Choosing between the AEBoards Constellation and Satellite comes down to your preferred typing experience, customisation options and budget. Both are 65% blockerless custom mechanical keyboards associated with the Australian and New Zealand mechanical keyboard community.
The Constellation is designed around a flexible mounting system and a range of customisation options, while the Satellite offers its own approach to the 65% keyboard format.
This guide provides a straightforward comparison of the two keyboards, including their key differences, PCB compatibility considerations and customisation options, to help you decide which one is the right fit for your desk.
What’s the Difference Between the Constellation and Satellite?
The main decision comes down to customisation and build flexibility versus straightforward assembly and convenience.
Choose the AEBoards Satellite
The Satellite is a more accessible premium aluminium 65% keyboard featuring a hot-swap PCB, a distinctive reversible base angle of −7° or +7°, and a straightforward assembly process. It's a practical option for enthusiasts who want a quality custom keyboard without the complexity or higher cost of a more advanced build.
Choose the AEBoards Constellation
The Constellation is designed for enthusiasts who want greater control over their keyboard's feel, sound and appearance. It offers three mounting methods, interchangeable accent pieces, premium plate material options and a housing designed for extensive customisation.
If you enjoy experimenting with different mounting configurations, acoustic profiles and build materials, the Constellation provides a broader platform for tailoring your keyboard to your preferences.
Head-to-Head Specification Comparison
| Feature | Constellation | Satellite |
| Price (AUD) | $700 AUD | $270 AUD |
| Layout | 65% Blockerless | 65% Blockerless |
| Standard PCB | Solderable (Constellation Rev 2) | Hot-Swap |
| Mounting Styles | Top Mount, O-Ring Gasket, Gasketed Sandwich | Top Mount, Compression Gasket |
| Case Materials | Anodized Aluminum or Polycarbonate (PC) | Anodized Aluminum |
| Typing Angle / Base | Fixed Angle | Reversible Base (-7° / +7°) |
| Accents & Hardware | Interchangeable Brass/Aluminum Accents | Integrated Minimalist Housing |
| Electro-Capacitive (EC) Support | Yes (Via Rev 2 EC PCB) | Yes (Via Satellite EC PCB or Rev 2 EC PCB) |
4 Key Differentiators Between the Constellation and Satellite
1. Mounting Systems & Acoustic Tuning
The Constellation is designed for builders who enjoy experimenting with different typing feels and acoustic profiles. It supports three distinct mounting configurations:
-
Top Mount: Provides a classic, firm typing feel with consistent force feedback across the board.
-
O-Ring Gasket Mount: Suspends the plate within an O-ring perimeter, distributing typing force more evenly for a softer and more isolated acoustic profile.
- Gasketed Sandwich Mount: Combines sandwich-style plate mounting with Poron gasket isolation for additional dampening and a softer overall typing experience.
By comparison, the Satellite keeps the build process simpler with two primary configurations:
-
Top Mount: Provides a traditional, more rigid typing feel.
- Compression Gasket Mount: Provides a semi-isolated mounting system with a more muted acoustic profile.
2. PCB Options & Build Effort
The two boards also differ in their standard PCB configurations.
Satellite – Hot-Swap PCB
The Satellite comes standard with a hot-swap PCB, making it particularly convenient for switch testing and experimentation. MX-compatible switches can be swapped in minutes without the need for soldering.
Constellation – Solderable PCB
The Constellation includes a Rev 2 solderable PCB as standard. This is better suited to builders who prefer soldered switches, custom layout options and greater flexibility for switch placement and custom key mapping.
3. Physical Compatibility & Revision Considerations
There are some important physical compatibility limitations to consider when purchasing replacement or standalone parts.
Can a standard Satellite MX PCB be installed in a Constellation case?
No. The O-ring pillars inside the Constellation case interfere with the outline of the standard Satellite PCB, so the two are not physically compatible.
Can a Constellation Rev 3 MX PCB be installed in a Satellite case?
Yes. The Rev 3 Constellation PCB was revised with a centred USB-C port and the mid-board flex cuts were removed to improve USB connector durability. The revised PCB is compatible with both the Constellation and Satellite cases.
4. Electro-Capacitive (EC) Ecosystem
Both boards can be used with AEBoards’ Naevies EC ecosystem, which provides a Topre-like capacitive tactile experience while retaining MX keycap compatibility. However, the internal case clearances create an important bottom-row layout difference.
Satellite EC PCB – 1st Generation
The first-generation Satellite EC PCB was designed specifically for the Satellite housing. It supports both 6.25U and 7U bottom-row layouts.
However, its edge clearance means it cannot be installed inside the Constellation case.
Constellation EC PCB – 2nd Generation
The second-generation Constellation EC PCB was redesigned with additional notch cut-outs to clear the Constellation's O-ring pillars.
This PCB can therefore be used in both the Constellation and Satellite cases. However, the revised design sacrifices 7U bottom-row support to achieve the required clearance.
Buying Decision: Which Should You Choose?
Choose the AEBoards Satellite if:
- You want a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard that makes testing and changing switches quick and easy.
- You prefer a modern 65% aluminium keyboard priced under $300 AUD.
- You want the flexibility to experiment with different typing angles, from -7° to +7°, using its reversible base.
- You plan to build an Electro-Capacitive (EC) configuration with a 7U bottom row.
Choose the AEBoards Constellation if:
- You want greater control over the keyboard’s acoustics and typing feel, with three distinct mounting options.
- You prefer premium materials, including brass weight options and polycarbonate (PC) case configurations.
- You’re looking for a flagship solderable or Electro-Capacitive (EC) keyboard and budget is not your primary consideration.
Ready to build? Check the current stock, available colourways, and PCB revisions directly on Keyboard Treehouse to confirm component availability before finalising your build kit.