Ducky ProjectD Tinker 65 review - Time To Switch?

Ducky ProjectD Tinker 65 aims to hit that sweet spot between the convenience of a pre-built setup with the extensive customisation typically reserved for DIY enthusiasts. Featuring Cherry MX switches, Ducky ProjectD Tinker 65 is held together by a black chassis, which is plastic, but more on that later. There’s a solid level of personalisation right out of the box, appealing to a broad spectrum of users from hardcore gamers to professional typists seeking a tactile typing experience.

Ducky wants to deliver a keyboard that not only meets the high expectations of mechanical keyboard aficionados but also introduces the uninitiated to the joys of customisation without the intimidation of complex assembly processes. Constructed from premium materials, including a durable ABS plastic case and a robust FR-4 baseplate, this keyboard is designed to enhance both the aesthetic and acoustic qualities of your typing experience. The addition of a free random keycap set, selected from the Fuji, Daybreak, or Skyline editions, adds a layer of uniqueness and personal touch, distinguishing the Tinker 65 in the crowded mechanical keyboard market.

Targeted at the premium segment, the Tinker 65 is not just another mechanical keyboard; it represents a bridge between the pre-built convenience and the detailed customisation sought after by enthusiasts. Whether for gaming, typing, or programming, this keyboard is poised to deliver a refined experience, but does it?

Specifications

Ducky ProjectD Tinker 65 Mechanical Gaming Customisable Keyboard is a masterclass in mechanical keyboard design, offering a rich set of features tailored for both gaming aficionados and typing purists. Let’s break all of this down a bit:

Switches: The keyboard is equipped with Cherry MX Brown switches, celebrated for their tactile feedback and moderate actuation force, making them ideal for both typing and gaming.
Keycaps: features high-quality PBT double-shot keycaps, ensuring longevity and resistance to shine over time. The legends are rendered in milky white for clear visibility and a striking contrast against the black keycaps.
Backlighting: RGB LED backlighting illuminates the Tinker 65, providing vibrant lighting effects that can be customised to suit your aesthetic preferences or match your setup.
Connectivity: A detachable USB-C cable not only facilitates easy connection to your gaming PC or workstation but also enhances the keyboard’s portability and ease of maintenance.
Form Factor: The keyboard adopts a 65% layout, omitting the numpad and F-row for a compact design that saves desk space without sacrificing functionality.
Materials: The Tinker 65’s case is constructed from durable ABS plastic, providing a solid foundation that’s built to last. The baseplate is made from FR-4, a high-grade glass epoxy, offering excellent rigidity and stability.
Dimensions and weight: Measuring 320 x 125 x 40 mm and weighing in at 590g, the Tinker 65 strikes a balance between portability and ergonomic comfort.

Specification	Detail
Switch Type	Cherry MX (Brown in our case)
Keycaps	PBT Double-shot
Backlighting	RGB LED
Connectivity	Detachable USB-C
Form Factor	65%
Build Materials	ABS Plastic Case, FR-4 Baseplate
Dimensions	320 x 125 x 40 mm
Weight	590g

Features

The Ducky ProjectD Tinker 65 Mechanical Gaming Customisable Keyboard provides a nuanced blend of tactile responsiveness, durability, and extensive customisation capabilities, catering to the discerning needs of both gamers and professional typists. At its heart, the use of Cherry MX Brown switches delivers a satisfying tactile feedback without excessive noise, making for an enjoyable typing and gaming experience that doesn’t compromise on performance or disturb the peace.

Keycaps made from PBT double-shot material not only offer a premium feel under the fingers but also promise longevity, resisting the shine and wear that often plagues lesser materials. The keyboard’s RGB LED backlighting is not just for show; it offers extensive customisation through a spectrum of colours and lighting effects, allowing users to personalise their setup to their heart’s content.

Connectivity is made simple and efficient with a detachable USB-C cable, enhancing both portability and convenience. Its compact 65% layout ensures a minimal footprint on your desk without sacrificing essential keys, making it a perfect fit for setups where space is at a premium.

Software customisation is a standout feature of the Tinker 65, with support for QMK/VIA enabling users to dive deep into custom key mappings, macros, and more. This level of programmability allows for a highly personalised typing experience, tailored to the unique needs and preferences of each user.

Pros

The Ducky ProjectD Tinker 65 Mechanical Gaming Customisable Keyboard distinguishes itself with several notable strengths. Chief among these is the inclusion of Cherry MX switches, which strike an ideal balance between tactile feedback and quiet operation, making them perfect for both intensive gaming sessions and prolonged typing work. The switches’ moderate actuation force ensures accuracy without fatigue, a key factor for users spending long hours at their keyboard.

Another significant advantage is the keyboard’s build quality and material choice. The double-shot PBT keycaps offer unmatched durability and resistance to shine over time, maintaining a clean, professional look even under heavy use. This, combined with the keyboard’s robust ABS plastic case and FR-4 baseplate, ensures a solid, premium feel and longevity that justifies its investment. The detachable USB-C connectivity enhances this quality feel with the convenience of easy connection and portability.

USB-C Port for Ducky ProjectD Tinker 65 under purple RGB

Customisation is where the Tinker 65 truly shines. With extensive RGB backlighting options and the support for QMK/VIA for deep programming capabilities, users can tailor their keyboard to their exact preferences, from lighting effects to key functions. This level of personalisation not only enhances the user experience but also allows the keyboard to adapt to various use cases, be it gaming, programming, or general productivity.

Cons

Despite its many strengths, the Ducky ProjectD Tinker 65 has a few areas that could be seen as drawbacks for certain users. The ABS plastic case, while durable and solid, might not convey the premium feel that enthusiasts expect at this price point. Compared to keyboards that feature aluminium or other metal cases, the Tinker 65 might feel slightly less luxurious, which could be a consideration for users who prioritize a high-end aesthetic.

Another potential limitation is the keyboard’s software customisation complexity. While QMK/VIA support offers extensive customisation options, the learning curve associated with these tools can be steep for beginners. Users not familiar with keyboard programming might find the initial setup and customization process daunting, potentially limiting the Tinker 65’s appeal to those willing to invest time in learning these systems.

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Lastly, some users have reported occasional sticky keys, which, although minor and easily fixable, could detract from the overall seamless experience expected from a keyboard in this tier. This issue, while not widespread, highlights the importance of quality control and might necessitate additional attention from Ducky to ensure every unit meets their high standards consistently.

Is It Worth It?

Ducky ProjectD Tinker 65 Mechanical Gaming Customisable Keyboard stands out as a solid blend of functionality, durability, and personalisation. It caters to a wide spectrum of users, from hardcore gamers to professionals who spend countless hours typing, offering a tactile and responsive experience that few can match. The use of Cherry MX Brown switches is a testament to the keyboard’s commitment to providing a satisfying, yet tactile typing experience, appealing to users who demand excellence in both performance and auditory comfort.

The keyboard’s construction, featuring double-shot PBT keycaps and a robust case, ensures longevity and a consistent, premium feel that remains unchanged even with intense usage. This level of durability, combined with the ease of connectivity offered by the USB-C cable, positions the Tinker 65 as a reliable companion for both work and play.

Ducky ProjectD Ticker 65 back kickstand view purple

Customisation stands as one of the Tinker 65’s most compelling attributes, offering users an unparalleled ability to make their keyboard truly their own. From the extensive RGB backlighting to the deep programmability via QMK/VIA, the keyboard affords a level of personalisation that goes beyond mere aesthetics, allowing for tailored functionality that can enhance productivity and gaming prowess alike.

However, it’s important to acknowledge the keyboard’s steeper learning curve for software customisation and the somewhat less premium feel of its ABS plastic case, which may not meet the expectations of all users, especially those accustomed to metal-framed keyboards. Despite these considerations, the Tinker 65’s minor shortcomings do little to detract from its overall value proposition.