Ducky One V2 vs OneRGB and USB-C vs Budget TKL
Choose the Ducky One V2 for modern RGB features and a USB-C connection, or the original Ducky One for a lower-cost, no-frills TKL.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Ducky One V2
RGB and USB-C
Build quality in the bottom 15% of 100% boards under $150.
- Features RGB backlighting with north-facing LEDs.
- Includes a modern, detachable USB-C cable.
- Comes with 10 additional PBT double-shot keycaps for customization.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Get the
Ducky One
Budget TKL
Build quality in the bottom 20% of 100% boards under $100.
- Often available at a more affordable price point.
- Offers a wider initial selection of Cherry MX switches, including Green, White, and Clear.
- Simple, non-backlit design is less distracting in professional settings.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
Your budget and need for lighting are the deciding factors. If you want RGB effects, software integration, and a USB-C port, the Ducky One V2 is the logical upgrade. If you prefer a straightforward, reliable TKL keyboard with genuine Cherry MX switches and want to spend less, the original Ducky One remains a solid choice. Both deliver the core Ducky experience of PBT keycaps and a detachable cable.
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 V2
Ducky One
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Keycaps
PBT
ABS, PBT
Backlight
RGB, north-facing
None
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
Media keys
Yes
No
USB-C
Yes
No
- Ducky One V2
- Ducky One
- Performance
- 7357
- Build quality
- 4446
- Productivity
- 4847
- Customizability
- 5141
- Portability
- 4240
- Layout size: 100%
- Connection: Wired
- Case material: Plastic
- Mount style: Plate Mount
What will you mostly use it for?
The Ducky One V2 is the clear choice for gaming and content creation due to its RGB lighting and software features. The original Ducky One wins for office use primarily on cost and its non-distracting design. For programming and travel, the keyboards are functionally equivalent, sharing the same TKL layout and core build. Modders may prefer the One V2 for its included extra keycaps and potential for unique spacebars.
Pick the Ducky One V2
- The Ducky One V2 features RGB backlighting with north-facing LEDs, which can enhance visibility in low-light gaming sessions.
- Its listing includes support for Razer Chroma Broadcast and Ducky's RGB software for lighting synchronization.
- It offers a USB-C detachable cable, which is a more modern and durable connection standard.
Ducky One V2 vs One specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
5 of 16 specs differ
Ducky One V2
Ducky One
Switch options
Mount style
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Backlight
N-key rollover
Released
Compare prices
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Ducky One V2 vs One: your questions
The primary difference is lighting and connectivity. The Ducky One V2 adds RGB backlighting with north-facing LEDs and uses a USB-C detachable cable. The original Ducky One has no backlighting and uses a Micro USB detachable cable.
For typing feel, they are very similar. Both use plate-mounted Cherry MX switches and PBT double-shot keycaps. The choice comes down to your preferred switch type, as the original Ducky One lists a slightly wider variety including Cherry MX Clear and White.
According to the vendor's specification list for the Ducky One V2 TKL model, it is listed as 'Mac Compatible: No'. It is listed as compatible with Windows and Linux.
The base keycaps are similar, both being PBT double-shot. However, the Ducky One V2 includes an extra set of 10 colorful PBT double-shot keycaps and may include a special zodiac-themed spacebar, offering more out-of-the-box customization.
The Ducky One V2 has more extensive software support. Its vendor description states it supports Razer Chroma Broadcast, Ducky Macro 2.0, and Ducky's RGB software for lighting control and macros. No such software is mentioned for the original Ducky One.
No, neither keyboard is hot-swappable according to their vendor descriptions. Both are listed as pre-built with soldered switches, so changing them requires desoldering and soldering equipment.
No, both of the specific models compared in the vendor descriptions are Tenkeyless (TKL) layouts with 87 keys, meaning they do not have a dedicated numpad. The metadata indicates the original Ducky One was also available in a 100% size, but the compared TKL model does not include it.
The Ducky One V2 uses a detachable USB-C to USB-A cable. The original Ducky One uses a detachable Micro USB to USB-A cable. Both cables are listed as 60 inches long.
The Ducky One V2 is suitable for gaming due to its N-key rollover, a 1000Hz polling rate (implied by standard gaming performance), and RGB lighting for visibility. Its support for macro software can also be an advantage for assigning complex commands.
They are equally portable. Both share the same Tenkeyless form factor, have detachable cables, and are constructed with plastic cases, making their size and weight very comparable for travel or moving between desks.
The vendor description for the original Ducky One TKL does not list multimedia keys as a feature. In contrast, the Ducky One V2 vendor description explicitly lists 'Multimedia Keys: Yes' in its characteristics.
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