- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Updates
- Comparison
- Best Keyboards
- Conclusion
- Discussions
Ducky manufactures gaming peripherals with its primary focus on mechanical keyboards. Their keyboards are highly customizable, and you can purchase them in a variety of Cherry MX switches, so you can get the ones you feel most comfortable using. Ducky keyboards stand out against the competition with their unique and colorful aesthetics, and they often include Chinese zodiac-branded spacebars. Most of their keyboards have very similar features, and they're available in a variety of sizes, from 60% to full-sized variants. However, Ducky lags behind other companies in terms of dedicated software, as they've only recently released software to customize the RGB lighting.
Updates
- 04/06/2021 Ducky One 2 updated
- 03/31/2021 Ducky One 2 Mini V2 reviewed
- 09/29/2020 Ducky One 2 RGB TKL reviewed
- 08/26/2020 Ducky One 2 SF reviewed
- 06/01/2020 Ducky Mecha Mini V2 reviewed
Best Ducky Keyboards
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Best Ducky Keyboard For Gaming
Connectivity WiredSizeTenKeyLess (80%)MechanicalYesThe best Ducky keyboard for gaming that we've tested is the Ducky One 2 RGB TKL. The smaller size gives you more space on your desk to move your mouse, and you have enough buttons to set many different macros if you wish. We tested the Pure White variant with RGB lighting and Cherry MX Brown switches, which have low pre-travel and don't require a lot of force to actuate. It comes with some extra blue keycaps and a spacebar that represents the year of the rat in the Chinese calendar. It's also available in a variety of other switches and colors, some of which don't have any lighting, and for the most part, each variant is also available in a full-sized version, such as the Ducky One 2.
It actually has dedicated software called Ducky RGB, but as the name suggests, it only allows you to customize the RGB settings, and you can't set any macros through the software. Also, it's only available on Windows, but it allows you to save many profiles. Like other Ducky keyboards, it has an excellent build quality, outstanding typing quality, and each key is macro-programmable. It surprisingly doesn't have media hotkeys, but you can easily program them. There's also a Windows Key Lock that prevents you from accidentally minimizing your game. All in all, this is the best Ducky gaming keyboard we've tested.
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Best Ducky Keyboard For Office
Connectivity WiredSizeFull-size (100%)MechanicalYesThe best Ducky keyboard for office use that we’ve tested is the Ducky Shine 7. This large, full-size model has a superb build quality with doubleshot PBT keycaps that feel durable, and very stable keys that provide outstanding typing quality. Unlike other more compact Ducky options, this one has a NumPad, dedicated media keys, and dedicated arrow keys, making it more convenient for work. It’s also reasonably comfortable to type on for extended periods, though it doesn’t come with a wrist rest. Our unit has Cherry MX Brown switches, which feel responsive and give great tactile feedback, assuring you that each keystroke is registered. It’s also available with six other types of Cherry MX switches, so you can really choose the best fit for your needs.
Like most Ducky models, it's easily customizable and comes with many extra features, like switches to change the location of the Windows, Fn, and Caps Lock keys. Additionally, all the keys are macro-programmable. However, you have to program all the macros directly on the keyboard since the software only allows you to customize the RGB lighting. Other than that, the main downside of this model is the rubberized USB-C cable that feels a bit cheap and tends to retain kinks, though you could replace it if it really bothers you. If you want a good mechanical keyboard for work, it offers outstanding typing quality and incredible build quality, making it the best Ducky keyboard for office use that we've tested.
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Best Compact Ducky Keyboard
Connectivity WiredSizeCompact (60%)MechanicalYesThe best compact Ducky keyboard that we've tested is the Ducky One 2 Mini V1. Unlike most other brands, Ducky produces a variety of options available in a 60% size (Mini) or compact 65% (SF), which has dedicated arrow keys. In reality, this and the Ducky One 2 SF are similar, and choosing one over the other comes down to personal preference and whether you want dedicated arrow keys. The model we tested is basically a smaller version of the Ducky One 2 RGB TKL, as they both have a pure white body with RGB backlighting. It's also available in different color variants, but some don't have any backlighting.
Unfortunately, there isn't any dedicated software, so all macro-programming and RGB customization have to be done directly on the keyboard. You can find instructions on how to do so in the user manual. There are media hotkeys and DIP switches that allow you to remap the location of some function keys. Our unit has Cherry MX Brown switches that offer outstanding typing quality, but without arrow keys, it may be a bit difficult to navigate text. All in all, if you want a small, compact model, this is one of the best Ducky keyboards we've tested.
Compared to other brands
- Easily customizable. Ducky keyboards are some of the most customizable on the market. You can purchase them in a wide variety of switches, designs, and sizes. Each keyboard comes with a keycap puller, and you can purchase different colored keycaps on their website, allowing you to design your keyboard how you like.
- Excellent typing quality. Their keyboards are very well-made with doubleshot PBT keycaps that feel excellent to type on. There's enough spacing between each key to help reduce typos.
- Tons of features. Ducky keyboards are loaded with extra features. Every key is macro-programmable, and there are two layers of hotkeys you can access. There are DIP switches that allow you to change the location of the Windows, Fn, and Caps Lock keys.
- Limited software. The main downside to a Ducky keyboard is the lack of dedicated software. Although some now have software to customize RGB settings, you can't set macros. All macro programming is done directly on the keyboard, which is a bit difficult to do.
- Cheap USB-C cable. Even though the keyboards are well-built, Ducky usually includes a cheap and generic USB-C cable. It retains kinks easily and may even have generic markings on it. Luckily, it's detachable if you want to replace it.
Ducky vs Razer
Razer also makes gaming keyboards, but they make office-oriented options too. Razer has dedicated software that you can use to set macros, and some of their keyboards come with wrist rests. However, you can purchase Ducky keyboards in a variety of Cherry MX switches, while some of Razer's are only available with one type of switch.
Ducky vs Corsair
Corsair produces a variety of mechanical and non-mechanical keyboards. They have wireless options, and their full-sized boards usually have dedicated macro keys. Corsair's iCUE software is available on both Windows and macOS, and it allows you to set macros. Ducky keyboards are usually better-built than Corsair, and they also sell compact versions.
Other companies, such as Razer and Corsair, have bigger lineups aimed at both office and gaming use compared to Ducky. However, you know what you're getting with a Ducky keyboard since most of them are so similar, they're all well-built, and quality control is excellent. Ducky offers more customization options in terms of aesthetics and switch types. If you don't mind the lack of dedicated software, Ducky's options are as good as the competition.
Conclusion
Overall, Ducky produces highly customizable keyboards, and you can purchase them in a variety of color variants, giving your gaming setup a unique aesthetic. They have outstanding typing quality, which is great if you also want to use them for the office, and they're very well-made. No matter what size keyboard you want to get, you'll find one available with Ducky.
