Ducky One ProjectD Tinker65 Mechanical Keyboard Review: Cherry Blue Switch, Hot-Swappable, PBT Keycaps – PKTI2367AST
The Ducky One ProjectD Tinker65 is a compact 65% mechanical keyboard that promises a premium typing experience. With Cherry MX Blue switches, hot-swappable sockets, PBT double-shot keycaps, and RGB lighting, it boasts impressive features for enthusiasts. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into the Tinker65’s performance, build quality, and overall value to see if it lives up to the hype.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Ducky One ProjectD Tinker65 is a 65% keyboard that targets users who want a compact keyboard with a premium feel. It’s designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional, making it a popular choice for gamers, coders, and anyone who values a comfortable and responsive typing experience.
Features & Design
The Tinker65 boasts a solid set of features:
- Cherry MX Blue Switches: These switches provide a tactile bump and a satisfying click sound, making them a popular choice for typists who prefer a more responsive feel. The blue switches are known for their excellent feedback and durability.
- Hot-Swappable Sockets: The Tinker65 features hot-swappable sockets, allowing you to easily switch out the switches without soldering. This makes it easy to experiment with different switch types to find the perfect feel for you.
- PBT Double-Shot Keycaps: PBT keycaps are known for their durability and resistance to shine. Double-shot molding ensures that the legends won’t fade or wear off over time. The keycaps on the Tinker65 provide a comfortable and smooth typing experience.
- RGB Lighting: The Tinker65 features per-key RGB backlighting, allowing you to customize the lighting to your liking. The lighting effects are bright and vibrant, adding a stylish touch to the keyboard.
- Gasket Mount: The Tinker65 uses a gasket mount, which provides a softer and more cushioned typing experience. The gasket helps to absorb impact and reduce noise, leading to a more pleasant typing experience.
- Detachable Type-C Cable: The Tinker65 comes with a detachable Type-C cable, making it easier to store and transport. The cable is also braided, adding to the overall premium feel of the keyboard.
- ENG-ARAB Layout: The Tinker65 features an ENG-ARAB layout, making it suitable for users who require both English and Arabic characters.
Typing Performance & Sound
The typing experience on the Tinker65 is excellent. The Cherry MX Blue switches provide a tactile bump and a satisfying click sound, making it a joy to type on. The switches are responsive and have a consistent actuation point, making it easy to type quickly and accurately.
The keycaps are also a highlight. The PBT material feels smooth and durable, and the double-shot molding ensures that the legends won’t wear off easily. The keycaps have a comfortable profile, and the spacing between the keys is generous, making it easy to type without accidentally hitting adjacent keys.
The Tinker65’s typing sound is crisp and satisfying. The blue switches produce a distinct “thock” sound, which is appreciated by many users. The gasket mount helps to absorb some of the noise, making the typing experience quieter than other keyboards with similar switch types.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Premium build quality with a solid aluminum case
- Cherry MX Blue switches offer a tactile and clicky typing experience
- Hot-swappable sockets allow for easy switch customization
- PBT double-shot keycaps are durable and resistant to shine
- RGB lighting with vibrant and customizable effects
- Gasket mount provides a cushioned and quieter typing experience
- Detachable Type-C cable for easy storage and transport
- Compact 65% layout saves desk space
Cons:
- No dedicated media keys or volume knob
- Can be quite loud for some users due to the clicky switches
- Price may be higher than some other 65% keyboards
Final Verdict
The Ducky One ProjectD Tinker65 is a fantastic keyboard that offers a premium typing experience. The combination of Cherry MX Blue switches, hot-swappable sockets, PBT keycaps, and RGB lighting is a winning formula for any enthusiast. While it lacks some features like dedicated media keys and may be on the pricier side, the Tinker65’s typing performance, build quality, and customization options make it a strong contender in the 65% keyboard market. If you’re looking for a high-quality keyboard that will elevate your typing experience, the Ducky One ProjectD Tinker65 is definitely worth considering.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Number | PKTI2367AST |
| Structure | Gasket Mount |
| Trigger switch | Mechanical Switch |
| LED | RGB |
| Connection interface | USB 2.0 |
| Keycap material | PBT |
| Output key number | USB N-Key Rollover |
| Printing technology | Double-Shot |
| Dimensions | 320x125x40mm |
| Weight | 590g |