Ducky One 2 SF Keyboard ReviewThe Latest Guide

First Impressions

When I first unboxed the Ducky One 2 SF keyboard, my initial reaction was a mix of excitement and curiosity. The compact 65% design immediately caught my eye. It’s sleek and modern, featuring a petite bezel design that gives it a refined look. The keyboard felt sturdy and well-built, thanks to the doubleshot PBT keycaps that promise durability and a premium feel. I couldn’t wait to plug it in and start typing.

See Price On Amazon

Compact and Versatile

The Ducky One 2 SF is a compact 65% keyboard, which means it retains some keys like the arrow keys and delete key that are often omitted in smaller keyboards like the 60% Ducky One 2 Mini V1. This makes it a fantastic middle-ground for those who want a smaller form factor without sacrificing too much functionality.

Setting it up was straightforward. It connects via a USB-C cable, which is a nice modern touch. Despite its compact size, the layout is intuitive, and it didn’t take long to get used to the slightly different positioning of certain keys. The keyboard is perfect for my desk, freeing up valuable space for other gadgets or simply giving a cleaner, more organized look.

Typing Experience

Let’s talk about typing – the real heart of any keyboard review. My unit came with Cherry MX Blue switches, known for their tactile feedback and audible click. Typing on the Ducky One 2 SF is a joy. Each keystroke feels satisfying, with just the right amount of resistance and a crisp click that makes typing a tactile pleasure. However, the Blue switches are quite loud, which might not be ideal for a quiet office environment or late-night typing sessions at home.

If noise is a concern, the Ducky One 2 SF is available with a variety of Cherry MX switches, so you can opt for quieter ones like the Red or Brown switches. The customization options are fantastic, allowing you to tailor the keyboard to your specific typing preferences.

Gaming Performance

As a gamer, I was eager to see how the Ducky One 2 SF would perform in a gaming environment. The RGB backlighting is a highlight here, with individually-lit keys that can be customized to display a wide array of colors and effects. The lighting is bright and vibrant, making it not only functional in low-light settings but also visually stunning.

However, I did notice that the keyboard’s latency is a bit high for a wired keyboard. This might be a dealbreaker for some hardcore gamers who demand the fastest response times. For casual gaming, it’s perfectly fine, but if you’re into competitive gaming, this is something to consider.

Build Quality and Design

The build quality of the Ducky One 2 SF is top-notch. The keyboard feels robust and substantial, with no flex when typing. The doubleshot PBT keycaps are a standout feature. They not only look great but are also more durable and resistant to wear compared to standard ABS keycaps. This means the legends on the keys won’t fade over time, which is a big plus for someone who types a lot.

The design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The petite bezel design gives it a modern look, and the additional 10 PBT doubleshot colorful keycaps are a fun bonus. These keycaps come in random colors, allowing for a bit of personal flair. Swapping them out is easy and adds a bit of personality to the keyboard.

Ergonomics

While the Ducky One 2 SF doesn’t come with a wrist rest, I found it comfortable to type on for extended periods. The keyboard has two incline settings, which allow you to adjust the typing angle to your liking. I prefer a slight incline, which helped reduce wrist strain during long typing sessions.

Macro Programming and Customization

One of the standout features of the Ducky One 2 SF is the ability to program macros directly on the keyboard. While it lacks dedicated software, the process is surprisingly straightforward once you get the hang of it. Every key is macro-programmable, which opens up a world of customization options.

Recording macros is done through a combination of key presses, and the manual provides clear instructions. This feature is particularly useful for gamers who want to set up complex in-game commands or for productivity enthusiasts looking to automate repetitive tasks.

RGB Backlighting

The RGB backlighting on the Ducky One 2 SF is impressive. The 3528 SMD RGB LEDs provide bright, vibrant lighting that can be customized to your heart’s content. There are various lighting modes and effects to choose from, and you can even create your own custom profiles.

The individual key lighting is a nice touch, allowing for a high degree of personalization. Whether you prefer a subtle, static backlight or a dynamic, multi-color wave effect, the Ducky One 2 SF has you covered. The backlighting not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also improves visibility in low-light conditions.

Connectivity

The Ducky One 2 SF connects via a detachable USB-C cable. This modern connection standard is a welcome feature, offering both convenience and reliability. The cable is sturdy and braided, ensuring durability and reducing the risk of tangling.

While the keyboard is wired, the USB-C connection is fast and stable. I experienced no issues with connectivity or performance. However, for those who prefer wireless options, this might be a limitation. Personally, I don’t mind a wired connection for a keyboard, as it ensures a consistent and lag-free experience.

Office Use

The Ducky One 2 SF isn’t just a gaming keyboard; it’s also great for office use. The outstanding typing quality makes it a joy to use for writing, coding, or any other typing-intensive tasks. However, the Cherry MX Blue switches are quite loud, which could be disruptive in a shared office space. Opting for quieter switches can mitigate this issue.

The compact size of the keyboard is another advantage for office use. It takes up less desk space, allowing for a cleaner and more organized workspace. Despite its small footprint, the layout is functional and doesn’t feel cramped. I found it comfortable to use for long periods, even without a wrist rest.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Outstanding Typing Quality: The tactile feedback and audible click of the Cherry MX Blue switches provide an excellent typing experience. Other switch options allow for customization based on personal preference.
Compact and Versatile Design: The 65% layout strikes a perfect balance between functionality and space-saving design.
High-Quality Build: The doubleshot PBT keycaps and robust construction ensure durability and a premium feel.
Macro Programmable: Every key is macro-programmable, offering extensive customization options.
Vibrant RGB Backlighting: Individually-lit keys with customizable RGB backlighting enhance both aesthetics and functionality.

Cons

High Latency: The higher latency might be a concern for competitive gamers seeking the fastest response times.
No Wrist Rest: The absence of a wrist rest might affect comfort for some users during extended use.
Loud Switches: The Cherry MX Blue switches are quite loud, which might not be suitable for quiet environments.

Overall Experience

Using the Ducky One 2 SF has been a delightful experience. The keyboard’s compact size and high-quality construction make it a standout choice for both gaming and office use. The typing experience is exceptional, and the customizable RGB backlighting adds a touch of personality to my setup.

Despite a few minor drawbacks, such as the high latency and lack of a wrist rest, the overall performance and build quality of the Ducky One 2 SF are impressive. The ability to program macros directly on the keyboard is a useful feature, and the variety of switch options allows for personalization to suit different preferences and needs.

Recommendation

If you’re in the market for a compact, high-quality keyboard that offers a great balance between functionality and aesthetics, the Ducky One 2 SF is a fantastic choice. Its outstanding typing quality, robust build, and customizable features make it suitable for both gaming and everyday use. While it may not be the best option for competitive gamers due to the high latency, it excels in almost every other aspect.

Whether you’re a gamer, a writer, or someone who spends a lot of time at the computer, the Ducky One 2 SF is worth considering. Its compact design saves desk space without sacrificing key functionality, and the variety of switch options allows you to tailor the typing experience to your liking. Overall, I highly recommend the Ducky One 2 SF for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile keyboard.

Final Thoughts

The Ducky One 2 SF has truly impressed me with its performance and design. It’s a keyboard that feels great to use, looks fantastic on any desk, and offers a high degree of customization. Despite its compact size, it doesn’t compromise on functionality, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of users.

In this Ducky One 2 SF Keyboard Review, I’ve shared my personal experience and insights into what makes this keyboard stand out. If you value quality, customization, and a compact design, the Ducky One 2 SF is definitely worth adding to your setup. Whether you’re typing up reports, coding, or diving into your favorite games, this keyboard delivers a consistently excellent experience.