For me, 65% keyboards are great because they save a lot of desk space. They don’t take up too much room but still give you all the essential keys you need for typing and gaming. The compact size also makes them easy to carry around if you want to use the same keyboard at home and work. They look cleaner on the desk and give you more space for your mouse, which is very useful for gaming. Even though they are small, they still keep the arrow keys, which makes them more practical than 60% keyboards. Overall, 65% keyboards strike a perfect balance between size and functionality.
List of best 65% keyboards
1. HyperX Alloy Origins
In my opinion, the HyperX Alloy Origins is one of the best 65% mechanical keyboards out there. The body is built with heavy-duty aluminum, which makes it feel strong and premium. It comes with three levels of adjustable feet, and they’re sturdy with solid grips around the base. The USB port on the back is a bit slim, but it works fine.
This keyboard uses thick PBT keycaps that feel durable and have shortcuts printed on them. The design is a floating keycap style with a slight rise, giving it a clean and modern look. You also get a braided detachable USB-C cable, a HyperX-branded keycap puller, and some extra keycaps in the box.
Inside, it’s powered by HyperX Red switches, which are some of the smoothest linear switches I’ve used. They’re fast, responsive, and give that buttery feel while typing or gaming. Because of the open-frame floating design, the sound is a little higher-pitched, but still satisfying.
Overall, this keyboard combines great build quality, premium materials, and excellent performance. If you want a reliable 65% keyboard that feels and sounds great, this one is definitely worth trying.
| Feature | Detail |
| Layout | 65% (Compact) |
| Switch Options | HyperX Red (Linear), Aqua (Tactile), Blue (Clicky) |
| Key Rollover | N-Key with 100% Anti-Ghosting |
| Lighting | Per-key RGB with dynamic effects |
| Software | HyperX NGENUITY (customization) |
| Onboard Memory | Up to 3 profiles |
| Polling Rate | 1000 Hz |
| Weight | 900 g |
Pros
Cons
2. Corsair K65 PRO
The Corsair K65 Pro comes with an extra spacebar and a detachable braided USB-C cable. The base is plastic with rubber feet on every corner, giving it stable support and a slight natural elevation. The keycaps are double-shot PBT, and the board itself is made of aluminum, which gives it that solid, premium Corsair feel inside and out.
For the first time, Corsair added sound-dampening foam two layers, one under the PCB and another inside the case. This makes a big difference because Corsair keyboards usually sound a bit pingy and hollow, but the K65 Pro fixes that.
It uses Corsair’s optical switches. The stabilizers aren’t perfect they sound a little rattly but the main keys feel and sound great. The optical switches are very fast to actuate, yet still comfortable enough for typing without constant typos. The key press feels natural with just the right amount of force.
As for RGB, the K65 Pro’s lighting is bright and vibrant. It’s not too flashy but not dull either just a nice balance that fits the keyboard’s overall clean look.
| Feature | Detail |
| Layout | 65% (Compact) |
| Switch Type | Corsair OPX Optical Switches |
| Polling Rate | Up to 8000 Hz (AXON Technology) |
| Key Rollover | Full N-Key with Anti-Ghosting |
| Lighting | Per-key RGB with iCUE software |
| Onboard Memory | Up to 50 profiles |
| Weight | 870 g |
Pros
Cons
3. Razer BlackWidow V3
The Razer BlackWidow V3 keeps the same design style as the rest of the BlackWidow lineup, with sharp edges, a front lip, and a glossy Razer logo patch. The top plate is aluminum, while the rest of the case is plastic, which is common for gaming keyboards. It feels compact and sturdy with no flex.
Since it’s a wireless keyboard, it has a small storage slot for the USB dongle, making it easy to carry when traveling. On the back, there’s a USB-C port that works for charging or wired use, and a switch to toggle between Razer’s 2.4GHz HyperSpeed wireless mode or Bluetooth. That gives you three ways to connect.
The keycaps have a clean, minimal font that the community prefers, and the RGB lighting shines evenly through the legends. Above the arrow keys, there are four extra keys labeled M1 to M4, which can be customized as macros or secondary functions.
As for switches, you get two options: Razer Green, which is clicky and tactile, or Razer Yellow, which is linear and quieter. The Yellow switches also have silicone dampeners to soften the sound.
| Feature | Detail |
| Layout | 65% compact |
| Connectivity | Wired (USB-C), 2.4GHz HyperSpeed, Bluetooth |
| Battery Life | Up to ~200 hours (no lighting) |
| Polling Rate | 1000 Hz |
| Key Rollover | N-Key with anti-ghosting |
| RGB | Per-key Chroma RGB via Synapse |
| Onboard Memory | Up to 5 profiles |
| Weight | 720 g |
Pros
Cons
4. FNATIC STREAK65 (Badass keyboard)
The Fanatec Streak 65 comes with their Speed Low Profile switches. It’s super thin, minimal, and clean in design. The keyboard weighs only 420 grams, and the top plate is made of aluminum, so it feels both lightweight and solid. That’s important, because while it’s light, it doesn’t feel flimsy at all.
The body has a matte black finish, giving it a stealthy and sleek look for a 65% layout. Its standout feature is the low-profile speed switches, paired with custom keycaps. The board is very slim, with the front sitting just 20 millimeters tall, making it more comfortable and ergonomic for gaming or typing.
It connects with a removable USB-C port on the left side, so you can swap in your own custom cable if you like. At first, the light weight made me think it might be plastic, but the aluminum build with smooth, rounded edges feels premium right away.
On top of that, it has 5 extra macro keys you can program for anything you need. Overall, the Streak 65 is solid, well-built, and thoughtfully designed.
| Feature | Detail |
| Layout | 65% compact |
| Switches | Fnatic Low Profile Speed (linear) |
| Key Rollover | Full N-Key with anti-ghosting |
| Polling Rate | 1000 Hz |
| RGB | Per-key RGB with Fnatic OP software |
| Onboard Memory | Up to 4 profiles |
| Dimensions | 316 × 109 × 20 mm |
| Cable | Detachable USB-C (left side) |
Pros
Cons
5. ASUS ROG Falchion (This Keyboard is CRAZY)
The Asus ROG Falchion has a sleek design and a lot of useful features. The fact that it’s wireless makes it even more appealing. On the left side, there’s a touch bar that’s fully programmable. You can use it for volume control, media playback, or assign it to other functions up to five different inputs. Right above it is a light bar that shows real-time battery levels. It even pulses when the battery is low, or you can sync it with the RGB lighting effects, all customizable through Asus software.
The keyboard also comes with a polycarbonate cover that protects it from dust when not in use. What’s clever is that you can flip the cover underneath the board to act as a stand and diffuse the RGB lighting. Asus left cutouts on the side for the touch bar and on the back for the USB-C port and power button, so everything stays accessible.
The top plate has a brushed aluminum finish, matching the design of Asus Scar laptops. Inside the cover, the grippy rubber keeps it from scratching the keyboard. The keycaps are made of PBT, but on the thinner side, not the higher-quality double-shot kind. Still, they have a slight texture for grip.
Overall, this keyboard has a strong gaming vibe, both in looks and functionality.
| Feature | Detail |
| Layout | 65% compact (68 keys) |
| Switch Options | Cherry MX Red, Brown, or Blue |
| Connection | 2.4GHz wireless (1ms) / USB-C wired |
| Battery Life | Up to 450 hours (without RGB) |
| RGB | Per-key Aura Sync RGB |
| Polling Rate | 1000 Hz |
| Onboard Memory | Up to 6 profiles |
| Dimensions | 305 × 101 × 38.5 mm |
| Weight | 520 g (without cover) |
Pros
Cons
6. ROYAL KLUDGE RK68
The RK68 feels a lot like the RK61 but in a 65% layout. On the back, there are no flip-up risers, just rubber pads for grip. The USB-C port is detachable and placed near the center, though it looks slightly off to the right. It comes with a standard cable, and the switches are branded as Royal Kludge, which are likely similar to Outemu switches.
The sound isn’t great because the keycaps are lower quality, but that’s expected for such an affordable board. The real advantage of the RK68 is how easy it is to mod. It’s fully hot-swappable and supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, which is a big plus.
One standout feature is the RGB. It’s noticeably brighter than the RK61 and looks great overall. If you’re on a budget and want a customizable 65% keyboard, the RK68 is a good choice.
| Feature | Detail |
| Layout | 65% (68 keys) |
| Connection | Wired (USB-C detachable) |
| Switch Options | RK-branded (Outemu-style) |
| Hot-Swap | Yes, supports 3-pin & 5-pin switches |
| Keycap Material | ABS (single-shot) |
| RGB | Per-key, multiple lighting modes |
| Polling Rate | 1000 Hz |
| Dimensions | 315 × 105 × 40 mm |
| Weight | 660 g |
Pros
Cons
7. EPOMAKER x Aula F65
The Aula F65 is a gasket-mounted keyboard with 67 keys and five layers of foam. It comes with a 4,000mAh battery, South-facing RGB, and is fully hot-swappable. It’s not VIA-compatible, so you’ll need to use its own software. The software isn’t as good as VIA, but it works fine.
The case is plastic, similar to the Aula F75, and it includes a flex-cut positioning plate. It’s a tri-mode board, so you can connect it through wired, Bluetooth, or a 2.4GHz dongle. You can choose between two switch options: Leobog Reaper or Graywood V3. With a 1000Hz polling rate, it’s responsive enough for gaming.
The RGB looks great, the keycaps are stylish, and the foam gives it a solid feel. Overall, it’s a good keyboard with a lot to like, though not quite as impressive as the Aula F75. Price-wise, it leans on the higher side, but it still offers strong value.
| Feature | Detail |
| Layout | 65% (67 keys) |
| Mounting Style | Gasket-mounted with flex-cut plate |
| Connection | Wired / Bluetooth / 2.4GHz (Tri-mode) |
| Battery | 4000 mAh |
| Switch Options | Leobog Reaper / Graywood V3 |
| Hot-Swap | Yes (5-pin compatible) |
| Keycap Material | PBT |
| RGB | South-facing, per-key |
| Polling Rate | 1000 Hz |
| Software | Aula proprietary software |
| Case Material | Plastic |
| Weight | 0.9 kg (approx.) |
Pros
Cons
8. Qisan Mini
This keyboard comes in a full white design, perfect for a clean, minimalist setup. The top frame is aluminum with a plastic bottom. On the bottom, you’ll find four rubber feet and two rubberized kickstands for stability. It also includes a slot for the micro USB cable with built-in cable routing.
The keycaps have a simple, clean look with white keys and dark gray legends. They’re easy to read in normal lighting, but in dim light the legends can be harder to see. Although it’s labeled as a 60% keyboard, it feels closer to 65% because it has arrow keys and a few extra function keys. This makes it useful for typing and editing since it includes delete and insert keys as well.
The board has an ergonomic curve for more comfortable typing, but the front is a bit high, so using it without a wrist rest can feel uncomfortable during long sessions. It comes with Outemu Brown switches, which give a tactile feel, but the build makes the sound slightly “ringy.”
| Feature | Detail |
| Layout | 65% (with arrow & function keys) |
| Switches | Outemu Brown (tactile) |
| Connection | Wired (micro USB, cable routing) |
| Keycaps | ABS, white with gray legends |
| Top Frame | Aluminum |
| Bottom Case | Plastic |
| Feet | Rubber + 2 kickstands |
| Typing Curve | Ergonomic, slightly high front |
| Sound Profile | Tactile, slightly ringy |
Pros
Cons
9. Higround Trailhead
The Higround Trailhead keyboard comes with Gateron Red switches. These switches are a good fit since they’re linear and need very little force to press, making them smooth for gaming and typing.
The first thing you’ll notice is the graphic print across the top of the board. It has a modern, eye-catching design that looks really cool. The print also extends to all sides of the keycaps, and the color scheme works great with the overall look.
The case itself has a nice side profile, and the Type-C port is placed in the middle for easy connection. The switches sit on a white plate under the keycaps, which helps the RGB shine brighter and stand out more. The lighting looks especially clean and vibrant in a dark room.
Overall, this is a stylish and aesthetic keyboard. If you want something that’s both functional and vibey, this one is worth trying.
| Feature | Detail |
| Layout | 65% |
| Switches | Gateron Red (linear) |
| Connection | Wired, USB-C (center port) |
| Keycaps | Dye-sublimated, all-side print |
| Backlighting | RGB, bright with white plate |
| Case Material | Plastic with custom graphic print |
| Plate Material | White steel plate |
| Weight | 800g (approx.) |
| Polling Rate | 1000 Hz |
Pros
Cons
10. YUNZII AL66
The YUNZII AL66 has a solid aluminum body with 66 keys and one functional knob. The knob only controls RGB and a few multimedia settings, which is fine, but it would be better if it were fully customizable. The body feels sturdy without being too heavy.
Typing on this keyboard gives a smooth, creamy sound. It’s not super thocky, but still pleasant. The keycaps are Diceub PBT, not the highest quality, but they feel decent when typing. It comes with Milk Linear switches, which have short travel and feel sensitive and responsive good for productivity.
The gasket mount isn’t the softest, but it’s nice to have. Inside, it uses a polycarbonate plate, some foam layers, and clear plastic for extra dampening. The PCB features south-facing LEDs, something you usually see in premium boards. It also supports 5-pin switches for better compatibility.
YUNZII includes software to control the RGB, but it only works on Windows, not Mac. Overall, this keyboard packs a lot of high-end features for its price and is definitely worth recommending.
| Feature | Detail |
| Layout | 65% (66 keys + knob) |
| Mounting Style | Gasket-mounted |
| Case Material | CNC Aluminum |
| Plate Material | Polycarbonate |
| Keycaps | Diceub PBT |
| Switches | Milk Linear (5-pin compatible) |
| Backlighting | South-facing RGB LEDs |
| Connection | Wired USB-C |
| Software | Windows-only RGB control |
| Weight | 1.2 kg (approx.) |
Pros
Cons
For the ultimate in personalization and performance, don’t miss our guide to the best customizable keyboards that let you swap switches, remap keys, and dial in your perfect setup.
Conclusion
One of the biggest benefits of 65% keyboards is their space-saving design. They’re compact like 60% keyboards but still include arrow keys, which makes them more practical for everyday use. You get a smaller footprint without losing too much functionality.
In this list, we covered several 65% keyboards, each with its own strengths. Some focus on typing feel, while others highlight gaming performance or aesthetics. Whether you want something minimal for your desk setup or a feature-packed option.
FAQ’S
Are 65% keyboards worth it?
Yes, 65% keyboards can be very productive for workflows. They save space, making them great for offices, while still keeping all the essential keys you need.
What keys are missing on a 65 keyboard?
65% keyboards don’t have a numpad, function row, or keys like Home and End. But if you’re mainly into gaming, those keys aren’t really necessary.
Do expensive keyboards last longer?
The durability of a keyboard depends on the materials used. Strong plastic or aluminum frames make it sturdier, and good quality keycaps last much longer. On the other hand, cheaper keyboards made with low-quality materials don’t hold up well over time.
Why are 65% keyboards so popular?
While 65% keyboards have a sleek and minimal design, they are mostly used by gamers because they still include all the essential keys needed for gaming.
