We’re living in an age where our desks look like charging cable graveyards, and honestly, it’s getting ridiculous. Every wireless peripheral seems to need juice at the most inconvenient times, and don’t even get me started on hunting for batteries in that one drawer everyone has. The CannonKeys Soleil might just be the hero we didn’t know we needed, solving this modern annoyance while looking absolutely stunning in the process.
The collaboration between CannonKeys and Gondolindrim tackles a problem most of us have just accepted as part of modern life. Sure, wireless keyboards are convenient until they’re not, and they’re also environmental nightmares when you really think about it. Constant charging cycles, inevitable battery degradation, and that sad trip to the electronics graveyard when everything finally gives up for good.
Designer: CannonKeys x Gondolindrim
The Soleil takes its cues from nature itself, specifically how trees and plants just casually harness sunlight like it’s no big deal. The keyboard features gorgeous wooden accents that aren’t just there to look pretty, though they absolutely do. Real walnut wood graces the black anodized aluminum version, while lighter maple accents complement the e-coated white finish, and these aren’t just slapped on for show.
Here’s where things get genuinely exciting, and I mean the kind of exciting that makes you want to tell everyone at the coffee shop about it. The Soleil promises up to 10 months of battery life with normal use in complete darkness, which is already pretty impressive. But here’s the real kicker that’ll make you question why this isn’t standard everywhere: with just regular ambient light from your setup, you’re looking at 12 months or more of wireless freedom.
We’re not talking about positioning this thing in direct sunlight like some sort of solar panel science experiment. The integrated charging system works with everyday lighting conditions, whether that’s the glow from your monitor, those overhead office lights that never seem quite bright enough, or natural light filtering through your window. It’s almost too good to be true, but the engineering is apparently solid enough to back up these bold claims.
The charging technology is seamlessly woven into the design philosophy, and you won’t find any obvious solar panels disrupting the keyboard’s clean lines. Instead, the tech is cleverly hidden within those wooden accents, creating a power center that’s as beautiful as it is functional. It’s the kind of thoughtful engineering that makes you wonder why more companies haven’t figured this out yet, or if they have, why they’re keeping it to themselves.
Beyond the sustainability angle that’ll make your environmentally conscious friends jealous, the Soleil delivers on all the mechanical keyboard fundamentals that enthusiasts actually care about. The tenkeyless (TKL) layout includes standard features plus flexibility for customization, because let’s face it, keyboard people are particular about their layouts. The hotswap PCB supports both 6.25u and 7u spacebars, split right shift and backspace, and stepped caps lock configurations for those who know exactly what they want.
The Soleil arrives as a DIY kit, meaning you’ll need to source your own switches, stabilizers, and keycaps, which might sound daunting if you’re new to this world. But it’s actually perfect for the enthusiast community while keeping costs reasonable and customization options unlimited, plus there’s something deeply satisfying about building your own keyboard. CannonKeys is even considering a wired PCB option for those who love the design but prefer the reliability of cables.
What makes the Soleil special isn’t just its solar charging capability, though that’s admittedly pretty cool. It represents a genuine shift toward sustainable technology that doesn’t compromise on performance or aesthetics, and in a world where we’re constantly plugging things in, the idea of a keyboard that powers itself feels almost magical.
The post Soleil Mechanical TKL Keyboard Powers Up with Ambient Light and Style first appeared on Yanko Design.