Buying Guide
The Best 65% Keyboards
Five keyboards compared, from the GEODMAER 65% to the Falchion Ace, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
A 65% board drops the function row and number pad but keeps the arrow keys, which suits gaming and coding alike. Every pick uses a 65% layout, ordered from the lowest price.
We sorted these picks by layout, switches and connection, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips polling rate, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
GEODMAER 65% Wired Gaming KeyboardA lower price than the MK-Box and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the MK-Box the next step up.
Check price for GEODMAER 65% Wired Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
MageGee MK-Box 68-Key KeyboardSeparate arrow keys in a 68-key frame.
Best for: Buyers who want separate arrow keys in a 68-key frame.
Check price for MageGee MK-Box 68-Key Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Polling
Attack Shark X68 HEThe fastest polling rate here (8,000Hz).
Best for: Players pairing it with a high-refresh monitor.
Check price for Attack Shark X68 HE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Razer Reclusa X Mini 65% Mechanical Gaming KeyboardDual-layer silicone dampening and a PPS plate.
Best for: Buyers who want dual-layer silicone dampening and a PPS plate.
Check price for Razer Reclusa X Mini 65% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS ROG Falchion AceThe highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with arrow and navigation keys in a 306mm frame.
Best for: Buyers who want arrow and navigation keys in a 306mm frame and can spend more than the Reclusa X Mini costs.
Check price for ASUS ROG Falchion Ace on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A lower price than the MK-Box and the rest when we checked. | Spending as little as possible, with the MK-Box the next step up. | Check price for GEODMAER 65% Wired Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Separate arrow keys in a 68-key frame. | Buyers who want separate arrow keys in a 68-key frame. | Check price for MageGee MK-Box 68-Key Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The fastest polling rate here (8,000Hz). | Players pairing it with a high-refresh monitor. | Check price for Attack Shark X68 HE on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Dual-layer silicone dampening and a PPS plate. | Buyers who want dual-layer silicone dampening and a PPS plate. | Check price for Razer Reclusa X Mini 65% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with arrow and navigation keys in a 306mm frame. | Buyers who want arrow and navigation keys in a 306mm frame and can spend more than the Reclusa X Mini costs. | Check price for ASUS ROG Falchion Ace on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
GEODMAER 65% Wired Gaming Keyboard
GEODMAER's 65% board uses membrane keys with separate arrows and 26-key rollover.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the MK-Box the next step up.
Skip if
- Pass on it if membrane switches, not mechanical rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is the cheapest keyboard here. Its 65% layout keeps separate arrow keys, and a detachable USB-C cable gives a steady wired connection. It saves desk space for wide mouse movements.
Like the MK-Box and X68 HE, it has a 65% (68 keys) layout, while the Reclusa X Mini uses a 65% layout. No other pick in this guide offers membrane switches; compare the Falchion Ace, which has ROG NX mechanical switches. You also get a lockable Windows key.
The GEODMAER 65% needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the MK-Box was the next step up.
Key specs
- Layout
- 65% (68 keys)
- Switches
- Membrane
- Connection
- Wired
Pros
- Compact 65% (68 keys) layout
- Separate arrow keys
- 26-key rollover
- Lockable Windows key
Cons
- Membrane switches, not mechanical
- Wired only
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed polling rate should compare it with the X68 HE, which offers 8,000Hz.
Also Consider2 of 5
MageGee MK-Box 68-Key Keyboard
MageGee's MK-Box fits red linear switches and separate arrow keys into a 68-key frame.
Best for
- Buyers who want separate arrow keys in a 68-key frame.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: wired only.
Why we like it
It has plug-and-play support for Windows, Linux and Mac. Its 68-key layout keeps separate arrow keys and Fn-accessible F1-F12, so little is lost against a larger board. The red switches are linear and light, and blue LED backlighting offers about 16 modes set from the keyboard.
It shares a 65% (68 keys) layout with the GEODMAER 65% and X68 HE; the Falchion Ace goes with a 65% layout. Red linear switches is unique to it among these picks, while the GEODMAER 65% uses membrane switches. It also comes with full anti-ghosting.
The MK-Box needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. When we checked, only the GEODMAER 65% cost less, and the X68 HE cost more.
Key specs
- Layout
- 65% (68 keys)
- Switches
- Red linear
- Connection
- Wired
Pros
- Compact 65% (68 keys) layout
- Red linear switches
- Separate arrow keys in a 68-key frame
- Plug-and-play support for Windows, Linux and Mac
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the GEODMAER 65% at the time of writing
The catch
If you want a confirmed polling rate, look to the X68 HE instead: it offers 8,000Hz, while this one gives no figure.
Fastest Polling3 of 5
Attack Shark X68 HE
Attack Shark's X68 HE adds dynamic keystrokes, up to four actions per key, to rapid trigger in a 68-key frame.
Best for
- Players pairing it with a high-refresh monitor.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wired only is a problem.
Why we like it
It sits near $40 at the time of writing. It shares a 65% (68 keys) layout with the GEODMAER 65% and MK-Box; the Falchion Ace goes with a 65% layout. Hall effect magnetic switches is unique to it among these picks, while the Falchion Ace uses ROG NX mechanical switches.
You also get an adjustable actuation point. The X68 HE needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. High polling rates use more CPU time; drop to 1,000Hz if an older system stutters.
Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. When we checked, only the MK-Box and cheaper picks cost less, and the Reclusa X Mini cost more.
Key specs
- Layout
- 65% (68 keys)
- Switches
- Hall effect magnetic
- Connection
- Wired
- Polling rate
- 8,000Hz
Pros
- Compact 65% (68 keys) layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- 8,000Hz polling
- Dynamic keystrokes with up to 4 actions per key
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the GEODMAER 65% at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
Razer Reclusa X Mini 65% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Razer's Reclusa X Mini is a 65% board with Razer Orange tactile switches and hot-swap sockets.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual-layer silicone dampening and a PPS plate.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the GEODMAER 65% cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The USB-C cable detaches. A PPS plate and two layers of silicone dampening soften the sound, and Snap Tap resolves opposing keys. ABS doubleshot keycaps resist fading.
The socketed PCB accepts both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, and it ships with Razer Orange tactile Gen-3 switches. It uses Razer Orange tactile switches in a hot-swappable board that accepts 3-pin and 5-pin switches, with doubleshot ABS keycaps. Like the Falchion Ace, it has a 65% layout, while the X68 HE uses a 65% (68 keys) layout.
It also comes with switches Razer describes as engineered for quieter actuation and Snap Tap and Dual-Keypress Priority. Its price falls between the X68 HE and the Falchion Ace, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Layout
- 65%
- Switches
- Razer Orange Tactile Gen-3, hot-swappable
- Connection
- Wired, detachable USB-C
- Polling rate
- 1,000Hz
- Keycaps
- Doubleshot ABS
Pros
- Compact 65% layout
- Razer Orange Tactile Gen-3, hot-swappable switches
- Dual-layer silicone dampening and a PPS plate
- Switches Razer describes as engineered for quieter actuation
Cons
- Costs more than the GEODMAER 65% at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
ASUS ROG Falchion Ace
The ROG Falchion Ace fits arrow and navigation keys into a 306mm, 65% frame with ROG NX mechanical switches and double-shot PBT keycaps.
Best for
- Buyers who want arrow and navigation keys in a 306mm frame and can spend more than the Reclusa X Mini costs.
Skip if
- Pass on it if wired only rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It is wired only. A touch panel on the left adjusts volume or runs shortcuts, and lubricated stabilisers smooth the larger keys. It shares a 65% layout with the Reclusa X Mini; the GEODMAER 65% goes with a 65% (68 keys) layout.
You get ROG NX mechanical switches here, which sets it apart from the MK-Box and its red linear switches. It also offers lubricated switch stems. The Falchion Ace needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
Only the Reclusa X Mini came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. There is no published polling rate figure, whereas the X68 HE offers 8,000Hz.
Key specs
- Layout
- 65%
- Switches
- ROG NX mechanical
- Connection
- Wired
- Keycaps
- Double-shot PBT
Pros
- Compact 65% layout
- ROG NX mechanical switches
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- Arrow and navigation keys in a 306mm frame
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the GEODMAER 65% at the time of writing
How We Chose These 65% Keyboards
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side five keyboards on layout, switches, connection and polling rate from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and polling rate and keycaps are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the GEODMAER 65% to the Falchion Ace, state layout, switches and connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The GEODMAER 65%, the MK-Box and the Falchion Ace give no polling rate; the GEODMAER 65%, the MK-Box and the X68 HE give no keycaps.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the GEODMAER 65% (under $50) to the Falchion Ace ($50 to $100).
What to Look for in a 65% Keyboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Polling rate across these picks
The X68 HE tops polling rate at 8,000Hz and the Reclusa X Mini sits lowest at 1,000Hz. The X68 HE is the pick for polling rate. The GEODMAER 65%, the MK-Box and the Falchion Ace give no polling rate figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
Keycaps
The Reclusa X Mini lists Doubleshot ABS; the Falchion Ace lists Double-shot PBT. Settling keycaps first narrows 2 picks to 1 or 1.
A compact keyboard and mouse in front of an ultrawide monitor Fit and compatibility
The GEODMAER 65% needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
Features beyond the spec table
The X68 HE: rapid trigger. The Reclusa X Mini: switches Razer describes as engineered for quieter actuation. The Falchion Ace: lubricated switch stems.
A close-up of a full-size keyboard with grey keycaps How much to spend
Under $50 buys the GEODMAER 65%, the MK-Box, the X68 HE and the Reclusa X Mini; $50 to $100 buys the Falchion Ace at our last check.
How to Choose a 65% Keyboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the MK-Box the next step up | GEODMAER 65% | A lower price than the MK-Box and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want separate arrow keys in a 68-key frame | MK-Box | Separate arrow keys in a 68-key frame |
| Players pairing it with a high-refresh monitor | X68 HE | The fastest polling rate here (8,000Hz) |
| Buyers who want dual-layer silicone dampening and a PPS plate | Reclusa X Mini | Dual-layer silicone dampening and a PPS plate |
| Buyers who want arrow and navigation keys in a 306mm frame and can spend more than the Reclusa X Mini costs | Falchion Ace | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with arrow and navigation keys in a 306mm frame |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The X68 HE leads on polling rate at 8,000Hz, ahead of the Reclusa X Mini at 1,000Hz. "Not listed" marks polling rate where the GEODMAER 65%, the MK-Box and the Falchion Ace leave the figure out.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection | Polling rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEODMAER 65% | 65% (68 keys) | Membrane | Wired | Not listed |
| MK-Box | 65% (68 keys) | Red linear | Wired | Not listed |
| X68 HE | 65% (68 keys) | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| Reclusa X Mini | 65% | Razer Orange Tactile Gen-3, hot-swappable | Wired, detachable USB-C | 1,000Hz |
| Falchion Ace | 65% | ROG NX mechanical | Wired | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the GEODMAER 65%, sat in the under $50 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Falchion Ace at $50 to $100; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | GEODMAER 65%, MK-Box, X68 HE, Reclusa X Mini |
| About $50 to $100 | Falchion Ace |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the fastest polling rate: the X68 HE or the Reclusa X Mini?
Between the top two, it is 8,000Hz on the X68 HE against 1,000Hz on the Reclusa X Mini, a 700% difference. The GEODMAER 65%, the MK-Box and the Falchion Ace don't state a polling rate figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.
What makes the X68 HE the Fastest Polling?
The label rests on the fastest polling rate here (8,000Hz). The Reclusa X Mini is next on polling rate at 1,000Hz, so this pick's 8,000Hz is 700% further out. It is aimed at players pairing it with a high-refresh monitor.
Do the GEODMAER 65% and the Reclusa X Mini differ on layout?
The GEODMAER 65%, the MK-Box and the X68 HE use 65% (68 keys); the Reclusa X Mini and the Falchion Ace use 65%.
What should I check before buying the Falchion Ace?
The Falchion Ace needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5, as our Premium Pick.
Beyond the specs, what sets the GEODMAER 65% and the MK-Box apart?
The GEODMAER 65%: separate arrow keys. The MK-Box: separate arrow keys in a 68-key frame. The X68 HE: dynamic keystrokes with up to 4 actions per key.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the GEODMAER 65%, chosen for a lower price than the MK-Box and the rest when we checked. Look at the MK-Box for separate arrow keys in a 68-key frame, the Reclusa X Mini for dual-layer silicone dampening and a PPS plate and the Falchion Ace for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with arrow and navigation keys in a 306mm frame if those matter more to you.
Check the function-layer shortcuts before buying; the F-keys move to a second layer.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Keyboards Right Now
- Related guideThe Best Quiet Gaming Keyboards
- Related guideThe Best TKL Keyboards
- Lower budgetThe Best Keyboards Under $150
- Similar guideThe Best 75% Keyboards
- ExplainerHow to Choose a Mechanical Keyboard
- ExplainerKeyboard layouts compared: full-size, TKL, 75%, 65% and 60%
- Also see: miceGaming Mouse Features Explained: What Is Worth Paying For?
- Similar guideThe Best 96% Keyboards
- Topic hubAll keyboards guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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