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.

10 Best 65% Keyboard For Gaming & Everyday Usage (2023)

Best Overall

Durgod Hades 68

Durgod Hades 68

Premium Build Quality

Extremely programmable

Allows remapping keys

2nd Runner Up

Magical Force 68

Magical Force 68

Stabilized keys

Allows Keys Swapping

Budget Friendly

3nd Runner Up

FC660M Leopold

FC660M Leopold

DIP switches

Remarkable keycaps

Sound-damped space bar

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.

10 Best 65% Keyboard For Fast Typing – Buying Guide

1. Durgod Hades 68Overall Best

Durgod Hades 68

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.

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Why We Love This Product

  • Excellent built-quality lots 
  • Extremely programmable
  • Allows remapping keys

Why We Don’t Like This Product 

  • Single-shot ABS keycaps

2. Magical Force 68

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.

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Why We Love This Product

  • Great budget buy
  • Stabilized keys
  • Thin ABS allows key swapping

Why We Don’t Like This Product 

  • Harsh acoustics

3. FC660M Leopold

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.

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Why We Love This Product

  • Sound-damped space bar
  • Remarkable keycaps
  • DIP switches
  • Cherry MX switches

Why We Don’t Like This Product 

  • Mini-USB port
  • Rubber feet fall off easily

4. Keychron K6

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.

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Why We Love This Product

  • Great size and layout
  • High-end Features
  • Unbeatable Price

Why We Don’t Like This Product 

  • VIA programming is a little tricky

5. Ducky One 2 SF

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.

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Why We Love This Product

  • A unique set of stock keycaps in  the Ducky One 2 series
  • Well-built with seamless Doubleshot legends on thick PBT keycaps,
  • Extensive on-board functionality control,
  • USB Type-C connectivity over the micro-USB from before,
  • Brilliant set of accessories

Why We Don’t Like This Product 

  • It can be complicated and confusing the first few times,
  • One-year warranty 

6. Varmilo VA68M

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.

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Why We Love This Product

  • Remarkable build quality.
  • White backlight.
  • Available in various Cherry MX switches.

Why We Don’t Like This Product 

  • No companion software.
  • No macro-programmable keys.
  • Latency too high 

7. Drop Alt

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.

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Why We Love This Product

  • The premium case is built of thick, solid aluminum.
  • Can customize each LED and switch.
  • Good LEDs with remarkable brightness.

Why We Don’t Like This Product 

  • The gap between the top plate and PCB, and the PCB and bottom case creates a slightly hollow
  • The LEDs are north facing

8. Ducky Miya Pro

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.

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Why We Love This Product

  • Cherry MX Switches
  • Customized PBT keycaps
  • Smooth stabilizers
  • Standard bottom row

Why We Don’t Like This Product 

  • One kickstand adjustment
  • Cheap rubber feet
  • Only white backlight

9. Tofu65

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.

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Why We Love This Product

  • Easy customization.
  • Tofu 65 has no edge. 
  •  Tofu65 had a brass weight

Why We Don’t Like This Product 

  • The Keyboard is large and heavy
  • The layout of the keys is not standard
  • The price is relatively high.

10. Durgod Fusion

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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Why We Love This Product

  • 65% layout, a perfect balance of size and comfort.
  • Classic retro design
  • Two power cables of varied types for easy usage on new laptops with only USB-C ports
  • Outstanding stabilizers

Why We Don’t Like This Product 

  • High final price point.
  • There is more space between the keys that lets dust and junk to settle.

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.

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.

No space between the Home cluster and the arrow keys

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.

Space between Home cluster and Arrow Keys

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.

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.

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