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Compare Ducky Outlaw 65 vs Tinker 65 ProjectD Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two Ducky ProjectD 65% keyboards with very different price points and build philosophies. The Outlaw 65 is a premium DIY kit with a CNC machined aluminum case and carbon fiber plate that requires assembly. The Tinker 65 is a more affordable pre-built keyboard with a plastic ABS case and includes sound dampening foam and a 3-stage stand. Both share the same 67-key 65% layout, hotswap sockets, QMK/VIA support, and south-facing RGB, making the decision largely about budget, materials, and willingness to build.

80
Ducky Outlaw 65 Aluminum 65% DIY Kit Hotswap RGB DIY Keyboard Kit
86
Ducky Tinker 65 ProjectD 65% Hotswap RGB Keyboard

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  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS case
  • Features PBT keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 67.6
  • Build Quality: 74.3
  • Productivity: 85.3
  • Customizability: 89.1
  • Portability: 76.8
Scores
  • Performance: 64.1
  • Build Quality: 81.3
  • Productivity: 92.3
  • Customizability: 94.2
  • Portability: 75.6
Name
Ducky Outlaw 65
Name
Ducky Tinker 65 ProjectD
Release year
2023
Release year
2023
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
65%
Layout Size
65%
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
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
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
Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Weight
-
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Pros and Trade-offs

If you prioritize a premium aluminum build, want to customize plates and gaskets, and enjoy assembling your keyboard, the Ducky Outlaw 65 DIY kit is the clear choice. If you need an affordable, pre-built keyboard with sound dampening and a lighter weight for travel or office use, the Ducky Tinker 65 ProjectD offers better value. Both share the same 65% layout and QMK/VIA support, so your decision hinges on materials and whether you want a project or a ready-to-type board.

Ducky Outlaw 65

  • +CNC machined aluminum case and carbon fiber bottom plate for a premium build.
  • +DIY kit includes two plates (FR4, POM), two gaskets (rubber, Poron), and multiple foam layers for customization.
  • +Comes with tools like switch puller, keycap puller, hex screwdriver, switch lube, and lube brush for modding.
  • +Includes a special carrying case for transport and storage.
  • −Requires DIY assembly, which may not be suitable for buyers who want a ready-to-use keyboard.
  • −Higher price point compared to the Tinker 65, as it is a premium DIY kit.
  • −No multi-media keys are mentioned in the specifications.

Ducky Tinker 65 ProjectD

  • +Pre-built and ready to use out of the box, with no assembly needed.
  • +Includes IXPE switch dampeners and Poron plate and bottom foam for sound dampening.
  • +Offers a 3-stage keyboard stand for adjustable typing angle.
  • +Features multi-media keys for convenient control of media playback.
  • −Plastic ABS case may feel less premium compared to the aluminum case of the Outlaw 65.
  • −Some user reviews note that the stabs rattle a lot and the frame feels cheap and light.
  • −User review indicates the case is difficult to open for modding, lacking documentation on disassembly.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Tinker 65 leads for office use thanks to its integrated sound dampening and adjustable stand, and it is the better travel choice because of its lighter plastic build. The Outlaw 65 takes the lead for modding and programming with its DIY kit, multiple plate options, and included tools. For gaming and content creation, the two keyboards are tied as they share the same core specs like layout, hotswap, and firmware support.

GamingTie
  • •Both keyboards share the same 67-key 65% layout, wired USB-C connectivity, and hotswap support.
  • •Both offer south-facing RGB and are compatible with QMK and VIA for key remapping.
  • •Neither has a performance advantage based on provided specs, as both are plate mount wired boards.
OfficeDucky Tinker 65 ProjectD
  • •Tinker 65 includes IXPE switch dampeners and Poron plate and bottom foam for quieter typing.
  • •Tinker 65 has a 3-stage keyboard stand for adjustable typing angle.
  • •Tinker 65 comes pre-built and is more affordable, reducing setup time.
ProgrammingDucky Outlaw 65
  • •Outlaw 65 includes a carbon fiber plate which can provide a stiffer typing feel preferred by some programmers.
  • •Outlaw 65 comes with two plates (FR4 and POM) and two gaskets (rubber and Poron) for customization.
  • •The DIY kit includes tools like hex screwdriver, switch puller, and lube for fine-tuning the experience.
TravelDucky Tinker 65 ProjectD
  • •Tinker 65 has a plastic ABS case which is lighter than the aluminum case of the Outlaw 65.
  • •Tinker 65 is a pre-built keyboard, so it is ready to go without needing to assemble or carry extra parts.
  • •Tinker 65 offers multi-media keys, which can be useful for on-the-go use.
ModdingDucky Outlaw 65
  • •Outlaw 65 is a DIY kit that comes disassembled in a carrying case, offering a hands-on building experience.
  • •Outlaw 65 includes multiple plates (FR4 and POM), two gaskets, and various foams (Poron plate foam, PE sheet, Poron bottom foam).
  • •The kit also comes with tools like switch puller, keycap puller, hex screwdriver, switch lube, and lube brush.
  • •Outlaw 65 features a CNC machined aluminum case and carbon fiber bottom plate for material experimentation.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both keyboards feature the same 65% layout with 67 keys and full QMK/VIA programmability for custom shortcuts.
  • •Both support Mac, Windows, and Linux, making them compatible with various editing setups.
  • •Both have hotswap sockets, allowing creators to choose switches that suit their typing preference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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