New compact wireless mechanical keyboard with 4,000-hour battery life and ZMK firmware goes on sale in-stock with launch discount

The main attraction of the Photon is its extraordinary battery life claims. Much like the CannonKeys BakenekoGO, the Photon uses ZMK firmware, which is built for efficiency on wireless keyboards and allows for in-depth customisation, with features like ModTap, Tap Dance, and on-board macros with ZMK Studio. With the ultra-efficient firmware, CannonKeys claims that the Photon's 1,500 mAh battery is capable of delivering around six months of use, or 4,000 hours, with the RGB backlighting off. 

For comparison, the longest battery life we have measured in a recent keyboard testing is an estimated 580 hours in our Epomaker Galaxy100 review. Other keyboards, like the Keychron K15 Max, reach as much as 140 hours on Bluetooth in our review, so it's safe to say that if CannonKeys's estimates are even remotely accurate, the Photon will be outstanding for wireless users. As long as they can deal with the standard low polling rates associated with a regular Bluetooth connection. 

The Photon highlights include: 

• 65% Layout
• ZMK (Stock) powered
• 15.6mm front height
• 7° typing angle
• Built weight (full build with battery): 565 g
• Unbuilt weight (case, plate, PCB): 330 g
• Gasket-mount design
• Optional hot-swap customisable encoder and knob module
• Onboard USB
• Default PC plate with 6.25u bottom row

One nice touch with the Photon is that it doesn't skimp on the navigation keys too much, as the navigation column on the right edge of the keyboard features four keys instead of the three keys that are common in many modern compact keyboard layouts. The middle switch in that right edge column can also be replaced with an optional knob module, which is available for $17 from CannonKeys. 

There are additional extras available, too, like alternative materials to the stock colour-matched PC plate (aluminium, FR4, and carbon fibre), as well as alternative PC plates for creative colour mixing. The Photon itself is available in four different translucent polycarbonate colourways: Teal, Coral, Frosted (white), and Smoke. The keyboard kit is hot-swap and wireless by default, but it includes a USB-C cable for charging and wired use, and you can buy it with optional switches, and a basic stabiliser and keycap set for a total of $166.28.