CannonKeys Instant60 vs Photon
The CannonKeys Instant60 and the Photon are close alternatives. The main differences: the Photon is the cheaper of the two at $99 versus $120; the Photon runs wireless where the CannonKeys Instant60 is wired-only; the CannonKeys Instant60 is a 60% layout and the Photon is a 65%.
- Lower pricePhoton$99 versus $120
- Easier to modCannonKeys Instant60hot-swap sockets and QMK/VIA
- More ways to connectPhoton2 connection modes versus 1
Choose the CannonKeys Instant60 if
- you mainly want it for beginners.
- you want QMK/VIA remapping.
Choose the Photon if
- you mainly want it for travel.
- you want to spend less ($99).
- you need wireless.
CannonKeys Instant60 vs Photon, spec by spec
| CannonKeys Instant60 | Photon | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 60% | 65% |
| Height | Standard | Standard |
| Connectivity | Wired | Bluetooth, Wired (stronger spec) |
| Hot-swap | Yes | Yes |
| Keycaps | n/a | n/a |
| Case | aluminum | injection-molded polycarbonate |
| Mount | Tray | Gasket (customizable Poron gasket mount) |
| Backlight | White / none | RGB |
| QMK / VIA | Yes (stronger spec) | No |
| Battery | n/a | 1500 mAh |
| Typical price | $120 | $99 (stronger spec) |
| Sound (stock) | n/a | n/a |
| Released | 2020 | 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 Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.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
47% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the CannonKeys Instant60; 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 CannonKeys Instant60
No verified retailer link right now. Check the maker or your usual keyboard retailers.
Where to buy the Photon
No verified retailer link right now. Check the maker or your usual keyboard retailers.
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