Best 65% Keyboard For Fast Typing – Buying Guide

Do you need a compact, portable, and lightweight keyboard?

Then all I can suggest is the 65 percent keyboard.

After trying all keyboard layouts, I have finally found the best of both worlds in a 65%. It combines most of the functionality offered by the TKL keyboard and has a compact design, like the 60% layout.

So, let’s look at the best 65% keyboard options that you can consider while buying your next keyboard.

In my opinion, the Durgod Hades 68 is the best 65 keyboard for the vast majority of gamers.

It is vastly underestimated, and since the company switched to using PBT keycaps, I have been unable to identify any major issues with it.

What Is The 65% Key Count?

The average keyboard has between 66 and 68 keys or 65%. The F row and numeric keypad are missing from this model.

Some of the most innovative mechanical keyboards on the market can be found in that 65%, where they are helping to meet a growing need.

No matter what you throw at it, a quality 65% gaming keyboard won’t make any noise or feel flimsy when you play.

Having so many different switch possibilities and the ability to tweak settings to suit individual preferences will give players a lot of freedom in how they play.

Benefits of 65% Keyboards

Using a 65% keyboard offers several advantages, particularly for those who prioritize space efficiency and portability:

• Reduced Desk Space Usage : A 65% keyboard is significantly smaller than a full-size keyboard, as it omits the number pad and function row, making it ideal for users with limited desk space. This compact design allows for more room for mouse movement and other desk accessories.
• Improved Portability : The smaller size and often lightweight design of 65% keyboards make them easy to transport, which is beneficial for people who need to switch between different work environments or travel frequently. Many 65% keyboards also feature detachable cables, enhancing their portability.
• Essential Key Access : Despite their compact size, 65% keyboards retain essential keys such as the arrow keys and a few navigation keys like Home, Delete, Page Up, and Page Down. This makes them more functional than 60% keyboards while still being minimalistic.
• Customization Options : With fewer keys to manage, customizing a 65% keyboard can be quicker and more cost-effective compared to larger keyboards. This makes them popular among enthusiasts who enjoy modifying keycaps and switches.

These features make 65% keyboards a popular choice among gamers, programmers, and anyone looking for a balance between functionality and compactness.

Best 65% Keyboard For Fast Typing

When selecting the best 65% keyboard for fast typing, consider the following factors:

• Switch Type : Choose switches that match your typing preference. Mechanical switches like Cherry MX or Gateron offer different tactile feedback and actuation forces that can enhance typing speed and comfort.
• Build Quality : Look for keyboards with sturdy construction materials such as aluminum or high-quality plastic to ensure durability.
• Key Layout : Ensure the keyboard layout suits your needs, especially if you rely on specific keys for productivity or gaming.
• Connectivity Options : Consider whether you need wireless connectivity or if a wired connection suffices. Some keyboards offer both options.
• Customizability : If you enjoy personalizing your keyboard, look for models that support hot-swappable switches or come with customizable RGB lighting.

10 Best 65% Keyboard For Fast Typing – Buying Guide

1. Durgod Hades 68 – Overall Best

A custom mechanical keyboard with plenty of switch configurations and unlimited personalization choices. The Hades 68 needs to do better.

The Durgod Hades 68 is another best 65 keyboards with a sturdy design and premium stabilizers. It also comes with mechanical switch configurations.

Despite the lack of a hot swap feature, this board offers a selection of switches from Cherry, Gateron, and Kailh.

Recent improvements to the Hades 68 have made its most glaring flaw disappear: the switch to double-shot PBT keycaps. This drawback made the keyboard so unpopular in the first place.

The Cherry MX switches are the pricing on the cake, with a more premium design than the standard OEM keycaps.

The software is this keyboard’s major plus point. The Hades 68 supports up to 4 levels of keys and is extremely programmable down to the individual key.

Many of the mechanical keyboards lower on the list don’t have this level of customization—the ability to remap keys to the smallest degree.

They range from $120 to $150 represents excellent value. Low-profile PBT caps, fully customizable software, additional switch types, and an aluminum chassis are all on the wish list. Its custom keyboard is noticeably superior to the rest.

2. Magical Force 68

The Magicforce 68 is available in Blue, Brown, and Red versions. It supports many switch types and pricing points, including Cherry, Gateron, and Outemu. The case is sleek and simple, made of polycarbonate with a metal overlay.

The Magicforce 68’s keys are a standard size. Thus even if the caps are made of thin ABS, they can be swapped out without much trouble.

You may buy a capable keyboard with a fantastic layout and functionalities for about $40.

However, there are drawbacks to this price. The most significant of which is the keyboard’s harsh acoustics. The bottom out is noisy due to the thin, lightweight casing and the rattling stabilizers.

Keynote

It’s a wonderful 65% for those on a tighter budget willing to overlook the case’s noise and put up with average stabilized keys.

3. FC660M Leopold

This compact mechanical keyboard offers outstanding performance right out of the box. The FC660M continues Leopold’s excellent factory artistry and effortless typing tradition.

The Leopold is superior to the Ducky keyboard for the same price. It has improved stabilizers, strong plastic housing, and internal acoustic dampening material.

It’s a joy to type and play games on the keyboard because it is sturdy. The Cherry MX choices for the FC660M are solid, ranging from black and blue to brown and red (including silent reds) switch options.

However, Leopold’s lack of customization options prevents it from being the greatest keyboard.

The FC660M is sent unmodified. If you need to alter the placement of any of the FC660modifier M’s keys, you’ll have to use the dip switches. Most people will benefit more from a highly personalized board.

Keynote

Though the Ducky One 2 SF is well made, the FC660M is noticeably better. So, it’s a good choice if you don’t care about customization or RGB lighting.

4. Keychron K6

The Keychron K6 is an excellent choice because it offers a wide variety of features at a reasonable price. The K6 is available in a white backlit plastic case, an RGB plastic, or an aluminum case.

Switch implementations, such as color (Red, Blue, or Brown Gateron or LK optical switches, or hot-swap sockets for your switches), are selectable in addition to casing options.

You can connect up to three devices wirelessly with any model of this keyboard.

Tip: Competitive games should be played over wired connections because of a slight input delay.

When it comes to personalization, Keychron is second only to the Alt. The metal casing and the hot swap are worth the extra money, in my opinion. Therefore I suggest purchasing both of them.

The supplied Gateron Browns have provided a satisfying typing experience.

The price has certain drawbacks, such as the ABS keycaps being quite slippery.  It is due to the absence of a painted on texture found on many other ABS caps.

The keyboard’s front lip is too high for my liking, making it uncomfortable to type on; a wrist rest would be helpful. Finally, Alt’s unique key mapping options are needed, making it a poor alternative.

Keynote

The Keychron K6 is the best 65 keyboard in the wireless section. It’s compatible with any switch and can connect to three different devices. It is also a fantastic choice if you don’t need absolute key mapping customization.

5. Ducky One 2 SF

It is ideal for gamers because it strikes a balance between speed, affordability, and personalization.

There is a lot to appreciate about the Ducky One 2 SF, including the PBT keycaps, the smooth stabilizers, the nice switch selections, and the white backplate, which makes the RGB lighting stand out.

Even though it has a plastic shell, this compact keyboard is solidly constructed and feels good in the hand.

Compared to standard name-brand keyboards, Ducky’s pricing point of roughly USD 110. It includes some bonus items like WASD keycaps and a wire cap puller.

Keynote

A tiny keyboard with a second and third layer that can be customized.  The Ducky keyboards’ only weakness is the limitation of software customization. For the time being, onboard software is your only option for getting near your end goal.

6. Varmilo VA68M

The Varmilo VA86M bears many similarities with our third keyboard, the Leopold FC660M. The layout is nearly identical, except that the VA68M adds page-up and page-down buttons to the keyboard above the arrow cluster.

In terms of cost, there is around a $70 gap between the two keyboards. The Varmilo VA68M, which retails for $175, is a significant improvement over the Leopold FC660M. It comes with all-aluminum chassis makes it considerably more robust and substantial.

The Varmilo has regular key sizes and illumination. The VA68M is a more customizable keyboard with keycaps and backlighting.

While the VA68 aluminum M’s is lovely, the Leopold is quite sturdy. But the opportunity to personalize key caps doesn’t justify the $70 price difference.

Keynote

But despite all that, it’s great to have the option of a 65 keyboard housed in a metal chassis, which provides a firm stab and a wonderful typing experience.

7. Drop Alt

The Drop Alt is a 65 keyboard that aims to satisfy all of your needs. It mostly succeeds.

The Alt is the best choice for those who want a premium keyboard without the expense of customizing their setup. This keyboard has two USB-C ports, programmable keys, PBT Doubleshot caps, hot swap switches, and plenty of attractive RGB.

The keyboard’s dual USB-C ports are a welcome addition, as they allow you to plug in your cable on either the left or right side of the device.

You may adjust the angle of the keyboard’s magnetic feet to meet your ergonomic requirements. This feature makes this product truly one-of-a-kind.

If you’re looking for a keyboard with the most options, look no further. The Alt also supports QMK, which lets you remap any key with multiple layers. If you like to change your layout and ensure everything is just how you want it, the Alt can help you.

The Alt is available in various colors and finishes, from the more common Cherry Browns and Blues to the more specialized Halo colors.

If you prefer to go without any frills and install your custom switches, hot swap will allow you to do so without requiring you to purchase an entirely new board.

The RGB looks wonderful, the RGB strip within the casing is smooth and nicely diffused, and the per-switch RGB is brilliant. The keyboard is solidly constructed, with a rigid and strong aluminum chassis.

Given Alt’s price tag of about USD 200, the stabilizers should be improved. Right out of the box, they rattle a bit, and the low-profile housing is a little hollow, which causes some echo when the device bottoms out.

The Alt is a fantastic option for anyone who wants a bespoke keyboard without the hassle of a group buy or a long wait.

8. Ducky Miya Pro

The Ducky Miya Pro is a high-quality keyboard designed in collaboration between Varmilo and Ducky.

The keycaps are of premium quality, molded from dye-sub PBT plastic, and the stabilizers are as silky as possible. Miya Pro provides a very stable typing experience.

Different design options make the Miya Pro stand out from the crowd of conventional appearing 65% boards. Nearly a dozen distinct aesthetic options include keycap colors, patterns, and casing hues.

The plastic case has no flex or creaking, and the overall construction is of a good standard. The keyboard’s firmware allows for a respectable level of customization.

Keynote

This keyboard costs $30 more than the comparable Ducky One2SF. The additional money goes toward a wider range of color options, removing LEDs, and other customization options.

However, there is a price to pay for wireless connectivity. The Fusion is significantly more expensive than the Hades 68 and our other available options.

9. Tofu65

The Tofu65 serves as a stepping stone into the realm of custom keyboards.

When ordered through KBDfans, the user has many customization options, including switches, layout, case material and color, plate material, lubrication, and stabilizers.

You can design your keyboard with the custom option, but keep in mind that the cost of the keyboard does not include keycaps. You’ll have to acquire a separate set of keycaps.

Keynote

If you’re in the market for a new surfboard but want to save money, the Tofu may be worth looking into.

10. Durgod Fusion

The latest keyboard by Durgod is a real hodgepodge, with its retro look and array of wireless connection choices.

As a whole, Durgod offers excellent products. Thanks to their cherry profile keycaps, lubricated keys, and quiet operation, I enjoy typing on their keyboards.

With Bluetooth for portability, a 2.4 GHz dongle enabling lower latency wireless gaming, and a wired USB-C connection, this mechanical keyboard has one of the better wireless implementations I’ve seen.

As many other wireless keyboards use Bluetooth with higher latency, this one may be your best bet if you want to play games while on the go.

You need to be into the retro design to appreciate these keyboards, and I hope Durgod makes their other keyboards wireless as well.

Keynote

There needs to be more software support; although DEZ software support is mentioned, I have been unable to locate it.

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Is A 65 Keyboard Worth it?

If you want to reduce the amount of space your keyboard takes up on your desk, a 65 keyboard is for you. However, keep that in mind that it doesn’t have any specialized keys or a numeric keypad,

Before you take the plunge, think about a few things.

1. Keycaps

If you want to change your keycaps, you should know that the 65 keyboard has different sizes, especially for the right shift key and bottom row.

Although premium key cap sets will undoubtedly come with the appropriate sizes, remember that you also require a relatively short right shift and various sizes for the keycaps in the bottom row.

2. Function Row

If you frequently use the F row, you may want to explore a TKL or 75% layout instead of trying to hide it.

However, most players are okay with the F row being layered.

3. 65% vs. 60% Keyboards

You may find the greatest 60% keyboards here, but the main difference is that the 60% keyboard doesn’t have arrow keys.

On a 60% WASD or IJKL keyboard, you’ll typically discover that a function layer covers the arrow keys.

If you’re tight on desk space, the 60% keyboard is your best bet, but I think the extra width is well worth it for the added convenience of the arrow keys.

Key Features to Consider

Switch Types

• Cherry MX : Known as the gold standard, Cherry MX switches offer a variety of options such as Red (linear), Brown (tactile), and Blue (clicky) switches, each providing different tactile feedback and sound profiles.
• Gateron : Often considered smoother than Cherry MX, especially in their linear switches, Gateron switches are a popular choice for those seeking an alternative with a similar feel.
• Kailh : Known for their unique BOX and Speed switches, Kailh offers durable options that are designed for fast actuation, making them ideal for gaming scenarios.

Keycap Quality

• PBT Keycaps : These are thicker, more durable, and have a textured feel that resists shine over time. PBT is generally considered superior to ABS due to its longevity and resistance to wear.
• ABS Keycaps : Typically cheaper and smoother, ABS keycaps can develop a shiny appearance with extended use. They are more flexible in terms of color options due to the ease of manufacturing different designs.
• Designs : Keycap designs such as doubleshot (which involves molding two layers of plastic) and dye-sub (where dye is infused into the plastic) affect durability and aesthetics. Doubleshot keycaps are often more durable because the legends won’t fade over time.

Stabilizers

• Cherry-style Stabilizers : These are the most common and are known for their ease of modification and compatibility with most keycaps. They help stabilize larger keys like the spacebar and shift keys.
• Costar Stabilizers : Less common today, these provide a different feel but can be more challenging to work with when changing keycaps.
• Screw-in vs. Snap-in : Screw-in stabilizers are generally preferred for their stability compared to snap-in types, which can be easier to install but less secure.

Connectivity Options

• USB-C : Offers reliable wired connections with fast data transfer rates, commonly found in modern keyboards.
• Bluetooth : Provides wireless connectivity that is versatile across various devices like tablets and smartphones but may experience occasional lag or connection drops.
• 2.4 GHz Wireless : Utilizes a USB dongle for a stable wireless connection with minimal lag, making it suitable for gaming and fast typing scenarios.

Types of 65% keyboard layout

There are basically two types of keyboard layouts when it comes to the 65% layout option.

1. No space between the Home cluster and the arrow keys

All the keys are basically smushed together to make it a compact and easy choice for gamers.

The home, page up, and page down keys are arranged vertically to save space. The arrow keys are also smushed together and blend perfectly with the rest of the keyboard.

2. Space Between Home cluster and Arrow Keys

This keyboard layout is a bit broad than the first one.

The arrow keys have a dedicated space that sets them apart from the rest of the keyboard. The home cluster keys are horizontally aligned in the pack of 4.

They are located in the top right corner keyboard. It looks more elegant than the first layout but obviously takes up more space on your desk.

In What Ways Did These Keyboards Have To Pass The Test?

To start, I recently spent a lot of time gaming.

• Keystrokes : Various types of games call for different levels of keyboard performance. So I tried to understand how the WASD, shift, and space keys in shooters and the hotkeys in DOTA 2 feel.

• Comfort : I’m not only concerned with how well it performs. I also want it to be comfortable to use while playing. It should have a nice key feel and hold up even if I’m rougher than usual with my key pressing.

• Keycap quality and features : I was curious to see how fast the keycaps turn slick or slippery in the WASD region. During stressful periods, I am aware of the volume of the keyboards. Besides raw processing power, I’m after what I consider essential gaming features, such as NKRO, custom key mapping, and adjustable lighting.

In addition to using these keyboards, I looked at user complaints. I tested them if the complaints were genuine and presented my own viewpoint.

Testing Criteria :

Gaming Performance :

Different games demand varying levels of keyboard performance, particularly in terms of responsiveness and key rollover. To test these keyboards, we evaluated their performance across a range of game genres, including fast-paced shooters and strategy games.

This involved assessing the response time and accuracy of key presses under different gaming scenarios to ensure that the keyboards can handle rapid inputs without ghosting or lag.

Comfort and Key Feel :

Comfort and key feel are critical during long gaming sessions and typing tasks. We focused on how the keyboards felt over extended periods of use, considering factors such as key travel distance, tactile feedback, and overall ergonomics.

A comfortable keyboard can reduce fatigue and enhance the gaming or typing experience, making these aspects essential in our evaluation.

Keycap Quality and Features :

Keycap quality was assessed based on material durability and slip resistance. We examined whether the keycaps were made from PBT or ABS plastic, with PBT being preferred for its robustness and resistance to shine.

Additionally, we looked at design features like doubleshot or dye-sub printing to determine their impact on durability and legibility over time.

User Complaints and Feedback :

To address user complaints, we collected feedback from existing users regarding common issues such as key wobble or inconsistent actuation. We then tested the keyboards to see if these issues were present and evaluated any manufacturer improvements or modifications aimed at resolving them.

This approach ensured that our recommendations accounted for real-world user experiences and addressed potential shortcomings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is 65 keyboard good for gaming?

Ans: Yes, 65% is the perfect choice when it comes to enhancing your gaming experience. Apart from its compact size, it does wobble or make any noise while playing. The presence of arrow keys also results in smoother gameplay as compared to a 60% keyboard.

Q2. Do 65 keyboards have a function row?

Ans: No, 65% keyboards do not have any function keys or Numpad due to their compact design.

Q3. How many switches do you need for a 65% keyboard?

Ans: You can buy around 65-70 switches for a 65% layout.

Some keyboards allow you to split the spacebar key, so getting a few extra switches is better if you decide to split the keys or lose some of them.

Q3. Are 65% keyboards worth it?

Ans: They are definitely worth it for someone looking for a sturdy and compact keyboard without any unnecessary Numpad or function keys. It is best suited for gamers and typists.

The Bottom Line

The above considerations including cost and availability led us to make recommendations we believe most gamers will find worthwhile.

We’ve gone with commonly distributed keyboards because recommending limited edition keyboards would be useless.

Whenever a new 65 keyboard hits the market, we put it through its paces so that you may have confidence in our assessment and inclusion on our recommended list.