13 Best 65% Keyboards [Side To Side Comparison]

If you’re searching for the best 65 keyboard that’s suitable either for gaming, editing, writing, programming, or everyday use, look no further and check out the 65% keyboards we’ve reviewed and compared in this article.

The best 65 percent keyboard is the Drop ALT (67 key) mechanical keyboard. Drop ALT has good build quality, minimalistic design, hot-swappable keys, and PBT keycaps. Its RGB lighting and features can be customized via QMK. Its USB C connectors and magnetic feet make it stand out among the other 65 keyboards. Drop ALT mechanical keyboard costs $180.

It’s a great all-rounder, but let’s take a look at its rivals as well.

Here is the list of 13 best 65 keyboards:

• Drop ALT mechanical keyboard
• Ducky One 2 SF
• Ducky x Varmilo MIYA Pro
• Tada68
• Leopold FC660M
• EPOMAKER GK68X
• Qisan Magicforce 68
• Durgod Hades 68
• VELOCIFIRE TKL71WS
• Akko 3068
• Varmilo VA68M
• Keychron K6 
• Vortex Cypher 65

While all of these keyboards have about the same dimensions, they’re quite different when it comes to features and, of course, the pricing.

Not all of the 65 keyboards reviewed in this article will be suitable for RGB gaming setups. Also, only a few keyboards will be macOS compatible.

Best 65% keyboards – our recommendations

Best 65% keyboard	Model (clickable links)
Best all-around 65% keyboard	Drop ALT mechanical keyboard
Best 65% keyboard for Mac	Ducky x Varmilo MIYA Pro
Best 65% keyboard for gaming	Durgod Hades 68
Best wireless 65% keyboard	Keychron K6
Best 65% keyboard under $50	Velocifire TKL71WS

 

Now let’s take a look at how the Drop ALT compares to the other 65 keyboards.

In this article, we’ll do the side to side comparison of 13 best 65% keyboards to find out which of the keyboards has the most features, best build quality, best-sounding switches, and so on.

Best 65 keyboard price comparison

65 KEYBOARD	PRICE
Drop ALT	$180.00
DUCKY ONE 2 SF	$109.00
Ducky x Varmilo MIYA Pro	$109.00
Tada68	$99.00
Leopold FC660M	$109.00
EPOMAKER GK68X	$95.00
Qisan Magicforce 68	$40.00
Durgod Hades 68	$109.00
VELOCIFIRE TKL71WS	$45.99
Akko 3068	$89.99
Varmilo VA68M	$159.00
Keychron K6	$69.00
Vortexgear Cypher 65	$99.00

 

So the Drop ALT mechanical keyboard costs $180.00. The average price tag for the other 65 keyboards reviewed in this article is $94.

So what differs Drop ALT from other keyboards? Its modern looks, aluminum frame, all the features it has, and programmability. The only thing it misses out on is the wireless connection.

The most desired 65 keyboard features

A perfect mechanical keyboard should have these features:

• Hot-swappable keys
• PBT keycaps
• Quality switches
• RGB lighting
• Firmware for feature customization

To change the feel of the switches, you will need a keyboard that has hot-swappable keys. Usually, switches differ by how far you have to press down, how they sound, how they feel, and how much force is required.

PBT stands for polybutylene terephthalate. It is one of the most durable materials available for keycaps. PBT keycaps won’t change their color over time, and their surface won’t lose texture from wear. PBT keycaps will last longer than ABS keycaps.

65 keyboard with RGB is something to look for if you’re into gaming and you already have such RGB computer parts as a computer case, case fans, RAM, RGB cables, and others.

65% keyboard	Hot-swappable keys	Keycap type	Backlight	Wireless connection	macOS compatibility
Dop ALT	Yes	PBT	RGB	2x USB-C	No
DUCKY ONE 2 SF	No	PBT	RGB	USB-C	No
DUCKY x Varmilo MIYA Pro	No	PBT	No	USB-C	Yes
Tada68	No	PBT	No	USB-C	No
Leopold FC660M	No	PBT	No	Mini USB	No
EPOMAKER GK68X	Yes	PBT	RGB	Wireless/USB-C	No
Qisan Magicforce 68	No	ABS	No	Mini USB	No
Durgod hades 68	No	ABS	RGB	USB-C	No
VELOCIFIRE TKL71WS	No	ABS	Ice blue	Wireless/USB-C	No
Akko 3068	No	PBT	No	Wireless/USB-C	No
Varmilo VA68M	No	PBT	RGB	Mini USB	No
Keychron K6	Yes	ABS	RGB	Wireless/USB-C	Yes
Vortexgear Cypher 65	No	PBT	No	USB-C	No

 

1. Drop ALT mechanical keyboard

Best all-around 65 keyboard

Drop ALT is our top pick as the perfect 65% keyboard for gaming, programming, or simply everyday use and thousands of ALT owners agree with us.

Hot-swappable keys	Yes
PBT keycaps	Yes
RGB lighting	Yes
Connectivity	2x USB-C
Software	Yes (QMK)
Reasons to buy	Build quality, design, customization
Reasons to avoid	Price

 

It has 67 keys instead of 87. Unlike other small keyboards, it still has a full set of arrows and numerals, but it doesn’t have any function keys across the top.

Function keys can be used by holding the function key and pressing the corresponding number key. Plus, there are plenty of secondary functions available, which, by the way, are fully programmable via QMK.

ALT 65 keyboard has two USB-C connectors – one on each side at the back of the keyboard.

Its solid aluminum frame makes it feel well built. ALT’s keyboard case comes in two colors – black and space gray, but the keycaps and the switches can be customized to your liking.

DROP ALT comes with Cherry MX Blue switches, which are among the best keyboard switches on the market. Optionally you can choose between Kaihua or Halo switches as well.

DROP ALT feature-rich and excellent build quality mechanical keyboard costs $180.

 

Best 65 keyboard at $100 mark

Great all-around budget 65 keyboard, but with less customization options than previously mentioned Drop ALT keyboard.

Hot-swappable keys	No
PBT keycaps	Yes
RGB lighting	Yes
Connectivity	USB-C
Reasons to buy	Price
Reasons to avoid	Not hot-swappable

 

DUCKY ONE 2 SF keyboard has a plastic frame.

It isn’t that big of a deal because it has the PBT keycaps and the Cherry MX switches. Just like the Drop ALT keyboard has. The only difference is that DUCKY ONE 2 SF comes with Cherry MX silent red switches.

While most keyboard manufacturers use gray and black color schemes for their keyboard frames, DUCKY offers keyboard frames in many different colors.

For 65 keyboard enthusiasts, the main drawback will be that Ducky One 2 SF is not a hot-swappable keyboard. None of their keyboards are hot-swappable.

Alternatively, you could go for DUCKY ONE 2 mini. It is a 60% keyboard with a price tag under $100.

By the way, the letters SF in the product name stands for sixty-five.

 

3. Ducky x Varmilo MIYA Pro

Best 65 keyboard for Mac

Ducky x Varmilo MIYA Pro Mac White LED 65% keyboard has Mac function key shortcuts and Mac default layout with full support for Windows.

Hot-swappable keys	No
PBT keycaps	Yes
RGB lighting	No
Connectivity	USB-C
Reasons to buy	For Mac users
Reasons to avoid	No RGB lighting

 

It has the Mac white keyboard frame and keycaps.

Note that this keyboard is slightly longer than a regular 65 percent keyboard. Its dimensions are 4.13″ x 13.27″ x 2.09″ compared to Drop ALT’s 4.41″ x 12.67″ x 1.26″.

One downside of this keyboard is that it has its USB-C port only on the right side. If compared to Drop ALT, they have ports on both sides. It is worth mentioning because, for some setups, the keyboard cable might appear too short.

Some users might not like that this keyboard has only a white backlight with two effects available.

Alternatively, you could consider getting other 65% keyboards from the Ducky x Varmilo MIYA Pro series. Other models have various keyboard frame and keycap colors and RGB lighting, but they’re all for Windows users.

It makes the Ducky x Varmilo MIYA Pro Mac LED keyboard the best 65% keyboard for Mac. Also, when compared to other manufacturers.

MIYA Pro Mac LED keyboard costs $109, but the price for other models from the series goes up to $135.

 

4. Tada68

Best 65 keyboard for the beginner custom mechanical keyboard builders

Note Tada68 is a 65% mechanical keyboard kit that needs to be put together. So soldering skills will come in handy.

Hot-swappable keys	No
PBT keycaps	Yes
RGB lighting	No
Connectivity	Mini USB
Reasons to buy	Price and unique design
Reasons to avoid	Needs soldering

 

Tada68 keyboard comes either with a stainless steel case (four color options) or a plastic case (black only).

Tada68 stainless steel version feels more premium compared to other manufacturer keyboards with aluminum cases.

Both Durgod Hades 68 and Drop ALT keyboards have aluminum cases, but they somehow feel cheaper. Especially Durgod Hades 68.

Tada68 has its own web-based keyboard editor (you can edit on the internet browser), and it supports the QMK firmware as well.

 

5. Leopold FC660M

 Best classic and clean looks 65 keyboard

Hot-swappable keys	No
PBT keycaps	Yes
RGB lighting	No
Connectivity	Mini USB
Software	Yes
Reasons to buy	Well built and clean looks
Reasons to avoid	No sowtfare, not customizable

 

Unlike many other 65 keyboards, Leopold FC660M has 66 keys instead of 68.

For 65  keyboard enthusiasts who like to customize their keyboards, Leopold FC660M’s non-standard layout might become an issue. Both of its Shift buttons are the same size (2.25u), something you don’t normally see with 65 percent keyboards.

It means that installing another set of keycaps on this board will be a real challenge.

But if you’re in search of a keyboard that feels heavier than others and has a clean design, and you don’t plan to customize it, Leopold FC660M might be the best 65 percent keyboard for you.

The DIP switches at the back of the keyboard will help solve the issue with its non-standard layout.

Another downside is that it has a mini USB port instead of a USB-C port, a common solution among other 65 keyboards.

The previously mentioned ALT 65 keyboard has even two USB-C ports. One on each side at the keyboard’s back.

 

6. EPOMAKER GK68X

65% keyboard with most features

Epomaker GK68X with plastic case has thinner bezels than aluminum version.

Hot-swappable keys	Yes
PBT keycaps	Yes
RGB lighting	Yes
Connectivity	Wireless/USB-C
Software	Yes
Reasons to buy	Wireless and all the other cool features
Reasons to avoid	Pricey (aluminum version)

 

Presumably, it will be faster in wired mode. For gamers, that’s important, but regular users won’t notice any difference when using it in wireless mode.

Note that the Epomaker GK68X with the plastic case is the cheapest version of all. It costs $109.00.

Consider purchasing GK68XS. It has the same design, materials, and dimensions as GK68X, but for $10.00 more, you will also get the wireless functionality.

Also, Epomaker GK68X is one of three 65 keyboards in this article that has hot-swappable switches.

It supports both 3 pin and 5 pin switches. Making this keyboard feel unique with another set of Cherry, Gateron, or Kailh switches will be a breeze.

Another neat feature that Epomaker GK68X has is the space key module. It allows for changing the standard spacebar to split with three  2.75u, 2.25u, and 1.25u keycaps.

 

7. Qisan Magicforce 68

Best budget 65 keyboard 

Qisan Magicforce 68 stands out with its unique design. It looks slim and has a floating key design. Some users might not like the font on the keycaps and the logo on the keyboard frame.

As this keyboard uses standard keycap sizes it won’t be a problem to find new ones and to replace them.

Hot-swappable keys	No
PBT keycaps	No
RGB lighting	No
Connectivity	Mini USB
Reasons to buy	Perfect keyboard layout
Reasons to avoid	ABS keycaps

 

Note that Magicforce has ABS keycaps. They will feel more slippery compared to PBT keycaps. All previously mentioned keyboards have PBT keyboards.

As for the switches, when ordering the keyboard, it is possible to choose among Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, and others.

Also, all previously mentioned 65 keyboards had either one or two USB-C ports. Magicforce 68, however, has a mini USB port.

Be aware that not all Magicforce 68 models have the DIP switches installed. If you’re about to purchase the Magicforce 68 keyboard, please read the product description carefully. Basically, those are the cheapest models that don’t have the DIP switches.

Magicforce 68 keyboard has a blue and orange color scheme. Although it is not an RGB keyboard, with the help of 3D printed LED covers, you can change its colors to your liking.

Magicforce 68 price starts at $40, and it makes it the best budget 65% keyboard.

And with that low price tag, it is still a good all-around keyboard that can be used for gaming, programming, editing, etc.

 

8. Durgod Hades 68

Best 65 keyboard for gaming

 

Hot-swappable keys	No
PBT keycaps	No
RGB lighting	Yes
Connectivity	USB-C
Software	Yes
Reasons to buy	RGB lighting
Reasons to avoid	ABS keycaps

 

Regarding the design, Durgod Hades 68 and Drop Alt are our favorite keyboards.

Durgod Hades 68 has slim bezels, an anodized aluminum case, and its RGB lighting can be seen very well. It has to be among the best 65 keyboards for gaming.

Note that it comes with laser-etched ABS keycaps. They don’t feel too good. So you might want to replace them with a set of PBT keycaps.

Its own software, named Durgod Hera Compiler, allows to set up custom lighting effects and key assignments.

 

9. Velocifire TKL71WS

Best 65 keyboard for under $50

Hot-swappable keys	No
PBT keycaps	No
RGB lighting	No
Connectivity	Wireless/USB-C
Software	No
Reasons to buy	Low priced wireless 65 keyboard
Reasons to avoid	Short battery life

 

Note that this keyboard comes with Content brown switches (Chinese mechanical switches). They’re not Cherry MX Brown switches.

Technically, Velocifire TKL71WS has RGB lighting, but their approach is different than you would imagine. It has the RGB LEDs on both sides (can be turned off), but the backlight itself comes only in an ice blue color.

While most 65 keyboards reviewed in this article have 68 keys, Velocifire TKL71WS has 71 keys.

If you’re searching for a 65 keyboard for under $50, consider Velocifire TKL71WS. It’s less customizable than its rivals, but because few of those other alternatives cost up to $200, Velocifire TKL71WS is a good all-around budget 65% keyboard.

 

10. Akko 3068

Hot-swappable keys	No
PBT keycaps	Yes
RGB lighting	No
Connectivity	Wireless/USB-C
Software	No
Reasons to buy	Wireless
Reasons to avoid	Pricey

 

Akko 3068’s escape and arrow keys are in light blue, but spare grey escape and arrow keys are included.

Because this keyboard has neither an aluminum case nor RGB lighting at $89.99, it’s quite pricey compared to other keyboards.

Akko 3068 claims to be a silent mechanical keyboard, although it uses regular Cherry MX Brown switches. They’re not silent.

 

11. Varmilo VA68M

Hot-swappable keys	No
PBT keycaps	Yes
RGB lighting	Yes
Connectivity	Mini USB
Software	No
Reasons to buy	Sturdy keyboard frame
Reasons to avoid	Not programmable

 

It’s neither hot-swappable nor programmable. It doesn’t even have DIP switches.

It misses out on several important features that mechanical keyboard enthusiasts love to have. Sometimes it’s just the fact that they’re there.

So the weak customization options might some users want to look in other directions.

Especially because it costs $159.00.

But if you really do like this keyboard, alternatively, you could get a Varmilo VA68M keyboard with a magnesium alloy case. At $229.00, it’s the most expensive version, and it’s called Varmilo VA68MG.

Note that other than the case, it’s practically the same keyboard as the standard VA68M with the aluminum alloy case.

 

12. Keychron K6

Best 65 percent wireless keyboard under $100.00

Keychron K6 is one of only a few macOS compatible keyboards out there. The best 65% keyboard for Mac users is the Ducky x Varmilo MIYA Pro Mac. It’s the number three keyboard we’ve listed in this article.

Hot-swappable keys	Yes
PBT keycaps	No
RGB lighting	Yes
Connectivity	Wireless/USB-C
Software	No
Reasons to buy	RGB lighting
Reasons to avoid	ABS keycaps

 

Interestingly enough, this keyboard is compatible with both iOS and Android operating systems.

It is also one of three keyboards that we’ve reviewed in this article, and that has hot-swappable switches. The toggle on the left side of the keyboard allows switching between the different operating systems.

Keychron’s upsell product for this keyboard is wooden wrist rest. It has the same width as the keyboard, and it costs $25.00.

Although it doesn’t come with its own software, it is still possible to configure pretty much everything from the keyboard itself.

K6’s L-Shaped USB-C cable fits nicely with the USB port on the left side of the keyboard. That’s something to keep in mind for left-handed users. For others, it just a matter of getting used to it.

 

13. Vortexgear Cypher 65

Best classic design 65 keyboard

Hot-swappable keys	No
PBT keycaps	Yes
RGB lighting	No
Connectivity	USB-C
Software	No
Reasons to buy	Simplicity
Reasons to avoid	Featureless

 

The QWERTY, Dvorak, and Colemak layouts are pre-programmed, and it is easy to switch from one layout to another by pressing the function key together with either home, page up, or page down keys.

Vortexgear Cypher 65 is noticeably lighter than the other 65 keyboards with aluminum frames.

So if you’re planning to carry your new 65% keyboard to work with you every day, consider getting this or another keyboard that has a plastic frame. But that’s a general recommendation.

As for the Vortexgear Cypher 65, its featureless approach and the high price tag of $99 make it difficult to understand why anyone would ever opt-in for such a keyboard.

Maybe it’s the classic design that attracts its owners.

 

How big is a 65 keyboard?

The average length of a 65 keyboard is 13.05″ (33.14 cm). The average width is 4.48″ (11.37 cm), and the average depth is 1.53″ (3.88 cm). The average 65 keyboard weight is 26.41 oz (748 g).

Here are the dimensions of the 65 keyboards reviewed in this article

65 keyboard	Dimensions	Weight
Drop ALT 67	12.7 x 4.4 x 1.25″	24.5 oz (696 g)
Ducky One 2 SF	13.94 x 6.46 x 2.13″	22.57 oz (640 g)
Tada68	12.30 x 4.00 x 1.70″	22.56 oz (639 g)
Leopold FC660M	12.80 x 4.30 x 1.30″	25.60 oz (725 g)
EPOMAKER GK68X	14.33 x 5.87 x 1.89″	32.80 oz (929 g)
Qisan Magicforce 68	13.38 x 4.13 x 1.57″	19.04 oz (539 g)
Durgod hades 68	12.2 x 4.1 x 1.5″	31.68 oz (898 g)
VELOCIFIRE TKL71WS	13 x 4 x 1.5″	22.24 oz (630 g)
Akko 3068	15.6 x 3.96 x 1.08″	34.88 oz (988 g)
Varmilo VA68M	13.43 x 4.25 x 1.38″	40 oz (1.13 kg)
Keychron K6	12.48 x 4.21 x 1.46″	18.60 oz (530 g)
Vortex Cypher 65	12.44 x 4.17 x 1.65″	22.56 oz (639 g)

 

Note that 65 percent keyboards with aluminum frames are noticeably heavier.

Some of the keyboards reviewed in this article are even two times heavier than others. Take a look at Akko 3036. This 65 keyboard weighs 34.88 oz (988 g). That’s exactly two times more than the lightweight Keychron K6.

And the dimensions among 65 keyboards vary quite noticeably as well.

For example, the length difference between Akko 3068 and the Durgod Hades 68 is up to 3.4″ (8.63 cm).

For those who need that extra space for their intense gaming sessions, that’s something to keep in mind.

 

How many keys does a 65 percent keyboard have?

In many cases, the keyboard name indicates how many keys does the keyboard has.

Most 65  keyboards have 68 keys, but there are a few exceptions. For example, Leopold FC660M has only 66 keys, but the VELOCIFIRE TKL71WS has 71 keys.

Regarding the switch types, there are a few exceptions as well. For example, Qisan Magicforce 68 is the only 65 keyboard with OUTEMU switches. VELOCIFIRE TKL71WS uses Content switches.

Please see the table below to find out the key count, keycap type and the switch type of the most popular 65 keyboards out there.

65 keyboard	Key count	Keycap type	Switch type
Drop ALT 67	67	PBT	Cherry MX
Ducky One 2 SF	67	PBT	Cherry MX
Ducky x Varmilo MIYA Pro	67	PBT	Cherry MX
Tada68	68	PBT	Gateron, Cherry MX
Leopold FC660M	66	PBT	Cherry MX
EPOMAKER GK68X	68	PBT	Cherry MX
Qisan Magicforce 68	68	ABS	OUTEMU
Durgod hades 68	68	ABS	Cherry MX
VELOCIFIRE TKL71WS	71	ABS	Content
Akko 3068	68	PBT	Cherry MX
Varmilo VA68M	68	PBT	Cherry MX
Keychron K6	68	ABS	Gateron
Vortex Cypher 65	68	PBT	Cherry MX

 

Basically, when you’re getting a 65% keyboard, you’re getting a TKL (tenkeyless) keyboard. A keyboard without the number pad.

That’s more space for work or gaming. And that’s a way to make your room look more aesthetic as well.

Also, the smaller and lighter it will be, the easier it will be to carry it around. Of course, from a productivity standpoint, you would still get all the same functionality as you would get with a full-size keyboard.

Alternatively, you could go with a 60% keyboard, especially if you don’t need dedicated arrows on your keyboard.

 

Features that define best 65 keyboards

Here are the TOP10 features to look for in a keyboard:

• Doubleshot PBT keycaps
• Side-printed sub legends on keycaps
• Dedicated arrow keys (doesn’t exist on 60% keyboards)
• Shine through legends
• Cherry MX switches (alternatively Gateron or Kailh switches)
• Efficient keyboard layout
• Aluminum case
• Flip-up feet
• RGB lighting
• Programmability

Most keyboard users will agree that PBT keycaps feel better than ABS keycaps. They also don’t get glossy over time.

Luckily nowadays, most 65 keyboards come with PBT keycaps. If the desired keyboard comes with ABS keycaps, it is easy to switch to PBT keycaps.

Of course, it can be argued either a keyboard should have such features as RGB lighting, shine through legends, or aluminum case or not.

RGB keyboards and other RGB PC components look good in dimly lit rooms. Depending on the keyboard keycap design and the lighting settings, some RGB keyboards could be difficult to use in light rooms.

Consider getting Durgod Hades 68 if you’re looking for the best 65 percent keyboard for gaming.

Many 65 keyboard enthusiasts look for customization options. It is easy to upgrade from ABS keycaps to PBT keycaps. But for even greater customization, you should get a keyboard that has hot-swappable keys.

Having a hot-swappable keyboard will allow you to change its switches without soldering.

By now, you must have noticed that Cherry MX switches are the most popular switches for 65 keyboards. Nevertheless, many prefer Gateron switches over the Cherry MX. Kailh switches are a fairly popular choice as well.

Did you also notice that keyboards with aluminum cases are more expensive than keyboards with plastic cases?  Sure, aluminum keyboards will feel more sturdy. They won’t bend. But is the aluminum keyboard frame something that makes that big of a difference?

Even if the plastic case keyboards have that tiny body flex, how often would you notice that?

With that said, there are a few good 65 keyboards under $100 available. Consider Keychron K6. It does not have the PBT keycaps, and it is not programmable, but it does have a wireless connection. It is also macOS compatible.

 

Is a 65% keyboard worth it?

Usually, 65 keyboards are better looking, with more customization options, and easier to carry around than full-size keyboards.

As many people are into TKL keyboards, you will have that sense of community if you want to.

Basically, if you’re ready for a new and quite expensive hobby, take your time to pick a keyboard among the 13 best 65% keyboards listed in this review.