Ducky One 2 vs One 3Which Ducky Should You Buy?
Choose the Ducky One 3 if you want the flexibility to change switches without soldering, and the Ducky One 2 if you prefer a tenkeyless size and don't plan on modding.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Ducky One 2
Build quality in the bottom 10% of 100% boards under $100.
- Tenkeyless (87-key) layout saves desk space compared to a full-size board.
- Double shot PBT keycaps with translucent sides for distinctive RGB lighting (Pudding Edition).
- Available with German-made Cherry MX key switches in multiple varieties.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Get the
Ducky One 3
Hot-swappable
Build quality in the bottom 40% of 80% boards under $100.
- Hot-swappable with exclusive Kailh yellow sockets for easy switch changes.
- Full-size layout (108 keys) includes a dedicated numpad.
- Silicone plate dampener and EVA foam case dampener for improved acoustics.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No numpad.
If you value a compact form factor for travel or desk space and want RGB lighting, the Ducky One 2 is a solid choice. However, for long-term flexibility, a quieter typing experience, and the ability to easily change switches, the Ducky One 3 is the more practical investment. The One 3's hot-swap sockets, sound dampening, and improved stabilizers make it the better choice for most buyers who are willing to trade a numpad for those features.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Ducky One 2
Ducky One 3
Layout size
100%
80%
Hot-swappable
No
Yes
Switch changes without soldering
Sound dampening
No
Yes
Keycaps
PBT
ABS, PBT
- Ducky One 2
- Ducky One 3
- Performance
- 7275
- Build quality
- 4457
- Productivity
- 5977
- Customizability
- 5379
- Portability
- 4458
- Connection: Wired
- Case material: ABS, Plastic
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Plate material: Plastic
What will you mostly use it for?
The Ducky One 3 wins in productivity-focused categories like Office and Programming due to its added sound dampening, full-size layout with numpad, and hot-swap capability. The Ducky One 2 takes the lead in Travel due to its more compact tenkeyless size. For Gaming and Content Creation, the choice is more balanced, though the One 3's features offer more flexibility. The One 3 is the clear winner for Modding, thanks to its built-in hot-swap sockets and pre-installed dampening foam.
It's a tie
- Both offer N-Key rollover for reliable key presses.
- Both support a variety of linear switches that gamers often prefer.
- The One 3's 80% layout may save desk space, but the One 2's 100% layout includes dedicated function rows.
Ducky One 2 vs One 3 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
4 of 18 specs differ
Ducky One 2
Ducky One 3
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Ducky One 2 vs One 3: your questions
Yes, the Ducky One 3 is hot-swappable. According to the vendor description, it features Ducky's exclusive Kailh yellow hotswap sockets, which allow you to change switches without any soldering. The Ducky One 2 does not have hot-swap capability.
Yes, the Ducky One 2 can have RGB lighting. The vendor description specifies it has 'RGB / All LED' backlighting, and one specific model is the 'Pudding Edition' which features keycaps with translucent sides to enhance the RGB effect. The Ducky One 3, in the version described has no backlighting.
The Ducky One 3 is likely to have a better typing sound due to its built-in sound dampening. The vendor description mentions a silicone plate dampener and an EVA foam case dampener, which are designed to reduce hollowness and improve acoustics. The One 2 does not mention any sound dampening features.
Yes, both the Ducky One 2 and Ducky One 3 are listed as Mac compatible in their specifications. The Ducky One 2 also has a dedicated Mac/Win support switch for easy toggling between operating systems.
The Ducky One 3 has a full numpad. The vendor lists its size as 'Full-size' with 108 keys. The Ducky One 2 is a 'Tenkeyless' keyboard with 87 keys, meaning it does not have a dedicated numpad.
Yes, you can change the keycaps on the Ducky One 3. It features a standard MX stem, so it is compatible with most third-party keycap sets. The factory keycaps are OEM profile Double Shot PBT with seamless legends.
The Ducky One 3 has a stated weight of 627g. The weight for the Ducky One 2 is not provided, but since it is a tenkeyless model, it is likely lighter than the full-size One 3.
Yes, the Ducky One 3 comes with a detachable braided USB-C cable. This is a standard feature for both keyboards, as the Ducky One 2 also comes with a detachable 1.5 Meter USB-C cable.
The Ducky One 3 is better for modding. It is hot-swappable, meaning you can install new switches without soldering. It also comes with pre-installed sound dampening foam (silicone plate dampener and EVA foam) which can be further modified. The Ducky One 2 has soldered switches, making modding more difficult.
Yes, both keyboards come with PBT keycaps. The Ducky One 2 (Pudding Edition) uses double shot PBT keycaps with translucent sides. The Ducky One 3 also uses OEM profile Double Shot PBT keycaps with seamless legends.
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