As the years pass, more and more people are shifting towards 65% keyboards. There are many reasons for that, but the main one is that modern-day computing requires the right balance of compactness, portability, and functionality. And there may be no better way to ensure that than a 65 mechanical keyboard which makes a great compact desk accessory.
However, picking a suitable keyboard can get challenging as you combine different tasks on your computer. As someone who’s been through this struggle, I decided to create this list of the best 65% keyboards you can choose from, no matter your main occupation.
Let’s dive in!
What you should consider when buying a 65% Keyboard
There are relatively fewer 65 mechanical keyboards, but choosing the right one can still be daunting. There are several decent options you can select from, and these are the factors you should consider.
1. Performance
Mechanical switches are the main difference between mechanical vs. membrane keyboards. It allows you to press keys on the keyboard without going all the way down, which gives better precision and consistency. There are different types of switches, each performing in a specific way, and this should be your top consideration before choosing a 65 keyboard.
With hot-swap sockets, you can have a custom mechanical keyboard for your desired customization options. But if you want to be specific with your option, Cherry MX switches are well-known for their dependability and customizability.
For example, the Cherry MX Black is a tactile switch that may be better for gamers due to its key feel and easy actuation. On the other hand, Cherry MX Brown is better for typing since it travels a shorter distance to actuate.
However, there are other switches from Cherry MX and other makers, such as the Halo, Gateron, Optical, and more customized switches like Roccat’s Titan switch. You should also consider high-quality keycaps like the Cherry profile keycaps for better performance.
2. Durability
Durability is a function of the keyboard’s build material. Choosing an aluminum frame ensures long-lasting usage, and many 65 mechanical keyboards feature this reliable material. You can add more durability with a waterproof, dustproof build, or both.
3. Convenience
It is essential that you invest in a convenient keyboard that fits your desktop setup. To achieve this, selecting mechanical keyboards with enough extra features is recommended, especially those related to your keyboard activities.
The per-key RGB lighting is the most common feature, but there are other handy features like macro keys, multimedia keys, anti-ghosting keys, wireless capability, etc.
What Are The Best 65 Mechanical Keyboards?
Drop ALT is the best 65 mechanical keyboard, but it’s not alone. I’ve arranged these keyboards based on their most practical use, and they can guarantee excellent performance, are convenient to work with, and last long.
Whether you’re a gamer, freelancer, student, or someone who uses the keyboard for everyday productivity, there’s a compact keyboard for you below.
Best Multipurpose Mechanical Keyboard: Drop ALT
Price: $180
The Drop ALT is the optimized version of the 87-key Drop CTRL that allows you unlimited flexibility with its customizations. In addition, this keyboard features double-shot PBT keycaps for a fantastic experience and beautiful RGB lighting for aesthetics.
Here are the reasons why I love this keyboard:
- Hot-Swap Switches: The Drop ALT keyboard comes with hot-swap switches that let you build a custom keyboard with any switch options of choice, but the Cherry MX is the top recommendation. However, you may also select from a range of others from Halo or Kaihua.
- Feature-Loaded: It also combines a host of features you’d find appealing — from the programmable and customizable effects to the double USB-C connectors and magnetic feet.
- Excellent Build Quality: The Drop is guaranteed to stand the test of time, thanks to the sturdy aluminum case.
The only downside of the Drop ALT is its price, which is higher than most 65% keyboards. It is, in fact, the most expensive on this list, but you can brush that aside, considering its excellent functionality.
Overall, this is an excellent keyboard that anyone would be glad to have. It hardly discriminates whether you’re a gamer, programmer, or keyboard enthusiast; simply connect and enjoy.
Best Keyboard for Gaming: Durgod Hades 68
Price: $140
One of the first things you notice on the Durgod Hades 68 is its aesthetically pleasing RGB backlight, whose colors can be combined in 16.8 million ways. Its semitransparent PBT keycaps are a nice combination you’d be willing to show off.
It’s also a great white keyboard which makes a great accompaniment to any desk setup.
However, this mechanical keyboard offers much more than looks. Apart from its compatibility with both Windows and Mac computers, customizable macros allow customization, while anti-ghosting lets you press many keys simultaneously — features that enhance your gaming experience.
This keyboard is great as it has…
- Swap Switches: Durgod Hades 68 has a board carefully positioned to allow swappable keys, and you can select any switch from the Cherry MX, Gateron, or Kailh collections.
- Durable Build: Featuring a solid aluminum frame, this keyboard would stand the test of time. Its larger keys also have pre-lubed stabilizers for quietness.
The ABS stock keycaps are slightly tilting towards the cheap end, but you may not notice the difference with the other top features on the keyboard.
Durgod Hades 68 is an attractive 65 percent keyboard created to give gamers a whole experience.
Best Keyboard for Gaming: Ducky One 2 SF
Price: $110
You can’t go wrong with the Ducky One 2 SF’s German Cherry MX switches and dependable PBT keycaps. It comes in white or black with sturdy backplates and a detachable USB-C cable and packs a handful of additional features.
While those qualities are enough to guarantee a top-quality keyboard like all other Ducky keyboards, the One 2 SF gives you even more.
There’re reasons why I love the One 2 SF, and they are…
- Customizable: It has onboard controls that let you customize the RGB lighting and other presets. You even get to edit more powerful settings using the PCB board situated macros.
- Ergonomics: It also has 3-level flip-up feet—a decent feature that keeps you comfortable even if you game for multiple hours.
- Anti-Ghosting: Its anti-ghosting feature that allows you to press multiple keys together is another essential benefit for gaming.
The Ducky One 2 SF is a great mechanical keyboard, but it has a couple of downsides, like the lack of wireless connection, dedicated software, or swappable switches. The plastic case may also be slightly limited in durability.
This is another gaming mechanical keyboard. However, programmers and other keyboard enthusiasts would also find the features appealing.
Best Keyboard for Gaming: Durgod Fusion
Price: $170
Fusion from Durgod is a popular name among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts and ranks among the top 65% keyboards. Famous for its unique retro design, Durgod Fusion is the perfect fusion of style and functionality.
This keyboard is powered by Cherry MX, and you can choose from multiple options, including Brown, Red, or Blue switches. It also has the PBT keycaps for long-lasting usage, while its build is a sturdy plastic and rigid metal plate on the inside.
Here are the reasons why this keyboard is great…
- Multiple Connectivity and Compatibility: You have absolute freedom in connecting this keyboard to various devices, including Windows, iOS, and Android devices. You may either connect with a USB-C cable, through a wireless connection, or high-speed Bluetooth.
- Software Support: It has the Durgod Zeus Engine Software that allows you to upgrade the firmware and customize macro keys.
However, this wireless keyboard is quite pricey and offers limited switch features. Nonetheless, you won’t need two keyboards since it is already fitted with high-end Cherry MX switches.
The Durgod Fusion is for anyone who wants to enjoy gaming or professional activities in retro-themed style — a mixture of all the good things from different eras.
Best Keyboard for Programing: Magicforce 68
Price: $100
The Qisan Magicforce is relatively lesser-known but remains one of the best. Like other wireless keyboards, it gives you enough freedom to code from anywhere without worrying about cables or mobility challenges.
This keyboard comes with Outemu and Gateron switches. The clean design with blue LED lights is another aspect you’d love since it offers enough aesthetics, just like white gaming keyboards. However, there’s also a black variant.
This 65 keyboard is as great because of its…
- Wireless Connectivity: It is always a good idea to do away with cables, and this keyboard makes that easy.
- Replaceable Key Caps: Its ABS keycaps are standard sizes, making them easily replaceable.
- Ergonomics: It gives comfortability with two kickstands for positioning and rubber feet to ensure stability.
This keyboard is targeted slightly toward people looking for budget-friendly options. Hence, the less quality ABS keycaps and Outemu switches. It also offers no customization but is still an excellent system keyboard that can hold its own against some of the best.
In case you want to try out a 65 mechanical keyboard without spending a fortune, this may be your best bet. It is a decent mechanical keyboard for programming that does not require much extra.
Best Keyboard for Programming: Keychron K6
Price: $70
This is another great keyboard that comes at a highly affordable price. You’d love it that this 65 keyboard is compatible with both Windows and Mac PCs. It also offers wireless connectivity and comes with a decent aluminum frame.
It gives enough freedom with Gateron and LK optical switches that are swappable. In addition, itIt has ABS keycaps and attractive RGB backlighting.
The KeyChron K6 wins brownie points because of its…
- Hot Swap Switches: The design lets you get a custom keyboard with different switch options without soldering or doing anything complex.
- Multiple Connectivity Options: It can be operated either wirelessly or with a detachable cable.
However, the keyboard lacks ergonomics and may be rough on your hands if you code for a long time. It also gives out a hollow sound, but it shouldn’t be too much of a problem since you can replace the switches with less noisy ones.
This is the perfect mechanical keyboard for you if you’re on a budget but still want a good keyboard. It may not be the best keyboard for programming, but it’s certainly up there.
Best Keyboard for Programing: Leopold FC660M
Price: $110
A mechanical keyboard that focuses on performance, the Leopold FC660M is a solidstrong and cost-effective option. There is a wide range of Cherry MX switch options you can select from and excellent PBT keycaps. It has a plastic case but packs enough strength for long-lasting use.
Here are the reasons why I highly rate this keyboard…
- Top Functionality: Its Cherry MX switches represent the highest performance level, giving you the freedom to choose from the entire selection.
- Extra Padding: The keyboard has extra padding underneath the keys to lessen the noise level and optimize quality.
The Leopold FC660M does not offer much room for customization and has no backlight. It also features a mini USB port in place of the more popular USB-C cable.
This 65 keyboard does not offer many features. Instead, it focuses on delivering an excellent experience and should be perfect for anyone who just wants a solid mechanical keyboard without extras.
Best Keyboard for Typing: VortexGear Cypher
Price: $96
A decent 65% keyboard, the Vortexgear Cypher, is a dependable and cost-effective 65 keyboard option, despite being lightweight. This model is also available in a dual space bar variant that you can get for around $20 less.
It comes with the freedom to choose from the Cherry MX switches and quality PBT keycaps with laser engraved legends. That’s not all; it works with a detachable- USB-C cable and is compatible with different operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.
This 65 keyboard is great as…
- Fully programmable: In case you enjoy having your customizations, this 65 keyboard lets you reprogram each key as you want.
- Multiple Keyboard Layers: You can choose the Dvorak or Colemak keyboard layers instead of the standard Qwerty. The layers have a LED indicator light, specifying which is active.
The plastic case may be slightly below standard quality, and some keys cannot be programmed.
For anyone who wants a simple, compact keyboard for typing and coding, this should give enough satisfaction since it has adequate flexibility and is cost-effective.
Best Keyboard for Typing: Ducky Miya Pro
Price: $109
Two keyboard manufacturers — Ducky and Varmilo — collaborated, and the result is the Ducky Miya Pro. This keyboard is available in several lovely designs, like the Miya Pro Panda, Miya Pro Koi, and Miya Pro Forest Fairy.
It has a neat and compact form factor but does not sacrifice performance. You can also select from a wide range of Cherry MX’s Blue, Brown, Red, Silent Red, Clear, or Silver switches. Therefore, it will satisfy your needs, whether you’re in for a linear switch, tactile, or clicky feedback as you type.
There are reasons why I love the Ducky Miya Pro, and it’s mostly due to its…
- Good Build: The overall build is strong and aesthetic, with steel plates inside a sturdy plastic frame. It even caps it off with 1.3mm PBT keycaps.
- Ergonomics: The keyboard eases things for your hands with its kickstand and rubber feet.
It features only a white backlight and has no options for per-key RGB backlighting. There are also no software functions, and connection can only be achieved with a cable, although there’s support for USB Type-C.
Just a simple, strong 65 keyboard for professionals who value flexibility and aesthetics at a cost-effective price.
FAQ
Are 65% keyboards good?
Yes, 65% keyboards are excellent. Although 65% keyboards lack specific keys contained in bigger keyboards, it is just a case of doing away with the needless and sticking with the essential keys.
They give you much better ergonomics with a reduced form factor that lets you reach all ends quickly. These keyboards offer great portability by eliminating the Numpad you never even use and come with a host of exciting features.
Do 65 keyboards have a function row?
The best 65 mechanical keyboards have around 66 to 68 keys, eliminating the Numpad and the function row, unlike laptop keyboards. However, like most keyboards, they have the shift key, alphanumeric keys, dedicated arrow keys, navigation keys, Windows key, caps lock, etc.
Is a 65 keyboard good for gaming?
Absolutely! The excluded keys are those usually not needed for gaming, giving 65% keyboards an advantage over other keyboards. It frees up desk space for other gaming gadgets and is handy for gaming on the go since it can fit into your backpack easily.
What is a 75% keyboard?
The 75% keyboard is similar to the 65 layout but retains the function row like a full-size keyboard. Gamers may not find this option necessary. Instead, it is a good recommendation for programmers or other professionals who use the function layer but still want something compact and more desk space.
These less popular mechanical keyboards save a lot of space by bringing keys closer to one another and placing some less popular keys together in a column. Like a TKL keyboard, it is suitable for heavy users of the function row.
How many switches do you need for a 65% keyboard?
Since a 65 keyboard has around 67 and 68 keys, the switches required would also correspond to that number. However, getting a couple of extra switches is a good idea in case you want a split space bar or lose some later. Therefore, 70 switches sound like a decent number.
To Wrap Up
The 65 keyboard has generated significant attention among gamers, programmers, and other professionals alike. While certain factors have to be considered before buying a compact mechanical keyboard, this should satisfy anyone who hardly uses the F keys and Numpad.
The Drop ALT keyboard is a top recommendation for whichever purpose you want your 65 keyboard for. Although other options are also suited for multiple functions, many of their features position them better for specific tasks. That is why the Durgod Hades 68 is the recommended gaming keyboard, while the Ducky One 2 SF is a slightly more affordable option.
Programmers would find the Durgod Fusion appealing, but the Keychron K6, with hot-swap switches, guarantees a cheap solution for those new to the game. For typing, the VortexGear Cypher or Ducky Miya Pro usually have the best feedback.
Ultimately, any of these 65 keyboards is a guarantee of a unique experience. So, factor in your needs, select a keyboard and enjoy.