Ducky One RGB TKL Review | 64 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£110
  • Avg. price in US: ~$140
  • Layout size: TKL
  • Connection type: USB
  • Switch type: mechanical
  • Polling rate: 1000 Hz

Ducky One RGB TKL review. Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among keyboards and if it is worth buying.

6.0

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the keyboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best keyboards on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

5.5

Technical Score

20.0%

8.0

User score

Good
5.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

4.6

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

2.6

Switches

20.0%

10

Materials

12.0%

6.3

Features

6.0%

6.6

Design

Good
8.0

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

9.1

User reviews

30.0%

5.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(52)
amazon
4.8
(4)
amazon
3.4
(3)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(52)
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
(4)
Amazon_logo.png
3.4
(3)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

Excellent
  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Polling rate

    24.0%

    1.0

    Rapid trigger

    20.0%

    1.0

    Adjustable actuation

    16.0%

    1.0

    Hot-swappable switches

    12.0%

    10

    Onboard memory

  • 7.6
    Typing

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Wrist rest included

    24.0%

    10

    Legend method

    20.0%

    10

    Adjustable feet

    15.0%

    5.5

    Typing angle

    13.0%

    10

    Pre-lubed stabilizers

  • 1.2
    Programming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.0

    QMK support

    26.0%

    1.0

    VIA support

    18.0%

    1.0

    Mac compatibility

    14.0%

    0.0

    Multi-device pairing

    12.0%

    4.0

    Connection type

  • ducky-one-rgb-tkl
  • ducky-one-rgb-tkl
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ducky-one-rgb-tkl

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Ducky One RGB TKL is a high-performance tenkeyless mechanical keyboard featuring a space-saving 87-key layout, original Cherry MX RGB switches, and durable double-shot ABS or PBT keycaps. It boasts a solid build with a dual-layer PCB and a slim bezel design that houses customizable per-key RGB backlighting with multiple lighting presets. Main pros include its exceptional typing feel, hardware-based macro programming that requires no drivers, and a detachable gold-plated Micro USB (or USB-C on later revisions) cable with 3-way routing. However, notable cons include the lack of a dedicated wrist rest, a somewhat steep learning curve for the onboard programming without software, and non-sleeved cables that can be stiff to route.

Technical Specifications of Ducky One RGB TKL

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

4.6

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

2.6

Switches

20.0%

10

Materials

12.0%

6.3

Features

6.0%

6.6

Design

5.5
Ducky One RGB TKL has a technical score of 5.45 points, which is lower than that of 84.3% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

9.1

User reviews

30.0%

5.3

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.6
(52)
amazon
4.8
(4)
amazon
3.4
(3)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(52)
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
(4)
Amazon_logo.png
3.4
(3)

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

8.0
Ducky One RGB TKL has a user score of 7.96 points, which is lower than that of 64.2% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the keyboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a keyboard that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
5.3
Ducky One RGB TKL has a popularity of 5.3 points, which is lower than 51.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the keyboard's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a keyboard that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.0

Overall score

40.0%

9.9

Price

7.2
Ducky One RGB TKL has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.2 points, which is lower than 80.4% of products in this category.
Switch type
What it is: Identifies the switch technology used by the keyboard, such as mechanical, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you are choosing between different response technologies and their long-term behavior.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical
Switch feel
What it is: Describes the keypress character, such as linear, tactile, or clicky.
When it matters: When the sensation of each keypress changes comfort, control, and noise level for your use.

Importance: HIGH

linear / tactile / clicky
Switch name
What it is: States the specific switch model used by the keyboard.
When it matters: When the exact switch model matters because small tuning differences affect your preference.

Importance: MEDIUM

Cherry MX
Actuation force
What it is: Measures how much force is needed to actuate a key.
When it matters: When finger fatigue, accidental presses, or key resistance matters to your typing style.

Importance: HIGH

45 g
Min actuation distance
What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.2 mm
Ducky One RGB TKL has a minimum actuation distance of 1.2 mm, which is shorter than 59.9% of keyboards and equal to 15.6% of keyboards.
Show more
Keyboard type
What it is: Identifies the keyboard technology, such as mechanical, membrane, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you need a keyboard built around a specific switch technology or feel profile.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical
Layout size
What it is: States the keyboard form factor and how much of the standard keyset it includes.
When it matters: When desk space, portability, or access to a full key set affects how you work or play.

Importance: HIGH

TKL
Layout standard
What it is: Specifies the regional layout standard, such as ANSI, ISO, or JIS.
When it matters: When you need a regional key layout that matches your language habits or keycap set.

Importance: MEDIUM

ANSI
N. of keys
What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

Importance: MEDIUM

87
Ducky One RGB TKL has 87 keys, which is more than 44.5% of keyboards and equal to 17.6% of keyboards.
Profile
What it is: Describes whether the keyboard uses a low-profile or standard-height design.
When it matters: When key height changes your typing comfort, travel distance, or the overall desk setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

standard
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Connection type
What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.
When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

Importance: HIGH

USB
Ducky One RGB TKL offers USB connectivity, which is less versatile than 56.7% of keyboards and equal to 43.3% of keyboards.
Multi-device pairing
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard can stay paired with multiple devices for quicker switching.
When it matters: When you switch regularly between a laptop, tablet, and other devices on one desk.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Bluetooth version
What it is: States the Bluetooth generation supported for wireless pairing.
When it matters: When wireless stability, compatibility, and energy efficiency are part of what you compare.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Mac compatibility
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard is intended to work properly with macOS layouts, shortcuts, or legends.
When it matters: When you need the keyboard to work properly with macOS shortcuts and key mapping.

Importance: HIGH

no
Ducky One RGB TKL is not Mac compatible. 55.9% of keyboards work with Mac.
Battery life
What it is: Estimates how long the keyboard can run on a full charge.
When it matters: When the keyboard needs to last through workweeks, travel, or long gaming stretches without constant charging.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Show more
RGB lighting
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes customizable RGB lighting effects.
When it matters: When visual customization and desk aesthetics matter to your setup.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Ducky One RGB TKL has RGB lighting. 12.3% of keyboards have RGB lighting.
Per-key RGB
What it is: Shows whether each key can be lit and controlled independently instead of sharing one uniform lighting zone.
When it matters: When customizing each key individually matters for visuals, games, or shortcut visibility.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Ducky One RGB TKL has per-key RGB lighting. 23% of keyboards have per-key RGB lighting.
RGB zones
What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.
When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

Importance: LOW

87
Ducky One RGB TKL has 87 RGB zones, which is more than 58.6% of keyboards and equal to 11.8% of keyboards.
Underglow / side lighting
What it is: Shows whether the case includes lighting around the underside or outer edges in addition to the keys themselves.
When it matters: When edge lighting is part of the visual style you want from the keyboard.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Ducky One RGB TKL does not include underglow lighting. 31.7% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
Backlight direction
What it is: Specifies whether the switches use north-facing or south-facing backlighting.
When it matters: When you care about switch compatibility, keycap interference, or lighting placement.

Importance: LOW

north-facing
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Case material
What it is: Describes the main material used for the keyboard case.
When it matters: When build feel, rigidity, and overall finish influence your sense of quality.

Importance: HIGH

plastic
Plate material
What it is: Describes the material used for the mounting plate beneath the switches.
When it matters: When keyboard stiffness, sound profile, and bottom-out feel matter more than the switch spec sheet alone.

Importance: HIGH

steel
Keycap material
What it is: Describes the material used to make the keycaps.
When it matters: When surface texture, wear resistance, and sound of the keycaps affect your choice.

Importance: HIGH

ABS
Keycap profile
What it is: Describes the shape and height profile of the keycaps.
When it matters: When key shape and sculpting affect comfort, wrist angle, and the sound of each press.

Importance: MEDIUM

OEM
Legend method
What it is: Describes how the legends are applied to the keycaps, which affects durability and visibility.
When it matters: When you care about how long key legends stay readable after heavy use.

Importance: MEDIUM

double-shot
Ducky One RGB TKL uses double-shot legends, which are more durable than 25.8% of keyboards and equal to 74.2% of keyboards.
Show more

Ducky One RGB TKL vs the average keyboard

  • 0.5 mm shorter actuation distance
    Ducky One RGB TKL has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
    What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
    When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Ducky One RGB TKL has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.1.2 mm vs 1.7 mm
  • 0.5 mm shorter actuation distance
    Ducky One RGB TKL has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
  • 12.7% higher weight
    Ducky One RGB TKL weighs more than the average keyboard (1,100 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
  • 7 older release date
    Ducky One RGB TKL is older than the average keyboard (2,016 vs 2,023). The average keyboard was released in 2,023.
    June 2016.
  • 2.5 mm higher keyboard height
    Ducky One RGB TKL is taller than the average keyboard (41 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Ducky One RGB TKL offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Limited Mac support
    Ducky One RGB TKL is not Mac compatible, the average keyboard is. 55.8% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
  • No hot-swap support
    Ducky One RGB TKL does not support hot-swappable switches, the average keyboard does. 65.5% of keyboards support hot-swappable switches.
  • 0.2 mm longer actuation distance
    Ducky One RGB TKL has a shorter maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2.2 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Ducky One RGB TKL offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
    What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.
    When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

    Importance: HIGH

    Ducky One RGB TKL offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
  • No hot-swap support
    Ducky One RGB TKL does not support hot-swappable switches, the average keyboard does. 65.5% of keyboards support hot-swappable switches.
    What it is: Shows whether the switches can be removed and replaced without soldering.
    When it matters: When you want to try different switches, replace a bad switch easily, or tune feel without soldering work.

    Importance: HIGH

    Ducky One RGB TKL does not support hot-swappable switches, the average keyboard does. 65.5% of keyboards support hot-swappable switches.
  • Limited Mac support
    Ducky One RGB TKL is not Mac compatible, the average keyboard is. 55.8% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard is intended to work properly with macOS layouts, shortcuts, or legends.
    When it matters: When you need the keyboard to work properly with macOS shortcuts and key mapping.

    Importance: HIGH

    Ducky One RGB TKL is not Mac compatible, the average keyboard is. 55.8% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
  • 0.2 mm longer actuation distance
    Ducky One RGB TKL has a shorter maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2.2 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.
    What it is: Measures the highest configurable actuation point or trigger position.
    When it matters: When you want precise control over how deep a key can be set to trigger for different games or typing styles.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Ducky One RGB TKL has a shorter maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2.2 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.2.2 mm vs 2 mm
  • 12.7% higher weight
    Ducky One RGB TKL weighs more than the average keyboard (1,100 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
    What it is: Measures the total mass of the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you care whether the keyboard feels easy to carry or heavy enough to stay planted on the desk.

    Importance: HIGH

    Ducky One RGB TKL weighs more than the average keyboard (1,100 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.1100 g vs 976 g
  • 9.1% worse value for money
    Ducky One RGB TKL has worse value for money than the average keyboard (7.15 vs 7.802).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the keyboard's overall rating with its cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for a keyboard that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    Ducky One RGB TKL has worse value for money than the average keyboard (7.15 vs 7.802).7.15 vs 7.8
  • 7 older release date
    Ducky One RGB TKL is older than the average keyboard (2,016 vs 2,023). The average keyboard was released in 2,023.
    June 2016.
    What it is: States when the keyboard was officially launched or became available.
    When it matters: When you prefer a newer board for more recent wireless standards, firmware support, or hardware revisions.

    Importance: LOW

    Ducky One RGB TKL is older than the average keyboard (2,016 vs 2,023). The average keyboard was released in 2,023.2016 vs 2023
  • 2.5 mm higher keyboard height
    Ducky One RGB TKL is taller than the average keyboard (41 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.
    What it is: Measures the keyboard's vertical dimension from its base to its highest point.
    When it matters: When the keyboard has to fit under shelves, trays, or other tight desk constraints.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Ducky One RGB TKL is taller than the average keyboard (41 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.41 mm vs 38.5 mm

Graphic comparison of Ducky One RGB TKL and

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Ducky One RGB TKL?

  • Exceptional build quality with a solid, heavy plastic frame and minimal flex
  • High-quality double-shot PBT keycaps that are durable and resistant to shine
  • Outstanding typing experience with a wide variety of Cherry MX switch options
  • Full RGB backlighting with vibrant colors and multiple customisable modes
  • Highly customisable via onboard hardware (macros and lighting) and dip switches
  • Standard bottom row layout makes it easy to find and fit aftermarket keycap sets
  • Compact tenkeyless (TKL) design saves desk space for mouse movement
  • Detachable USB cable and 3-stage adjustable feet for better ergonomics

What customers dislike about Ducky One RGB TKL?

  • Onboard macro and lighting programming can be complex and difficult to learn
  • Companion software is often limited (Windows only) or missing for some models
  • Lack of a wrist rest can lead to discomfort during long typing sessions
  • Wired-only connectivity may not suit users looking for a clean, wireless setup
  • Legends on some keycaps are not shine-through, making them hard to read in the dark
  • Some users reported key chattering issues (double-typing) on certain firmware versions
  • Relatively high price point compared to some other mainstream mechanical keyboards

Expert reviews

R
rtings.com
29/09/2020

The Ducky One 2 RGB TKL is an outstanding, versatile wired mechanical keyboard featuring high-quality double-shot PBT keycaps, extensive macro-programmability, and wide Cherry MX switch options, making it ideal for gaming and typing. It provides a responsive, quiet experience with low pre-travel and minimal required force, complemented by customizable full RGB backlighting....Read more

I
igorslab.de
17/03/2022

The Ducky ONE 2 Skyline is a full-sized, no-nonsense mechanical keyboard designed for users who want to skip the "RGB craze" and invest in structural build quality instead. This specific model features linear Cherry MX Black switches recessed into a robust casing. Its vintage aesthetic is heavily inspired by the iconic Symbolics "Space Cadet Keyboard". Key highlights of the unboxing...Read more

P
playcentral.de
14/09/2022

The Ducky One 3 TKL (specifically tested in the DayBreak colourway) is a highly customisable, wired mechanical gaming keyboard built entirely from solid plastic, weighing an impressive 950 grams without any metal components. Its standout "Quack Mechanics" design philosophy delivers excellent build quality and a superior typing experience, enhanced by slightly textured PBT keycaps...Read more

L
lecafedugeek.fr
03/05/2020

The Ducky One 2 RGB TKLGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. is lauded by Le Café du Geek as a high-end, compact mechanical keyboard, earning 9/10 scores for its performance, aesthetics, and typing experience. Key strengths include a robust build, space-saving design, and highly customizable, vibrant RGB lighting. Le Café du GeekConversely, the review notes the lack of a...Read more

G
geeknetic.es
15/05/2016

Its primary strengths include its exceptional structural build, highly stable hardware-based customizability without heavy software utilities, responsive macro execution, and a powerful electric blue single-color backlight setup that spans every key individually. The dual-height leg stands further improve ergonomics over alternative models. On the downside, the loud, dual-feedback...Read more

F
forum.tomshw.it
19/11/2016

The Tom's Hardware Italy forum review highlights the Ducky One (DKON1687) for its solid build quality, featuring a dual-layer PCB, standard OEM keycaps, and reliable Cherry MX switches. It emphasizes the Ducky Macro 2.0 system, which enables advanced on-the-fly hardware remapping and macros, offering a plug-and-play experience without the need for external software. Tom's However,...Read more

Video reviews

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