If you're looking for a great mechanical keyboard that doesn't take up a lot of space, a 65% keyboard may be perfect for you!
We've taken a look at four of the best 65% keyboards on the market. The best 65% keyboard offers a great compromise between the smaller keyboards and a standard keyboard.
If you're unsure which is the best 65% keyboard to buy, or if you want to know more about 65% keyboards, this blog post is for you. We'll tell you everything you need to know about these great mechanical keyboards!
Read our blog post and purchase one of the best 65% keyboards on the market today!
Our Selection Process
Keyboard preferences are a very personal thing, and it can be hard to find the perfect one for your needs.
There are so many different keyboards out there, each with its own set of features and benefits, that it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
We did the hard work for you. After reading thousands of reviews, we found the best 65% mechanical keyboards based on features, price and build quality. Whether you're looking for a keyboard with fully programmable keys, Cherry MX switches or a budget keyboard that's lightweight and easy to carry around, we have something perfect for you.
Drop ALT Mechanical Keyboard
Why You Should Buy it
The Drop ALT Mechanical Keyboard is ideal for a typist or general user looking for a high-quality keyboard. It features a solid aluminum frame and a detachable USB-C cable for easy transport and setup.
The RGB backlighting and programmable keys allow you to remap keys or create your macros, and the included software makes it easy to create your own unique look.
What To Look Out For
The Drop ALT Mechanical Keyboard is a great choice for people looking for a 65% keyboard with many features. The Drop ALT comes with a choice of Cherry MX switches, so you can pick the one that best suits your needs. It also has a detachable cable, so you can easily take it with you when you travel. The Drop ALT is also very well-built, so it should last you for many years.
All of these features come at a very high price, so it is important to ensure that you will get full use out of this 65% keyboard. Also, it doesn't have a wireless connection which you might expect from a keyboard at this price point.
Alternatively, If you are after a premium 65% keyboard but are not a fan of the standard switch options on typical mechanical keyboards, you may want to look at other keyboards with Topre switches. Topre switches are an ultra-premium switch that is silent and easy to use but with an ultra-premium price to match!
Durgod Hades 68 RGB
Why You Should Buy It
Looking for a 65% keyboard that offers solid build quality and RGB lighting? Look no further than the Durgod Hades 68.
This mechanical keyboard comes with programmable keys that can be customized using the keyboard’s software, making it a great choice for gamers or anyone who wants to streamline their workflow.
The RGB backlighting is fully customizable, so you can create a look that’s truly unique. And with N-key rollover and anti-ghosting, you’ll enjoy the responsive, glitch-free performance.
If you’re looking for a great 65% keyboard, the Durgod Hades 68 is a solid choice.
What To Look Out For
Durgod Hades 68 RGB is a great option if you're looking for a 65% keyboard that looks good and offers a great typing experience. The biggest downside is that the provided cables are short, and the software isn't the most user-friendly.
You can choose your preferred mechanical switches and whether the keyboard is black or white, which is a plus. Overall, Durgod Hades 68 RGB is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality mechanical keyboard.
HUO JI Z88 Z-88 RGB
Why You Should Buy It
Looking for a great budget mechanical keyboard? Look no further than the HUO JI Z88 Z-88 RGB. This keyboard is packed with features yet comes at a very affordable price.
The Z-88 RGB is a water-resistant keyboard, so you don't have to worry about accidental spills ruining your mechanical keyboard. And the best part is that it has full RGB lighting so that you can customize the look of your 65% keyboard to your heart's content.
This 65% keyboard is perfect for gamers, typists, or anyone who wants a great mechanical keyboard without spending a lot of money.
What To Look Out For
HUO JI Z88 Z-88 RGB supports full key customization. You can replace the keycaps and switches but they use their own brand of mechanical switches, not the ubiquitous Cherry MX switches. To make it easier, their own switches come in colours that go up against the Cherry MX switches of the same colour.
It comes with a detachable USB cable that is 1.8 meters long. The HUO JI Z88 Z-88 RGB supports Windows and macOS.
Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed 65% Wireless
Awesome 65% Wireless Gaming Keyboard
Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed 65% Wireless
Why You Should Buy It
Looking for a gaming keyboard that won't break the bank? Check out the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed. This budget-friendly gaming keyboard comes with all the features you need to take your gaming to the next level.
The keyboard comes equipped with Razer's HyperSpeed wireless technology, giving you the wireless mode to game without perceptible latency. And with a battery life of up to 200 hours, you can game all day without worrying about recharging.
This wireless keyboard comes with yellow switches that are silent and responsive, perfect for gaming without fatigue. So if you're looking for a high-quality gaming keyboard at a reasonable price, the HyperSpeed is a perfect choice.
What To Look Out For
It comes in different sizes, key switch options and has long battery life. It is rechargeable using a USB-C cable and can often be found on Amazon discounted to $120.
65% Keyboard FAQs
You've probably heard of 65% keyboards, but you're not sure what they are or if they're right for you.
A 65% keyboard is a great way to get started in mechanical keyboards because they offer most of the benefits of a full-size keyboard without taking up as much desk space.
Our 65% keyboard FAQs will answer all your questions and help you decide whether a 65% keyboard is the right choice for you or if you should look at other keyboards.
How Many Keys Does A 65% Have?
A 65% keyboard has a 65-key keyboard layout with essential keys included such as the Windows key, function row (e.g., F1, F2, etc.), and dedicated arrow keys. The Numpad and the nearby keys are also omitted.
Is A 65% Keyboard The Best Size?
When comparing a 65% keyboard to other keyboards, there's no one perfect keyboard size. It all depends on what you're using the keyboard for and how comfortable you feel with it.
For instance, if you're a touch typist, you'll probably want a keyboard that's at least 10 inches wide so that your fingers have enough room to maneuver. However, if you only use the keyboard for occasional typing tasks, a smaller keyboard might be more comfortable for you to use.
So in short, there's no definitive answer to this question. It all comes down to personal preference.
How Do You Press F5 On A 65% Keyboard?
The function row is on a 65% keyboard so you can directly access the button without the 'Fn' key.
A 65% keyboard is the smallest form factor keyboard that has the function row along the top but the smaller 60% keyboards omit them and rely on the Fn key.
Our selection of 65% keyboards have dedicated function keys along the top of the keyboard, as you'd expect from larger keyboards. They are also mechanical keyboards, giving you the flexibility of swapping keycaps and some even swap out the key switches themselves.
What Is A Hot-Swappable Keyboard?
A hot-swappable keyboard is a type of keyboard that can be easily connected and disconnected from a computer without having to shut the computer down. This is often handy for people who use multiple computers or who want to upgrade their keyboards without having to go through the hassle of reconnecting all their peripherals.
Are 65% Keyboards Worth It?
Yes, 65% keyboards are definitely worth it! For one thing, they're much more compact than full-sized keyboards, so they take up less space on your desk. They're also great for travel because they're so lightweight and portable. Plus, many people find them more comfortable to type on since your hands aren't spread out as much.
Other than the compactness and portability factor, another big advantage of 65% of keyboards is that you still have easy access to the common keys. This can be a big benefit if you do a lot of gaming or programming since you'll be able to hit all the keys you need without having to reach for them. The only downside is that you have to sacrifice the Numpad and the nearby keys.
What Are The Quietest Keyboard Switches?
There are a few different keyboard switch options for sound but linear switches are regarded as among the quietest with tactile switches being the noisiest.
If you're looking for switch options on a quiet keyboard, then linear switches are your best bet. Some popular linear switch options include Cherry MX black, brown, and blue.
Don't discount tactile switches as they can be easier to use. Tactile switch options include Cherry MX red switches because they're easier to find in the dark.
Is A Smaller Keyboard Better For Gaming?
There's no single answer to this question since it depends on personal preferences and what type of gaming you're doing. For example, some people prefer smaller keyboards for FPS games because it gives them more control and precision over their movements. Others might find a larger keyboard more comfortable for general use or MMO gaming.
Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what size keyboard works best for you. Experiment with different sizes and see what feels most natural to you. You may also want to consult with other gamers to see what they prefer. Whatever size keyboard you choose, make sure it has features that are important to you such as backlighting, programmable keys, etc.
Why Are Smaller Keyboards More Expensive?
They often have a higher build quality than larger keyboards since every individual key has to be manufactured more precisely. This results in a smaller keyboard costing more per unit to produce.
Assuming all other factors are equal, the law of supply and demand would also dictate that smaller keyboards would be more expensive since fewer of them are available on the market. This is because it's generally harder to find manufacturers who are willing to produce smaller quantities of niche items like smaller keyboards.
Lastly, it's worth noting that many people who prefer smaller keyboards are willing to pay a premium for the compact design.
Final Thoughts On 65% Keyboards
We hope our findings have helped you decide which 65% mechanical keyboard is best for your needs. If not, be sure to check out the full list of 65% keyboards on Amazon by clicking any of the product photos in this post. Each one will take you directly to the product page so you can read more reviews and make a purchase if desired.
Thanks for following along with us as we looked for the best 65% keyboard!
