The Ducky One 2 RGB TKL is a very good wired mechanical gaming keyboard. Our unit uses Cherry MX Brown switches, which offer tactile feedback and very little noise. If that's not to your liking, it's also available in a wide variety of switch and color options. That said, every key is macro-programmable, but all the recording is done on the keyboard itself. Unlike the Ducky One 2 and Ducky One 2 Mini V1, it has dedicated software to customize the RGB backlighting. Certain variants of this keyboard may be difficult to find through all retailers.
Our Verdict
The Ducky One 2 TKL is an outstanding keyboard for gaming. The Cherry MX Brown switches on our unit have low pre-travel and don't require a lot of force to actuate. That said, it's available in a wide variety of switches. It has full RGB backlighting, which can be customized with the Ducky RGB companion software. Also, every key is macro-programmable and recording is done on the keyboard. Ergonomics are decent, and while there's no wrist rest, the straight design should be comfortable enough for most people.
- Available in a variety of switches.
- Solid PBT keycaps.
- Macro-programmable keys.
- Outstanding typing experience.
- Clunky method of adjusting RGB backlight.
- No wrist rest.
The Ducky One 2 RGB TKL is a wired-only keyboard and can't be used with a mobile device.
The Ducky One 2 RGB TKL is a very good keyboard for office use. The ergonomics are only okay as it lacks a wrist rest, but typing should still feel comfortable. With the Cherry MX Brown switches on our unit, typing quality is outstanding and quiet and shouldn't bother those around you. That said, it's also available in a wide variety of switches. The build is also great, with a solid plastic frame and double-shot PBT keys that feel stable and well-spaced out.
- Available in a variety of switches.
- Solid PBT keycaps.
- Outstanding typing experience.
- No wrist rest.
The Ducky One 2 RGB TKL is a great keyboard for programmers. The Cherry MX Brown switches on our unit provide outstanding typing quality and should be quiet enough to not disturb those around you. That said, it's also available in a wide variety of switches. There are macro-programmable keys, but you have to record them on the board yourself. Also, there's RGB backlighting, but the companion software to customize it is limited to Windows.
- Available in a variety of switches.
- Solid PBT keycaps.
- Macro-programmable keys.
- Outstanding typing experience.
- Clunky method of adjusting RGB backlight.
- No wrist rest.
The Ducky One 2 TKL is bad for use with a home theater PC. It doesn't have a trackpad for navigation, and you can only use it wired. On the upside, it has full RGB backlighting for those who like to watch TV in the dark.
- Available in a variety of switches.
- Outstanding typing experience.
- Wired-only.
- No trackpad.
Changelog
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Updated Nov 19, 2024:
We've added a link to our 'Best Ducky Keyboards' recommendation article in the Compared to Other Keyboards section.
- Updated Feb 04, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Sep 29, 2020: Review published.
- Updated Sep 24, 2020: Early access published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
Our unit has Cherry MX Brown switches, but you can choose to get it with Cherry MX Red, Blue, Black, Nature White, Silent Red, Silent Black, or Silver switches as well. It's also available in a variety of color variations, such as the One 2 Horizon TKL, One 2 Skyline TKL, and the One 2 Skyline TKL, all of which are listed below and may be easier to find on Ducky's website. Also, while this is the RGB model, you can also get it with White LED backlighting. You can see the label of our unit here.
| Variant | Color | Sizes | Backlighting | Note | Switches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horizon | Blue | Compact 60%, TKL, Full | - | Cherry MX Black, Brown, Blue, Red, White, Clear, Silver, Silent Red, Green | |
| Bon Voyage | White/Blue | Full Size, TKL | - | Cherry MX Black, Brown, Blue, Red, Silver,Silent Red | |
| Skyline | Gray | Full Size, TKL | - | Cherry MX Black, Brown, Blue, Red, White, Silver, Clear, Silent Red, Green | |
| White | White | TKL | RGB | The 'Enter' button is blue. | Cherry MX Black, Brown, Blue, Red, Nature White, Silver, Silent White, Silent Red |
| Pure White | White | Compact 60%, 65%, TKL | RGB | The 'Enter' button is red. | Cherry MX Black, Brown, Blue, Red, Silver, Silent Black, Silent Red |
| Black | Black | TKL | RGB | Cherry MX Black, Brown, Blue, Red, Nature White, Silver, Silent White, Silent Red | |
| Midnight | Black | Full Size, TKL, Compact 60% | - | Cherry MX Black, Brown, Blue, Red, White, Silver, Clear, Silent Red, Mixed, Green | |
| White Edition | White | Full Size, TKL | White | All keycaps are white. | Cherry MX Black, Brown, Blue, Red, Silver |
| White LED | White | TKL, Compact | White | Cherry MX Black, Brown, Blue, Red, Silver | |
| Blue LED | Black | Full Size, TKL | Blue | Cherry MX Black, Brown, Blue, Red, Silver | |
| Pudding Edition | Black | TKL | - | Cherry MX Black, Brown, Blue, Red, Silver, Silent Red |
If we missed any variants, let us know in the discussions.
Popular Keyboard Comparisons
The Ducky One 2 TKL is a wired, mechanical TenKeyLess (80%) keyboard with great build quality. Like many keyboards on the market, it's available in a wide variety of colors and switches. It has an outstanding typing experience with the Cherry MX Brown switches on our unit and can be compared to the Ducky One 2 Mini V1, the Ducky One 2 Mini V2, and the Ducky One 2, which are compact (65%) and full-sized keyboards respectively. Unfortunately, the companion software to customize the RGB backlighting is limited to Windows.
For other options, check out our recommendations for the best RGB keyboards, the best gaming keyboards, and the best mechanical keyboards. For more Ducky options, see our recommendations for the best Ducky keyboards.
The Ducky One 2 RGB TKL and the Ducky One 2 are practically the same keyboards, but the One 2 RGB TKL has an 80% TenKeyLess layout and full RGB backlighting. It also comes with Ducky RGB companion software, which allows you to program the backlighting. That said, the full-sized One 2 we tested has dedicated hotkeys for media control and a Numpad. It's also possible to get it in smaller sizes or with full RGB backlighting, though our unit didn't have it.
The Ducky One 2 RGB TKL is essentially a TKL version of the Ducky One 2 SF. The main differences are that the One 2 RGB TKL has much lower latency and software for customization. Both keyboards are available in various switch options.
The Ducky One 3 is an updated version of the Ducky One lineup that the Ducky One 2 RGB TKL is a part of. Both keyboards come in a variety of sizes, including full-size and TKL. They both provide exceptional typing quality with Cherry MX Brown switches, but each board is also available in a different range of Cherry MX switches. Additionally, the One 3 has a hot-swappable PCB, so you can use whichever switches you prefer. The One 3 also has lower latency. Unfortunately, its keycaps don't have shine-through legends like the One 2. The One 2 also has dedicated software, but it's only for making changes to the RGB lighting, and you still need to set macros directly on the board, as is the case with the One 3.
The Ducky One 2 RGB TKL and the Varmilo VA87M are very similar. The main differences are that the Ducky has lower latency, macro-programmable keys, and software for customization. Both keyboards are available in a wide variety of Cherry MX switches.
The Ducky One 2 RGB TKL and the Ducky MIYA Pro are fairly similar. The One 2 RGB TKL is an 80% keyboard, while the MIYA Pro is a 65%. The One 2 RGB TKL is better for gaming mainly because it has much lower latency. Also, its customization software is easier to use, and it offers two incline settings, whereas the MIYA Pro only offers one. Both keyboards are available in a wide variety of switch options.
The Ducky One 2 RGB TKL is essentially a larger variant of the Ducky One 2 Mini V1; however, there are some slight differences. The One 2 RGB TKL has better build quality, lower latency, and software for customization.
The Ducky One 2 RGB TKL and the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL are very similar, but the SteelSeries has many more features. The SteelSeries has a wrist rest, an OLED screen, a USB passthrough, and dedicated media controls. It also has better compatibility with macOS. They have roughly the same latency, and both are available in various switch options.
The Ducky One 2 RGB TKL is more versatile than the Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition, but the Razer performs better for gaming. The Ducky offers a much better typing experience overall. It also has spare keycaps and a wide range of switches to choose from, whereas the Razer is only available with proprietary linear switches. That said, the Razer has dedicated media hotkeys and superior companion software. It also has a much lower latency, which is great for fast gaming.
The Ducky One 2 RGB TKL is a better keyboard than the Drop ENTR. The Ducky has RGB backlighting, and the Cherry MX Brown switches on our unit are lighter to press. Also, it comes with a companion software for customizations, unlike the Drop, which has none. However, the Drop is better built and is fully compatible with Linux.
The Ducky One 2 RGB TKL is better overall than the Leopold FC900R. All keys on the Ducky are macro-programmable, and our unit has full RGB backlighting, although there are some variants without any lighting. On the other hand, the Leopold is full-sized and has a NumPad.
The Keychron C1 and the Ducky One 2 RGB TKL are both wired mechanical TenKeyLess keyboards. The Keychron is a decent hot-swappable office keyboard available with Gateron Red, Blue, or Brown switches. The Ducky is a very versatile keyboard primarily designed for gaming use and is available in a range of MX Cherry switches and backlighting options. The Ducky has companion software which the Keychron lacks, but it only controls lighting customization. However, the Ducky does support macro programming for any key, though it's done directly onboard.
The ASUS ROG Strix Scope TKL and the Ducky One 2 Mini RGB TKL are both wired TenKeyLess keyboards that are available in various Cherry MX switches. The only difference is that the Ducky has lower latency, making it a better choice for gaming. While we tested both keyboards with Cherry MX Brown switches, the Ducky provides a better typing experience because it has higher-quality PBT keycaps.
The Corsair K70 RGB TKL and the Ducky One 2 RGB TKL are both fantastic gaming keyboards. The Corsair is only available with linear switches, so the Cherry MX Speed switches on our unit are lighter to press than the Cherry MX Brown switches on the Ducky. However, the Ducky is available with a wide range of switches, so you can get the ones you prefer. The Corsair iCUE software allows you to set macros through the software, while on the Ducky, you have to record all macros directly onboard. The Ducky feels better to type on because the keys feel well-spaced out, and the tactile switches on our unit aren't as sensitive as the linear ones on the Corsair.
The Ducky One 2 RGB TKL and the GLORIOUS GMMK PRO are both wired gaming keyboards, but the Ducky is a prebuilt TenKeyLess available with a variety of Cherry MX switches. While the Ducky has customization software, you can only change the RGB backlighting, and all macros need to be set from the board itself. On the other hand, the GLORIOUS is a barebones 75% compact board, so you need to buy and install the switches and keycaps yourself. It has customization software that lets you remap keys, set macros, and adjust the backlighting.
Test Results
The Ducky One 2 TKL is a wired, TenKeyLess (80%) keyboard that won't take up too much space on your desk. There's also a full-sized model, the Ducky One 2, and a compact 60% version, the Ducky One 2 Mini V1.
The Ducky One 2 TKL's build quality is great. It's made of solid plastic that exhibits only a very small amount of flex. Keycaps are made of doubleshot PBT plastic that feels good to touch and fairly stable as they don't wobble or rattle. The feet are stable, and the keyboard doesn't slide around when typing.
The Ducky One 2 TKL's ergonomics are only okay. It has two incline settings that feel very standard for a straight keyboard. While there's no wrist rest included, typing should still feel easy and comfortable.
The Ducky One 2 TKL's RGB backlighting is outstanding. You can alternate between various preset lighting modes or set your own custom mode. You can also control the RGB backlighting in the Ducky RGB Software, and controlling the backlight brightness is done by adjusting the brightness of each of the three color values. Also, there are variants that don't have any backlighting.
The Ducky One 2 TKL's cable is a standard, generic cable with the Ducky brand printed on the USB-C connectors. On the upside, it's detachable, meaning you can swap it out for a sturdier one.
The Ducky One 2 TKL is wired-only and can't be used wirelessly.
The Ducky One 2 TKL doesn't have many extra features. You can program macros only on the keyboard, and Windows Lock is achieved by pressing FN+Alt+Win for three seconds. There are no media hotkeys, but you program them with macros. If you prefer a keyboard with media hotkeys out of the box, check out the Ducky One 2 Mini V2.
- Ducky One 2 RGB TKL keyboard
- USB-C to USB-A cable
- Keycap puller
- User manual
- Blue Enter, Backspace, Escape keycaps
- 1x white spacebar
- 1x white Enter keycap
- 4x blue arrow keycaps
- 2x branded blue keycaps
Our unit has Cherry MX Brown switches. They have a short pre-travel distance, don't require much force to actuate, and provide tactile feedback. The keyboard is also available with a wide variety of Cherry MX switches, so your experience may vary. If you're interested in a hot-swappable TenKeyLess keyboard that allows you to change switch types without soldering, check out the Keychron C1.
Like many of the Ducky keyboards, typing on the Ducky One 2 RGB offers an outstanding typing experience. Our unit has Cherry MX Brown switches, which offer tactile feedback right before the point of actuation. If you don't like the feeling of Brown switches, you can also buy it with Cherry MX Red, Blue, Black, Nature White, Silent Red, Silent Black, and Silver switches. The keycaps feel stable and nicely spaced out while the double-shot PBT coating feels nice to touch.
The Cherry MX Brown switches on our unit are quiet and shouldn't bother those around you. It's available in a wide variety of switches, such as Cherry MX Blue, which are clicky and may be too loud for an office environment.
The Ducky One 2 RGB TKL has great latency. You shouldn't feel any lag while on the desktop or when gaming.
The Ducky One 2 TKL is compatible with the Ducky RGB software. As its name implies, the software is only for programming the RGB backlighting, not for setting macros.
The Ducky One 2 TKL has decent compatibility. It's fully compatible with Windows, but the Ducky RGB software isn't compatible with macOS or Linux. Also, the 'Print Screen' and 'Scroll Lock' buttons don't work on macOS.