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Compare Ducky One 2 SF vs Keychron K3 Pro Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a classic, no-frills compact keyboard and a modern, feature-rich low-profile model. The Ducky One 2 SF offers a straightforward 65% wired experience with PBT keycaps, while the Keychron K3 Pro adds wireless connectivity, hot-swappable switches, and extensive programmability. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize a smaller footprint and durability or need multi-device wireless and the ability to easily change switches.

-21% off
Ducky One 2 SF RGB LED 65% Double Shot PBT Mechanical Keyboard
87
Keychron K3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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0.0 (0)
4.6 (54)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard
  • Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Features a low-profile design
  • Supports hot-swappable switches
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ANSI layout standard
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless, 2.4 GHz connectivity
  • Equipped with a 1550 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 930 g
  • Sized at 15 x 306 x 116 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS case
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 65.7
  • Build Quality: 43.7
  • Productivity: 53.6
  • Customizability: 53
  • Portability: 67
Scores
  • Performance: 80.9
  • Build Quality: 81.3
  • Productivity: 79.8
  • Customizability: 89.1
  • Portability: 77.2
Name
Ducky One 2 SF
Name
Keychron K3 Pro
Release year
2023
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
65%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO
Layout Standard
ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, 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
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless, 2.4 GHz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
1550 mAh
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
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
15 x 306 x 116 mm
Weight
-
Weight
930g
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Pros and Trade-offs

For most users, the Keychron K3 Pro is the more versatile and future-proof choice. Its wireless capabilities, programmability, and hot-swappable design make it adaptable to many workflows. Choose the Ducky One 2 SF if you specifically want a simpler, wired 65% keyboard with high-quality PBT keycaps out of the box and have no need to change switches or connect wirelessly.

Ducky One 2 SF

  • +Includes double-shot PBT keycaps for durability and resistance to shine.
  • +Comes with 10 additional colorful PBT keycaps and a potential zodiac spacebar.
  • +Features a detachable USB-C cable with a listed length of 60 inches.
  • +Offers a wide selection of pre-installed Cherry MX and Kailh BOX switch options.

  • Wired-only connectivity limits placement and device switching.
  • Lacks hot-swappable switches, requiring soldering to change them.
  • The case and plate are constructed from plastic.

Keychron K3 Pro

  • +Offers triple-mode connectivity with Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless plus wired USB-C.
  • +Features hot-swappable sockets for easy low-profile switch changes.
  • +Supports QMK and VIA firmware for deep programmability and key remapping.
  • +Built with an aluminum case and offers adjustable typing angles.

  • Low-profile design and switches may not be preferred by all typists.
  • The base keycap material is ABS, though a PBT version is available.
  • Hot-swappable functionality is limited to Gateron low-profile mechanical switches only.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron K3 Pro wins in most scenarios that benefit from its modern features, particularly for office use, programming, travel, and modding due to its wireless connectivity, programmability, and hot-swappable design. The Ducky One 2 SF's advantages are more niche, tied to its specific 65% form factor and included PBT keycaps. For gaming and content creation, the choice is less clear-cut and depends on whether you value the Ducky's size or the Keychron's flexibility.

GamingTie
  • Both keyboards offer a 1000Hz polling rate for responsive input.
  • The Ducky One 2 SF has a slightly more compact 65% layout for more mouse space.
  • The Keychron K3 Pro's wired mode provides the same low-latency performance.
OfficeKeychron K3 Pro
  • The Keychron K3 Pro connects to up to 3 devices via Bluetooth for easy switching.
  • Its low-profile design and adjustable typing angles are listed as ergonomic features.
  • It includes specific keycaps for both Mac and Windows layouts.
ProgrammingKeychron K3 Pro
  • The Keychron K3 Pro supports QMK and VIA for deep key remapping and macros.
  • Its 75% layout retains function keys and navigation cluster.
  • Hot-swappable sockets allow for easy switch changes to suit typing preferences.
TravelKeychron K3 Pro
  • The Keychron K3 Pro is wireless, eliminating the need for a cable on the go.
  • Its low-profile design and aluminum case contribute to a slimmer, more portable form.
  • The manufacturer describes it as one of the thinnest wireless mechanical keyboards.
ModdingKeychron K3 Pro
  • The Keychron K3 Pro features hot-swappable sockets for tool-free switch changes.
  • It has open-source QMK firmware support for extensive customization.
  • South-facing RGB LEDs are designed to avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
Content CreationTie
  • Both keyboards have dedicated multimedia keys for media control.
  • The Ducky One 2 SF includes a detachable USB-C cable for a clean setup.
  • The Keychron K3 Pro's programmability via QMK/VIA can be used for creative software shortcuts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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