What makes the Chilkey ND TKL keyboard beginner-friendly?

The Chilkey ND TKL keyboard is designed with beginners in mind, offering a fully assembled setup with highly durable double-shot PBT keycaps and switches, making it easy to start typing right out of the box.

Does the Chilkey ND support RGB lighting?

Yes, the Chilkey ND comes with RGB support, allowing you to customize the lighting to match your setup or mood.

Can I use the Chilkey ND TKL with both Windows and Mac?

Absolutely! The Chilkey ND TKL is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, ensuring a seamless experience across different devices.

What are the switch specifications for the Chilkey ND keyboard?

The switches feature a top housing made of PC, a bottom housing of PA66, and a POM stem. They are factory lubed for smooth operation, with a total travel of 3.5mm, a preload of 45±10gf, and a bottom-out force of 50±10gf.

Is the Chilkey ND TKL keyboard hotswappable?

Yes, the Chilkey ND TKL supports hotswapping, allowing you to easily change switches without soldering, providing flexibility and customization for your typing experience.

What materials are used in the construction of the Chilkey ND TKL?

The Chilkey ND TKL features an aluminum case with a choice of anodized black or electrophoretic white, sky blue, and milky green finishes, ensuring both durability and aesthetic appeal.

How does the gasket mount design benefit my typing experience?

The gasket mount design in the Chilkey ND TKL provides a softer, more cushioned typing experience by reducing vibrations and offering a more consistent feel across the keyboard.

What wireless connectivity options are available with the Chilkey ND?

The Chilkey ND supports tri-mode connectivity, including Bluetooth 5.3 and 2.4GHz wireless options, offering flexibility and convenience for wireless use.

How long can I expect the switches on the Chilkey ND to last?

The switches on the Chilkey ND are designed for longevity, with a lifespan of up to 50 million keystrokes, ensuring reliable performance over time.

Does the Chilkey ND TKL keyboard have any dampening features?

Yes, the Chilkey ND TKL includes multiple layers of dampening foam, providing a quieter typing experience by minimizing noise and vibration.

Chilkey ND Starting at $114.99

Name: Chilkey ND
Brand: Chilkey
SKU: chilkey-nd-tkl-hotswap-wireless

Vendor	Location	Coupon Code	In Stock	Price (USD)	Link*
OOCTPK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, Chi...
	Global	-	Check vendor	Check vendor	Check price
Chilkey ND TKL - Mechanical Keyboard Kit
	Based in US	-		$115 Out of stock	Visit Shop
Chilkey ND TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard
	Based in US	-		$119 Out of stock	Visit Shop
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Vendor

Location

Coupon Code

In Stock

Price (USD)

Link*

OOCTPK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, Chi...

Chilkey ND TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard

Global

Check vendor

Check price

Chilkey ND TKL - Mechanical Keyboard Kit

Based in US

$115

Out of stock

Visit Shop

Chilkey ND TKL Hotswap Wireless RGB Keyboard

Based in US

$119

Out of stock

Visit Shop

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Compare Chilkey ND vs Keychron K8 HE vs 8BitDo Retro87 Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!

Model	Chilkey ND	Keychron K8 HE	8BitDo Retro87
	91	91	64
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	5.0 stars (5 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Has Linear switch options Uses a Plate Mount mounting style Equipped with a 3600 mAh battery Sized at 34 x 138 x 357 mm Made with a Aluminum, Polycarbonate case Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting	Released in 2025 Has Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Built with the ISO, ANSI, JIS layout standard Enables rapid trigger functionality Includes screw-in stabilizers Uses a Tray Mount mounting style Supports Wired, Wired only, Bluetooth, Wireless, 2.4 GHz connectivity Weighs about 1009 g Sized at 43 x 366 x 133 mm Made with a Aluminum, ABS, Wood case Offers Yes, North-face, Rgb, Rgb North-face RGB lighting	Has Clicky switch options Comes with a knob Uses a Top Mount mounting style Weighs about 1100 g Sized at 46 x 169 x 376 mm Made with a Plastic, Aluminum case Features ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 85.1 Build Quality: 84.9 Productivity: 88.9 Customizability: 91.8 Portability: 76.8	Scores Performance: 92.4 Build Quality: 87.2 Productivity: 94.3 Customizability: 89 Portability: 76.2	Scores Performance: 63.3 Build Quality: 52.8 Productivity: 72.7 Customizability: 67.9 Portability: 76.4
Name	Name Chilkey ND	Name Keychron K8 HE	Name 8BitDo Retro87
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2025	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear	Switch Options Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ISO, ANSI, JIS	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Wired, Wired only, Bluetooth, Wireless, 2.4 GHz	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 3600 mAh	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity 4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Plate Mount	Mount Style Tray Mount	Mount Style Top Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, North-face	Backlight North-face, Rgb	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum, Polycarbonate	Case Material Aluminum, ABS, Wood	Case Material Plastic, Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 34 x 138 x 357 mm	Dimensions 43 x 366 x 133 mm	Dimensions 46 x 169 x 376 mm
Weight	Weight -	Weight 1009g	Weight 1100g

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Product Description

The Chilkey ND is a tenkeyless (TKL) mechanical keyboard designed for users seeking a compact layout with versatile connectivity and a focus on typing comfort. It suits hobbyists who value multiple mounting options and wireless modes, as well as typists who prefer a moderate typing angle and linear switches. The keyboard offers a balance between customization and portability without extending to full-size layouts.

Key Features

Tri-mode connectivity supports wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless, allowing flexible use across devices and environments.
Three mounting structures, including elastic silicone and gasket mounts, reduce typing fatigue by softening keypress impact and improving acoustics.
Per-key RGB lighting enables individual key customization for visual feedback or aesthetics.
Includes a foam kit with four layers to dampen sound and vibration, enhancing typing quietness.

Build Quality

Case combines CNC aluminum top with nylon and POM bottom housing, balancing rigidity and weight.
Aluminum plate and weight add stability and reduce flex during typing.
Chamfered front edge creates a 6.5-degree typing angle, promoting ergonomic hand positioning.
Doubleshot PBT keycaps in Cherry profile offer durability and consistent feel over time.

Typing Experience

Kailh Blue Lotus linear switches provide smooth keypresses with moderate actuation force, suitable for users preferring quiet, consistent feedback without tactile bumps.
Plate mount stabilizers help reduce key wobble on larger keys, improving typing accuracy.
Multiple mounting options and foam layers contribute to a quieter, less harsh typing sound.

Compatibility and Layout

Tenkeyless layout omits the number pad, saving desk space while retaining function keys (F13 included).
Compatible with Windows and MacOS, supporting common operating systems for broad usability.

Trade-offs

Switches are fixed to Kailh Blue Lotus linear type, limiting switch customization without modification.
Weight and aluminum construction make it less portable compared to plastic TKL keyboards.
Unknown battery life and firmware customization options may affect long-term wireless use and remapping flexibility.
Final sale status means no returns, which may be a consideration for cautious buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)