CannonKeys Unveils the Sat75 X: A Contemporary Twist on Traditional Mechanical Keyboards

Just before the global fascination with mechanical keyboards surged amid the pandemic, Andrew Kannan initiated the launch of the Satisfaction 75, all while holding his engineering position at Klaviyo. It initially took some time for its first batch of 200 keyboards to be completely purchased, but over time, the Satisfaction has emerged as a notable classic. Following this, Kannan, in partnership with his spouse Ana Cala Oliveira, established CannonKeys, turning it into a comprehensive custom mechanical keyboard retailer and unveiling numerous successful keyboard designs.

This Thursday sees CannonKeys revealing a refreshed version of the original Satisfaction 75, dubbed the Sat75 X, commencing preorders. It enhances the original design by incorporating contemporary features such as a hot-swap PCB, a gasket mount, and a pre-soldered knob, all encased in an injection-molded polycarbonate frame.

For the time being, customers can select from three colors: cloud white, octo purple, and stratus gray, with the latter two offering a translucent appearance. A noteworthy feature is the small LCD screen that displays the Bongo Cat animation and tracks your typing speed in words per minute, adding a playful touch.

Priced at $111 for the board, this makes for an attractive entry point into crafting your own custom mechanical keyboard without a hefty investment. While switches and keycaps are additional needs, CannonKeys currently provides a full set, including PBT keycaps and an 80-pack of either linear or tactile switches, for $150 in total. Preorders are accepted now, anticipating early 2025 delivery.

Reflecting on the initial Satisfaction, which started at $400 in 2019, it’s clear CannonKeys aims to cater to a broader audience with this new iteration.

Discussing the founding of CannonKeys, Kannan expressed, “It was never our intention for CannonKeys to become a full-time endeavor or reach its current size. Initially, it was about making these keyboards to sell and share with others, attracted by their interest as well. This venture organically grew, eventually necessitating a team and employees.”

Kannan’s motivation to explore alternatives to Apple’s flawed butterfly keyboards led him to create his own ortholinear keyboards. However, realizing they didn’t match his preference, the desire to craft something he would enjoy culminated in designing the Satisfaction 75—his very first comprehensive keyboard design.

Originally, CannonKeys operated out of their Rhode Island apartment, balancing the startup with Oliveira’s PhD studies at Brown. The company’s growth saw its first hire in 2021, transitioning from utilizing multiple rented U-Haul containers for storage to a dedicated warehouse space.

The introduction of Sat75 X signifies CannonKeys’ adaptation to an evolving market. Previously, the gap between affordable custom mechanical keyboards and high-priced options was noticeable. However, offerings like the Bakeneko began to bridge this gap, providing enthusiasts with more accessible choices.

“The market was predominantly divided between budget-friendly and high-end options, lacking a middle ground,” Kannan remarked. Recognizing the evolving landscape that now includes a wealth of choices for consumers at varied price points, CannonKeys is committed to offering distinctive and compelling products to maintain its relevancy and appeal in the competitive market.

With the Sat75 X, CannonKeys strikes a balance between affordability and uniqueness, crafting a compelling entry point for custom mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.