The 9 Best 65% Mechanical Keyboards for Gaming in 2023

This reduction in keyboard size is made possible by eliminating the space that is normally taken up by the numerical keypad and by the group of keys known as the “navigation cluster.”  Eliminating these keys allows for approximately six inches in increased space for the horizontal movement of the mouse.

This then permits the ability to have the player’s hands closer together when using the keyboard and allows for a more comfortable and ergonomically correct position to help avoid fatiguing of the hands and other even more serious problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

To determine the best 65% mechanical keyboards, we carefully reviewed keyboard company websites, independent reviewer’s websites, and hundreds of client reviews on Amazon, and Reddit.

Things to Consider

Mechanical keyboards last longer than membrane keyboards, are typically faster and easier to type on and are usually more responsive to keystrokes.

They also provide stronger feedback while typing and tend to be more precise. This type of keyboard is also more comfortable to use but does tend to be more expensive than rubber dome or membrane keyboards.

Many gamers have now transitioned to 65% mechanical keyboards due to the many advantages described above. Read on to learn what to consider when purchasing one.

1. Price

There is a wide range of prices available for 65% mechanical keyboards. This price range is usually from one hundred to six hundred dollars per keyboard.

There are many 65% mechanical keyboards available for those who are on a tight budget. We’ve saved you from the hassle by finding the keyboard in different price range.

2. Switches

Mechanically operated keyboards have individual switches under each key. Most of the switches contained in mechanical keyboards are designed to last for up to 100 million presses of the keys. Mechanical keyboard switches are of two basic types, linear or tactile.

A linear switch needs to be pushed all the way down in order to become activated. Tactile switches usually only need to be pushed about half-way down in order to activate the key. This allows for quicker reaction time and the ability to move from key to key faster and more easily.

Examples of popular switches include Cherry Blue switches which have both tactile and audible (noise related) features in which the switch will work even if the key is only partially depressed. Cherry Green switches are slightly stiffer than Cherry Blue switches.

Cherry Red is a gaming switch and a linear switch that allows for smoother clicking using a lighter touch and is preferable for certain games since the switch depresses all the way down.

3. Cases

The keyboard case is the actual housing for the keyboard elements and it has the keycaps on its surface.

Aluminum 6061 is considered one of the best options for 65% mechanical keyboard cases and frames.

Aluminum provides not only superior strength but it is also anti-corrosive and eco-friendly and easily recyclable. In addition, aluminum is easy to weld with easy machinability, is light weight and it allows for an increased ability to dissipate heat quickly .

4. Key Caps

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) key caps that come installed on many inexpensive keyboards are made of light weight plastic.

This type of keycap is thus more prone to wearing out after significant use. PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) is a more durable type of plastic that will last longer and so PBT keycaps will provide much greater durability.

5. Wired or Wireless

Wireless keyboards can usually be used up to thirty feet away from your computer and avoid unsightly and inconvenient wires.

However, if your are using your keyboard for work or for gaming tournaments and cannot afford to have significant input lag or restrictions on battery life or signal interference, then a wired keyboard is probably a better choice.

QUICK OVERVIEW

The Best 65% Mechanical Keyboards

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Products	Features
EDITOR’S PICK Ducky Corn One 2 SF 65% KeyboardDucky Corn One 2 SF 65% Keyboard	High Quality PBT Keycaps Ten Additional Keys Extra Zodiac Space Bar Fully Customizable Keyboard RGB Backlight High Quality PBT Keycaps Ten Additional Keys Extra Zodiac Space Bar Fully Customizable Keyboard RGB Backlight Check price at Amazon
MOST REVIEWED Durgod Fusion Mechanical Keyboard 65% LayoutDurgod Fusion Mechanical Keyboard 65% Layout	Cherry MX Switches Solid metal Backplate Cherry MX Switches Solid metal Backplate Check price at Amazon
TOP PICK Drop ALT 65% Mechanical KeyboardDrop ALT 65% Mechanical Keyboard	Fully aluminum case Double-shot PBT 2 toned keycaps Fully aluminum case Double-shot PBT 2 toned keycaps Check price at Amazon
BUDGET PICK EPOMAKER SKYLOONG 65% Mechanical KeyboardEPOMAKER SKYLOONG 65% Mechanical Keyboard	Compatible with Mac and Windows Gateron Optical Switches Compatible with Mac and Windows Gateron Optical Switches Check price at Amazon
BUDGET PICK LTC NB 681 Nimbleback 65% Mechanical KeyboardLTC NB 681 Nimbleback 65% Mechanical Keyboard	Hotswap Board for mechanical switches RGB Backlighting Hotswap Board for mechanical switches RGB Backlighting Check price at Amazon

Under $300

Drop ALT Aluminum

The Drop ALT Aluminum 65% mechanical keyboard comes with Hot-Swap switches, Programmable Macros, and a tall CNC aluminum case that overlies the switches.

The heavy aluminum frame gives added stability for intense gaming action. The Cherry MX Blue RGB switches provide a loud clicking sound and a great tactile feel.

The Hot-Swappable Switch allows you to switch out your switches due to the switch sockets that do not require welding.    

Under $250

Drop ALT 65% Mechanical Keyboard

The Drop ALT 65% Mechanical Keyboard is considered to be one of the best 65% mechanical keyboards. It is an improved version of the CTRL model and contains 67 keys which are closely constructed together. It also has RGB backlighting is fully customable with a diffused light bar that goes around the whole casing of the mechanical keyboard. In addition, all of the keys are completely programmable using QMK firmware 

Under $200

Ducky Corn One 2 SF 65% Mechanical Keyboard

The Ducky Corn One 2 SF 65% Mechanical Keyboard has a sleek looking frame with an all new petite bezel design.

It is very durable and reliable and has PBT double-shot seamless keycaps and German Cherry MX key switches.

It is compatible with a PC but has limited compatibility with MAC.

Durgod Fusion

The Durgood Fusion 65% Mechanical Keyboard has a battery life of up to 40 days and features Double Shot PBT Cherry Profile Keycaps.

It is Bluetooth and android smart phone compatible and it supports USB Type C connectivity.

It has 68 keys and operates on the Windows 10 and Android operating systems.

Under $150

EPOMAKER AKKO 3068

The EPOMAKER AKKO 3068 65% mechanical keyboard contains 68 keys and has RGB keyboard back lighting. It has PBT Keycaps and a silent color scheme. It utilizes custom Gateron switches which are especially suitable for both gaming and for use in the office and at home.  

The Bluetooth 5.0 features have been upgraded and it can now pair with up to 3 different devices. The wireless connection prevents having to fuss with USB connecting cables but there is a USB cable included if you wish to use a wired mechanical keyboard.

The EPOMAKER AKKO 3068 65% Mechanical Keyboard has a Retro Grey/White color scheme and comes with extra replacement keycaps. The 1800mAh Large Capacity Built in Battery can last for up to 12 hours with full backlight on and 90 hours if the backlight is not used. The keyboard also comes equipped with an adjustable, rubber Non-slip mat which adds further stability and increased comfort while typing.   

ASUS ROG Falchion Wireless 65% Mechanical Keyboard

The ASUS ROG Falchion Wireless 65% Mechanical Keyboard incorporates both arrow and navigation keys in a smaller keyboard. It has an interactive touch panel that makes it easy to customize and adjust controls.

It comes with dual mode connectivity through either a wired USB port or through a wireless connection of 1 ms at 2.4 GHZ RF.

The ASUS ROG Falchion Wireless 65% Mechanical Keyboard also has long lasting and durable ROG PBT doubleshot keycaps and a keyboard cover case for increased durability and protection.

Under $100

EPOMAKER SKYLOONG 65% Mechanical Keyboard

The EPOMAKER SKYLOONG 65% Mechanical Keyboard is a compact keyboard that includes four separate arrow keys. It includes four separate arrow keys and an IP6X Dustproof Mainboard.

It also includes PBT Sublimation Keycaps that are both resistant to abrasions and oil proof which help avoid wearing of the keycaps and fading of the print.

The EPOMAKER SKYLOONG 65% Mechanical Keyboard has a 16 million RGB backlight.

In addition, the LED’s can be set to respond to music in rhythm mode. It also has a Win + Mac Layout and Type C Interface.  

Keychron K6 65%Compact Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

The Keychron K6 65%Compact Wireless Mechanical Keyboard is both Mac and Windows compatible and has wireless and Bluetooth connectivity. It can connect with up to three devices via the Broadcom 5.1 chipset.

It has a Gateron Brown switch which is extremely responsive and has a very durable 50 million keystroke lifespan. Extra keycaps foe both Windows and Mac are also included.

The Keychron K6 65%Compact Wireless Mechanical Keyboard 4000 mAh battery is one of the largest batteries currently available for mechanical keyboards and can last up to 200 hours with the backlighting off. It has 2 level adjustable feet and an inclined bottom frame which allows for increased stability and ergonomic support.

LTC NB 681 Nimbleback 65% Mechanical Keyboard

The LTC NB 681 Nimbleback 65% Mechanical Keyboard is very compact but it provides a great and practical design utilizing 68 keys and appropriate arrow and control keys.

It allows you to attach other devices through its two USB ports with these ports also able to act as charging ports for cell phones and other devices.

This keyboard also has dynamic RGB backlighting with 18 different preset backlight modes and 5 adjustable brightness and flowing speed levels. The LTC NB 681 65% Mechanical Keyboard also has excellent software technical support.

Conclusion

A 65% mechanical keyboard allows for six inches in increased space for the horizontal movement of the mouse. This permits the ability to have the player’s hands closer together when using the keyboard. 65% mechanical keyboards are also easily programmable and can be carried more easily in a bag or knapsack.

Another major advantage of a 65% mechanical keyboard is that it includes all of the arrow keys which is especially important for those using the keyboard for programming. It is extremely important to read product specifications and multiple reliable reviews on many platforms before buying a 65% mechanical keyboard.

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