//e PCB kit vs Photon
The //e PCB kit and the Photon are close alternatives. The main differences: the //e PCB kit is the cheaper of the two at $50 versus $99; the Photon runs wireless where the //e PCB kit is wired-only; the //e PCB kit is a 60% layout and the Photon is a 65%.
- Lower price//e PCB kit$50 versus $99
- Easier to mod//e PCB kithot-swap sockets and QMK/VIA
- More ways to connectPhoton2 connection modes versus 1
Choose the //e PCB kit if
- you mainly want it for enthusiast.
- you want to spend less ($50).
- you want QMK/VIA remapping.
Choose the Photon if
- you mainly want it for travel.
- you mainly want it for budget.
- you mainly want it for typing.
- you need wireless.
//e PCB kit vs Photon, spec by spec
| //e PCB kit | Photon | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 60% | 65% |
| Height | Standard | Standard |
| Connectivity | Wired | Bluetooth, Wired (stronger spec) |
| Hot-swap | Yes | Yes |
| Keycaps | n/a | n/a |
| Case | n/a | injection-molded polycarbonate |
| Mount | n/a | Gasket (customizable Poron gasket mount) |
| Backlight | White / none | RGB |
| QMK / VIA | Yes (stronger spec) | No |
| Battery | n/a | 1500 mAh |
| Typical price | $50 (stronger spec) | $99 |
| Sound (stock) | n/a | n/a |
| Released | 2021 | n/a |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ; a check marks the objectively stronger spec (price, battery, modability). Feel and preference rows never get a check. Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.
Where they sit among all 509 boards we track
4% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the //e PCB kit; 32% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Photon.
2% of the 172 wireless boards tracked here carry a smaller battery than the Photon.
Where to buy the //e PCB kit
Where to buy the Photon
No verified retailer link right now. Check the maker or your usual keyboard retailers.
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