KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Ducky One 2 Phantom vs One 3 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers choosing between two pre-built Ducky keyboards that prioritize different features. The decision is challenging because while both are well-regarded wired boards, the One 2 Phantom offers a compact tenkeyless (TKL) design with per-key RGB, whereas the One 3 provides a full-size layout with 108 keys. The One 3's key advantage is its hot-swappable PCB using exclusive Kailh Yellow sockets, making it mod-friendly, and it features factory sound dampening. The One 2 Phantom is a more traditional, non-modular route, but its TKL size and RGB may appeal to gamers or those with limited desk space.

Ducky One 2 Phantom Black TKL Double Shot PBT Mechanical Keyboard
71
Ducky One 3 Carbon Black Hotswap Double Shot PBT Mechanical Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

0.0 (0)
0.0 (0)
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, North-face RGB lighting
  • Supports hot-swappable switches
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Supports Wired, Wired only, connectivity
  • Weighs about 627 g
  • Sized at 40 x 335 x 110 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, North-face, Rgb, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 62.7
  • Build Quality: 45.2
  • Productivity: 60.1
  • Customizability: 49.8
  • Portability: 43.7
Scores
  • Performance: 75.4
  • Build Quality: 58.1
  • Productivity: 77.3
  • Customizability: 79.4
  • Portability: 57.9
Name
Ducky One 2 Phantom
Name
Ducky One 3
Release year
2023
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
100%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Wired, Wired only,
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Plate Mount
Mount Style
Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
North-face
Backlight
 
North-face, Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
40 x 335 x 110 mm
Weight
-
Weight
627g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Choose the Ducky One 3 if you want a full-size board that you can customize without soldering, appreciate factory sound dampening, and need a number pad. Select the Ducky One 2 Phantom if you prefer a compact TKL layout for gaming or travel, and you value per-key RGB lighting over hot-swap capability. For general use and modding potential, the One 3 offers more long-term flexibility.

Ducky One 2 Phantom

  • +Compact TKL (tenkeyless) 87-key layout frees up desk space for mouse movement.
  • +Per-key RGB lighting with north-facing LEDs for vibrant visual effects.
  • +Double-shot PBT keycaps with seamless legends provide durable, fade-resistant keycaps.
  • +Multi-media keys are included for quick audio control.
  • +3-level adjustable feet allow for personalized typing angle.
  • −Not hot-swappable; switch changes require soldering.
  • −No sound dampening or EVA foam, leading to a potentially louder typing experience.
  • −ABS or plastic plate may not feel as sturdy as metal alternatives.
  • −Tenkeyless layout lacks a dedicated number pad for data entry.

Ducky One 3

  • +Full-size 108-key layout includes a number pad for productivity.
  • +Hot-swappable with exclusive Kailh Yellow sockets, allowing easy switch changes.
  • +Factory-installed sound dampening with a silicone plate dampener and EVA foam case dampener for quieter typing.
  • +Improved V2 stabilizers for better feel and sound on larger keys.
  • +Detachable braided USB-C cable adds convenience for storage and transport.
  • −Vendor description indicates no backlighting or RGB, limiting visual customization in dark environments.
  • −Full-size 108-key layout is larger and heavier (627g), occupying more desk space compared to a TKL.
  • −No built-in multimedia keys are listed for the One 3.
  • −The all-plastic case may not feel as premium as boards with aluminum frames.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Ducky One 3 wins in four out of six categories, primarily for its full-size layout and hot-swap PCB. Its sound dampening and V2 stabilizers make it a strong choice for office and programming use. The One 2 Phantom takes Gaming and Travel due to its compact TKL form factor and RGB lighting. Both are wired, so portability is limited. For modding and content creation, the One 3's flexibility and number pad are decisive.

GamingDucky One 2 Phantom
  • •The Ducky One 2 Phantom's TKL (tenkeyless) 87-key layout provides more room for mouse movement on a desk.
  • •It features per-key RGB lighting with north-facing LEDs, enhancing visual customization for gaming setups.
OfficeDucky One 3
  • •The Ducky One 3's full-size layout includes a number pad, useful for data entry and spreadsheet work.
  • •It includes sound dampening via a silicone plate dampener and EVA foam case dampener, reducing noise in a shared workspace.
  • •The One 3's V2 stabilizers provide a more refined feel and quieter keypress on larger keys.
ProgrammingDucky One 3
  • •The full-size layout provides dedicated arrow keys and a number pad, which can speed up navigation and coding-related data input.
  • •Improved acoustics from the dual-layer dampening (silicone plate and EVA foam) offer a more pleasant typing experience over long sessions.
TravelDucky One 2 Phantom
  • •The One 2 Phantom's TKL form factor is more compact and lighter than a full-size board, making it easier to transport in a bag.
  • •Its all-plastic construction keeps the weight lower than a full-size alternative.
ModdingDucky One 3
  • •The One 3 features proprietary Kailh Yellow hot-swap sockets, allowing switch changes without soldering.
  • •It includes a non-backlit dual-layer PCB which is described as improved, making it a better base for custom builds.
  • •The specialty round escape key and included switch puller (mentioned in a customer review) support the modding process.
Content CreationDucky One 3
  • •A full-size layout with a number pad is beneficial for video editing timelines and entering precise values in creative software.
  • •The hot-swap capability allows creators to tailor switch feel for different tasks, such as linear switches for editing and tactile ones for typing scripts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

97
$99
Keychron V5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V5 Max
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

98
$94
Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V1 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

96
$89
Keychron V6 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6 Max
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

65
$85
Glorious PC GMMK Customizable / Barebones ISO TKL RGB LED Mechanical Keyboard None
Glorious PC
80%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Plate Mount

91
$84
Keychron K4 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 3
Keychron K4 V3
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

95
$79
Keychron Q10 (Alice Layout) QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q10
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

93
$84
Keychron K10 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 2
Keychron K10 V2
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

92
$69
Keychron K4 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K4 Pro
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

-10% off
92
$100$90
NuPhy Air75 V2 - Lunar Gray
Nuphy Air75 V2
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case

88
$85
Keychron K17 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K17 Max
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
PCB Mount