The WhiteFox Eclipse is a new wireless mechanical keyboard that returns to the classic Community design. It’s based on the original WhiteFox, a project that played a huge role in bringing custom keyboards into the mainstream, but with an updated set of specs and features that reflect how far the scene has come since designer Matteo Spinelli hand-delivered the original board to WhiteFox back in 2013.
This obviously means that the Eclipse is hot-swappable, allowing the stock Gateron Yellow Linear switches to be quickly removed and replaced without the need for desoldering, and they’re gasketed to give them a softer feel while typing. It’s also wireless, with a 4,000mAh battery the manufacturer believes Alpaca Keyboards can last 90 hours with the backlight set to low or up to 10 days with their LEDs completely off.
In many ways, Eclipse is trying to catch up with the features offered by many mechanical keyboards in 2023. But the most unique is the magnetic assembly, which means the switchboard and PCB can be removed without having to undo any screws. The idea is that holding the keyboard together with magnets like this makes opening it up and starting tinkering much faster, which is an attractive prospect if Alpaca can implement the feature without making Eclipse feel flabby as a result.
Other changes from the original WhiteFox include RGB LEDs instead of the simple white LEDs included with the original and the ability to reprogram the keyboard using VIA’s powerful configuration software instead of having to rely on the original WhiteFox software. WhiteFox Eclipse also uses a 68 percent wider layout than the original that includes an extra column of keys on the right side of the keyboard, and Alpaca says this means Eclipse can fit a standard set of keycaps. It comes with PBT keycaps with Mac and Windows versions in the box, and there’s a USB-C port for charging.
Although the WhiteFox Eclipse uses the same name and design, it is made by a different company than the original keyboard. Designer Matteo (Matt3o) Spinelli has publicly stated that he is not involved, and that the keyboard collective Input Club’s involvement in the project was so minimal as to go beyond agreeing to allow the new manufacturer Alpaca Keyboards to use the WhiteFox name. So it’s best to think of Eclipse as an entirely new keyboard based on WhiteFox’s design, rather than an evolution.
Prices for the fully assembled WhiteFox Eclipse start at $120 for a version with a low-profile plastic casing, and go up to $180 for a low-profile aluminum case or $220 for a high-profile aluminum case. There are also early discounts or reduced prices if you want to use the keyboard without its keys. All the usual Kickstarter disclaimers apply, but barring any major issues, Alpaca Keyboards hopes to ship the WhiteFox Eclipse by October 2023.