Top 8 Best 65 Keyboards


Are you wondering what the heck a 65 keyboard is? In simple terms, a 65 keyboard is very similar to a 60 keyboard but has arrow keys. People who use tenkeyless keyboards do not need the function row, so switching to 65 will free up some important-required office space. Best 65 keyboards are one of the best-kept secrets in the keyboard world because they optimize size and layout to make an ultra-compact, comfortable keyboard.

The 65 keyboard has alphanumeric keys, modifiers, and nautical keys but no numeric keypad or function row. It’s the perfect balance between a compact keyboard (60) and a full-sized keyboard (100). They are both functional and compact.

People who want a lot of mobility will love the layout 65 keyboard because it’s easy to carry. This is my favorite keyboard form factor. It sits between a TKL and a 60 keyboard in size, keeping the arrow cluster but removing the F keys and a column of keys to the right side of the keyboard.

Our Top 3 Recommendations

Best Pick Ducky MIYA Pro Ducky MIYA Pro

Durable build

Solid

Macro-programmable keys

Most Popular Drop ALT Drop ALT

Great build quality

Dual USB-C ports

Macro-programmable keys

Budget Pick Durgod Hades 68 Durgod Hades 68

Type C port

RGB lights

Great build quality

Top 8 Best 65 Keyboards Summary

Award Image Model Price
Best 65 Keyboard Ducky MIYA Pro Ducky MIYA Pro See On Amazon
Best 65 Keyboard Mechanical Drop ALT Drop ALT See On Amazon
Best 65 Keyboard For Programming Durgod Hades 68 Durgod Hades 68 See On Amazon
Best 65 Wireless Keyboard Leopold FC660M Leopold FC660M See On Amazon
Best Budget 65 Gaming Keyboard Magicforce 68 Magicforce 68 See On Amazon
Best Ducky 65 Keyboard Ducky X Varmilo MIYA Pro Panda Ducky X Varmilo MIYA Pro Panda See On Amazon
Best 65 Percent Keyboard Snpurdiri Snpurdiri See On Amazon
Best 65 RGB Keyboard LTC NB681 Nimbleback LTC NB681 Nimbleback See On Amazon

Top 8 Best 65 Keyboards At a Glance:

Top 8 Best 65 Keyboards Reviews

Ducky MIYA Pro (Image credit: Amazon)

Ducky MIYA Pro

Best 65 Keyboard

REASONS TO BUY

Durable build

Solid

Macro-programmable keys

REASONS TO AVOID

No RGB

The Ducky MIYA Pro is a fantastic keyboard with a compact design, sleek appearance, and several robust designs. This Best 65 Keyboard has several different themes and keycap designs to choose from on these keyboards, creating a truly unique experience. There’s a keyboard design suitable for those who wish to have an underwater theme on their keyboard.

It is also noteworthy that the MIYA Pro comes in several different color options in addition to the Cherry MX Black, Blue, Gray, Red, Silver, Clear, and Silent Red switches… So, whether you need a linear, clicky, or tactile switch, this option will satisfy your requirements.

This is an excellent option if you want the experience of a user-customized keyboard without the hassles of group buys and waiting. The Ducky MIYA Pro is the Best 65% Keyboard.

What We Like About This Keyboard?

One of the standout features of the Ducky Miya Pro is its dedicated arrow keys, which are essential for many users but often left out on compact keyboard designs. The keyboard also boasts a solid and durable build, meaning it is likely to withstand heavy use and last for a long time.

Additionally, the Ducky Miya Pro offers a wide variety of Cherry MX switches to choose from, so users can select the switch type that best meets their needs and preferences. Overall, these features make the Ducky Miya Pro a reliable and versatile choice for anyone in need of a high-quality 65% keyboard.

What We Don’t Like About This Keyboard

One potential drawback of the Ducky Miya Pro is that some users may find the spacebar stabilizers feel different than the rest of the keys. This can take some getting used to and may be a source of annoyance for some users.

Additionally, the Ducky Miya Pro does not offer RGB lighting, which may be a disappointment for users who are looking for a keyboard with customizable lighting effects.

Final Verdict

The Ducky Miya Pro is a solid choice for users in need of a high-quality 65% keyboard. Its dedicated arrow keys and durable build make it a practical choice for heavy users, and the wide variety of Cherry MX switches allows users to select the switch type that best meets their needs.

While the spacebar stabilizers and lack of RGB lighting may be minor drawbacks for some users, overall the Ducky Miya Pro is a reliable and versatile keyboard that is well worth considering.

Drop ALT (Image credit: Amazon)

Drop ALT

Best 65 Keyboard Mechanical

REASONS TO BUY

Great build quality

Dual USB-C ports

Macro-programmable keys

REASONS TO AVOID

No dedicated software

Limited lighting modes

Drop Alt does its best to give you everything a 65% keyboard could offer, and in my opinion, it largely succeeds. If you’re looking for a keyboard with minimal compromises so that you don’t have to spend money on custom keyboards, then you should check out this Best 65 Keyboard Mechanical called Drop Alt.

Aside from the hot swap switches, PBT double-shot caps, software customization, two USB-C ports, and a lot of excellent-looking RGB lighting, this keyboard offers many beautiful features.

It is equipped with dual USB-C ports that allow you to connect your cable to either the right or left side of the keyboard, depending on your preference. The feature is not found on most keyboards and is greatly appreciated when found on a keyboard.

It is also unique that the magnet feet have a feature that allows you to set the incline or decline of the keyboard depending on your ergonomic needs.

Undoubtedly, this Best 65 Keyboard Mechanical is the most customizable board on this list. If you like to customize your layout and have everything exactly how you want it, the Alt has QMK support, allowing you to remap any key with multiple layers.

In addition to having a sturdy and rigid aluminum case, the RGB looks impressive; the RGB strip inside the case is smooth and well diffused, while the RGB per-switch is vibrant.

What We Like About This Keyboard?

The Drop ALT keyboard stands out with its excellent build quality, which is sure to withstand heavy use and last for a long time. This keyboard also features dual USB-C ports, which is a convenient feature for users who want to easily connect their devices or peripherals.

In addition, the Drop ALT offers macro-programmable keys, which is a useful feature for gamers or users who frequently use complex shortcut combinations.

What We Don’t Like About This Keyboard

One potential drawback of the Drop ALT keyboard is that it does not come with dedicated software for customization. This means users may have to rely on third-party software or built-in firmware options to adjust settings like lighting or key assignments.

Additionally, the Drop ALT has limited lighting modes, which may be disappointing for users who are looking for more advanced or customizable lighting effects.

Final Verdict

The Drop ALT is a high-quality keyboard that offers a solid build, convenient connectivity options, and macro-programmable keys. However, it lacks dedicated software and has limited lighting modes, which may be a drawback for some users.

Overall, the Drop ALT is a reliable and well-built keyboard that is worth considering for users who are in need of a durable and feature-rich keyboard.

Durgod Hades 68 (Image credit: Amazon)

Durgod Hades 68

Best 65 Keyboard For Programming

REASONS TO BUY

Type C port

RGB lights

Great build quality

REASONS TO AVOID

Bit pricey

This Durgod Hades 68 isn’t the most flashy and exquisite keyboard on our list, but it is one of the most reliable. Despite its slim design, the Hades 68 features an aluminum frame in black or white (matched by matching shine-through PBT keycaps), which gives it a solid, hefty feel.

As well as pre-lubricated stabilizers, you receive regular lubrication on the large keys, like entering and Backspace, so that you can feel them smoothly. Combining the aluminum frame, PBT keycaps, lubricated stabilizers, and the aluminum frame makes for a comfortable typing experience out of the box.

One aspect of this Best 65 Keyboard For Programming that really impressed me is the Cherry profile keycaps rather than the taller, more angled OEM profiles used by most manufacturers.

Even though OEM keycaps are perfectly acceptable, I (and many other enthusiasts) prefer the feel and quality of Cherry profile keycaps. I think it’s a small but significant point in Hades 68’s favor.

What We Like About This Keyboard

As someone who has used the Durgod Hades 68 keyboard on my own PC, I can confidently say that it is a top-notch choice for anyone in need of a high-quality keyboard. The solid build and good weight of this keyboard give it a premium feel and ensure that it can withstand heavy use.

The dual USB-C ports are also a convenient feature, allowing me to easily connect my other devices or peripherals. Additionally, the multi-layer per-key mapping on the Durgod Hades 68 is a game-changer, allowing me to fully customize my keyboard and optimize it for my specific needs.

What We Don’t Like About This Keyboard

We have encountered a few drawbacks that are worth noting. Firstly, the high price of this keyboard may be a deterrent for some users, as it is more expensive than some other options on the market.

Additionally, the recessed USB-C port can be incompatible with some cables, which can be frustrating if you are using a cable that does not fit securely. While these features may not be deal breakers for everyone, they are worth considering if you are on a tight budget or have specific cable needs.

Final Verdict

Overall, the Durgod Hades 68 is a high-quality keyboard that offers a solid build, convenient connectivity options, and customizable key mapping. However, its high price and potential compatibility issues with certain cables may be drawbacks for some users.

If these issues are not deal breakers for you, the Durgod Hades 68 is a reliable and feature-rich choice that is sure to meet your needs.

Leopold FC660M (Image credit: Amazon)

Leopold FC660M

Best 65 Wireless Keyboard

REASONS TO BUY

Good build quality

Solid build

Cherry MX keys

REASONS TO AVOID

No RGB

The FC660M is one of the Best 65 Wireless keyboards and performs the best right out of the box. For around the same price, the Leopold beats the Ducky with better acoustics, stabilizers, and a more durable case.

This Best 65 Wireless Keyboard makes typing and gaming a dream. It feels solid and solid to type on. There are a couple of Cherry MX options that you can choose from on the FC660M: Black, Blue, Brown, Red, and Silent Red.

Leopold is one of the leading keyboards on the market, but it is not the absolute best keyboard due to the lack of customizability. You get what you get with the FC660M, no software, no remapping; dip switches on the back allow you to change a handful of modifier keys. A highly customizable board will be better for most people, and we recommend that our recommendations serve as a general guide for most people.

If you don’t need any customization or RGB lights, then the FC660M is the best choice over the Ducky One 2 SF. While the Ducky is built exceptionally well, it is a notch below the Leopold, and you can tell it is. The Leopold FC660M is the Best 65 Wireless Keyboard in the market.

What We Like About This Keyboard

We have been extremely impressed by its excellent build quality. The keyboard has a solid and durable feel, and we have no doubt that it will last for a long time even with heavy use. The 7 choices of Cherry MX switches are also a major plus, as they allow users to select the switch type that best meets their needs and preferences.

Additionally, the high-quality double shot PBT keycaps on the Leopold FC660M are a standout feature, as they offer a smooth and comfortable typing experience and are resistant to fading and wear.

What We Don’t Like About This Keyboard

Based on my experience with the Leopold FC660M keyboard, I have identified a few drawbacks. Firstly, the high price of this keyboard may be a drawback for some users. Additionally, the use of a USB Mini Type B connector may be inconvenient.

This is because it is less common than other types of USB connectors and may require the use of an adapter. Finally, the lack of RGB lighting may be a disappointment for users who are looking for customizable lighting effects.

Final Verdict

The Leopold FC660M keyboard is a top-notch choice for users who value build quality and customization. Its impressive array of Cherry MX switch options and durable double-shot PBT keycaps make it a standout choice for heavy users.

However, its high price point and use of a less common USB connector may be a turn-off for some users. Additionally, the absence of RGB lighting may be a deal breaker for users who crave customizable lighting effects.

Overall, the Leopold FC660M is a solid choice for users who prioritize build quality and customization options, but it may not be the best fit for everyone.

Magicforce 68 (Image credit: Amazon)

Magicforce 68

Best Budget 65 Gaming Keyboard

REASONS TO BUY

Great 86% key design

Detachable USB

Good build quality

REASONS TO AVOID

Cheap and thin keycaps

Ugly keycap font

At $40 for its cheapest option, you’re getting a great value 65% board. In contrast to our top 8 selections, the Magicforce 68 is not as good at key feel and acoustics. This Best Budget 65 Gaming Keyboard comes in various price points, with various switch options, including Cherry (Blue, Gateron, and Outemu) and Gateron (Brown, Red).

There is a clean design here. It’s a case with a thin metal top plate that sits on top of a plastic case. It is important to note that the keys on the Magicforce 68 are standard sizes, so even though the keycaps are made of thin ABS, they can be easily replaced.

At $40, with this Best Budget 65 Gaming Keyboard, you can get a very competent keyboard with a great layout and an outstanding level of functionality. Despite these shortcomings, the keyboard is worth $40, although there are some shortcomings, namely the acoustics of the keyboard.

This is a rather loud af keyboard. Many rattles are coming from the stabilizers, and the thin, light case allows an echoing bottom out. It is an incredible 65% for someone on a budget as long as they do not mind the loudness of the case and do not mind mediocre stabilized keys. Indeed the Magicforce 68 is the Best Budget 65 Gaming Keyboard.

What We Like About This Keyboard

We have been pleasantly surprised by its affordable price point. Despite its low cost, the keyboard offers decent build quality and has held up well under heavy use. Additionally, the Magicforce 68 offers reliable Bluetooth connectivity, which has been a convenient feature for us as it allows us to easily connect the keyboard to our devices without the need for a physical cable.

Overall, these features make the Magicforce 68 a great value for users who are looking for an affordable keyboard that is built to last and offers convenient connectivity options.

What We Don’t Like About This Keyboard

The use of an outdated mini-USB interface can be a pain, as it requires users to either dig out an old cable or find an adapter. Additionally, the lack of a wireless version may be a deal breaker for users who value the freedom and convenience of a cordless connection.

Lastly, the Magicforce 68 is lacking in the software department, which can be frustrating for users who crave complete control over their keyboard settings.

All things considered, the Magicforce 68 may not be the most modern or customizable keyboard on the market, but it is still a solid budget option for users who prioritize affordability and decent build quality.

Final Verdict

The Magicforce 68 is an affordable keyboard that offers decent build quality. However, its use of an old mini-USB interface, lack of a wireless version, and lack of customization software may be drawbacks for some users.

Overall, the Magicforce 68 is a solid budget choice for users who are looking for an affordable keyboard that is built to last and offers convenient connectivity options, but it may not be the best fit for everyone.

Ducky X Varmilo MIYA Pro Panda (Image credit: Amazon)

Ducky X Varmilo MIYA Pro Panda

Best Ducky 65 Keyboard

REASONS TO BUY

Beautiful design

Solid build quality

Great keys

REASONS TO AVOID

A bit expensive

There’s something adorable about a keyboard with a panda perched atop the space bar. It’s not just its good looks that make this keyboard stand out, though. There is a strong feeling of firmness and crispness in this Best Ducky 65 Keyboard when using the mechanical keys, and the aluminum frame feels solid and stable to hold.

I am happy with the build quality of this keyboard. The board features a sturdy plastic frame, stable keys, and relatively little flex, giving it the feel of brick. Overall, it provides an outstanding typing experience. Furthermore, the side profile of this Best Ducky 65 Keyboard is slightly angled, which contributes to the keyboard’s ease of use and ergonomics.

The keycaps are made of Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT), considered one of the most durable materials. As a result, they will not fade over time. Several options are available for customizing the lighting of each key, and each key is individually backlit. Macro keys can be mapped on all keys, or you can create lighting profiles that can be used to save different lighting effects.

What We Like About This Keyboard

This keyboard has held up well under heavy use and we have no doubt that it will continue to do so for a long time. The wide variety of Cherry MX switches available is also a major plus, as it allows users to select the switch type that best meets their needs and preferences.

Additionally, the Ducky X Varmilo MIYA Pro Panda offers reliable Bluetooth connectivity, which has been a convenient feature for us as it allows us to easily connect the keyboard to our devices without the need for a physical cable.

What We Don’t Like About This Keyboard

The keyboard only offers white backlighting, which may be a disappointment for users who are looking for customizable RGB lighting effects. Additionally, the latency of the Bluetooth connection may be too high for some users, which could be a problem for applications that require low latency or fast response times.

Final Verdict

The Ducky X Varmilo MIYA Pro Panda is a reliable and high-quality keyboard that offers a solid build, a wide variety of Cherry MX switches, and convenient Bluetooth connectivity. However, its lack of customizable RGB lighting and potential latency issues may be drawbacks for some users.

Snpurdiri (Image credit: Amazon)

Snpurdiri

Best 65 Percent Keyboard

REASONS TO BUY

Beautiful RGB

Attractive design

Precision keys

REASONS TO AVOID

None

I recommend the Snpurdiri keyboard because this best 65 percent keyboard is a membrane keyboard with a mechanical feel and has a reasonably easy-to-use design. It is also compatible with computers, MACs, PlayStations, and Xboxes. A USB Type-C data connection is a stable, high-speed data connection that allows you to plug and play directly into the device.

The Snpurdiri keyboard’s PCB board is treated differently from other mechanical keyboards. There are tiny holes in the shaft that drain the water, so you do not have to worry about the water standing in the shaft.

The ergonomic design of the bevel high and low keys allows you to work smoothly without tense muscles. This best 65 percent keyboard also comes with a foot stand that reduces the discomfort of working while typing.

The characters on this keyboard do not deteriorate with time because the keycaps are UV-coated and injection laser carved from ABS material. Moreover, it includes different RGB settings to enhance the overall appearance of the board.

You can choose from six backlight effects, eight different backlight color-switching effects, and four transparent backlight effects. The speed and levels of the backlight can also be adjusted according to your preferences. Indeed this is one of the best 65 percent keyboards in the market.

What We Like About This Keyboard

We have been blown away by its beautiful RGB lighting. The vibrant and customizable lighting effects really add a touch of style to our setup and make the keyboard stand out. Additionally, the keyboard’s attractive design is sure to turn heads, as its sleek and modern aesthetic is sure to impress.

Lastly, the precision keys on the Snpurdiri keyboard have been a joy to use, as they offer a smooth and responsive typing experience that makes our workflow more efficient.

What We Don’t Like About This Keyboard

I had to force an update of drivers and perform a factory reset of the keyboard to default settings in order to try and solve an issue, but this did not ultimately fix the problem. This was frustrating and time-consuming, and it ultimately led me to consider other options.

Also, the keyboard can be a bit loud, which may be a drawback for users who are sensitive to noise or work in a quiet environment. While these issues may not be deal breakers for everyone, they are worth considering before making a purchase.

Final Verdict

The Snpurdiri keyboard is a visually appealing choice that offers beautiful RGB lighting and precision keys. However, the need to force an update of drivers and perform a factory reset in order to try and fix an issue, as well as its loudness, may be drawbacks for some users. Overall, it’s a good looking compact 65% mechanical gaming keyboard.

LTC NB681 Nimbleback (Image credit: Amazon)

LTC NB681 Nimbleback

Best 65 RGB Keyboard

REASONS TO BUY

Great build quality

Decent aesthetics

REASONS TO AVOID

Bit expensive

The LTC NB681 Nimbleback has a portable layout with 68 keys. You will find that this Best 65% RGB Keyboard has the practical arrow, control, and navigation keys, a hot-swap PCB, and the ability to interchange three or 5-pin switches easily. The software supports MX-style switches. In terms of types of switches, you can choose from three different options, which are blue, brown, and red.

It features 19 backlighting modes that provide stunning color schemes and a variety of reactive effects. These modes can be adjusted both for brightness and flow rate. In this Best 65 RGB Keyboard, you can connect up to two USB passthrough ports built into the keyboard so that you can plug in more devices like a flash drive and mouse directly into the keyboard for easier access and faster productivity.

It is also possible to charge smartphones and accessories using these ports. Furthermore, the Type C port has been included, ensuring high-speed and stable data transmission.

What We Like About This Keyboard

We have been impressed by its great build quality. This keyboard has a solid and durable feel, and we have no doubt that it will last for a long time even with heavy use. The keyboard’s attractive design is also a major plus, as its sleek and modern aesthetic is sure to impress.

Additionally, the LTC NB681 Nimbleback offers decent aesthetics, with a clean and simple look that is sure to complement any setup.

What We Don’t Like About This Keyboard

This keyboard is a bit expensive compared to some other options on the market. While the high price may be justified by the keyboard’s great build quality and attractive design, it may be a drawback for users who are on a tight budget.

Final Verdict

Overall, the LTC NB681 Nimbleback is a high-quality keyboard that offers great build quality, an attractive design, and decent aesthetics. However, its higher price point may be a drawback for some users. If you are willing to pay a bit more for a reliable and well-built keyboard, the LTC NB681 Nimbleback is a solid choice that is sure to meet your needs.

How To Choose The Best 65 Keyboard

There are some essential things to consider before you jump.

Caps: You should know that 65% of keyboards have unique keycap sizes, particularly the right shift key and bottom row. If you are looking for high-end keycap sets, you should know they will include the proper size. However, you will also need a shorter right shift and different bottom row sizes.

Available row: The F row is the best place to use. If you are a heavy user of the function row, then you may want to consider using a 75% or TCL keyboard. This will enable you to hide the F row behind a layer. The fact that the F row is in a layer is not a big deal for most gamers, though. 

No Functional Row: You may have difficulty adjusting to the 65% layout if you regularly use the available row. You’ll have to activate the layer under the number row, which may take some time and feel weird.

A Non-Standard Layout: If you use a 65% keyboard, there is a downside, which is that their keys might not be standard, making it more challenging to swap keycaps. If you are planning on purchasing a 65% keyboard and changing the keycaps, then you should do some research before you purchase the keyboard.

Conclusion

Here you will find a list of the Best 65 keyboards. A result of it’s In addition to a complete set of arrow keys (and usually a cluster of home keys), the keyboard also offers One of the most popular layouts used by custom keyboard enthusiasts, the 65% layout. We made our recommendations based on the abovementioned factors, price, and availability.

We decided on what we thought most gamers would enjoy based on all the factors. It does no good if we recommend keyboards that are not widely available to recommend limit run keyboards. We have chosen to recommend keyboards that are widely available.

Compact-size keyboards generally have about 68 keys and may or may not have white space on the board. There are also other features, like WiFi, hot-swappable keys, RGB backlighting, etc. Nowadays, people have several reasons to pick a wireless keyboard over a 65% keyboard, for space or to make it look cool.

In addition, the 65% keyboard has all the features you could ask for; some offer a wireless option with charging, while others don’t. So, before getting a keyboard, ensure it has the needed features

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the downside of 65% of keyboards?

When keyboards have fewer keys than usual, some less-used functions are moved to share keys, requiring a modifier like Fn (Function) to be used for the keypress to be received by the computer. The Print Screen key is dedicated to a full-size keyboard, but you may have to press Fn + P to activate the same feature on a 65 percent keyboard.

Let’s face it; it’s all about your tolerances and preferences, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different form factors until you find the one you like. In the same vein, if you’re lucky enough to afford it, you could have two keyboards – a full-size one for programming and a 65 percent one for gaming – so you don’t have to deal with the downsides of one form factor all day…

A 65% keyboard has how many keys?

They usually have 66 to 68 keys. No function row or numeric keypad. It’s important to note that these keyboards come with various switch options (such as Cherry MX Blue, Brown, Red, Silver, etc.), so users can customize the board as per their preferences.

Is a 65 keyboard good for gaming?

Definitely yes. It feels comfortable to type and game on a 65 keyboard. Compared to a heavy, full-sized keyboard, it tends to be less rattling, creaking, or wobbly. Plus, the compact size of the controller is conducive to better ergonomics as it allows the gamer’s hands to be kept closer together.

Asad Malik
My name is Asad Malik, and I have done my intermediate in Computer Science, and I really enjoy finding out about the newest tech products, buying them, and writing reviews on them.
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