Ducky One 3 Aura vs One 3Full RGB vs Compact Value
Choose the Ducky One 3 Aura for a vibrant RGB showpiece, or the Ducky One 3 for a compact, modder-friendly workhorse.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Ducky One 3 Aura
Full RGB
Build quality in the bottom 50% of 100% boards under $150.
- Full-size 100% layout includes a dedicated numpad for data entry tasks.
- Translucent case and pudding keycaps provide a unique, all-encompassing RGB experience.
- Per-key programmable RGB can be configured via onboard shortcuts without software.
Get the
Ducky One 3
Compact Value
Build quality in the bottom 40% of 80% boards under $100.
- Compact 80% layout saves desk space and improves mouse ergonomics for gaming.
- Non-backlit PCB with a plastic plate offers a more traditional, mod-friendly platform.
- Features N-key rollover for accurate simultaneous keypress registration.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No numpad.
Your choice between these two comes down to form factor and priorities. If you need a full number pad and want the flashiest RGB possible, the Ducky One 3 Aura is the clear pick. If you prefer a more compact desk footprint for gaming or travel and want a simpler, mod-friendly base, the standard Ducky One 3 is the better value.
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 3 Aura
Ducky One 3
Layout size
100%
80%
Backlight
RGB
RGB, north-facing
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
N-key rollover
No
Yes
- Ducky One 3 Aura
- Ducky One 3
- Performance
- 6475
- Build quality
- 5357
- Productivity
- 7677
- Customizability
- 6979
- Portability
- 4658
- Connection: Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: ABS, Plastic
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
- Mount style: Plate Mount
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Ducky One 3 edges ahead for gaming and travel with its smaller, more compact 80% layout. For office work and content creation, the full-size One 3 Aura is the better choice thanks to its dedicated numpad. In programming, the two are effectively tied as both lack advanced firmware support. For modding, the standard One 3 is preferred due to its non-backlit PCB and plastic plate.
Pick the Ducky One 3
- The 80% layout of the Ducky One 3 frees up desk space for mouse movement.
- The Ducky One 3's metadata indicates higher performance scores relative to its price tier.
- Both models use a wired USB-C connection, minimizing latency concerns.
- Both support a variety of switch types including linear options favored for gaming.
Ducky One 3 Aura vs One 3 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
3 of 18 specs differ
Ducky One 3 Aura
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
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Ducky One 3 Aura vs One 3: your questions
Yes, both the Ducky One 3 Aura and the standard Ducky One 3 are hot-swappable. They use Ducky's exclusive Kailh Yellow Sockets, which allow you to change switches without soldering.
The main difference is the layout and lighting. The Ducky One 3 Aura is a full-size keyboard with a translucent case and pudding keycaps for vibrant RGB. The standard Ducky One 3 is an 80% keyboard with a solid black or carbon case and no backlighting.
The Ducky One 3 is generally better for gaming due to its compact 80% layout, which gives more room for mouse movement. Both keyboards have a wired USB-C connection and support a range of linear switches suitable for gaming.
Yes, both the Ducky One 3 Aura and the Ducky One 3 are equipped with dual-layer sound dampening. This includes a high-grade silicone plate dampener and an EVA foam case dampener to improve acoustics.
No, the Ducky One 3 is an 80% keyboard, which means it does not have a dedicated number pad. The Ducky One 3 Aura is the full-size model that includes the numpad.
The Ducky One 3 Aura uses thick PBT Double Shot AC-style keycaps. These are also called pudding keycaps because they have translucent sides and an opaque top, designed to let a lot of RGB light through.
Yes, the standard Ducky One 3 uses thick Double Shot PBT keycaps. They are OEM profile with a black color and white legends, and they are not translucent.
Yes, both the Ducky One 3 Aura and the Ducky One 3 are Mac compatible. They also have multi-platform support for Windows and Linux, as stated by the manufacturer.
Both keyboards use a detachable braided USB-C cable that connects to the keyboard. The other end of the cable connects to your computer via a standard USB-A port.
No, neither the Ducky One 3 Aura nor the standard Ducky One 3 supports QMK or VIA firmware. They rely on onboard keyboard shortcuts for remapping and RGB control.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.