Prologue
The Prologue
98% Keyboard. Made for what you’ll create next.
From $349+
Build Your Prologue
For What You’ll Create Next
Prologue brings a 98% layout, refined materials, and a tuned typing experience into one keyboard. It keeps the keys you rely on close, in a form that feels at home on the desk.
Explore the Mode Prologue
98% Layout
Numpad and F-row within reach
Crown Mounting System
Lively feel, clean sound
Works with
macOS, Windows, Linux
Easy Key Mapping
QMK + VIA firmware
Hot Swap PCB
No soldering required
Reliable
Wired USB-C connection
The 98% Layout
Prologue keeps the numpad, F-row, arrows, and navigation keys close in a 98% layout, so the keys you use every day stay within reach. Whether you’re designing, coding, editing, working in spreadsheets, or writing, it keeps more of your workflow close at hand while taking up less space than a traditional full-size board.
Designed From the Desk Up
Prologue was designed as something you’ll use every day and see just as often. Rounded corners, chamfered edges, sculpted rear surfaces, and clean visual seams help the larger form feel calm, balanced, and at home on the desk.
The typing experience was tuned the same way. Mounting system, plate design, force break pads, steel weights, feet, switches, and keycaps all shape the final feel and sound.
The Details That Shape the Build
Crown Mounting System
Developed by Mode for Prologue, Crown Mounting System gives the keyboard a lively typing feel and clean sound.
Visual Angle
The case uses a 7° visual angle with a 6.5° typing angle, a subtle offset that helps Cherry-profile keycaps look more balanced from the side.
Surface Details
Beveled surfaces and clean grooves add depth and definition to the case.
Customizable Accent
The removable accent adds a distinct visual detail, and future seasonal releases will introduce more ways to customize it.
Plate Materials
Plate options let you tune the feel and sound of Prologue. New linen micarta adds a soft, muted sound option.
Hi-fi Inspired Feet
Hi-fi inspired spike feet help reduce sound transfer into the desk.
Details & Specs
Crown Mounting System
Crown Mounting System connects the plate and PCB assembly to the chassis at 8 mounting points. Each point uses a custom shoulder bolt, wave spring, silicone spool, and bushing to control movement, compression, and vibration.
Crown Fastener
Anchors the assembly to the top case and helps create consistent compression.
Wave Spring
Provides a snappy return while taking up less vertical space than a traditional spring.
Silicone Spool
Cradles the spring, controls contact points, and reduces vibration before it reaches the case.
Bushing
Keeps movement smooth and guided without binding or chatter.
Designed by Us.
Built By You.
Prologue ships as a kit, ready for you to assemble with the parts you choose.
With a hotswap PCB, assembly does not require soldering. Once it’s built, you can keep tuning the keyboard with different switches, plates, and keycaps until it feels right for your setup.
Prologue Editions
Classic Oak
Golden Beige
Dark Mushroom
Blue Mocha
Mushroom Forest
FAQ
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Prologue is a 98% mechanical keyboard from Mode. It keeps the numpad, F-row, arrows, and compact navigation cluster close while bringing Mode’s focus on materials, sound, feel, and customization into a fuller layout.
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A 98% keyboard keeps most of the keys people expect from a full-size keyboard, including the numpad and F-row, in a more efficient layout. Prologue is made for people who rely on number entry, shortcuts, navigation keys, and function keys, but still want a keyboard that feels considered on the desk.
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Prologue is for people who want a fuller keyboard layout without moving to a traditional full-size board. It works well for writing, spreadsheets, coding, editing, timelines, creative tools, shortcuts, and any setup where the numpad and F-row are part of the daily workflow.
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Prologue keeps the practical keys of a full-size keyboard close, but uses a 98% layout to reduce the overall footprint. It gives the numpad, F-row, arrows, and compact navigation cluster a clear place while taking up less space than a traditional full-size board.
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Crown Mounting System is Mode’s mounting system developed for Prologue. It connects the plate and PCB assembly to the chassis at eight mounting points, helping create a snappy response, comfortable typing feel, controlled movement, and clean sound.
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Yes. Prologue includes Crown Mounting System, but it also works with Mode top mount bolts for those who prefer a stiffer, more classic mounting style. Top mount bolts are available separately.
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Prologue is tuned as a full system. The Crown Mounting System, plate, chassis, microsuede pads, steel weights, feet, switches, and keycaps all shape the final sound and feel. Crown Mounting System helps isolate vibration, produce a clean sound, and let the character of your switches and keycaps come through.
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Yes. You can customize Prologue through your choice of edition, switches, keycaps, plate, keymap, and removable accent. These choices shape the keyboard’s feel, sound, layout, and appearance.
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Yes. Additional accents are planned for future seasonal releases, giving Prologue more ways to customize its appearance over time.
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Prologue supports plate options that change the feel and sound of the keyboard. Current plate materials include linen micarta, aluminum, and carbon fiber. Plate files will also be made available in the Mode Compendium for people who want to cut their own plates.
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Yes. Prologue uses a hot swap PCB, so soldering is not required for assembly.
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The Prologue kit includes the keyboard chassis, PCB and daughterboard, assembly tools, microsuede bag, Crown Mounting System, feet, and fastener pack.
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Stabilizers, switches, and keycaps are sold separately. These parts are not included because many people prefer to choose them based on their desired typing feel, sound, and appearance.
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Yes. Prologue works with macOS, Windows, and Linux.
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Yes. Prologue supports QMK and VIA, so you can customize key mapping, layers, and shortcuts.
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Prologue will launch as a pre-order and is planned to be regularly stocked after launch.
Start Building
Select your layout, choose the finish & materials, and dial in the details for your ideal typing experience.