If you are chasing the iconic look, the OLED screen, and the satisfying weight of a premium aluminum board, the Satisfaction 75 remains the enthusiast’s trophy piece. If you want eighty‑five percent of that experience at a friendlier price with modern hot‑swap convenience, the Sat75 X is the clear winner. Power typists who care about acoustics more than flex should lean original. First‑time custom builders or budget‑minded gamers should grab the X.
Want to match your high-end keyboard with an equally impressive workstation? Check out our 6 Monitor Computer Setup Guide for inspiration and tips.
| Feature | Satisfaction75 | Sat75 X |
|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | From USD $350 (kit) | From USD $111 (kit) |
| Mounting | Gasket (poron) | Gasket (silicone) |
| PCB Options | Solder or hot‑swap | Hot‑swap only |
| Knob & OLED | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | Brass internal, ~1.8 kg built | Aluminum internal, ~1.2 kg built |
| Case Finishes | E‑white, Black, Navy, Polycarb top | Many playful pastel ABS colors |
| Group‑Buy Windows | 2019‑23 (rounds 1‑3) | 2024‑25 rolling preorder |
How the Sat75 Line Became Keyboard Royalty
I have been building mechanical keyboards since the era when 60 percent boards were cutting‑edge. In 2019 the first Satisfaction 75 dropped through a Cannon Keys group buy and changed the hobby forever. Suddenly, a compact board could carry a rotary knob, an OLED screen, and a south‑mounted brass weight that felt amazing to type on. Fast‑forward to 2024, and Cannon Keys answered long wait‑list complaints with the Sat75 X: a streamlined, more affordable spin that kept the look while trimming cost and weight.
Both boards stay hot on r/MechanicalKeyboards build logs and YouTube sound tests. Today we put them head‑to‑head so you can decide which deserves a spot on your desk in 2025.
Specs and Design Comparison
Case Materials, Colors and Layout
- Satisfaction 75: CNC‑milled 6063 aluminum top and bottom with a brass internal weight. E‑white remains the most sought‑after finish for its crisp powder coat.
- Sat75 X: Injection‑molded ABS top plus aluminum bottom for cost savings. CannonKeys went playful with colors such as Mint, Frost, Blush and Storm Gray.
The layout is identical: a compact 75 percent with a rotary encoder replacing the top‑right cluster and a 128×32 OLED beside it. Both boards arrive with a polycarbonate plate by default, but aftermarket aluminum and FR4 plates fit.
Knob, OLED and Hot‑Swap Options
Both versions ship with an anodized aluminum knob that drops onto a D‑stem shaft. The OLED runs QMK‑programmable graphics (Bongo Cat, battery meters, or custom logos). The biggest difference: the Sat75 X PCB is hot‑swap only, so you can change switches tool‑free. Enthusiasts who hand‑solder exotic switches may still favor the original.
PCB and Mounting Style
Both boards use a gasket isolation mount, yet the Sat75 X swaps the poron strips for silicone pegs. In practice the X feels slightly firmer with less flex, while the original delivers a softer bottom‑out.
Price, Availability and Group‑Buy History
Original Satisfaction 75 Pricing Timeline (2019‑23)
CannonKeys ran three group buys. Round 1 kits started at $325 in late 2019. By Round 3 in 2023 that base jumped to $420 thanks to raw‑material hikes. After‑market prices on MechMarket now hover between $550 and $800 depending on finish and extras.
Sat75 X Pre‑Order Details (2024‑25)
The X launched August 2024 at $111 barebones. Inventory now cycles in monthly waves so buyers no longer wait a full year. For 2025, CannonKeys confirmed an October ship window for the next batch. International vendors like zFrontier and ProtoTypist have also listed regional preorders.
Pro Tip: Join the Cannon Keys website restock pings so you can check out before scalpers clear inventory.
Typing Feel and Sound Test Results
I built both boards with hand‑lubed Gateron Oil King switches and topped them with GMK Laser keycaps. Here is what my ears and fingertips noticed:
- Satisfaction 75: Deeper “thock” due to the brass weight and poron gaskets. Sub‑70 dB on my Shure MV7 mic from 20 cm.
- Sat75 X: Slightly higher pitch; still pleasant. Silicone gaskets remove springy echo but add a firmer bottom‑out. Measured 72 dB.
Sound preference is personal, though most listeners in my blind test picked the original by a small margin.
Build Process: From Kit to Desk
Building either board is beginner‑friendly if you follow the steps below.
- Inventory Check: Verify plate foam, daughterboard ribbon and screws. Missing gaskets? Contact support before you start.
- Stabilizers Prep: Clip and lube Cherry clip‑ins. I recommend 205g0 for smooth travel.
- PCB Test: Plug into VIA to confirm key registration before soldering or installing switches.
- Install Gaskets: Peel backing carefully. Poron on the original compresses quickly, avoid over‑tightening.
- Mount Plate and PCB: Align alignment posts. Drop in switches or solder.
- Case Assembly: Tighten case screws crisscross to avoid warping. Snug, not Hulk‑tight.
- Flash Layout: VIA JSON available on CannonKeys GitHub.
Time required: around 90 minutes for hot‑swap build, two hours if soldering.
Common mistakes include pinching the JST cable and forgetting to peel the OLED screen protector.
Community Feedback and Expert Reviews
- Reddit Consensus: A mega‑thread on r/mech market shows most first‑time builders praising the Sat75 X value. Long‑time collectors still call the original the “grail” piece.
- Alexotos Review: Keyboard streamer Alexotos ranked the Sat75 X his “Best Budget Custom of 2024” thanks to its approachable price.
- TechCrunch Feature: TechCrunch’s gadget column highlighted the OLED productivity widget functions for streamers.
Just as camera reviewers revisit gear after several years as seen in our Canon EOS M50 Review, the Sat75 X is also being reevaluated in 2025 for its lasting build quality and relevance.
Alternatives to Consider in the 75 Percent Category
If neither board fits your needs, consider:
- Keychron Q1 Pro: Similar knob layout, offers wireless and gasket mount for USD $199.
- GMMK Pro: Popular entry board, though heavier typing feel and louder ping.
- Mode Envoy: Premium finish and top‑right knob, costs USD $299 before switches.
If you’re building a gaming-centric setup around the Sat75 X, you might also want to explore our guide to the Best AM4 CPU for Gaming in 2025 for optimal PC pairing.
Final Decision Guide
| Use‑Case | Recommended Board | Rationale |
| First custom build on a budget | Sat75 X | Hot‑swap, cheap entry, lively community builds |
| Premium desk centerpiece | Satisfaction 75 | Heavier weight, brass accents, status symbol |
| Frequent switch tester | Sat75 X | No solder required |
| Silent office typing | Satisfaction 75 | Softer poron dampens keystrokes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sat75 X hot‑swap?
Yes. Its PCB supports Kailh hot‑swap sockets for quick switch changes with no soldering.
How much does the Sat75 X cost compared with the original Satisfaction 75?
Current preorder price is USD $111 for the X kit, while resale Satisfaction75 kits trend between $550 and $800.
When will Sat75 X ship in 2025?
CannonKeys lists an October 2025 fulfillment window for the next preorder batch.
Can I use VIA to remap the Satisfaction 75?
Absolutely. Both boards are fully QMK and VIA compatible. Download the JSON from CannonKeys GitHub and import it in VIA.
What switches sound best in the Sat75 X?
Deep linear switches such as Gateron Oil King, C³ Tangerine, or KTT Hyacinth complement the firmer silicone gasket.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Both keyboards deliver top‑tier build quality and modern features. Your budget and preference for flex versus firmness will decide the winner. If you crave collectible status and the deepest “thock” hunt the original Satisfaction 75. If you love tinkering and want to save your wallet, the Sat75 X is unbeatable.
👉 Stay ahead of restocks: Sign up for our free newsletter and we will ping you the moment CannonKeys opens the next preorder.
👉 Ready to build? Check our complete keyboard tools guide and grab a switch puller, keycap brush, and lube kit before your board arrives.
Happy building and may your next keystroke be your smoothest yet.
