Ducky One 2 SF Review: A Premium and Compact All-Around Keyboard - Position Is Everything (2024)

Our Ducky One 2 SF review is a fantastic place to learn more about the product’s critical specs and features and discover its key criteria ratings. Although this mechanical keyboard looks and feels incredibly similar to the Razer Huntsman Mini, our experts believe it is a better choice due to its size and shape.

Unfortunately, the One 2 SF Ducky keyboard does not have hot-swappable sockets, but this should not be a massive problem for casual users. So, continue reading our thorough keyboard review to discover the product’s most prominent specifications, technologies, and features.

Pros and Cons Table

Product Highlights

It is time to focus on the product’s vital highlights after learning about its most prominent pros and cons. So, keep reading the following sections where we provide the highlights, thoroughly review the keyboard’s features, and rate the critical criteria:

• Structure: mechanical structure
• Trigger switch: Cherry MX switches
• Number of keys: 68
• Connection interface: USB 2.0
• Keycap material: ABS or PBT
• Output key number: USB N-Key Rollover
• Printing technology: laser engraved
• Product dimensions: 12.7 x 4.2 x 1.5 inches
• Product weight: 1.3 lbs

Ducky One 2 SF Review

– The key criteria of the product are:

• Design: 9 out of 10
• Switch types:5 out of 10
• RGB backlights: 8 out of 10
• Keystroke sensitivity: 9 out of 10

The Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard received impressive ratings on all critical criteria except the RGB backlights, but more on that in the following paragraphs. First, the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard has a fantastic design that many modern mechanical keyboards do not have, which is excellent for a product at this cost. Customers get blue and black keycaps and a unique design on the space and escape buttons. Henceforth, our experts believe this Ducky unit deserves a final score of 9 out of 10 for the vital design criterion.

Luckily, the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard deserves an improved score for the switch type criterion, thanks to its high-end controls and switches. The Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard has Cherry blue buttons similar to the MX Silent red, but our experts prefer the blue set. Customers wanting to experience a premium keyboard with excellent switches will love the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard. Therefore, we trust the Ducky keyboard’s control abilities, providing a 9.5 out of 10 final rating for the switch type criterion.

Unfortunately, the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard does not have an ideal RGB backlighting, which is insufficient for current gaming and video editing standards. As a result, the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard is not the best choice for dark computer setups because it requires extra light, especially for less experienced customers. The Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard has many customization and utility technologies, so customers should not worry about getting a unique product. Hence, the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard receives a 8 out of 10 final rating for the RGB backlights vital criterion, this unit’s worst score.

The Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard has an average keystroke sensitivity, meaning customers do not need to apply much force for the buttons to work. Customers can also customize the overall keycap layout by purchasing an additional set, but this will cost more. Unfortunately, the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard does not have hot-swappable sockets, which is annoying for customers who change switches often. Nevertheless, our experts believe in this product’s control features, providing a final rating of 9 out of 10 for the keystroke sensitivity criterion.

So, the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard is ideal for professional users needing a budget compact unit. Although the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard does not have the best RGB backlighting, we believe it will not affect your gaming experience. Our experts highly recommend this unique and fantastic gaming product.

How Has This Product Evolved?

The Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard improved its overall design and material quality, which is essential for durable and premium professional units. Previous versions significantly lacked style and unique details, but manufacturers did a great job upgrading these aspects and boosting performance. Customers can now experience the fantastic design on the space and escape buttons, but they also get a combination of blue and black keycaps, similar to the Kailh Box. Although the plastic case does not feel very durable, it can withstand heavy blows or accidental drops.

Another major upgrade is the RGB backlighting, which is not perfect but looks better than previous versions. The Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard has translucent legends and symbols on the keycaps, allowing light to penetrate, which looks excellent in dark computer setups. Customers can replace the stock keycaps and switches, but the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard does not have hot-swappable sockets. We recommend opting for the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard if you prefer affordable and high-end products.

Lastly, the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard improved the accessories that come in the package. Customers nowadays get a plastic dust cover, extra colored keycaps, and a long power cable, which manufacturers did not include previously. Ultimately, the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard package is compact and will not take up much space from your desk. Our experts believe it is the best 65 percent keyboard with these features.

Product Features Breakdown

So far, this complete guide has covered the product’s critical criteria ratings and notable upgrades, but we have yet to discover its features. Therefore, reading the following sections would be best because we explain what makes the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard better than similar products. We will help you understand the real benefits too.

– Build Material and Quality

The Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard does not have the best build material and quality, but we should not complain, considering its low cost. Customers get PBT switches and keycaps that feel smooth and tactile, which is great for long gaming sessions because they will not tire your hands. In addition, the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard has a more complex design than similar products because it does not look like an angled brick.

For instance, customers get a two-color split design at the top and bottom, merging the black and white pieces perfectly. The offset looks stylish and unique, and customers can enjoy the logo and model name printed on the front, complimenting the rest of the design. In addition, customers can enjoy a few kickstands that allow for multiple typing angles, but no hand rests exist. The Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard also has four DIP switches that are easy to find, checking all quality boxes.

The only minor drawback the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard has regarding material quality is the all-plastic case that might feel loose and clumsy during long gaming sessions. Fortunately, the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard is heavy enough, preventing accidental slips and movements, especially when using it profoundly. Therefore, this is the best choice for customers wanting affordable and beautiful products because the design and quality are impressive.

– Unique Keycaps and Legends

Not many affordable keyboards with unique keycaps exist, but fortunately, the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard is an exception. We have previously explained the importance of transparent legends and symbols, which helps light to penetrate and illuminate the keycap. Customers do not have to spend much on these keycaps because the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard package has all they need. In addition, the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard has extra colored keycaps in blue, so you can quickly customize the appearance.

The Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard has a stylized spacebar coming in the current zodiac year, meaning customers might get different designs. The most attractive layout is the rabbit design, but customers reported all designs are excellent and look beautiful. The space design looks better once customers turn the RGB backlighting on, which is easy and intuitive. Fortunately, the PBT double-shot plastic lasts longer than standard keycaps because it is durable and soft but withstands rugged use.

The most exciting aspect is the blue switches that provide a finishing touch to the overall design. Customers can replace any existing keycaps with the extra pack, but they need to be careful because the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard has front and top legends. So, you should be careful putting the unit together, especially if you are a beginner. Our experts believe the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard has some of the market’s best keycaps and legends.

– Firmware Functionality With Preprogrammed Keys

The Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard offer many functionalities through the firmware, which is this product’s most attractive aspect. Customers can use the included firmware to change several elements, and they do not need to install any convenient and intuitive software. For example, the three layers of keys are preprogrammed, meaning you can quickly cycle through the different preset options.

Customers can also quickly customize the preset options and turn the RGB backlighting on using the firmware. However, reading the user manual before using the firmware would be best because beginners might face several issues, especially if this is their first time using such a keyboard. Another exciting aspect manufacturers included in the firmware is allowing customers to play several games, such as Minesweeper or card games.

The Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard offers an option to change the debounce time, which is handy for the keyboard to be responsive and fast. The debounce interval refers to the time the keyboard waits before sending a different signal. Customers can drop the debounce time to 5ms, which is twice less than conventional keyboards. So, the faster the debounce time, the quicker the responsive feel.

– Perfect Stabilizers and Switches

The Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard’s last vital features are the stabilizers and switches that look and feel great. This keyboard includes plate-mounted controls and stabilizers with a blue housing and gray stem. The color looks beautiful and feels great, precisely what Ducky manufacturers had in mind designing this unit. As a result, this prevents large keycaps such as the spacebar from wobbling during regular use or typing.

Although the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard does not have the most premium stabilizers, they are sufficient for most tasks and make a huge difference. The Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard offers everything customers need at a low cost. Fortunately, customers can enjoy all Cherty switches because the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard supports all colors. So, it is up to you to choose the set that works best.

Conclusion

The Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard is excellent for gaming, streaming, video editing, and programming because it is compact and has awesome switches. Customers will also experience the high-end Cherry switches, although the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard does not include hot-swappable sockets, which might be a problem.

Fortunately, the design is fantastic because the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard has stylized escape and space keycaps with translucent symbols. Customers can replace the existing set, but this will cost more. So, our experts highly recommend the Ducky One 2 SF gaming keyboard because it checks all criteria boxes and receives excellent ratings.