What makes the Chilkey ND65 keyboard unique?

The Chilkey ND65 stands out with its sleek sidelight design that illuminates your setup while maintaining a minimalistic aesthetic. It's crafted with an anodized CNC 6063 aluminum case, providing both durability and style.

Are the switches on the ND65 hot-swappable?

Yes, the ND65 features hot-swappable switches, allowing you to easily change the Kailh Blue Lotus switches without soldering, offering customization flexibility.

How does the ND65 connect to devices?

The ND65 offers tri-mode connectivity, including wired, Bluetooth 5.0, and wireless modes, ensuring compatibility with various devices and user preferences.

Can I use the ND65 with both Windows and Mac?

Absolutely! The ND65 is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, making it a versatile choice for different users.

What type of keycaps does the ND65 come with?

The ND65 is equipped with highly durable double-shot PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile, ensuring longevity and a comfortable typing experience.

Is the ND65 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the ND65 is designed to be beginner-friendly, coming fully assembled with user-friendly features, making it an excellent choice for newcomers to mechanical keyboards.

What is the battery capacity of the ND65?

The ND65 is powered by two 3000 mAh batteries, ensuring extended usage time when using wireless connectivity modes.

Does the ND65 support custom key mapping?

While the ND65 does not support VIA/QMK out of the box, its layout and design are conducive to manual customization for those familiar with keyboard programming.

What is the polling rate of the ND65 in wired mode?

In wired mode, the ND65 offers a polling rate of 1000Hz, providing a responsive and smooth typing experience.

What is the feel of the Kailh Blue Lotus switches?

The Kailh Blue Lotus switches on the ND65 are linear with a smooth actuation force of 45±10gf, providing a satisfying typing experience with a total travel distance of 3.5±0.4mm.

Chilkey ND65 Starting at $74.99

Name: Chilkey ND65
Brand: Chilkey
SKU: chilkey-nd65-keyboard-kit

Vendor	Location	Coupon Code	In Stock	Price (USD)	Link*
OOCTPK Chilkey ND65 Wired Aluminum Mecha...
	Global	-	Check vendor	Check vendor	Check price
Chilkey ND65 Jet Black Aluminum Hotswap Keyboard
	Based in US	-		$75	Visit Shop
Chilkey ND65 (ANSI)
	Shipping to US	-		$99	Visit Shop

Vendor

Location

Coupon Code

In Stock

Price (USD)

Link*

OOCTPK Chilkey ND65 Wired Aluminum Mecha...

Global

Check vendor

Check price

Chilkey ND65 Jet Black Aluminum Hotswap Keyboard

Based in US

$75

Visit Shop

Chilkey ND65 (ANSI)

Shipping to US

$99

Visit Shop

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Compare Chilkey ND65 vs Keychron Q65 vs Weikav Lucky65 V3 Specification

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

Model	Chilkey ND65	Keychron Q65	Weikav Lucky65 V3
	71	92	86
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	4.5 stars (4 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Has Clicky, Linear switch options Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless, 2.4 GHz connectivity Equipped with a 6000 mAh battery Made with a Aluminum, Plastic case Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting	Released in 2022 Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Comes with a knob Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Weighs about 2420 g Sized at 34 x 121 x 363 mm	Built with the ANSI, layout standard Supports Wireless, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired connectivity Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery Weighs about 1120 g
Score	Scores Performance: 55.9 Build Quality: 76.3 Productivity: 71 Customizability: 68.6 Portability: 94.1	Scores Performance: 66.5 Build Quality: 88.7 Productivity: 95 Customizability: 97.5 Portability: 70.7	Scores Performance: 61.9 Build Quality: 84.7 Productivity: 83.7 Customizability: 92.8 Portability: 88.3
Name	Name Chilkey ND65	Name Keychron Q65	Name Weikav Lucky65 V3
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2022	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Clicky, Linear	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 65%	Layout Size 65%	Layout Size 65%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI	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, Wired, Wireless, 2.4 GHz	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Wireless, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 6000 mAh	Battery capacity -	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 Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, White, North-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum, Plastic	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material -
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions 34 x 121 x 363 mm	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight 2420g	Weight 1120g

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Product Description

The Chilkey ND65 is a 65% mechanical keyboard kit designed for users who want a compact, versatile board with both wired and wireless connectivity. It suits beginners and everyday typists who prefer a straightforward setup with tactile feedback from linear Kailh Blue Lotus switches. The keyboard comes fully assembled, making it accessible for users new to mechanical keyboards or those who want a ready-to-use option without customization hassle.

Key Features

Tri-mode connectivity offers wired USB-C and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless options, allowing flexible use across devices.
Hot-swappable north-facing switch sockets enable easy switch replacement or upgrades without soldering.
Durable double-shot PBT keycaps resist shine and wear, maintaining a consistent typing surface over time.
Built-in sidelight illumination on both sides adds subtle ambient lighting without overwhelming the minimal design.

Build Quality

The CNC-machined 6063 aluminum case provides a solid and stable base, contributing to a premium feel and durability.
Gasket mount design cushions the typing surface, reducing harsh feedback and offering a softer typing experience.
Key stabilizers are plate-mounted, which can affect the feel and sound of larger keys compared to PCB-mounted stabilizers.

Typing Experience

Kailh Blue Lotus linear switches have a moderate actuation force around 45gf, suitable for users who prefer smooth keypresses without tactile bumps.
Factory lubed switches reduce scratchiness and noise, contributing to a quieter and smoother typing feel.
The Cherry profile PBT keycaps provide a familiar shape and comfortable finger positioning for extended typing sessions.

Compatibility

Supports ANSI 65% layout with 67 keys, fitting compact desk setups while retaining essential keys.
Compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems for broad usability.
Does not support VIA or QMK firmware, limiting advanced key remapping or macro customization.

Trade-offs

Absence of VIA/QMK support restricts firmware customization, which may be a drawback for users wanting extensive programming options.
Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity is included, but battery life details are unknown, which may affect wireless usage planning.
Plate-mounted stabilizers may produce more rattle or less refined feel compared to PCB-mounted alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)