Cannonkeys x Gondolindrim Soleil Solar Powered Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Review

If you’re tired of constantly plugging in your wireless keyboard or hunting for batteries, then the Cannonkeys x Gondolindrim Soleil solar powered wireless mechanical keyboard might just be the innovative solution you’ve been dreaming of. This isn’t just another keyboard. it’s a meticulously crafted piece of tech that aims to blend high-end mechanical keyboard features with a sustainable, low-maintenance power solution. Imagine a keyboard that not only looks stunning with its premium materials and thoughtful design but also practically charges itself from the light around you. Designed by the creative minds at CannonKeys and Gondolindrim, the Soleil promises an extraordinary battery life thanks to its integrated solar cell and efficient ZMK firmware. It’s built for enthusiasts, offered as a DIY kit, meaning you get to pick your perfect switches, stabilizers, and keycaps, truly making it your own. Set to launch via a group buy, with an estimated price around $450, it’s positioned as a premium investment for those who value both form and function, especially if you’re looking for a wireless setup that minimizes charging headaches.

Let’s be honest, in the world of mechanical keyboards, wireless options often come with a hidden cost: battery anxiety. You’re deep into a typing flow or a gaming session, and suddenly, boom – dead battery. It’s a pain many of us just accept as part of the wireless convenience. But what if your keyboard could sip power from the environment around it, keeping you going for months on end? That’s the big promise of the Cannonkeys x Gondolindrim Soleil.

This keyboard is a collaboration between CannonKeys, a well-known name in the enthusiast keyboard community, and Gondolindrim, the brilliant designer behind the solar concept. Together, they’ve created something truly unique: a high-quality, customizable TKL mechanical keyboard that boasts solar-powered charging. It’s a breath of fresh air for anyone looking to declutter their desk and enjoy uninterrupted wireless performance.

The Brilliant Blend of Power and Aesthetics: Solar Charging Meets Premium Design

When you first look at the Soleil, you’ll immediately notice its sophisticated blend of materials. We’re talking about a CNC aluminum chassis paired with stunning wooden accents. You can choose between rich walnut wood with an anodized black finish or lighter maple accents complementing an e-coated white case. This combination isn’t just for show. it gives the keyboard a natural, elegant vibe that makes it stand out from a sea of generic plastic or all-metal boards. It’s like bringing a piece of nature to your desk, but with a modern twist. If you’re into unique aesthetics, you might want to check out some Wooden Keyboard Wrist Rests to complement this design.

Now, let’s talk about the real star of the show: the solar charging. The Soleil features a discreet solar cell, cleverly integrated above the arrow cluster. This isn’t some bulky panel. it’s practically invisible, seamlessly blending into the keyboard’s design. This tiny power-sipper works by harvesting energy from both direct sunlight and ambient indoor light, helping to keep the 780 mAh battery topped up. CannonKeys claims an impressive 10 months of battery life with normal use without any solar input, and an astounding 12+ months with ambient light supplementation. That’s right, potentially over a year without needing to reach for a charging cable! While these claims are tough to verify without extensive testing, the idea of rarely charging your wireless mechanical keyboard is incredibly appealing. Think about all the times your current Wireless Mechanical Keyboard has died on you at the worst possible moment.

The keyboard comes in an F13 Tenkeyless TKL layout, which is a popular choice for many enthusiasts. It offers a good balance between a compact footprint and retaining essential keys, including a dedicated F13 key, navigation cluster, and arrow keys. The case itself has an 8° typing angle and a 20mm front height around 24mm to the spacebar, which should provide a comfortable typing experience for most. The overall design truly reflects a commitment to both innovative functionality and a refined, clean aesthetic.

Under the Hood: ZMK Firmware and Customization

For any serious mechanical keyboard enthusiast, customization is key, and the Soleil doesn’t disappoint. It runs on ZMK firmware, specifically tailored for wireless keyboards, and is fully customizable through ZMK Studio. If you’ve used QMK, ZMK Studio offers a similar experience, allowing you to program macros, remap keys, set up different layers, and create personalized profiles. This means you’re not stuck with a factory layout. you can truly make the keyboard work for your specific workflow or gaming style. If you’re new to customizing, tools like QMK Configurator can give you a taste of what’s possible.

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The Soleil comes as a DIY kit, which is standard practice in the enthusiast world. This means you’ll be supplying your own switches, stabilizers, and keycaps. While this might seem like extra work, it’s actually a huge plus, as it allows for an unparalleled level of personalization. You can pick your favorite linear, tactile, or clicky switches from brands like Gateron or Cherry, choose high-quality stabilizers for a rattle-free typing experience, and select keycaps that perfectly match your aesthetic. The hot-swappable PCB is a fantastic feature, letting you change out switches without any soldering. Plus, it supports various configurations like 6.25u and 7u spacebars, split right shift and backspace, and stepped caps lock, giving you even more flexibility.

The team behind Soleil has also put thought into longevity. The wooden accents are integrated without needing screws to thread directly into the wood, which helps minimize potential damage to these more delicate parts over time. This attention to detail speaks volumes about the overall build philosophy: a keyboard designed not just to perform, but to last.

Real-World Expectations: Solar Efficiency and Battery Life

The idea of a self-charging keyboard sounds amazing, but how does it actually perform in the real world? CannonKeys is pretty transparent about the solar charging caveats. They’ve done the math and real-world testing, and under average office lighting, the keyboard is “just shy of full autonomy”. What this means is that while the solar cell will definitely extend your battery life, you might still need to plug it in via USB-C occasionally, especially if your workspace isn’t particularly bright.

However, if your office or desk setup gets a good amount of natural light, there’s a real chance the Soleil could be nearly self-sustaining. Even in dimmer conditions, the constant trickle charge from ambient light will significantly extend the time between charges, far surpassing what you’d get from a typical wireless mechanical keyboard. Compared to keyboards like the Keychron Q13 Max, which might need charging once or twice a month, the Soleil’s 12-month claim is a massive leap forward.

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The 780 mAh battery is a decent size, and combined with the power-efficient ZMK firmware, it’s designed to go the distance. CannonKeys mentions that their BakenekoGO, another ZMK-powered board with a much smaller 200 mAh battery, gets about a month of use on a full charge. This gives us some confidence that the Soleil’s larger battery and solar assistance can indeed achieve those impressive battery life figures, especially if you avoid using backlighting, which is a major power drain. The keyboard also features an RGB status indicator under the scroll lock key position, which conveniently shows battery status and connection status through different light colors and blinking patterns.

It’s also worth noting that the solar harvesting system means the Soleil requires a battery to be installed at all times, even if you eventually opt for a wired PCB option which CannonKeys is considering. This is a slight deviation from some ZMK boards that can run entirely without a battery when plugged in, but it’s a small trade-off for the solar functionality.

Build Quality and Typing Experience

When you invest in a custom mechanical keyboard kit, you’re not just paying for the features. you’re paying for the build quality and the potential for an exceptional typing experience. The Soleil seems to deliver on this front with its CNC aluminum chassis and top-mount design. Top mount is a classic mounting style in the enthusiast world, known for providing a firmer, more consistent typing feel and often contributing to a richer sound profile. The design largely focuses on acoustics, aiming for a satisfying sound with each key press.

The keyboard is quite substantial, weighing in at approximately 1900g 4.2lbs when fully built. This heft contributes to a premium, stable feel on your desk, preventing any unwanted movement during intense typing or gaming. The combination of aluminum and the natural wood accents not only looks great but also creates a refined tactile experience. Eufycam E40 2 Cam Kit with HomeBase S380 Review: Your Ultimate Home Security Upgrade

Since the Soleil is a DIY kit, the actual typing feel and sound will heavily depend on the switches and keycaps you choose. However, the underlying platform – the robust case, the top-mount system, and the attention to acoustic design – lays a solid foundation for a fantastic typing experience. Whether you prefer the satisfying thock of linear switches, the crisp bump of tactiles, or even a clicky switch, the Soleil’s construction is designed to let your chosen components shine. You can find a huge variety of Mechanical Keyboard Switches and Custom Keycap Sets to complete your build.

The Investment: Price and Availability

Let’s talk numbers. The Cannonkeys x Gondolindrim Soleil is not a budget keyboard. It’s positioned as a premium enthusiast offering, and the expected price reflects that. CannonKeys is aiming for a price of $450 or less for the group buy, provided they reach a minimum order quantity of 100 units.

Now, $450 might sound like a lot, especially when you remember you still need to buy switches, stabilizers, and keycaps separately. However, for those already deep into the mechanical keyboard hobby, this price point for a custom, solar-powered, wireless TKL with premium materials and advanced firmware isn’t out of the ordinary. It’s an investment in a unique, aesthetically pleasing, and highly functional piece of equipment that could significantly reduce the hassle of wireless keyboard maintenance.

As of the current information, the Soleil has not fully launched yet. CannonKeys initiated an interest check, with the goal of running a group buy in Fall 2025. Group buys are common in the custom keyboard world, where products are made to order, often leading to longer wait times but also allowing for unique, high-quality designs that wouldn’t be feasible through traditional retail channels. Keep an eye on CannonKeys’ announcements for the official group buy launch if you’re interested in snagging one of these innovative boards. Anker nano power bank 10k 45w built in retractable usb c cable review

Is the Soleil the Keyboard for You? Pros and Cons

Like any piece of enthusiast gear, the Cannonkeys x Gondolindrim Soleil has its unique strengths and potential considerations.

Pros:

• Revolutionary Solar Charging: The headline feature! Experience potentially months or even over a year of battery life with ambient light, significantly reducing charging frequency.
• Premium Design and Materials: The combination of CNC aluminum and real walnut or maple wood accents gives it a high-end, elegant, and unique aesthetic.
• Exceptional Wireless Freedom: Say goodbye to tangled cables and constant battery worries for a truly clean desk setup.
• Highly Customizable: As a DIY hot-swap kit with ZMK firmware, you have full control over switches, keycaps, layout, and keybinds.
• Solid Build Quality: The heavy, top-mount aluminum case is designed for durability and good acoustics.
• Eco-Friendly Aspect: Reducing charging cycles and battery degradation contributes to a more sustainable tech footprint.

Cons:

• High Price Point: Starting at around $450 plus the cost of switches, stabilizers, and keycaps, it’s a significant investment.
• DIY Kit Only: Requires assembly and purchasing additional components, which might be a barrier for newcomers to the hobby.
• Solar Charging Limitations: While impressive, it might not be entirely self-sustaining in very dim environments, requiring occasional USB-C charging.
• Group Buy Model: Expect potentially long wait times between ordering and receiving the product.
• No Backlighting Likely: To achieve the impressive battery life, it’s expected that backlighting would need to be kept off.

Ultimately, the Soleil is a bold step forward in the custom mechanical keyboard space. If you’re an enthusiast who prioritizes a beautiful, premium, and low-maintenance wireless experience, and you’re comfortable with the DIY aspect and the price tag, then this keyboard could genuinely revolutionize your desk setup. It represents a thoughtful fusion of craftsmanship, cutting-edge functionality, and a nod towards more sustainable technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cannonkeys x Gondolindrim Soleil keyboard?

The Cannonkeys x Gondolindrim Soleil is a high-end, wireless, solar-powered mechanical keyboard offered as a DIY kit. It features a CNC aluminum chassis with real wood accents, a hot-swappable PCB, and runs on the power-efficient ZMK firmware, with the unique ability to charge its internal battery using ambient light and sunlight.

How does the solar charging work on the Soleil?

The Soleil has a discreet solar cell embedded above its arrow cluster that harvests energy from both direct sunlight and ambient indoor light. This energy trickle-charges its 780 mAh internal battery, significantly extending its wireless battery life.

How long does the battery last on the Cannonkeys Soleil?

CannonKeys claims an estimated battery life of 10 months with normal use without any solar input. With the aid of ambient light, this is expected to extend to 12 months or more. However, heavy use or very dim conditions might still require occasional USB-C charging. Fusion5 f202 8g powerful android 13 tablet review

Is the Soleil a pre-built keyboard or a DIY kit?

The Cannonkeys Soleil is offered as a DIY kit. This means you will need to purchase and install your own mechanical switches, stabilizers, and keycaps to complete the keyboard build. This allows for extensive customization to match your personal preferences.

What kind of customization options does the Soleil offer?

The Soleil utilizes ZMK firmware and ZMK Studio, which allows for advanced keymapping, macro programming, creation of multiple layers, and personalized profiles. Its hot-swappable PCB also supports various layout configurations like different spacebar sizes, split shifts, and stepped caps lock.

When and where can I buy the Cannonkeys x Gondolindrim Soleil?

The Soleil has not fully launched yet and is expected to be available through a group buy process, with CannonKeys aiming for a Fall 2025 launch. The target price is around $450 or less, depending on interest and order quantities. You should monitor CannonKeys’ official channels for updates on availability.

Can I use the Soleil without a battery or with a wired connection?

Due to its solar harvesting system, the Soleil requires a battery to be installed at all times. While it is primarily a wireless keyboard, CannonKeys has stated they are considering offering a wired PCB option based on community interest, though this is not yet confirmed.

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