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Compare Ducky Year of the Dragon Zodiac vs MelGeek Pixel Palette Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a high-end collector's keyboard and a feature-rich wireless workhorse. The Ducky Year of the Dragon is a rare, wired-only 65% board with an aluminum case and exclusive theming. The MelGeek Pixel Palette is a more accessible TKL with triple-mode wireless, a plastic case, and unique modular frame options. The choice hinges on valuing collectibility and materials versus everyday versatility and connectivity.

78
Ducky Year of the Dragon 2024 Zodiac Aluminum 65% Hotswap RGB Keyboard
72
Pixel Mechanical Keyboard Palette

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  • Released in 2024
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 3100 mAh battery
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS, Polycarbonate case
  • Features ABS, PC keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 81.6
  • Build Quality: 76.7
  • Productivity: 64.5
  • Customizability: 81.6
  • Portability: 73.2
Scores
  • Performance: 85.6
  • Build Quality: 64.1
  • Productivity: 84.3
  • Customizability: 68.5
  • Portability: 94.7
Name
Ducky Year of the Dragon Zodiac
Name
MelGeek Pixel Palette
Release year
2024
Release year
2022
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
65%
Layout Size
75%, 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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
3100 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
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Plastic, ABS, Polycarbonate
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS, PC
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Weight
-
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want a rare collector's item with top-tier build materials, deep firmware customization, and a compact form factor, the Ducky Year of the Dragon is the investment. For daily drivers who need wireless freedom, a more practical TKL layout, and unique physical customization, the MelGeek Pixel Palette offers significantly more versatility at a lower cost.

Ducky Year of the Dragon Zodiac

  • +CNC machined anodized aluminum case for a premium feel.
  • +Limited edition design with individually numbered side plate and themed keycaps.
  • +Full support for QMK and VIA firmware for advanced customization.
  • +Includes exclusive Cherry MX2A RGB Purple switches and a themed coiled aviator cable.
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs ensure compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • −Wired-only connectivity limits placement and requires a cable.
  • −65% layout lacks dedicated arrow and navigation keys, relying on function layers.
  • −Limited to 999 units globally, making it difficult to acquire.

MelGeek Pixel Palette

  • +Triple-mode connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz, and wired USB-C.
  • +TKL (80%) layout includes arrow keys, function row, and multimedia keys.
  • +Includes a 'bricks' system to customize the keyboard's frame aesthetically.
  • +Comes with a combination of Poron and EVA foam padding for sound dampening.
  • +Hotswap PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
  • −Case is constructed from ABS and polycarbonate plastic, not metal.
  • −North-facing RGB LEDs can cause interference with some Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • −Lacks support for QMK or VIA, relying on proprietary MelGeek Hive software.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The MelGeek Pixel Palette wins in most productivity-focused scenarios like Office, Programming, and Travel due to its wireless connectivity and TKL layout. It also takes Content Creation for its multimedia keys. The Ducky Year of the Dragon is the clear choice for enthusiasts focused on Modding, thanks to its QMK/VIA support. For Gaming, the decision is a tie, as both offer core performance features like hot-swap and N-Key Rollover, leaving the choice to layout and connectivity preference.

GamingTie
  • •Both feature N-Key Rollover and Hall Effect switches for reliable input.
  • •Both are hot-swappable for easy switch customization.
  • •The Ducky's south-facing RGB LEDs are better for shine-through keycaps, while the MelGeek offers wireless flexibility.
OfficeMelGeek Pixel Palette
  • •The MelGeek Pixel Palette offers triple-mode wireless connectivity (Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz, wired).
  • •Its 80% TKL layout retains arrow and function keys without a full numpad.
  • •It includes dedicated multimedia keys for quick controls.
  • •The vendor listing confirms explicit Mac and Windows support.
ProgrammingMelGeek Pixel Palette
  • •The MelGeek's TKL layout provides dedicated arrow and navigation keys, which are often preferred over layers.
  • •Its wireless connectivity allows for easier desk setup and device switching.
  • •The Ducky's 65% layout requires more frequent use of function layers for navigation.
TravelMelGeek Pixel Palette
  • •The MelGeek is wireless with a 3100mAh battery, eliminating the need for a cable on the go.
  • •Its plastic/polycarbonate case is lighter than the Ducky's aluminum construction.
  • •The wireless functionality provides greater flexibility when moving between workspaces.
ModdingDucky Year of the Dragon Zodiac
  • •The Ducky supports QMK and VIA for deep, open-source firmware reprogramming.
  • •It uses a gasket mount with an FR4 plate for a specific typing feel.
  • •Its south-facing RGB LEDs are compatible with a wider range of aftermarket keycap sets.
Content CreationMelGeek Pixel Palette
  • •The MelGeek's TKL layout offers readily accessible media keys for playback and volume control.
  • •Wireless connectivity reduces cable clutter in a studio setup.
  • •The ability to connect to multiple devices via Bluetooth or 2.4GHz aids in workflow management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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