HyperX and Ducky are returning with their extremely popular, limited-edition crossover keyboard. On November 18, the second edition of the HyperX x Ducky One 2 Mini Keyboard will be released with only 6500 units up for grabs. Luckily, I was able to spend about 3 weeks with this board and I have to say – it's really good.
First of all, this is a 60 percent keyboard, so make sure you know how tiny it is. This form factor isn't suited for certain games. In StarCraft 2, for example, the F1-F12 row tends to be important for hotkeys. However, the 60 percent works very well for travel, typing, and FPS games that require plenty of mouse space. I found the size to be great when playing Apex Legends, as the num-pad, arrow keys, and F1-12 row aren't necessary. Of course, most keys found on a full-sized board are still accessible through the 60 percent's Fn key.
Secondly, the HyperX red linear switches feel great. They boast a light 45g actuation force and an 80 million keystroke lifespan. I've tended to lean towards tactile and clicky keyboards for a while, and I was very impressed with HyperX's linear switches. They feel silky-smooth and aren't very loud, either. Even without a bump or click to send me feedback when gaming, I don't recall ever feeling uncomfortable with the board. In fact, I just may be a convert thanks to these switches.
The second edition of the HyperX x Ducky One 2 Mini Keyboard truly shines throughout typing. I write, edit, and game all day – and this puppy delivers. Fatigue wasn't an issue at all during my typing tests, and I even got hooked on trying to set new personal bests on MonkeyType (which I did) just because I enjoyed the board's feel so much.
Key stability and rattle is minimal; Ducky's One 2 Mini board is robust, tried-and-true. The keyboard's lighting is great, as expected. I enjoyed messing around with the ten presets alone, not to mention its per-key RGB lighting options. This is the second edition of the collaboration, now featuring a black colorway for even more stand-out lighting. Additionally, you can program up to six custom hardware enabled profiles, if you're into macros. This edition features Ducky's PBT double-shotseamless keycaps, and also contains a charming alternative space bar and special Year or the Rat key.
If you just want the specifications, here they are:
Keyboard
Switch: HyperX Switch
Type: Mechanical
Backlight: RGB
Light effects: Per-key RGB lighting
Connection type: USB Type-C to USB Type-A
Anti-ghosting: 100% anti-ghosting
Key Rollover: N-key mode
Media control: Yes (Hotkeys)
OS compatibility: Windows® 10, 8.1, 8, 7
Switch
Switch: HyperX Red Switch
Operation Style: Linear
Operating Force: 45 g
Actuation Point: 1.8 mm
Total Travel Distance: 3.8 mm
Life Span (Keystrokes): 80 million
Cable
Type: Detachable
Length: 1.6 m
Dimensions
Width: 302.0 mm
Depth: 108.0 mm
Height: 40.0 mm
Weight: 599.0 g
Personally, I'm a bit of a keyboard snob. I believe the best keyboards (and certainly not the cheapest) are going to be custom builds, tailored to personal taste. But if you're looking for a prebuilt, top-of-the-line 60 percent keyboard – the HyperX x Ducky One 2 Mini Keyboard is a fantastic choice. Don't miss its launch at 8am PST on November 18.
It retails for $109.99 MSRP in the U.S. and $149.99 MSRP in Canada.