Thats a great option to have if the stock stabs dont work out for you. Compatible with QMK & VIA opensource firmware. If youre unfamiliar, stabilizers do what they say on the tin and help stabilize the longer keys on a keyboard. They keyboard has no backlighting or RGB, so this might be why it lasts so long. It doesn't have the F row or numpad. The RK68 has a linear switch under the keycap, meaning that the force at the beginning and the end of each stroke is nearly identical. Besides that one complaint, everything works very well. Theres almost certainly a mechanical keyboard out there for everyone these days. So those who arent as keen on hot-swapping switches still have opportunities to find a suitable stock configuration for your tastes. This is one of the few 65 percent keyboards Id use for both general typing and gaming. Quefrency - Split Staggered 65% Keyboard Sinc - Split Staggered 75% Keyboard KBO-5000 - Split Staggered 80% Keyboard Macropads FoldKB Featured collection View all products BDN9 Rev. You have the standard Red, Blue, and Brown options from both Cherry and Gateron. Short on Time? The GK61xs does have a metal plate at least, which gives it some welcome rigidity. I personally dont miss dedicated arrow keys when using a 60%, as Im used to having arrow keys on a function layer. So if you dont like the idea of having to do that, 65% keyboards still arent for you. nullbits Nibble 65% 72 Key Programmable QMK Mechanical Keyboard Kit (White) 4.7 (77) $6999 GMMK Pro Barebones: #1 Best 75% Barebones Keyboard. The keycaps are PBT double-shot plastic. It has 68 keys and a USB-C connection. How to Build a Custom Mechanical Keyboard. If it were up to me, I would go with one of the Ducky MIYA Pro keyboards, they have so many different cool designs and they are exteremly well-built. Thats when the best DIY keyboard kits come into the picture. If youre just starting and dont want to spend big bucks, the GMMK is a safe place to start. Duckys One 3 range of keyboards is arguably the companys most impressive yet. Not only does the KBD75 use an aluminum case, but you also get an optional aluminum weight that you can install in the rear of the case for even more heft. It has an aluminum plate and body. There are higher-quality custom mechanical keyboards floating about, but the Tokyo60 will be solid enough for most. The standalone cases allow for you to upgrade your GK68XS from the comfort of your own home. 76 reviews 46 questions. We dont recommend the other versions, though. Compact 65% form factor Thick Dye Sub PBT keycaps Varmilo EC or Cherry switches Two-stage height adjustable feet Robust UV printing on the case is water, corrosion, and climate resistant; however, do not expose to alcoholic beverages Details and Specifications * Free shipping applies to standard continental US orders. So if youre looking for a linear, clicky, or tactile switch theirs an option that fills that need. . The keyboard is made so that you can easily swap out keys for a different look and feel. But its usable, looks reasonably good (keycap font aside), and will still leave you with change from a $50 bill. Our buying guide towards the end of the article also covers important considerations when buying a new 65% keyboard. These keycaps are smooth and may not be for people are like textured keycaps such as myself. The Cherry MX Reds are great because they dont take much force to actuate and are silent as well as fast. KBDfans includes case foam and a silicone muting pad with each KBD67 Lite. Check out our guide to keycap types for all the info you need. Especially if youre willing to put in the extra effort on the stabs to help it shine. Another complaint is the keycaps are quite low-contrast and hard to see unless you have the RGB turned on. TOFU65 ALUMINUM 65% CASE 5. keyboards. The pre-lubed wires probably help with the stabilizer feel; KBDfans tends to get their stabilizers right, and the KBD67 is no exception. While programming is expectedly absent, you do at least get some DIP switches that let you swap Control and Caps Lock and disable the Windows key. 68 Keys 65% Compact Layout EPOMAKER TH68 custom mechanical keyboard DIY kit is designed in a popular compact 65% layout to not waste any space. On top of the stabilizer issues, the SHIFTs aluminum case tends to amplify any pinging or ringing sounds that come from your keyboard switches. In addition to the online-only programming, there are a few more issues to be aware of before buying a SHIFT. Details and Specifications Keydous NJ80 75% Hot swappable Mechanical keyboard 13. The high-profile case helps to keep the dust from settling under the keycaps and boosts the acoustic sound of the switches. But first, lets get into our picks. EXTRAS IN-STOCK SALE. Lets look at a couple of examples that cover both aspects of 65% keyboard layouts. The GK68XS boasts some pretty awesome features including retro-themed keycap colors, detachable USB-C cable, wireless capability, and much more. (like 60% or 65% or even 40% keyboards). You will likely have to put in a bit of effort to find the exact combination of material, lighting, and switch that you want. The combination of the aluminum frame, PBT keycaps, and lubed stabilizers makes for an excellent out-of-the-box typing experience. The 65 percent keyboard is great for someone with limited space, or just prefers the look of a more compact style keyboard. The keycaps have a textured feel to them. The KBD67s a board that most people could build and use as-is. Besides, even that minor hassle isnt as bad as it used to be because of hot-swap sockets. A few things you should be aware of before you buy a 65% keyboard, just so you know what youre getting into. Another aspect where the Magicforce suffers is in the keycap department. Keychron Q1 Pro review: a remarkably great keyboard without getting your fingers dirty. Akko 3068 Gray 65% Silent Mechanical Keyboard. [GB] bully - a base-kit compatible 40% keyboard | limited preorder slots! The BlackWidow V3 Minis biggest negative is the price; at around $200, its not for everyone. I regularly review keyboards and other gadgets for a living. The kit from MechanicalKeyboards also includes PCB and case foam that you can install to reduce ping and keycap noise, which is a nice touch. Best 60% Keyboard Kit: Epomaker GK61XS is lightweight yet rigid, feature-packed yet compactmaking it a great portable keyboard. This model offers crisp button pushes and 18 kinds of backlighting. The GK61xs eschews the fancy, high-weight aluminum of many higher-priced mechanical keyboard kits for a more portable (and affordable) plastic case. XVX Pudding Keycaps - PBT Keycaps, 141 Key+24 Keys Set Custom Keycap Set, OEM Profile, Universal Compatiability for 100%, 75%, 65%, 60% Keyboard (White) Features : Durable Doubleshot PBTThese PBT keycaps are made with thick walls and are resistant to wear. As with all Drop boards, the integrated plate makes the Tokyo60 quite rigid to use and type on. Ducky also sends you some extra colorful keycap sets to add some style. Sites like Drop (opens in new tab), Epomaker, YMDK and KBDFans are go-to sources for custom keyboard kits. Youll want plate-mounted stabs like these, so many of the more popular PCB-mount stabilizers are off the table here. The screw-in stabilizers are a nice touch, though. Hot-swap keyboards are a lot more convenient and easier to put together since you dont need a soldering iron. This layout is similar to a TKL, but without the function row or a few keys from the home cluster. A metal switch plate adds some rigidity, and its silver color helps reflect the per-key RGB lighting for some nice underglow. As none of these DIY keyboard kits come with keycaps, theres an extra thing you need to be aware of when shopping for them. Your email address will not be published. Yes, you can use software like Microsoft PowerToys (Windows) or Karabiner (macOS) to remap keys in software. The Drop ALT is also a super cool keyboard (definitely pricey), but the build quality is outstanding and you cant complain about hot-swapability. If you decide to change the stabs, make sure you buy plate-mounted stabilizers like these; PCB-mounted (or screw-in) stabilizers wont work here. Theres no key remapping, macro recording, or lighting customization to be had here. For $80, though, its difficult to complain too much about the GMMKs weaknesses and slightly outdated design choices. Definitely do some research beforehand if you plan on buying a 65% keyboard and switching out the keycaps. Some users complain that the rubber leads to a mushy feel when you hit the keyboard. Why Trust Us? Though it is approx 70% the size of a traditional keyboard, the keys still have standard sizes that allow for rapid typing. First up, lets look at the Leopold FC660C. 65% Keyboards. The Ducky MIYA Pro is an awesome keyboard coming from Ducky with a sleek compact design and several different keyboard designs. The basic keycap size is the one used for the alphanumeric keys. You may be wondering, what the heck is a 65% keyboard? The Akko 3068 is also another popular 65% keyboard. Wireless? Today we will be covering the PE Foam mod, a sound-altering solution We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Read on. However, the currently available hot-swap sockets have limited lifespans and are rated for only about 100 cycles at most. Since Topre switches dont use MX-style mounts, you wont be able to use any of the hundreds of custom MX keysets available on your FC660C. gateron switch 3pin 5pin smd milky blue red black brown green clear yellow custom mechanical keyboard xd64 xd60 eepw84 gh60. Also . The switch options are: Cherry MX Black, Brown, Red, Blue, Silver, Silent Red. These arent standard sizes, and you can have issues finding an aftermarket keycap set with the correct replacement keys. In-stock sale. The build quality is very nice with secure and great stabilizers. Weve mentioned stabilizers and stabilizer-related issues all through the list. The Leopold FC660C comes with the unique electro capacitive Topre switch. The keyboard comes in white and black colors, and you can choose from a total of 13 switch types. It has 67 keys and is compact. There are better boards if youre specifically after typing, gaming, or hot-swap, but the Hades 68 is hard to beat as an overall package. Like many other 65% keyboards, this keyboard has a non-standard bottom row, so switching out keycaps will take more effort. EPOMAKER SKYLOONG SK68/SK68S. The FC660Cs definitely not a keyboard for the curious hobbyist, but heavy-duty typists looking for a new daily driver 65% keyboard should definitely start here first. Instead, you get a single status LED and TMK firmware. A prebuilt keyboard of the highest quality available. The GK61xs also offers physical layout customization via an included adapter plate that lets you swap the spacebar for three smaller keys. The Leopold FC660C also shows its age by not being programmable. Have fun! 65% keyboards generally have 66 to 68 keys. The Vortexgear Cypher is a satisfying keyboard to type on with a relatively simple and effective build. Mac compatibility? While the Pro isnt the only keyboard to suffer from similar complaints, theyre a bit more problematic when theyre supposedly pre-tuned from the factory. Shop Amazons Massive Sale on Power Banks, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. A Topre switchs keycap mount. It uses low-profile buttons that are incredibly easy to press so that long gaming sessions dont tire out your fingers. EVO70 custom mechanical keyboard, 70% layout - classic 65% layout with an additional 6 macro keys on the left side Build options: FR-4/Acrylic 1. Do note that while you have dedicated arrow keys on a 65% keyboard, youre still going to need to use the function (Fn) key to access F1 to F12 and extra nav cluster keys. For example, this user had to use their extra arrow keys for the right-side modifier keys on their Hades 68. Instead, it only has underglow LEDs that shine through an acrylic diffuser. CTBTBESE GK68 RGB Hot-Swappable 18. . This 65% layout is my personal favorite. The key presses are light and bouncy enough for long typing sessions. Theyll let you switch specific layouts on your keyboard and you need to reset your keyboard to get it to switch after you toggle them. Youre also out of luck if the site ever goes down, of course. Thats because they can arguably make the difference between a fun keyboard to type on and one with a rattly or mushy typing feel. The Tokyo60 is an all-aluminum 60% keyboard with an integrated plate and screw-in stabilizers. Custom Keyboard Kit. 65% keyboard Filter . KBD67 V3 MIRROR POLISHED GASKET MOUNT ALUMINUM CASE 3. I looked for a mix of options that would suit both gamers and general computer users at various price points. Beyond the Topre switches, the FC660C comes standard with thick, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps that are some of the best stock keycaps you can get on a keyboard. No soldering required. Sure, you may be OK with standard layouts now, but I was too. You have the same fully-programmable firmware via Drops online configurator for whatever layout, layer, and RGB configurations you desire. This keyboard is beautiful. Its a satisfying feeling and one that we recommend to everyone. The MKB87 has a standard 87-key TKL keyboard layout in a low-key black polycarbonate frame. It has a blue and orange lighting effect. The GMMK Pro is best known for two things, the first of which is the rotary push knob in the top right. Most keyboards dont come with the option of Silver switches, which are often used for gaming. If you choose to go to the keyboard kit route, you can pick between plastic case in black ($89) or aluminum cases of different colors (that would make the price up to $149. That said, theres one glaring omission from the Ducky One 3 SFs impressive feature set: programmability. Check. The Durgod Hades 68 features a sturdy aluminum case and translucent keycaps that allow the colorful lighting of this keyboard to shine through. Its not that surprising given the MKB87s price, so were not going to harp on it too much. As long as you have a proper soldering technique, the connections are unlikely to fail even after a few cycles of desoldering and resoldering switches. Its the best DIY keyboard kit if you want a 75% thatll feel great out of the box. It gets almost everything right and has a wide range of switch options. Hot-swap sockets also make changing switches easy, as you can just pop the old ones out and insert new ones. Razer launched its first BlackWidow keyboard in 2010, and the company now has 20 keyboards over 5 different product ranges. With such a wide selection of products, choosing the best Razer keyboard for your needs can take a bit of research. The short-travel Razer Yellow switch and low-latency wireless connection, in particular, make it a standout choice if you want a gaming-focused keyboard. Some of the K6s standout features include its Bluetooth support (with up to three simultaneous connections), 4000 mAh battery, and native support for Mac and Windows. If youre new to keyboards, you may wonder why I put so much emphasis on programmability. Best 75% mechanical keyboards. These keyboards are truly unique with several different keycap design and themes. Functionally, these extra nav cluster keys are the only ones you have to be wary about. Especially in Ice White. On the topic of LEDs, the KBD75 bucks the trend for per-key RGB lighting. Unusually for keyboards in this category, it offers standalone arrow keys, which can be handy if youre used to using them for getting around documents or dungeons. Firstly, make sure the key set youre buying has the right keys for your board. Its not going to be the sort of keyboard you keep forever, but its a good way to get started with DIY keyboard kits on a budget. All in all, the KPRepublic MKB87 is a decent option if you want an affordable TKL keyboard kit with a handy Bluetooth 5.0 option. If youre interested in building a custom keyboard, you can read about how to do it here. Razer launched its first BlackWidow keyboard in 2010, and the company now has 20 keyboards over 5 different product ranges. The K6 is absolutely loaded with features, if you can think of a feature this keyboard has it. Its a solidly built mechanical keyboard with better-than-average stock keycaps and a wide range of switch options. Nibble Acrylic Keyboard Case 7. $109.00. Durgod Hades 68 is a 65% mechanical keyboard with an aluminum case, double shot PBT keycaps, N-key rollover, and per-key RGB lighting. Most keyboards . It has the exact layout as Tada68(up later in the list) and the legends are durable and classically simple. Unlike Drops other boards (which use plate-mounted stabilizers), you can easily swap the stock stabilizers with high-quality PCB-mount stabs if desired. You read about all of the unique keyboard sizes. 65% Keyboards; 75% Keyboards; TKL Keyboards; 90% Keyboards; 96% Keyboards; 100% Keyboards; Macro Keyboards; Low Profile; DIY Keyboard Kits. Your options are not limited if you need a keyboard with switches that fit your needs. Happy hunting! You can replace all the keycaps with your own set without trouble like the other keyboards weve looked at. But the Razer Yellow is what youll want if youre a gamer. . Then there are winkeyless (WKL) layouts and ones with stepped Caps Lock and split Space Bars. GAMAKAY CK68 Keyboard Customized Kit 68 Keys Triple Mode RGB Hot Swappable 3pin/5pin Switch 65 % Programmable Wired bluetooth 5.0 2.4GHz Keyboard Kit NKRO PCB Mounting Plate Case Custom Keyboard 33 reviews. Its close enough to a standard full-size layout that most users wont have issues with it. The keyboard has a plastic case with some natural angle. 2023 NovelKeys LLC. Zinsser Flat Bright White Water-Based Ceiling Paint and Primer in One Interior 13 oz. 65% Keycaps (1 - 40 of 483 results) Price ($) NES Retro 67 ABS 65% Keycap Set Dye-Sublimation & Laser Etched Keycaps IMMINENTCo (1) $24. Zeeyoo 65% 68 key Custom Mechanical Keyboard PCB CASE hot swappable switch support lighting effects with RGB switch led. Changing stabs on a hot-swap board is much easier since you dont need to spend time desoldering switches. 70% keyboard PCB iGK68xs-bt: hot swap PCB, 5. You can tweak the lighting and program macros, so its not too bad, but youre stuck with the default key layout here. This layout is basically what it sounds like. They have Cherry style stabilizers as well. Your email address will not be published. 3 results. Clear. The GK61xs stock stabilizers arent anything special, and you may want to replace them if you intend to use this as your main keyboard. All in all, the Qisan Magicforce with Outemu switches is a solid budget 65% keyboard thatll do the trick. The PCB is VIA compatible with per switch RGB lighting. So to make things easier for Osu! It comes in two colorways with RGB LED lighting. It works as both a knob and a button, too, giving you two extra controls for the price of one. Keychron claims a 240-hour runtime without the backlight, courtesy of the 4000 mAh battery mentioned earlier. This keyboard might be the sturdiest Ive ever tested with a solid aluminum frame that stays still no matter how hard you bang on the keys. It has different colors and keycap designs and range in price depending on what you get. There are 4 DIP switches on the back of the FC660C along with four rubber feet and 2 kickstands for some typing angle adjustability. Overall, it is a beautiful and affordable keyboard. These are single-unit (or 1-unit, often shortened to 1u) keycaps. The Tada68 mechanical keyboard is a 65% layout keyboard that you can pick different parts to build it yourself, and its also available pre-assembled but is tricky to find sometimes. Clear. The Drop CTRL shares most of its positives with the SHIFT. This keyboard can be used wirelessly or wired with Bluetooth technology that can connect with up to 3 devices. A Useful 65% Hot-Swap DIY Keyboard Kit With built-in modularity for everything from connectivity to switches, the TH66 Kit from EPOAMKER is a DIY kit for those who like to change things up. Filter Sort. Cherry MX switches, engineered in Germany, are considered the best but also the most expensive option for mechanical keyboards. The KPRepublic MKB87 is almost the polar opposite of the Drop CTRL. Duckys stabs have always been excellent, but these pre-lubed stabilizers are likely second-to-none as far as stock mainstream stabilizers go. Its worth noting that KBDfans also makes a Bluetooth version which you can buy directly from them. Ducky is a well-recognized brand within the keyboard community, and there are no complaints. One downside to this keyboard among different users is that the firmware can be a hassle to configure. Overall, its well known and people love it. Stabilizers under the right Shift key. With the market for 65% keyboards becoming more and more crowded, choosing the best 65% keyboard can be trickier than expected. Check out the Product Assembly Guidehere. It has PBT plastic keycaps in a Cherry profile with dye-sublimated legends. The common wisdom is that polycarb has a bit more give and is thus more suited to clicky or linear switches. N-key/6-key rollover (swappable) Programmable with up to 15 layers of different macros. But choosing any of the keyboards on the list should leave you satified because they are the best of the best and we recommend all of them. This is a 65% keyboard that comes with blue switches on Amazon. That said, if youre not sold on RGB or the need for ultra-responsive switches and a low-latency wireless keyboard, then almost any 65% keyboard on our list will work for gaming. There arent that many 65 percent keyboards on the market, so your options are relatively limited in this category. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Subscribe for an occasional dose of PC hardware inspiration and guides. Its also available in TKL and 60% layouts if you prefer those form factors. As a professional writer, Ive had a long obsession with keyboards. Your email address will not be published. Another point worth mentioning is that the GMMK isnt fully programmable. The keyboard had all of the basic features you could want on a no-frills keyboard: nice typing experience, detachable USB-C cable, and PBT keycaps. Marble quartz stone white custom size 60 65 70 75 gmmk wrist rest keyboard art hand rests mechanical keyboard . The default layout is usable and shouldnt pose any problems to most users. has per key RGB and is already via compatible along with regular QMK. You give up the mechanical keys that some people prefer, but I find the membrane switches in this keyboard to be a refreshing change of pace. from $78.90. As far as the Right Shift (yellow) and right-side modifier keys (light blue) are concerned, the FC660C (and, by extension, the Cherry MX FC660M) use standard-sized keys here. Paragon 75% Keyboard 16. You also need a decent soldering iron and some time to learn the proper technique, so its not quite as immediate as a hot-swap board. You also get 18 backlight patterns and a choice of Gateron mechanical or LK optical switches. You can buy this keyboard from KBDfans for $99 to $119, depending on which switches you pick. EPOMAKER TH80: Best Affordable 75% Barebones Keyboard. Best DIY Keyboard Kits at a Glance. C $68.11 + C $46.00 shipping . To operate these keys, youll need to activate the layer under the number row, so this may take a small adjustment period and can feel a little uncomfortable. He has a background in Mechanical Engineering and wants to apply his expertise to break down how mechanical keyboards and other tech work to show the world all of the cool aspects of the hobby. If youre interested in the latter, the Epomaker GK61xs is the best 60% keyboard kit for you. Please see theAcceptable Quality Standardshere. The keycaps are ABS plastic with double-shot injection. Very aesthetic from the side. The keycaps are printed in an excellent gray color with a subtle lighting effect that adds some pizazz to your setup without being too distracting. Theres little to no rattle, and the keys feel smooth and responsive.