and typing experience.

In this comparison, we'll break down the key differences in layout, mounting, sound, and value. We'll also look at what's included in each kit and how they perform in real-world use. By the end, you'll know which kit is the right fit for your setup.

Layout and Desk Footprint

The most obvious difference is size. The Encore Extra is a 65% keyboard, meaning it has around 65% of the keys of a full-size board. It keeps the alphanumeric cluster, arrow keys, and a few navigation keys, but drops the function row and number pad. This makes it ideal for smaller desks or for people who want to save space without losing essential keys.

The Eighty Extra is a TKL (tenkeyless) board, which is essentially a full-size keyboard without the number pad. It includes the function row and full navigation cluster, giving you more keys for productivity and gaming. The trade-off is a larger footprint, but you gain more flexibility for shortcuts and macros.

If you frequently use the function row or number pad, the Eighty Extra's TKL layout is more practical.
For a minimalist desk setup or frequent travel, the Encore Extra's compact size is a clear advantage.

Mounting and Typing Feel

Mounting style plays a huge role in how a keyboard feels and sounds. The Encore Extra uses a gasket-mounted design, which provides a softer, more cushioned typing experience. This is often preferred by people who type for long periods, as it reduces finger fatigue and creates a deeper, more muted sound profile.

The Eighty Extra, on the other hand, uses a top-mount design. This gives a firmer, more consistent feel with less flex. It's a more traditional approach that many gamers and typists prefer for its stability and responsiveness. The sound is typically crisper and more defined, with less absorption.

If you're unsure which feel you prefer, consider trying both if possible. The difference is subtle but noticeable, and it can significantly affect your typing comfort.

Gasket mount (Encore Extra) = softer, more flexible feel.
Top mount (Eighty Extra) = firmer, more stable feel.

Sound and Acoustics

Sound is a major factor for many keyboard enthusiasts. The Encore Extra's gasket mount and compact design tend to produce a deeper, more thocky sound. The Eighty Extra's top mount and larger case can produce a higher-pitched, clackier sound, depending on your switch and plate choices.

Both kits allow you to customize the sound with different plates and foams. For example, the sonnet-foam-kit-320337">Sonnet Foam Kit is compatible with the Sonnet, but for the Encore and Eighty, you can use similar foam solutions to alter the acoustics. It's all about personal preference, so don't be afraid to experiment.

If you prefer a quiet, deep sound, the Encore Extra is a good starting point.
If you like a crisp, responsive clack, the Eighty Extra might suit you better.

Value and What's Included

Both kits are priced competitively for the quality they offer. The Encore Extra is generally more affordable, reflecting its smaller size and fewer components. The Eighty Extra is a bit more expensive but gives you a larger board with more keys and a full function row.

When comparing value, consider not just the initial cost but also the long-term customization options. Both kits are compatible with Mode's ecosystem of accessories, so you can upgrade parts over time. For example, you can add a weight to change the heft and feel, or swap plates to adjust the sound.

Encore Extra: lower initial price, but fewer keys.
Eighty Extra: higher price, but more functionality.

Trade-Offs at a Glance

Size vs. Functionality: The Encore Extra's compact 65% layout saves desk space but drops the function row and number pad. The Eighty Extra's TKL layout gives you more keys but takes up more room. Choose Encore if space is tight; choose Eighty if you need more keys.
Soft vs. Firm Feel: The Encore Extra's gasket mount provides a soft, cushioned typing experience. The Eighty Extra's top mount is firmer and more responsive. If you type for hours, the Encore's softer feel may be more comfortable; if you prefer a crisp, stable feel, go with the Eighty.
Sound Profile: The Encore Extra tends to produce a deeper, more muted sound due to its gasket mount and smaller case. The Eighty Extra can sound more crisp and defined. Think about your preferred acoustic signature and whether you'll want to mod the sound with foam or plates.
Price and Value: The Encore Extra is generally more affordable, but the Eighty Extra offers more keys and a full function row for the higher price. Consider your budget and whether the extra keys are worth the cost.

Key Product Facts

2024 Encore Feet: Pack of four custom-molded silicone feet help to keep the Encore in place on your desk. Encore feet have no adhesives and are friction fit into milled slots in the Bottom Case. These updated Encore feet feature a redesigned, tighter fit. They're 1.25mm taller than the original, maintaining compatibility with the original Encore as well as future iterations which will have deeper recesses in the bottom case. If you own an Encore Extra, these feet are a simple upgrade to improve stability and typing angle. The taller profile can also subtly change the sound by altering the case resonance.
Sonnet Foam Kit: Every piece of foam you may need for the Sonnet. Each piece can be incorporated or not to alter the sound profile of the keyboard. The Sonnet does not include a foam kit by default and must be purchased separately. The foam kit is compatible with all versions of the Sonnet and includes the following pieces: 1x Poron plate foam 1x Poron case foam 1x PE Foam. While designed for the Sonnet, this foam kit shows how adding foam can change the acoustics of a keyboard. If you're looking to fine-tune the sound of your Encore Extra or Eighty Extra, consider similar foam solutions to reduce hollowness or add depth.
Loop Weight: The Loop Weight is a precision-crafted accessory from Mode Designs, designed to complement your mechanical keyboard setup. Available in a selection of refined finishes, this weight adds a touch of customization to your Loop keyboard. Choose from four elegant finishes: Gold, Rose, White, and Copper. Designed as a part of the Loop ecosystem, compatible with Loop Configurator and Loop parts. Enhances the aesthetic of your keyboard. Weights like the Loop Weight add mass to the case, which can reduce vibration and create a more solid feel. If you want a heavier, more premium typing experience, adding a weight is a great upgrade path for your keyboard.
Tempo Weight: Crafted from premium heavyweight materials such as brass, copper, and stainless steel, the Tempo Weight not only elevates the keyboard's appearance but also adds a satisfying heft that contributes to its premium feel. The terraced detailing on the inner area of the Tempo chassis continues seamlessly onto the inner portion of the weight. The daughterboard on the Tempo directly attaches to the weight, allowing us to reduce the overall footprint of the keyboard. For keyboards that support weights, adding one can significantly improve the typing experience by increasing stability and reducing flex. The Tempo Weight's design also shows how a weight can integrate with the internal structure, which is a consideration if you're planning a custom build.

Which Kit Should You Choose?

Best for

Minimalist setups and small desks where space is at a premium
Typists who prefer a softer, gasket-mounted feel and want a portable 65% board

Not for

Users who rely heavily on the function row or number pad for productivity or gaming
Those who prefer a firmer, more traditional top-mount typing experience

Both the Encore Extra and Eighty Extra are outstanding keyboard kits from Mode Designs. Your choice comes down to layout, feel, and how you use your keyboard. If you value a compact, soft-typing board, the Encore Extra is a great fit. If you need more keys and a firmer feel, the Eighty Extra is the way to go. Whichever you choose, you're getting a high-quality, customizable keyboard that will serve you well for years.