If youre in search of a 65% mechanical keyboard then youve come to the right place.
Besides this, theres an assortment of other features for you to choose from e.g.
Wireless compatibility, Hot-swappable keys, and RGB backlighting, etc.
Below, we will take a look at some of the best mass-produced models on the market right now.
What is the best 65% Mechanical Keyboard?
Its size somewhat resembles its predecessor (the ever-popular RK61), but it does have some upgraded features.
These include tri-mode connectivity, user hot-swappable switches, and PBT keycaps.
Built from a tough ABS plastic, the casing is sturdy and theres quite a bit of heft.
Under the case are four rubber feet that balance the board at an 8-12 angle.
Moreover, on top is a removable top shell.
This allows you to change the case design from a high profile to a low profile.
The board itself is equipped with a hot-swap PCB that supports both three and five-pin mechanical switches.
For switches, you could choose from three Gateron colors: Blues, Browns, and Reds.
However, any other Cherry MX-style switch or clone is fully compatible.
Tri-mode connectivity (2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired) is another standout feature of the RK68.
The 2.4 GHz dongle plugs straight into your PC or console to establish an instant connection.
Also that they are double-shot.
All in all, the RK68 Plus is a fantastic budget keeb with huge potential.
It has 68 compact keys including a set of arrows and four modifiers.
Moreover, it draws its power through a wired USB-C connection but it cannot function wirelessly.
The two-part acrylic case design of the KC68s is quite unique.
Youll be glad to know that the PCB features north-facing, per-key LEDs and 3/ 5-pin hot-swappable sockets.
On top is an attractive set of XDA profile shimmer keycaps.
As for the typing experience, the KC68 feels and sounds great out of the box.
We did have to remove and re-lube the space bar stabs but that was about it.
Alternatively, this can be done through the onboard controls.
Using the FN + Pause/ Home, you could flick through 19 RGB dynamic effects and 7 backlight colors.
Additionally, it features three modes of connectivity and RGB backlighting.
Constructed from plastic, the two-part case has a frosted acrylic top shell and a solid plastic bottom.
Furthermore, on the back left of the case is a recessed USB-C port.
The mounting method is a hybrid-gasket-sandwich design with two layers of dampening foam.
The result is a more stable tactile typing experience with quieter typing sounds.
The PCB itself can support both 3/ 5-pin switches and has RGB LEDs.
Epomarker may have done this to help illuminate the top of the board.
Nevertheless, the RGB backlighting is bold, bright, and wonderful.
For stock switches, the TH66 is available to buy in Gateron Pro mechanicals.
Supporting these are a set of factory-lubed stabilizers.
Moreover, on top are a dye-sub set of PBT keycaps.
These come in a unique MDA profile.
MDA is essentially a lower version of the SA profile with a similar sculpted form.
Epomaker Akko 3068B
TheAkko 3068Bis an attractive 65% mechanical keyboard with 68 compact keys.
Considering the affordable price, it sports an impressive set of features.
Some of these include three modes of connectivity, hot-swappable switches, and RGB backlighting.
On the bottom is a molded lip that elevates the board at a slight angle.
This houses two flip-up feet at the back that have two stages of adjustment.
To keep costs competitive, the 3068B comes equipped with its own AKKO CS Jelly switches and PBT keycaps.
The switches have a life span of 50 million clicks and require 35g of force to actuate.
As for the keycaps, these are noticeably high quality.
They have an ASA Profile and look great.
Pairing with Bluetooth is easy, and the 2.4 GHz works just as it should.
All in all, the Akko 3068B offers amazing value for money.
Its definitely up there with some of the best budget 65% form factors.
Connectivity is one area in which the Keychron excels.
Due to the cases aluminum mounted panels, the build quality is actually very good.
A few downsides though is that it does comes with ABS keycaps (rather than PBT).
Furthermore, although it features eighteen types of RGB backlighting, this is not exactly the brightest.
All in all, its a great multi-tasking keyboard for the price.
Similarly, it features wireless/ wired modes, a hot-swap PCB, and cross-platform compatibility.
The only real differences are the low-profile case and LP switches.
Much like the K6, the K7 has a tough aluminum enclosure.
For plenty of rigidity, the case consists of two reinforced, aluminum pieces that screw together.
On the bottom is a pair of adjustable, two-step feet.
The K7 is available in either low-profile optical or mechanical switches, however, the mechanical version is non-hot-swappable.
Personally, we prefer optical switches on this board.
Developed by Keychron themselves, these are approx.
1mm smaller than their mechanical counterpart.
Fast and secure, it can connect up to three devices and allow you to switch between them simultaneously.
Whether this is your PC, Laptop, or Android smart phone.
To accommodate a smaller low-profile, Keychron has had to compromise on the battery size.
Powering the K7 is a slightly smaller 1550 mAh battery.
We found this could last about half the time, (roughly 34 hours) On the plus side.
It has a three-hour charge and is usable with a wire.
Even so, it lacks no strength as the build utilizes a solid aluminum top plate.
This greatly reduces travel time for a faster multi-press.
For an immersive gaming experience, per-key RGB backlighting is a feature.
The LEDs are nice and vibrant and spread lots of light across the whole keyboard.
In terms of aesthetics, the board looks quite minimal with soft, rounded corners and clean legends.
Also on the back is a jot down-C USB port for a wired connection.
Overall, the Streak65 is an awesome 65% mechanical keyboard for gamers on a budget.
In terms of the build, the body is mostly plastic but it does have an aluminum top plate.
Aesthetically, the case follows the rest of the black widow lineup with an indistinguishable front lip.
For switches, the Mini comes in two Razer variants; Greens and Yellows.
On top are ABS double-shot keycaps that have extra thick walls to withstand prolonged use.
Although the build quality is impressive, its the excellent connectivity makes this keyboard stand out.
As a result, you wont have any issues with dropouts.
No wireless keyboard is truly worth buying unless the battery life is there to match it.
Fortunately, this is another area where the V3 Mini excels.
It also has a real-time battery level indicator so you might see how much power youve got left.
For the layout, the Falchion incorporates the arrows and navigation keys into one compact 68 key block.
If youre moving up from a 60% board you will quickly adapt to this layout.
The board comes with Cherry MX mechanical switches and durable PBT double-shot keycaps on top.
As this is a gaming keyboard, the keycaps have a gamer-style font.
To give you long-lasting performance, the Falchion boasts a whopping 450 hours of battery life.
Keydous NJ68
TheKeydous NJ68is a compact, 65% mechanical keyboard featuring Bluetooth 4.1 and a hot-swappable PCB.
Its available in three different colors black, white, or pink.
The white version includes several additional keycaps to support a Mac multimedia layout.
Constructed from a hard ABS plastic, the casing is solid and has some premium weight to it.
The stock stabilizers come pre-lubed and do not rattle.
Moreover, the PBT, double-shot keycaps are pretty thick (1.4mm) and have sharp, clean legends.
Overall, the build quality is very high.
Featuring Kailh sockets, the board is compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
The hot-swap sockets arent overly tight, making it easy to try out new switches with no soldering required.
For stock switches, you could choose from either Kailh Boxs or Cherry MXs.
Another big pro of the NJ68 is its eye-catching 16m color backlight.
The RGB effects are abundant and the white is clean.
To program the backlighting or set macros, Keydous provide their own native software.
However, due to the rough Chinese translation, this is a bit difficult to understand.
Lastly, as this is a Bluetooth keyboard, it has dual connectivity.
Besides the fantastic aesthetics, the build quality of this model is extremely high.
Like most other Ducky products it uses Cherry-style switches and has PBT Keycaps.
It does only support white backlighting, however, this allows you to fully appreciate the artwork.
The small footprint makes it ideal for all sorts of games and productivity tasks.
To help prevent this, four textured rubber feet are on the bottom of the board.
The keyboard itself has an exposed low profile case design with floating keycaps.
For stock switches, it comes with its own Glorious Fox Linears.
These are similar to Gateron Reds with a 45g actuation force and a 60g bottom out.
The stock spacebar has little rattle and the switches have no scratchiness.
Another big pro is that the PCB also supports screw-in stabilizers and GSV2s.
Finally, RGB backlighting is one of the best features of the GMMK 2.
Eighteen effects are customizable on the board, and more are configurable via the software.
Overall, those searching for an affordable 65% keyboard cant go wrong with the GMMK 2.
Its ideal for those seeking a well-built option that excels in aesthetics, sound, and responsiveness.
Revamped and improved, it flaunts a fresh new style, enhanced acoustics, and eagerly awaited hot-swap functionality.
The geometric case design is one of the biggest differences from its predecessor.
Aesthetically, it looks a lot more modern, with sleek bevels that reduce some of the bulk.
Inside the case, Ducky have gone for a dual-layer PCB with Kailh sockets and north-facing LEDs.
Cherry MXs continue to be the switch of choice.
Furthermore, On top, youll find a higher-quality set of tri-tone PBT keycaps.
These are now dye-sub with an extra grippy texture for gaming.
As for the typing experience, the One 3 SF sounds excellent out of the box.
This is thanks to its factory pre-lubed stabs and multi-layered padding design.
Finally, RGB is another standout feature of the Ducky One 3.
The backlighting is bright, saturated, and looks drop-dead gorgeous as it reflects of the white top plate.
Once you purchase this keyboard, you will quickly learn what all the fuss is about!
In addition to providing strength, the frame also acts as a built-in switch plate.
This gives you the freedom to swap out the native switches and replace them with Cherry-style MXs or clones.
RGB Backlighting is another prominent feature of the ALT.
In turn, this helps to deliver a beautiful lightbox effect that glows evenly through the floating keycaps.
Using the QMK firmware, all of the keys are fully programmable.
The backlighting is also fully customizable.
With so many stand out features, this might be the last keyboard you ever need to buy!
This board also comes in alow-profilemodel.
Keychron Q2
TheKeychron Q2is a luxury-enthusiast 65% mechanical keyboard with a double gasket-mount design.
Additionally, it features RGB, a hot-swappable PCB, and QMK/ VIA support.
Constructed from aluminum (with a rigid steel plate), the build quality is especially high.
Underneath the case are four rubber feet that help to raise the case just above the ground.
Additionally, there are eight screws for easy-disassembly when modding.
Due to having a gasket mount structure, the plate provides 2.5mm of generous flex.
This aims to reduce vibrations from bottoming out switches and eliminate resonance throughout the keyboard.
Compared to other gasket mount implications, Keychron have implemented this incredibly well.
In between the gasket-structure is a hot-swap PCB with south-facing RGB LEDs.
For switches, this particular board comes with Gateron G Pro Reds.
Also included are a nice pair of screw-in stabs.
These are Gaterons owns factory-lubed, silver-plated stabilizers that sound decent out of the box.
In terms of software, the Keychron Q2 relies solely on QMK and VIA support.
Thanks to its clean layout and simple tabs for customization, we find it very straightforward to use.
Overall, the Keychron Q2 is a solid, 65% keyboard that does almost everything right.
For pre-built keyboards around the two-hundred dollar price point, you wont find a better deal than this.
Click herefor the Black version!
What is a 65% Mechanical Keyboard?
A 65% keyboard is essentially a keyboard that is 65% of the size of a standard keyboard.
Its the Goldilocks fairytale of keyboards; not too little and not too big but just about perfect.
They typically accomplish this by eliminating the numeric keypad, half of the home keys, and function-row.
Similarly, the missing home keys e.g.
Page Up, Page Down, Print Screen, etc.
are available through secondary functions on the remaining Home keys.
The right shift is also 1.75u rather than the full 2.75u of a standard layout.
Ask yourself, how often do you really use those extra keys.
In fact, there are several more advantages to using a 65% keyboard.
All of your macro key functions are here as well.
Its not like ditching a traditional keyboard cuts out the best features of a keyboard, after all.
Theyre much easier to use in terms of portability as well.
How to Choose a 65% Mechanical Keyboard?
Dropping a mechanical keyboard from a full to 65% was only the next, logical step.
But how to choose the right one?
That way it wont flex or bend when youre smashing away on the keys.
You wont have to worry about it breaking if you accidentally drop it on the floor either.
You dont want lateral movement when you press a key, only straight up and down.
Keycaps Material
PBT keycaps are far the most durable keycaps; a huge step-up over ABS keycaps.
Connectivity Options
This depends on you.
It boils down to what you want in your workspace and your level of portability.
High-quality keyboards will give you four days or more of moderate use so you shouldnt accept anything less.
We hope you found a 65% Mechanical Keyboard on this list.
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