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, Gateron, TTC, and Kailh switches, depending on what model you're interested in. 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% compact 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.
The best Ducky keyboard for gaming that we've tested is the Ducky One 3. This colorful model comes in a variety of sizes and switch types. It uses doubleshot PBT keycaps that feel excellent on the fingertips, and overall its body feels solid and well-built. The latency is remarkable and low enough to handle fast-paced competitive games without delay. We bought and tested the full-size, yellow variant with Cherry MX Brown switches, which feel light to type on and provide excellent tactile feedback to know when a key's been registered. Although Cherry MX Brown switches aren't usually the first choice for gamers, this keyboard is hot-swappable, so you can swap out the stock switches for any that you prefer, like a linear or clicky switch, without having to solder.
Unfortunately, you can't customize the RGB backlighting as there's no dedicated software. Also, its keycaps aren't shinethrough, making the legends harder to see in the dark. Although it lacks software, you can still program macros directly onto the board using a hotkey sequence, and there are DIP switches on top of the board that allow you to lock the Windows key and adjust other settings. Overall, this option offers an excellent typing experience, and it makes a superb choice if you're looking for a colorful and customizable gaming keyboard.
If you're looking for a Ducky keyboard to brighten up your office, the best we've tested is the Ducky Shine 7. It's a full-size model with superb build quality and doubleshot PBT keycaps that feel durable. Its keys are also very stable and have good spacing between them. Unlike compact Ducky options, this model has a Numpad, dedicated media keys, and dedicated arrow keys, making it more convenient for office and productivity use. It's also reasonably comfortable to type on for extended periods, though it doesn't come with a wrist rest. We purchased our unit with Cherry MX Brown switches, which feel responsive and give satisfying tactile feedback. It's available with six other types of Cherry MX switches, so you can choose the set you prefer the most.
This keyboard also has DIP switches that allow you to change the location of the Fn key or swap between N-key rollover and 6-key rollover. 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. Otherwise, the main downside is this keyboard's rubberized USB-C cable that feels cheap and tends to retain kinks. However, this cable is removable, so it's easy to swap out. Overall, if you're looking for a good mechanical keyboard for work that has an incredible build quality and offers outstanding typing quality, you won't go wrong with the Ducky Shine 7.
The best compact Ducky keyboard we've tested is the Ducky One 2 Mini V2. It's a 60% mechanical gaming keyboard nearly identical to the Ducky One 2 Mini V1, but it has some minor physical and performance differences. While it doesn't have customization software, you can still customize the RGB backlighting and set macros to any key directly from the board. You can also change the location of the Fn key and switch between N-key rollover and 6-key rollover by using the DIP switches on the underside. We tested this keyboard with tactile Cherry MX Brown switches, which feel light and responsive, but it's also available in a variety of Cherry MX, Gateron, and Kailh switches, so you can get the brand and feel you prefer.
Unfortunately, this keyboard has high latency for a wired gaming keyboard. It may not feel as responsive as other options, especially if you play fast-paced or competitive games. Also, like other Ducky keyboards, it has a cheap and generic cable. Thankfully, it's removable, so you can switch it out for another custom cable of your choice if you wish. Overall, this keyboard offers many customization options and is an all-around excellent compact mechanical option for work, everyday browsing, or casual gaming.
Razer also makes gaming keyboards, but they've begun making more office-oriented options. Razer has dedicated software to easily set macros, and some of their keyboards come with wrist rests. However, you can purchase Ducky keyboards in several Cherry MX switches, while some of Razer's are only available with one type of switch.
Corsair produces a variety of mechanical and non-mechanical keyboards. They have a few 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 lets you set macros. However, Ducky keyboards are usually better built than Corsair.
Other major companies, like Razer and Corsair, have bigger lineups 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.
May 04, 2022: Replaced the Ducky One 2 RGB TKL with the Ducky One 3 as 'Best Ducky Keyboard For Gaming' as the One 3 has better latency and is more readily available.
Jan 07, 2022: Verified product availability and made minor alterations for text accuracy; no changes to our picks.
Sep 09, 2021: Updated text for clarity and accuracy.
May 12, 2021: Replaced the Ducky One 2 Mini V1 with the Ducky One 2 Mini V2 since it's the upgraded version of the same board.
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. Taken together, these qualities all but guarantee that you can find a Ducky keyboard that suits your needs.