In the world of keyboards, Ducky is a significant and important name. This Taiwanese company makes some of the world’s best-rated and most-loved mechanical keyboards. Ducky Channel has been producing keyboards for keyboard enthusiasts since 2008, when they were founded in Taiwan. Since then, they’ve created several flagship models of keyboards, namely the One series, that will impress even the most judgemental keyboard fanatics.
The Best Ducky Keyboards in 2023: Reviewed and Ranked
We’ve gone through Ducky’s keyboards to ensure we could bring you a list of the best Ducky keyboards you can get in 2023. The pickings were not slim by any means! Keep reading to learn everything you need about Ducky Channel keyboards!
- Best Overall: One 3 RGB
- Best TKL: One 3 TKL
- Best One 2 Series: One 2 Pro Mini
- Best Non-Cherry MX: One 2 Mini with Kailh BOX switches
- Best Last Generation: One 2 RGB Pudding Edition
Best Overall: One 3 RGB
- The keyboard is entirely hot-swappable
- Per-key programmable RGB LEDs
- Charges with detachable USB-C cable or connect the keyboard to your PC
- PBT Double-shot seamless keycaps
- Features Ducky's V2 stabilizers for improved stability
It’s hard to beat Ducky’s new One 3 RGB model. This wired keyboard has luxurious RGB LEDs underneath the keys to give your keyboard a luscious glow. The default keycaps that come with the One 3 RGB are made of real PBT. They feature a smudge and stain-resistant design that’s simply to die for.
The keyboard uses a detachable USB-C cable to charge or connect the keyboard to your PC. The port is a fancy 1000 Hertz model, meaning your keyboard sends signals to your computer 1000 times per second, ensuring that your keyboard won’t drop a single input.
Additionally, while the keyboard can be bought with many different switches installed, you’re not locked to the switches you started with. The keyboard is entirely hot-swappable. So swapping your switches out is a breeze!
It also features a dual-layer PCB, which provides additional stability and improves the keyboard’s life expectancy. You can also use the keyboard at three different angles, depending on which legs you use in the back of the keyboard. These angles, combined with the sleek bezel design of the keys, ensure users can find the most comfortable position for themselves no matter what person is using it.
Best TKL: One 3 TKL
- Per-key programmable RGB LEDs
- PBT Double Shot AC-style keycaps
- The entire keyboard is hot-swappable
- Features Ducky’s adjustable angle legs
- Wired model can be used with Bluetooth or a detachable USB-C cable
Like the regular One 3 model, the One 3 TKL is easily one of the best tenkeyless keyboards on the market right now. Like the One 3 RGB, the One 3 TKL is a wired model that can be used with Bluetooth or a detachable USB-C cable.
This model also features double-shot keycaps made with real PBT. It uses the same stain-resistant and smudge-resistant design used in the One 3 RGB. The One 3 TKL also features a 1000 Hz USB-C connection to your computer, allowing it to send signals to your computer 1000 times per second.
The One 3 TKL is also hot-swappable, meaning key switches can be removed from the PCB without a soldering iron. Since the keyboard is hot-swappable, you can use whatever key switches you want, from the standard Cherry MXs to something less common, such as Banana Split switches.
The One 3 TKL is also backlit with luxurious RGB LEDs that will let you use your keyboard effectively regardless of the time of day. These are attached to its dual-layer PCB which provides additional stability and longevity.
This keyboard also features Ducky’s adjustable angle legs. It has two sets of legs attached to the back of the unit that can be used to adjust the keyboard’s angle so the bezel keys are comfortable underneath your fingers.
Best One 2 Series: One 2 Pro Mini
- 60% size, lightweight, and portable
- Not hot-swappable, but comes with 10 additional random color PBT Double Shot colorful keycaps
- RGB LEDs that light up the keys from underneath
- Features Ducky’s premier dual-layer PCB
- Multi-angle legs
If the One 3 is a little too expensive for you, you can always go back a generation and try out the One 2 Pro series. The One 2 Pro Mini spearheads this keyboard series. As the name suggests, this is a mini-keyboard. So you won’t have any macro buttons or additional feature buttons. You won’t even get the full 104 keys included on a standard-sized keyboard.
The One 2 Pro series is very similar to the One 3 series. It features double-shot PBT keycaps that use Ducky’s premier stain and smudge-resistant design. These keycaps are made with real PBT making them sleek, comfortable to use, and durable.
The One 2 Pro Mini is also a backlit keyboard. This keyboard features delightful RGB LEDs that light up the keys from underneath, allowing you to use your keyboard in the dark. Not just that, but these LEDs look nice too. So whether you’re a vampire or a regular person, you can flaunt your new setup.
One major downside of the One 2 Pro Mini is that the keyboard is not hot-swappable. If you decide you want to use something other than the default switches you bought the keyboard with, you’ll need a soldering iron to remove the switches from the PCB.
Speaking of the PCB, though, the keyboard does feature Ducky’s premier dual-layer PCB. This keyboard is built to withstand even the angriest of gamers, and it delivers on that axis with this sturdy and durable anti-ghosting PCB.
This keyboard does feature Ducky’s multi-angle legs. This allows users to adjust their keyboard’s angle so that the keys’ bezel is comfortable during use.
Please Note: As of July 16, 2023, the Ducky One 2 RGB Pudding Edition is currently unavailable on Amazon. If you cannot find the product elsewhere, please check back later.
Best Non-Cherry MX: One 2 Mini with Kailh BOX Switches
- Comes with Kailh BOX switches
- 60% keyboard (61 keys)
- Double-shot, seamless, real PBT keycaps
- Not hot-swappable but comes with additional colored keycaps so you can deck out your keyboard
- Backlit keyboard with strips of RGB LEDs underneath
Ducky doesn’t just make keyboards with Cherry MX switches (to the delight of some.) Some versions of the One 2 Mini series keyboards can be purchased from Amazon with Kailh BOX switches instead of the standard Cherry MX switches.
This keyboard is also perfect for anyone with a small desk. It’s a 60% keyboard, so it packs all 104 keys into a series of key combinations that allow them to deliver full functionality on a 60% space budget. This keyboard even includes macro keys that can be used by pressing the correct key combinations. The macro recording functionality is built into the keyboard and requires no additional software to record and execute macros. Up to 6 recording profiles can be stored on the keyboard simultaneously.
This keyboard features Ducky’s double-shot, seamless, real PBT keycaps. The keyboard comes with a keycap puller and some additional colored keycaps that you can use to deck your keyboard out with bling. However, this keyboard is not hot-swappable. So, if you want or need to replace the key switches, you’ll need a soldering iron to get the job done.
Like the prior keyboards on this list, this is a backlit keyboard that comes with strips of RGB LEDs underneath the keys. The LEDs can’t be customized much, as Ducky doesn’t have customizing software for their LEDs. However, you won’t need to customize anything once you see how gorgeous this keyboard is!
Best Last-Generation: One 2 RGB Pudding Edition
- Features pudding keycaps
- Not hot-swappable
- Backlit with RGB LEDs (not customizable)
- Full-sized keyboard with tenkey pad
- Double shot PBT
If you want to take a look at a cheaper alternative to the latest and greatest, you can buy the One 2 RGB Pudding edition. This keyboard features pudding keycaps — keycaps that feature a translucent body that allows the keyboard LEDs to shine brighter.
This is a full-sized keyboard. So people who actually use the tenkey pad will be pleased to know that this keyboard supports them. However, this keyboard is a little bit more barebones when it comes to features. It is not hot-swappable. So people looking to swap out its switches will need a soldering iron. It also doesn’t feature any macro keys or Ducky’s new dual-layer PCB. This is an older keyboard for people looking to get their hands on a Ducky keyboard without paying the premium for the newest, flashiest models.
However, if you’re interested in RGB LEDs, this is one of the best budget models of Ducky keyboards you can get with RGB LEDs. It’s important to note that the LEDs are not customizable. You’re locked into the settings the board comes with. However, that doesn’t make them any less stunning!
How to Pick the Best Ducky Keyboard
Picking a Ducky keyboard is no easy task. There are so many options to choose from, and it can be hard to decide what features to prioritize. Some features of Ducky keyboards are nearly ubiquitous, even on older models, such as the adjustable angle legs. However, other features like hot-swappability, double-layer PCBs, and RGB LEDs are relatively new to the design table. So they won’t be present in older models of Ducky keyboards.
Double Layer PCB
One feature you’ll want to consider strongly is whether you’re buying a keyboard with a dual-layer PCB. Dual-layer PCBs add additional stability and longevity to the keyboard. This makes them more functional and more durable at the same time. Dual-layer PCBs are relatively new to Ducky keyboards. You’ll only see this feature on the newest models, such as the One 3 series.
Hot-Swapping
Whether or not you can hot-swap your keyboard is another new feature both for Ducky keyboards and for mechanical keyboards as a whole. If you’re the kind of keyboard enthusiast who likes to shake up their setup with new switches, you’ll want to choose a hot-swapping capable keyboard. This will allow you to yank the switches out without even so much as disconnecting the keyboard from the computer.
Keyboard Layout
There are many different keyboard layouts you can use. All Ducky keyboards come with a QWERTY keyboard layout. So if you use a different keyboard layout, like Dvorak, you’ll need to look elsewhere or be willing to swap all the key caps around to suit your preferred layout.
You’ll also want to consider whether you need a full keyboard. Most people do not use the tenkey pad. So cutting off the tenkey pad and getting a TKL (tenkeyless) keyboard might be a way you can save a few bucks. For people with even less space, a 60% keyboard, which uses key combinations to achieve full functionality, saves space without losing any keyboard functionality.
Ducky Keyboards: What to Know Before Buying
One thing to consider before buying a Ducky keyboard is whether or not you’re buying a counterfeit. Ducky Channel is based in Taiwan, and its only US retailers are Amazon and MechanicalKeyboards. While you might be able to find a “Ducky” keyboard from other retailers, you may very well be buying a counterfeit product. Counterfeit keyboards will not have the features and durability that we know Ducky keyboards for.
Ensure that you’re buying your keyboard from a verified Ducky retailer. Especially if you’re outside of Asia in general, but even more so if you’re outside of Taiwan.
Final Thoughts
Ducky keyboards are a favorite in the keyboard world for a reason. Ducky Channel keyboards are well worth the premium you pay to get them in your possession! If we helped you find the new keyboard of your dreams, please leave us a comment here or on social media so we know we helped you! We hope you’ve enjoyed our little deep dive into Ducky Channel’s products; we sure enjoyed bringing it to you!
- Ducky One 3 Classic Hotswap RGB Mechanical Keyboard (Cherry MX Brown)
- The keyboard is entirely hot-swappable
- Per-key programmable RGB LEDs
- Charges with detachable USB-C cable or connect the keyboard to your PC
- PBT Double-shot seamless keycaps
- Features Ducky's V2 stabilizers for improved stability
- Ducky One 3 TKL Aura Clear Black Hotswap RGB Double Shot PBT Mechanical Keyboard Cherry MX Brown
- Per-key programmable RGB LEDs
- PBT Double Shot AC-style keycaps
- The entire keyboard is hot-swappable
- Features Ducky’s adjustable angle legs
- Wired model can be used with Bluetooth or a detachable USB-C cable
- Ducky One 2 Pro Mini Classic RGB LED 60% Double Shot PBT Mechanical Keyboard (Kailh Box Brown)
- 60% size, lightweight, and portable
- Not hot-swappable, but comes with 10 additional random color PBT Double Shot colorful keycaps
- RGB LEDs that light up the keys from underneath
- Features Ducky’s premier dual-layer PCB
- Multi-angle legs
- Ducky One 2 Mini RGB Keyboard (Kailh Box Red)
- Comes with Kailh BOX switches
- 60% keyboard (61 keys)
- Double-shot, seamless, real PBT keycaps
- Not hot-swappable but comes with additional colored keycaps so you can deck out your keyboard
- Backlit keyboard with strips of RGB LEDs underneath
- Ducky One 2 RGB Pudding Edition RGB LED Double Shot PBT Mechanical Keyboard (Cherry MX Black)
- Features pudding keycaps
- Not hot-swappable
- Backlit with RGB LEDs (not customizable)
- Full-sized keyboard with tenkey pad
- Double shot PBT
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