10 Best 65% Mechanical Keyboards of 2022

If you are looking for a 65 percent mechanical keyboard, you have arrived at your destination. Let’s go!

The 65 percent pattern is one of the trendiest choices among custom keyboard fanatics because it includes a complete set of arrow keys as well as a bunch of home keys.

The slender design usually sports roughly 68 keys and, based on the model, may or may not have any blank space on the surface.

Aside from that, there are a variety of extra functionalities such as wireless compatibility, hot-swappable keys, and RGB illumination that are all set to give you a hard time choosing one!

Top-Rated 65% Mechanical Keyboards Reviewed

1. Drop ALT Mechanical Keyboard (Best Overall)

Features

• PBT Keycap material
• Individually backlit keys
• Wired keyboard
• Quiet typing noise
• Compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux

The Drop ALT is without a doubt one of the greatest 65 percent mechanical keyboards currently available. It’s a slimmed-down version of the CTRL paradigm, with 67 keys crammed into a small space but still allowing for a complete set of arrow keys and numbers, which many gamers prefer.

The build quality is strong, with very little flex or bend, thanks to the use of an aluminum frame. The structure serves as a built-in switch plate as well as providing strength. This allows you to replace the native switches with Cherry-style MX clones or Cherry-style MX clones.

Another notable feature of the ALT is RGB backlighting. A diffused light bar runs the length of the keyboard’s case, and optimized light pipes are incorporated into the switches’ bases. As a result, a lovely lightbox effect is created, which shines evenly through the floating keycaps.

All of the keys may be programmed using the QMK firmware. The illumination may also be adjusted to your liking. With so many unique features, this keyboard may be the only one you will ever need! This board also comes in a low-profile model.

2. One 2 SF RGB

Features

• Keycap Material: PBT
• 3.8 cm x 32.6 cm x 10.7 cm (HxWxD)
• Weight: 1.37 lbs 
• RGB Backlighting
• Hotkeys
• Loud typing noise
• Partial compatibility with macOS

The Ducky One 2 SF is a slender 65 percent keyboard that comes in a variety of sizes, ranging from a 60 percent keyboard much like the Ducky One 2 Mini V1 to a full-size version like the Ducky One 2. It is also available with a variety of Cherry MX switches.

Every key may be programmed as a macro, but since there is no specific application, you must enter macros right on the keyboard. It comes with full RGB illumination and independently glowing keys, as well as double shot PBT keycaps.

Despite its compact design, the keys don’t seem crowded, and the typing ability is excellent. Sadly, for a wired keyboard, it has a considerable delay, which may be a bummer for some video game enthusiasts.

3. Fnatic Streak65 (Budget Pick)

Features

• Form factor: 65%
• Switch: Fnatic Speed (linear)
• Connection: Detachable USB-C to USB-A cable
• Dimensions: 317x108x22mm
• Weight: 410g

The Fnatic Streak65 is one of the smallest, lightest, and quickest gaming keyboards available today. It boasts an incredibly low-profile design with special speed switches and ultra-low-profile floating key-caps and was developed exclusively for esports by the Fnatic roster.

The Streak65 is highly portable, weighing only 400 grams, making it suitable for professionals who are always on the move.

Despite this, it is extremely strong due to the use of a solid aluminum top plate. As a result, the board has very little flex and does not seem fragile in any way.

To add to the construction quality, the switches are pre-lubricated to eliminate any rattling or inconsistencies when typing.

The speed switches are linear and feature a very small 1.0mm actuation distance, which improves the typing experience. This cuts down on travel time, allowing for a speedier multi-press.

Per-key RGB backlighting is a feature for a more immersive gaming experience. The LEDs are bright and throw a lot of light throughout the keyboard. One disadvantage is that the program only offers basic RGB modes and adjustable features.

The board appears to be relatively minimalist in appearance, with soft, rounded corners and clear inscriptions.

There is some branding on the top, back, and both sides of the board, but it isn’t too noticeable or unpleasant from the front. A wired connection is also available through a Type-C USB connector on the rear.

Overall, the Streak65 is a fantastic budget-friendly 65 percent mechanical keyboard.

4. ASUS ROG Falchion (Best Customization)

Features

• Compact 65% layout 
• Interactive touch panel
• Dual-mode connectivity via wired USB and 1 ms at 2.4 GHz RF
• ROG PBT double-shot keycaps
• Wireless Aura Sync with per-key RGB lighting

The ASUS ROG Falchion is a 65 percent wireless keyboard with a few unique characteristics. An interactive touch panel on the side allows you to easily change volume or create shortcuts for switching programs.

It also contains a real-time battery level indicator so you can monitor how much juice is left in the battery.

The Falchion’s layout combines the arrows and navigation keys into a single 68-key block. As a result, it’s just 306mm long, which is about the same size as a 60 percent keyboard.

If you’re upgrading from a 60 percent board, you’ll adjust fast to this layout.

Cherry MX mechanical switches are used on the PCB, with PBT double-shot keycaps on top. The keycaps have a gamer-style typeface, as this is a gaming keyboard.

All of the secondary functions are plainly visible from the front since they are displayed in white type.

The Falchion has a 450-hour battery life to provide you with long-lasting performance. It connects wirelessly through a 2.4 GHz USB dongle, although it may also be used wired.

5. Razer V3 Mini HyperSpeed

Features

• Tight 65% form factor
• Long battery life with RGB lighting off
• Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless support
• Customizable

The Razer ChromaTM RGB BlackWidow V3 Mini is a wireless 65 percent mechanical gaming keyboard. It is designed to be small enough to fit into any location and versatile enough to fit into any configuration, providing the ideal blend of form and function for a smooth gaming experience.

The body is primarily made of plastic, however, it does contain an aluminum top plate. It has a surprising amount of weight for its little size, and it won’t let you down in terms of quality. With an imperceptible front lip, the casing matches the rest of the black widow lineup in terms of appearance.

The Mini is available in two Razer switch colors: green and yellow. Green switches are clicky and tactile, with optimum actuation, whereas yellow switches are linear and incorporate sound dampeners. ABS double-shot keycaps are on top, with exceptionally thick walls to endure extended use.

Although the build quality is outstanding, it is the excellent connection that distinguishes this keyboard. In addition to a detachable cable and Bluetooth connectivity, the V3 Mini has Hyperspeed technology through a wireless 2.4 GHz dongle. As a consequence, you won’t have any dropout concerns.

There’s no use in getting a wireless keyboard if the battery life isn’t up to par. Fortunately, the V3 Mini shines in this area as well. You’ll receive up to 200 hours of battery life from a little under five hours of charging, whether it’s in HyperSpeed wireless or Bluetooth mode.

6. Durgod Hades 68 (Best Connectivity)

Features

• Programmable keys
• Independent macro editor
• Independent profile editor.
• Windows key lock function 
• Support Backlit Control, Macros Editor, Keystroke editor, Brightness Control, Speed Control
• Aluminium body
• PBT double-shot key 
• Anti‐ghosting technology
• Supports DURDOD Hera Compiler software

The Durgod Hades is a 65 percent mechanical keyboard with a durable aluminum casing. It boasts a 68-key layout with a complete set of arrows as well as three navigation keys.

Furthermore, three LED indicators for your caps lock, num lock, and scroll lock are located on the top-right of the casing.

The aluminum casing is one of the Hades 68’s standout qualities when compared to other comparable form factors.

This is weighty and cool to the touch, giving it the weight and feel you’d expect from a high-end board. As a result, it’s rock-solid and devoid of any flex.

The Hades 68’s switches come in a variety of popular Gateron and Cherry MX colors. Silent Browns, Speed Silvers, and Yellows, to name a few.

You’ll love the outstanding factory-lubed stabilizers, which are both smooth and quiet, in addition to the large selection of switch options.

The shine-through ABS keycaps are tiny, but they help the backlighting stand out. Personally, we believe the RGB is amazing and has a really clean appearance.

The 16.8 million color combinations and many illumination settings offer a wide range of visualization possibilities.

The Durgod Heras program allows you to customize all RGB modes. The program is small yet strong, and it allows you to customize it to your liking.

It also lets you rebind keys, set up macros, and store four profiles to the onboard memory, in addition to personalizing the illumination.

7. Keychron K6 (Best Versatility)

Features

• 65% layout
• Wireless and wired
• Hot swappable switches
• Optical or gateron switches
• Compatible with Mac and Windows
• 4000 mAh battery
• 15+ RGB backlights
• Connects up to 3 devices

The Keychron K6 is a flexible 65 percent mechanical keyboard designed to help you get more done in less time. It’s compatible with both Windows and Mac, but Mac fans will appreciate the fact that it’s one of the few keyboards that have extra Mac keys.

One area where the Keychron shines is connectivity. It can effortlessly switch between three different wireless devices, such as your smartphone, laptop, or game lights because it supports Bluetooth 5.1.

Of course, you may connect it to your computer using the detachable USB Type-C cable.

The K6’s big 4000 mAh battery capacity is another highlight feature for those looking for a wireless keyboard. It may endure for up to 72 hours (with static RGB illumination) or nine, eight-hour days (without it). This is a significant advantage over other similarly priced 65 percent boards (such as the GK68XS).

The build quality is really rather outstanding, thanks to the case’s metal-mounted panels. However, it does come with ABS keycaps, which is one of the few drawbacks (rather than PBT).

Furthermore, despite the fact that it has eighteen different types of RGB backlighting, it is not the brightest. Overall, for the price, it’s a fantastic multi-tasking keyboard.

8. Womier 66 Mechanical Keyboard

Features

• 66 key layout
• Kailh hot-swap PCB
• Laser-etched shine-through ABS keycaps
• Full RGB led underglow and per key
• Rubber feet
• Stacked acrylic frosted 3 layer case
• Detachable USB-C cord
• Full anti-ghosting
• Gateron mechanical switches

The Womier 66 remarkable mechanical keyboard is simply stunning and sure to arouse your interest. If you are a lover of the RGB color scheme, you will absolutely dig it. This keyboard is known for its spectacular backlight, which pushes under-glow illumination to new heights.

The acrylic casing has a frosted coating on its surface and is completely transparent. The switch LEDs can now be seen from all sides of the base, rather than just from the top, as with some compact form factor devices. As a result, the style looks to be quite simplistic and classy.

Though this is not commonly known, software for this board is currently available for download. It lets you personalize from any of the 16.8 million colors and make macros. You may also use the FN combination key to select any of the static tones or eighteen premade patterns.

This beautiful keyboard will thrill all RGB enthusiasts, we bet!

9. Royal Kludge RK G68

Features

• 66% layout
• Compatible with Windows, Mac and iOS
• Ice Blue Backlit
• Independent arrow keys
• 3150 mAh battery
• 2 USB Hub ports, 1 Type-C port
• Wired/Wireless/Bluetooth support
• Detachable frame

The RK G68 is a pocket-friendly mechanical keyboard with a 68-key design with a 65% mechanical key arrangement.

Its size is similar to that of its predecessor (the ever-popular RK61), but it has a few new functions. Tri-mode connection, user hot-swappable switches, and PBT keycaps are among them.

The case is made of strong ABS plastic and has a substantial mass to it. Four rubber coins underneath the casing support the board at an 8° angle.

There are also three USB hub jacks on the rear. One is a Type-C, while the other two are Type-As for more peripherals.

A hot-swap PCB is included on the keyboard, which accommodates both three and five-pin mechanical switches. Blues, Browns, and Reds are the three Gateron colors available for switches. Any other Cherry MX-style switch or replica, on the other hand, is perfectly compatible.

Again a remarkable characteristic of the G68 is its three-mode communication (2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired). The 2.4 GHz dongle connects to your PC or console through USB and provides an immediate connection. When the keyboard has full power, the 3150mAh battery may last for around a week (8 hours each day).

It, like other keyboards at the relatively low end of the pricing range, has several drawbacks. Despite being composed of PBT, the keycaps are fully opaque, preventing the beautiful backlighting from peeking out. Furthermore, the Bluetooth connection might drop out at any time and is quite unreliable.

10. Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini

Features

• Switch: Razer Yellow (linear), Razer Green (clicky)
• Doubleshot ABS Keys
• Keystroke lifespan: 80 million
• Dimensions: 320mm x 130mm x 25mm
• Weight: 724g /1.6lbs
• RGB lighting
• Media controls
• Game mode
• USB-C, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity
• Battery life: Up to 200 hours
• Polling rate: 1000 Hz
• Profile storage

The Razer ChromaTM RGB BlackWidow V3 Mini is a wireless 65 percent mechanical gaming keyboard. It is designed to be small enough to fit into any location and versatile enough to fit into any configuration, providing the ideal blend of form and function for a smooth gaming experience.

The body is primarily made of plastic, however, it does contain an aluminum top plate. It has a surprising amount of weight for its little size, and it won’t let you down in terms of quality.

With an imperceptible front lip, the casing matches the rest of the black widow lineup in terms of appearance.

The Mini is available in two Razer switch colors: green and yellow. Green switches are clicky and tactile, with optimum actuation, whereas yellow switches are linear and incorporate sound dampeners. ABS double-shot keycaps are on top, with exceptionally thick walls to endure extended use.

Although the build quality is outstanding, it is the excellent connection that distinguishes this keyboard. In addition to a detachable cable and Bluetooth connectivity, the V3 Mini has Hyperspeed technology through a wireless 2.4 GHz dongle. As a consequence, you won’t have any dropout concerns.

There’s no use in getting a wireless keyboard if the battery life isn’t up to par. Fortunately, the V3 Mini shines in this area as well.

You’ll receive up to 200 hours of battery life from a little under five hours of charging, whether it is in HyperSpeed wireless or Bluetooth mode.

What are 65% Keyboards?

For many folks who can’t get adapted to the 60% keyboard, the 65% keyboard is a lifesaver and a silver lining. Why do we say that? Because the 65% keyboard is just a 60% keyboard with arrow keys!  It presents its fair share of upsides and downsides.

A 65 percent keyboard comes devoid of a function row, navigation keys, and numeric pad, similar to a 60 percent keyboard.

Alphanumeric keys, modifiers, and arrow keys are all present on a 65 percent keyboard. They are appealing to people who have practically married the idea of minimal living, and it is their aesthetic if you will.

These keyboards also work well for hard-core gamers since they occupy less space and are often mechanical, which implies they give a more reliable and steady experience.

How to Buy The Right 65% Keyboards

Before you buy a new 65 percent keyboard, there are a few things you should think about.

1. Layout and Keycap sizes

65% keyboard layouts have less diversity than 60 percent keyboard layouts. Arrow keys and two to four nav cluster keys will be included on all 65 percent mechanical keyboards.

The arrow keys, and not any arrangement of Insert, Delete, Page Up, or Page Down, attract users towards 65% keyboards. It is practically the USP of these kinds of boards.

If you do require any one of those keys, keep in mind to check if the keyboard you are considering is programmable or if it features the keys you want.

These additional nav cluster keys are the only ones you need to be cautious about in terms of functionality. Furthermore, there are a few other crucial visual factors to consider. Right Shift and right modifier keys (Alt, Control, Menu/Fn/Windows, based on the keyboard) are the main targets when looking for aesthetics. 

2. Size

Another element to consider is the keyboard size that best matches your purpose. The size of your workstation is the constraining element; there’s no use in purchasing a massive keyboard if there is no place for your mouse to roam about.

3. Switches

Here is why they are called mechanical keyboards: behind each keycap is a mechanical switch that captures your inputs. These components are created in a number of ways to provide different typing and, more crucially, gaming experiences.

In terms of tactility, there are Clicky, Tactile or Linear switches. There are also Cherry MX types, Gateron switches, Romer G, Razer switches, and Steelseries QS1. 

Cherry MX switches are still the most popular, and they can be found in almost every major retail keyboard. Gateron manufactures the same color combinations as Cherry at a cheaper price and low quality. They have recently built out to develop their own switch kinds and have even expanded on the initial Cherry MX, with considerably nicer switches.

Romer-G focuses purely on gaming switches with excellent LED stems; unfortunately, these stems are incompatible with aftermarket keycaps. Aftermarket keycaps are more usable with Razers. Steelseries QS1 switches include an empty stamp in the center for RGB lighting, similar to the Logitech Romer-G.

Features of 65 keyboards

1. The 65% keyboards are small and conserve desk space. They were designed expressly for that function, and the omission of a bezel on some of them allows you to carry these in one hand.

2. These keyboards have dedicated arrow keys.

3. If you find the sounds of keyboard clicking satisfying, then the louder options might be for you! 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What do types like the 65% mean?

These designations correlate to the number of mechanical keys on the keyboard; as a full-size keyboard typically has 104 or 105 keys, a 60 percent keyboard will have a few more than 60 keys, a 65 percent keyboard will have a few more than 65, and so on.

However, because layouts are less consistent here than on bigger form factors, and because they are simply wide labels, the number of keys may vary greatly between boards.

• Full-size: the most popular arrangement, including alphanumeric and modifier keys, a function row, navigation and arrow keys, and a Numpad.
• TKL (tenkeyless) keyboard: It is a full-size keyboard with all clusters and spacing but without the Numpad.
• 75 percent: almost the same number of keys as a TKL, but each cluster is densely packed to produce a lower footprint.
• 65 percent: alphanumerics, modifiers, and arrow keys with no function row, navigation keys, or Numpad.
• 60%: a keyboard that just has alphanumerics and modifiers.
• 40%: no number row, but more modifiers and a narrower space bar to keep things (sort of) useable.

This also implies that replacing keycaps for smaller keyboards might be difficult – TKL is great, and 60 percent is usually achievable, but less popular ones like 65 percent and 75 percent may need you to chop and change keycaps from various sets or simply embrace the keycaps that arrived with the board.

2. What are the disadvantages of 65% keyboards?

Some less-used functionalities are shifted from dedicated keys to common keys on keyboards with lower than the typical amount of keys, necessitating the use of a modifier like Fn (Function) for the required keypress to be recognized by the system. 

At the end of the day, it is all about your own tastes and inclinations, so don’t be hesitant to try out several form factors until you find the right fit and the one best for you.

Likewise, if you are fortunate enough to be able to purchase it, you might want to consider getting two keyboards in the future so that the drawbacks of one form factor aren’t anything you need to deal with every day.

3. Why are mechanical keyboards so expensive?

The majority of mechanical keyboards from big gaming manufacturers cost approximately £100. It is a price that customers are ready to spend for a superior typing experience, and it ensures that makers can recover the costs of producing complex functions as well as integrating dozens of (quite costly!) mechanical switches.

You can get keyboards for half that amount, but you will have to forego a well-known name and the features that come with it.

Irrespective of how much you pay, you should consider it an asset rather than a one-time buy; a well-maintained mechanical keyboard should last for years.

4. Which 65% keyboard offers the best connectivity?

Our findings have led us to believe that Durgod Fusion offers the best connectivity. It is loaded with cutting-edge technology and allows customers to connect through USB cable, Bluetooth connection, or wirelessly.

For typing and business work, buyers may utilize the Bluetooth connection, then shift to the 2.4 GHz wireless connection for playing games.

When the keyboard’s battery runs out, users may charge it using the USB-C connector. When moving the Fusion, the wireless dongle is securely contained in a little compartment under the branding.

Conclusion

Compact keyboards are popular among serious gamers since they conserve space and are easier to move. The arrow and navigation keys are tucked in on the right-hand side, which is one of the reasons why 65-percent keyboards are favored for gaming.

The article discussed the top 10 keyboards in the 65% category. As mentioned, the ALT keyboard by Drop wins as an all-rounder with the super sturdy build quality.

For people who seek style on a budget, Fnatic Streak65 is a great choice. It offers great colors and lights at a low price.

The Asus ROG Falchion is a good option for customers who desire software customization over hardware modification. Because this keyboard is part of the Asus ecosystem, it may be customized using Armory Crate and Aura Creator.

65 percent keyboards, in our opinion, reflect great performance for gamers, particularly if you mostly enjoy MOBA or FPS games, which often have few keybinds to think about.

We think that very few games currently use the F-row, so you might be delighted to chuck it to take advantage of the space savings that these keyboards provide.

If you definitely must have arrow keys, the 65 percent option is appropriate for you. If it isn’t sufficient, you might want to consider switching to a larger keyboard layout.