65% Keyboards
A 65% keeps the arrow keys and a short navigation column, and drops the function row and numpad. Compact on a desk, less dependent on layers than a 60%.
Three of these are kits you assemble: the QK65, the Bakeneko65, and the Mode Encore. The Leopold FC660M is the finished board people stop changing. The Keychrons sit between a cheap plastic build and an aluminum one.
If you only want one, start with QK65 V2 . It is the kit we marked Best Value, and the one to build if this is your first custom.
23 keyboards
“Your first custom shouldn't be this good”
A 65% aluminum kit with tri-mode wireless, a mini screen, swappable badge and weight, and gasket or top mount. It uses Qwertykeys' QK Config software, not VIA.
“CannonKeys' beginner aluminum 65% with an O-ring mount and included parts”
A 65% aluminum kit with an O-ring gasket mount, FR4 plate, hot-swap PCB and clip-in stabilizers in the box. Tom's Hardware called it beginner-friendly and easy to build; it noted finish imperfections, less flex than the Bakeneko60 and clip-in-only stabilizers.
“The budget 65%”
The G65 adds an arrow cluster to the G60 for a 65% layout at 580 g. It uses a plastic ABS case, has 1000 Hz polling and a barebone option, but one review reports uneven quality control and a finicky driver.
“K6, from Keychron's store”
The original 65% K6 is a small, light plastic or aluminum-bezel board with ABS keycaps. The Keeblog found the stock keycaps thin and the plastic version hollow.
“K6 HE, from Keychron's store”
A 65% Hall-effect K6 in an aluminum body: Rapid Trigger, 2.4 GHz, 820 g. GameRevolution rated it 9 out of 10 and noted the lack of tactile options.
“K6 Pro, from Keychron's store”
The K6 Pro brings QMK/VIA, a steel plate and PBT keycaps to the 65% K6 for about 762 g. Coverage of this board is thin; Tom's Hardware's review of the K8 Pro shows the platform's weak points.
“Slim low-profile 65% with 2.4 GHz and QMK/VIA”
The K7 Max is a slim 65% with 2.4 GHz, QMK/VIA and a 73-hour battery rating at about 436 g. Android Police found the build premium and the keyboard growing on it as a portable. Also covers the K7 Pro and K7 Ultra-slim.
“All-ceramic 65% magnetic Q with 8 kHz polling”
A wired 65% Q with a ceramic case and keycaps, Keychron Lime magnetic switches and 8000 Hz polling, about 1.06 kg. Reviews split: Tom's Guide likes it, WIRED scored it 4 out of 10.
“Wired 65% aluminum Q with a steel plate”
The original wired Q2: a 1.6 kg CNC aluminum 65% with steel plate, double gasket, QMK/VIA and an optional knob in place of Insert. No wireless.
“Wireless 65% Q with Gateron magnetic switches”
A 65% wireless aluminum Q2 with Gateron Double-Rail magnetic switches, Rapid Trigger and 0.2 to 3.8 mm actuation. It takes only Keychron's own magnetic switches.
“Wired 8 kHz 65% magnetic Q for competitive play”
A wired 65% aluminum Q with Keychron Lime magnetic switches, 8000 Hz polling and 0.1 to 3.35 mm actuation. No wireless.
“65% Q with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and a knob”
A 65% aluminum Q with 2.4 GHz (1000 Hz), Bluetooth 5.1, PC plate, double gasket and Gateron Jupiter switches. Wirecutter flags its tall case and keycaps.
“Bluetooth 65% Q with a flexible polycarbonate plate”
A 1.5 kg aluminum 65% with Bluetooth 5.1 for three devices, a PC plate and a knob. Reviewers liked it as a daily driver but it has no 2.4 GHz receiver.
“Wired 65% Q with an extra row and a knob”
A wired 65% aluminum Q with an extra row of keys, knob, steel plate and double gasket, around 2.4 kg per Keychron. No independent review of the wired model found.
“Wireless 65% Q with extra macro keys and a knob”
A 2.4 kg aluminum 65% with four macro keys, a knob, 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired modes. Tom's Guide gave it an Editor's Choice; very expensive and heavy.
“Wired 65% with a steel plate, tray mount and optional knob”
A wired 65% in ABS plastic with a steel plate and tray mount, hot-swap sockets and QMK. The V-series feel is stiff and accurate; the plastic case and tall profile are the trade-offs.
“Tri-mode 65% with a gasket mount and optional knob”
The wireless V2: 2.4GHz and Bluetooth, a gasket mount, PC plate and Jupiter switches in a 65% layout. Reviewer evidence is thin; the V Max chatter reports are worth knowing.
“Leopold's 66-key Cherry MX board with real arrow keys”
A wired 66-key compact board with Cherry MX switches, thick double-shot PBT keycaps, a steel-plate tray build and a sound-absorbing pad. Reviewers praise the build, stabilizers and keycaps; mini-USB and non-standard modifier keys are the downsides.
“Mode's 65% kit with hardwood accents and the Crown mounting system”
A wired 65% kit with an aluminum body, walnut, maple or white oak accents, a Crown wave-spring mount, QMK/VIA and a choice of plates. alexotos, whose copy came from a sponsor and whose links are affiliate links, found the Crown mount cushioned and the sound clean; the board is a kit you finish with your own switches and keycaps.
“The cheap magnetic 65%”
A wired 65% Hall-effect board with arrow keys, a plastic case, bottom foam and 8K polling. A Japanese review picks it over the FUN60 and Akko TAC75 HE for everyday use.
“The wired 65% kit”
A wired aluminum 65% barebone kit with gasket mount, a clear polycarbonate plate and VIA. The plainer, cheaper sibling of the wireless M7W.
“The wireless 65%”
The wireless version of the aluminum M7 65% kit: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz and USB-C, a 5,000 mAh battery and MonsGeek's own driver instead of VIA.
“The wireless magnetic 65%”
A style-first 65% with a perforated ABS shell over a clear polycarbonate frame, Hall-effect switches and 8K polling. Wired or tri-mode.