Today, with several keyboard options available, it can be a daunting task to choose the type of keyboard suitable for your gaming. With several hyping about 65 percent keyboard over the normal ones, you might be even more confused. However, if your search for the best 65% mechanical keyboard brought you here, you are at the right place. With a full set of arrow keys, the 65% keyboard layout is among the most preferred layouts for gamers.
In a hurry? Here are our top picks for the best 65% mechanical keyboards in 2023!
What is a 65% keyboard?
The 65% keyboard is a combination of the 60% keyboard with arrow keys. It represents 65% of the normal keyboard that comes with different keys and functions. The 65% keyboard has recently become a famous keyboard for typists and gamers because of its compact design.
Most gamers prefer it because of its size and arrow keys. However, the drawback to the 65% keyboard is the lack of customization and the clustered navigational keys on the row.
Who is the 65% Keyboard Designed For?
If you want a keyboard with a more compact layout and dedicated arrow keys, you might require the 65% keyboard. Furthermore, if you are someone with limited space or prefer a keyboard with a compact style, it’s time to think about this keyboard. Compared to the 60% keyboard, it comes with dedicated arrow keys, which is necessary for most people, especially gamers.
Where to Buy a 65% Keyboard?
The best place to purchase a 65% keyboard is on Amazon. To make it easier, we will explore some of the amazing 65% keyboards worth having. While some people take time to build their own 65% mechanical keyboard, it comes at a price. Building your own mechanical keyboard is expensive and takes time.
Importantly, when buying from Amazon, you can return the keyboard if there is any defect or you just don’t like it. Here are a few of these 65% keyboards to check out on Amazon.
1. Vortexgear Cypher 65% – Fully Programmable Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – Best Overall
The Vortexgear Cypher, 65% keyboard, is a uniquely designed mechanical keyboard with 68 keys. Uniquely, this model allows you to program individual keys to different characters to suit your need, whatever it might be. So if you want a strong and durable 65% keyboard for your daily activities, the Vortexgear Cypher 65% keyboard is your perfect choice.
The keyboard comes with laser engraved PBT keycaps and Cherry MX mechanical switches. You can choose different ranges of switch colors, including clears, reds, and blues. Additionally, you have a standard or split space bar option for key-caps, which allows you to allocate any key to the bar.
To provide versatility, the Vortexgear Cypher 65% keyboard comes with three pre-programmed layers – Colemak, Dvorak, and Qwerty. Thanks to this feature, you can quickly match the board to any layout you feel comfortable using. Interestingly, each layer has its unique LED beneath the left spacebar to choose the particular layout enabled.
Why is this the best 65% Mechanical Keyboard?
Generally, the Vortexgear Cypher 65% keyboard is the best all-around keyboard that allows you to utilize the space, making it an excellent choice. While you can consider it a scaled-down version of a full-size keyboard, it lacks nothing and contains all the essential keys you want in a keyboard.
2. Drop ALT High-Profile Keyboard – Premium Pick
The Drop ALT 65% keyboard is another easy mechanical keyboard available on the market. It comes loaded with 67 keys in a tightly compacted space and an adequate leeway that allows full numerals and arrow keys. It is among the premium picks for many gamers because of its aluminum frame and well-constructed design.
The build quality is solid; besides adding strength, the frame acts as a built-in switch plate. Whatever you choose to use the keyboard for, it provides the freedom you need to swap the native switches and replace the switches with the Cherry-style MX’s.
Another intriguing feature of the Drop ALT High-profile keyboard is the RGB backlighting feature. The diffused light bar warps throughout the keyboard casing, whereas the optimized light pipes come built on its switch base. Furthermore, this allows the keyboard to deliver a stunning light-ox effect, radiating through the floating keycaps.
The keyboard is fully programmable through QMK, which allows assigning custom or macros keybinds to each key. Furthermore, it comes with a dual USB-C connector that fits the latest connections. What more do you want in a keyboard? You can take advantage of the customizable RBB under-lighting and backlighting. Intrigue your guest with a single color or switch to multiple colors with a rainbow wave pattern.
Finally, the Drop ALT High-profile 65% keyboard is made from anodized aluminum with hot-swappable switch sockets to switch to another mode in seconds. There is no need for soldering. With so many features embedded into the keyboard, it might be the last keyboard you might ever need.
3. One 2 SF RGB LED 65% Double Shot PBT Mechanical Keyboard – Runner Up
The One 2 SF RGB LED 65% Mechanical keyboard is another masterpiece from Ducky, renowned for producing quality keyboards. The keyboard shares every feature its predecessor (One-2 Mini keyboard) possesses, including Home/delete, arrow keys, and shine via accents.
Another updated feature from its predecessor is the two-tone case of the SF, which provides a unique look to the keyboard. In addition, the keyboard comes enclosed in a metal plate that provides additional strength and mounts in the Cherry MX key switches. Regrettably, the keyboard doesn’t have hot-swappable switches like the other keyboards we have reviewed.
Luckily, the LED and macros settings are situated in the PCB board; therefore, you can save your settings when unplugged. Furthermore, the One 2 SF RGB LED 65% Mechanical keyboard comes with rubber feet with two kickstands at two different angles. Therefore, you can adjust the bottom to fit your posture. Additionally, you can take advantage of the different color spare keycaps.
You can’t go wrong buying this 65% keyboard as it is the foremost choice for gamers and typists. The keyboard is highly customizable in both style and lighting. You can use the onboard control to easily flick the presets and choose the RGB color of your choice. Though pricey, the build quality and design are worth the investment if you want another kind of keyboard.
4. Durgod Hades 68 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – 65% Layout – Sleek Design
The Durgod Hades 69 RGB mechanical Gaming keyboard has the best sleek design among the 65% keyboards. It comes with a solid aluminum frame with an attractive black matte finishing. The keyboard has several features that will WOW you; the excellent stabilizers, smooth switches, and quality construction are just a few things to mention.
The switches come in several options, including Cherry MX’s, Kalih Box, and Gaterons. Besides these several switch options, the excellent pre-lubed stabilizers add to the keyboard’s smooth and precise feel.
The Durgod Hades keyboard has shine-through PBT keycaps, which are thin but allow the RGB backlight to pop. If you want a keyboard that offers effects, you’ve got it in Durgod. You have the breathing, wave, and ripple effects at your disposal. Aside from the backlighting customization, it comes with its native Durgod Compiler software that allows you to rebind the keys and set up macros.
Another intriguing feature we observe when using the Durgod Hades 68 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is that it is compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems. Thus, you can use it on Windows OS such as Windows XP, Vista, Win 7, Win 8, and Windows effortlessly.
5. EPOMAKER AKKO 3068 9009 Retro 68-Key Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard with Cherry MX Switch – Budget Pick
The EPOMAKER AKKO 3068 65% keyboard is your best budget pick keyboard. It is a well-built mechanical keyboard that you can buy even twice if given a chance. In addition, the keyboard comes with the option of being wireless, which is a feature other keyboards lack.
Notwithstanding the uniqueness of the keyboard, it doesn’t have RGB backlighting; instead, it comes with a clean and stylish layout. The battery can last up to 120 hours when typing, making it the best option if you are a typist. It also has other exciting features, including Bluetooth 3.0, PBT Keycaps, and Cherry MX key switches. While the grayscale theme is popular, it also comes in Ocean Star, Retro, and Pink variants.
The EPOMAKER AKKO 3068 65% keyboard is definitely the best budget 65% form factor keyboard on the market today. The interactive touch panel allows you to customize and adjust the keyboard controls easily. The keyboard comes with novelty keycaps, a keycap puller, and a dust cover to keep your keyboard neat. Additionally, there is a replacement set of keycaps with a variety of colors.
6. Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed – The Best 65% Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed is your top-notch keyboard that supports three different modes of connectivity. You can use wireless, USB-C, or Bluetooth connections. The Bluetooth consumes a lesser battery, whereas the HyperSpeed wireless connection offers a lag-free gaming experience. The USB-C feature allows you to charge the keyboard while in use.
The keyboard switches provide perfect execution with a clicky and tactile feel. You can hear and feel the feedback from every keystroke as you punch the keys. The Doubleshot ABS keycaps keep the labeling from being washed out. After a charge, the keyboard can last up to 200 hours. You can enjoy the keyboard regardless of an interrupted power supply. You can switch to Bluetooth or wireless mode.
Finally, the keyboard is compact enough for you to place in any space. Enjoy seamless gaming with one of the best wireless 65% mechanical keyboards that allow perfect balance and function when in use.
7. ASUS ROG Falchion Wireless 65% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
The ASUS ROG Falchion Wireless 65% mechanical gaming keyboard has some innovative features you would want in a gaming keyboard. For example, the interactive touch panel allows you to create shortcuts for switching apps or conveniently adjust the volume. Additionally, the real-time battery level indicator will enable you to see the level of battery left.
The keyboard layout has the navigation and arrow keys incorporated into one compact 68 key blocks. With a measurement of about 306mm in length, it has almost the same size as your 60% keyboard. Therefore, you can quickly adapt to the Asus ROG Falchion keyboard layout if you are upgrading from a 60% keyboard.
Furthermore, the board comes with durable PBT double-shot keycaps located on the top, whereas the Cherry MX mechanical switches give you multiple options. It is our best minimal pick for a gaming keyboard because the keycaps come with a gamer-style font. You can boldly see the printed font on the secondary functions throughout the keyboard.
The battery can last up to 450 hours for a single charge. Hardly can you see a keyboard with a wired and wireless option at your disposal. You can connect it through a 2.4 Hz USB dongle. Finally, it is the first ROB wireless keyboard that features RGB lighting with Aura Sync technology. The German-made Cherry MX RGB mechanical switches enable precise input with tactile feedback.
Final Thoughts
Nowadays, people have several reasons to opt for a 65% keyboard. Whether it is to optimize space or for the sake of sheer awesome factor, the 65% keyboard is a masterpiece for any serious typist and gamer.
While many consider the 65% keyboard not different from the 60% keyboard, the arrow keys are the differentiating factor. Furthermore, the 65% keyboard has everything you need in a keyboard; some offer a wireless option with charging features, while others offer none. Therefore, before investing in a keyboard of your choice, it is paramount to check the features to make sure they offer what you need.
If you are contemplating purchasing a 65% keyboard, please read our review first and pay attention to the different features. It is worth every investment if you consider the functionality and uniqueness of the keyboard. We believe the keyboards appearing in this review have everything you need in a 65% keyboard. So what are you waiting for? Click the link and purchase the keyboard of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About 65% Mechanical Keyboards
What is the best 65% keyboard?
There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to the 65% keyboard on the market. Therefore, we have enlisted some 65% keyboards, which undoubtedly are the best. However, it would depend on your budget, taste, and quality choice.
Nevertheless, Vortexgear Cypher is the overall best. However, if you are looking for a premium pick in our list, Drop ALT High-profile keyboard is considerable. Other options available include One 2 SF RGB LED 65% Mechanical keyboard and Durgod Hades 69 RGB Mechanical Gaming keyboard.
Is a 65% keyboard good for gaming?
65% keyboards are an excellent choice for gaming, especially if you desire to experience peak performance. Interestingly, it is highly suitable for playing FPS or MOBA games because it doesn’t have many keybinds.
How many switches do I need for a 65% keyboard?
The 65% keyboard is very small and has 61 keys. However, they don’t have F row keys or cluster keys. Furthermore, the 65% keyboard has five rows and 15 units.
What size is a normal 65% keyboard?
A normal 65% keyboard represents 65% of a full-sized keyboard. The full-sized keyboard is the standard keyboard used in offices where many data entries and frequent usage of the numerical pad are required. The 65% keyboard doesn’t have some of these buttons as they are reduced to fit simple tasks.
How wide is a 65% keyboard?
Normally, the 65% keyboard has the following dimensions: 12.45 x 4.18 x 1.65 in
