Tempo Chassis
Best premium foundation for enthusiasts building a custom 60% mechanical keyboard.
The Tempo Chassis by Mode Designs offers a premium foundation for custom mechanical keyboards, blending superior build quality with striking aesthetics. Crafted from CNC-machined 6063 aluminum, it features meticulous finishing processes for a durable and visually appealing build. Its innovative floating wedge design creates a captivating illusion of the keyboard subtly lifting off the desk. The symmetric 60% bottom row layout adds to its unique industrial design. This chassis is shipped in a protective carrying case, ensuring it arrives in pristine condition.
$105.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
1
/ 329
Best Input Devices
Price vs Category Average
-76%
Below average
Material
6063
/ CNC-machined aluminum extrusion
Who it's for
- Minimalists seeking a sophisticated centerpiece for their workspace
- Keyboard enthusiasts prioritizing premium acoustics and typing feel
- Customization fans wanting a bespoke, tailored typing experience
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for affordable, mass-market alternatives
- Impulsive shoppers who dislike waiting for limited-time release windows
- Beginners needing a simple, ready-to-use plug-and-play solution
Performance breakdown
Build integrity
CNC-machined 6063 aluminum provides a rock-solid, premium foundation for custom builds.
Aesthetic impact
The floating wedge design creates a striking, modern silhouette on any desk.
Finish quality
Meticulous bead blasting and anodizing result in a flawless, professional-grade surface.
Layout versatility
The symmetric 60% layout is visually balanced but requires specific keycap compatibility.
Protection during transit
Included custom carrying case ensures your chassis arrives in pristine condition.
Design innovation
Clever shadow diffusion elevates the chassis with a unique, gravity-defying visual effect.
Key Specs
Material
CNC-machined 6063 aluminum extrusion
Layout Style
Symmetric 60% bottom row
Finishing
Hand sanding, bead blasting, anodizing, or e-coating
Available Finishes
Silver, Grey, Green, Mirage (Anodized), White, Cream (E-coated)
Included Accessory
Carrying case
Know before you buy
The Tempo Chassis is constructed from CNC-machined 6063 aluminum, chosen for its durability and premium weight. Depending on the colorway, the finish is applied via anodizing or e-coating to ensure a high-quality, long-lasting aesthetic.
The symmetric 60% layout uses a standard 1.25u bottom row configuration. This makes it highly compatible with most modern mechanical keyboard keycap sets, so you won't need to hunt for specialized or non-standard key sizes.
The floating wedge design is primarily an aesthetic feature that creates a visual illusion of the chassis lifting off the desk. While it provides a distinct look, the typing angle remains consistent with standard high-quality mechanical keyboard profiles for comfortable daily use.
Anodized finishes, such as Silver or Mirage, offer a metallic, durable surface that is resistant to wear. E-coated finishes, like White or Cream, provide a more opaque, smooth, and vibrant color appearance that is distinct from the raw metallic texture of anodization.
The Tempo Chassis is a foundational component for a custom keyboard build. It includes the aluminum case and a protective carrying case, but you will still need to source your own PCB, plate, switches, stabilizers, and keycaps to complete the build.
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$105