Ducky One 2 Mini Review: 60% Classic With Great Keycaps
Ducky One 2 Mini Review
Quick Verdict
Bottom Line: Still a solid 60% pick with excellent PBT caps and plug-and-play reliability.
Buy if you want a compact board with quality caps.
Skip if you need software macros or dedicated arrow keys.
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Quick Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Layout | 60% (61 keys, no F-row/nav cluster) |
| Keycaps | Doubleshot PBT (thick, durable legends) |
| Switches | Cherry MX / Kailh options (varies by batch) |
| Connectivity | Detachable USB-C cable |
| Lighting | Per-key RGB (hardware-controlled, no software) |
| Weight | ~600g (portable, sturdy) |
Availability Note: Older model; stock varies by region. Check current availability before ordering.
Design & Build
Two-tone case options, crisp legends on doubleshot PBT keycaps (the standout feature that justifies this board in 2025), and a detachable USB-C cable. Sturdy plate with minimal flex for its size.
Why PBT matters: Legends won't fade; texture stays grippy for years. These caps alone cost $40-60 separately—you're getting them stock.
Layout tradeoff: No dedicated arrow keys or F-row. You'll use Fn combos for arrows/navigation. Learning curve is 2-3 days for most users.
Key Features
- 60% layout (no F-row/cluster) with hardware shortcuts
- Doubleshot PBT keycaps with sharp legends (main selling point)
- Multiple switch options (Cherry MX Red/Brown/Blue/Silver, Kailh variants)
- Per-key RGB controlled on-board (no software required)
- Detachable USB-C for travel/replacement
Typing & Gaming
Stable stabilizers and consistent key feel; fast actuation for FPS/MOBA. Learning curve for arrows/navigation is the main hurdle if you're coming from TKL/full size.
Real-world observation: After one week, Fn+WASD arrow navigation becomes muscle memory. No software bloat means it works on any OS (Windows/Mac/Linux).
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Pros & Cons
Pros
✅ Excellent stock doubleshot PBT keycaps
✅ Reliable firmware-level controls (no software)
✅ Compact footprint, travel-friendly
✅ Plug-and-play on any OS
Cons
❌ No software remapping for power users
❌ 60% layout sacrifices arrows & nav keys
❌ Older model—availability can vary by region
❌ No hot-swap (switches are soldered)
Alternatives
TKL-ish Comfort: Keychron K2 (75% with dedicated arrows, wireless, hot-swap)
Feature-Rich 60%: Anne Pro 2 (Bluetooth, software macros, similar price)
Verdict
A clean, dependable 60% that still punches above its weight for both gaming and coding desks. The doubleshot PBT caps are the reason to buy this over newer competition—just accept the 60% layout tradeoffs.
