Last Updated on April 8, 2023
Looking for a high-quality mechanical keyboard that is compact, durable, and perfect for gaming or typing? Look no further than the Ducky One 3 Mini. In this review, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview of this keyboard, covering everything from its design and build quality to its performance, features, and value.
Ducky One 3 Mini
The Ducky One 3 Mini is a mechanical keyboard with a compact design, measuring 310x110x40mm and weighing 593g. It features Cherry MX mechanical switches and RGB backlit keys with customizable lighting effects. The keycaps are made from true PBT with double-shot legends that won’t fade over time. The keyboard has a USB 2.0 connection interface and offers N-Key Rollover with a dual-layer PCB for longer life expectancy and signal stability.
The keyboard also has a hot-swappable design, allowing for easy switch replacements without desoldering. It comes with three different tilt angles, a sleek bezel design, and a high polling rate of 1000Hz. The Ducky One 3 Mini is made in Taiwan and is optimized for advanced gaming and typing with its stable weight distribution and acoustics-reducing design.
Features And Specifications
| Feature/Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Structure | Mechanical |
| Switches | Cherry MX mechanical switches |
| Keycap material | True PBT with double-shot legends |
| LED | RGB backlighting with radiant lighting effects |
| Connection interface | USB 2.0 Type-C |
| Output key number | USB N-Key Rollover |
| Printing technology | Double-shot |
| Dimensions | 310 x 110 x 40 mm |
| Weight | 593g |
| Origin of production | Taiwan |
The Ducky One 3 Mini is a high-quality mechanical keyboard that is designed for both gaming and typing. The keyboard features Cherry MX mechanical switches that provide tactile and responsive feedback with a lifespan of over 50 million clicks. The keycaps are made of true PBT material, which is durable, shine-resistant, and won’t fade over time. The double-shot printing technology ensures that the legends on the keycaps are seamlessly integrated, making them easy to read and long-lasting.
The Ducky One 3 Mini also features RGB backlighting with radiant lighting effects, allowing you to customize the keyboard to match your style. You can adjust the brightness, speed, and color of the backlighting to suit your preferences. The keyboard has a USB 2.0 Type-C connection interface that supports a 1000Hz polling rate, which means it sends input signals to your PC 1000 times per second, providing a fast and responsive experience.
In terms of performance, the Ducky One 3 Mini offers USB N-Key Rollover, which means it can handle any number of simultaneous key presses. It also features a dual-layer PCB design that provides longer life expectancy and signal stability, and a multi-layered padding design that enhances the acoustics of the switches and reduces unwanted noise during use.
Additionally, the Ducky One 3 Mini is hot-swappable, which means you can easily mount and replace switches without the need for desoldering, making it an efficient option for trying out different mechanical switches. The keyboard has a detachable USB Type-C cable and three different tilt angles for maximum comfort during extended gaming or typing sessions. Its sleek bezel design matches all varieties of keycap colorways, making it a stylish addition to any setup.
Design And Build Quality
The Ducky One 3 Mini is a mechanical keyboard designed for advanced gaming and typing. It features a sturdy build quality with a weight distribution and lowered case height that improves the keyboard’s overall stability and poise. The keyboard comes with Cherry MX mechanical switches, and its keycaps are made from true PBT with a double-shot printing technique that ensures the legends never fade away even after multiple years of use.
The keyboard also features a frosted surface and is stain-resistant, making it ideal for fast movements and non-stop use. Additionally, the keyboard has a multi-layered padding design to reduce unwanted noise during use, and a supplementary layer of EVA foam pad is located underneath the PCB to provide further sound reduction.
The Ducky One 3 Mini is a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard that comes with Kailh sockets, allowing users to mount switches into place and pull out without desoldering switches, making it the most efficient option to enjoy a wide range of mechanical switches. The keyboard has a detachable USB Type-C connection interface, and it uses USB HID with the highest frequency of 1000Hz polling rate, meaning the keyboard is sending its input signal(s) to your PC 1000 times per second. The keyboard also features a dual-layer PCB for longer life expectancy and signal stability.
The Ducky One 3 Mini has a sleek bezel design that matches all varieties of keycap colorways. It also features RGB backlit keys with radiant lighting effects, allowing users to personalize their keyboard with effects built into the keyboard. Users can change brightness, speed, and color to make the keyboard shine with their very own style. Additionally, the keyboard has three different tilt angles with two-step keyboard feet, allowing users to set the keyboard at a comfortable angle. Overall, the Ducky One 3 Mini is a well-designed mechanical keyboard with a high-quality build, making it a reliable choice for gamers and typists alike.
The Ducky One 3 Mini is a compact mechanical keyboard that offers three different height adjustments to help you find the most comfortable position when typing. This keyboard has a dip switch at the bottom that allows you to adjust the bottom row to your liking. Additionally, the design of the Ducky One 3 Mini is very cool and aesthetic, with a futuristic casing and high-quality build.
The keyboard’s compact size makes it a great option for those who want to save space on their desk or for people who need to carry their keyboard with them while traveling. Despite its small size, the Ducky One 3 Mini has all the necessary keys for efficient typing, including arrow keys and a number pad.
The three different height adjustments on the Ducky One 3 Mini allow you to customize the keyboard to your needs. This feature is particularly useful for people who suffer from wrist or hand pain or those who spend long hours typing. The dip switch on the bottom of the keyboard allows you to adjust the bottom row of keys to your preference, which can be helpful for people who are used to typing on different keyboard layouts.
Overall, the Ducky One 3 Mini is an excellent mechanical keyboard that offers a great typing experience and a high-quality build. The compact size and customizable features make it a great choice for anyone who wants a keyboard that is both stylish and functional.
The Keycaps
The keycaps of the Ducky One 3 Mini are made from true PBT, which is a high-quality material. The keycaps are created using a double-shot technique, where two plastics are molded together. This results in seamless legends that will never fade, even after years of use. Additionally, the keycaps have a frosted surface that makes them shine and stain-resistant, perfect for fast movements and non-stop use.
The construction of the keyboard is optimized for stability and poise during rigorous use, with a front-to-back weight ratio that keeps the keyboard in a steady position. The keyboard also features authentic acoustics with a multi-layered padding design that highlights raw acoustics from the switches and reduces unwanted noise during use.
The keyboard has three different tilt angles with two-step keyboard feet and a sleek bezel design to match all keycap colorways. The keys are RGB backlit with radiant lighting effects that allow users to personalize their keyboard with brightness, speed, and color adjustments.
Overall, the keycaps of the Ducky One 3 Mini are made from high-quality PBT material and have seamless legends that will not fade over time. The keyboard is optimized for stability and acoustics, with a hot-swappable design and detachable USB Type-C connection. It also features RGB backlit keys with radiant lighting effects for personalized style.
The Stabilizers
A stabilizer is a mechanical part of a keyboard that helps to keep the larger keys steady and consistent when pressed. The Ducky One 3 Mini uses a particular type of stabilizer called a “plate-mounted stabilizer.” This means that the stabilizer is attached to the metal plate that sits beneath the keyboard’s key switches.
The V2 plate stabilizer used in the Ducky One 3 Mini is actually just as good as the more expensive screw-in stabilizers used in some other keyboards. In fact, many people prefer plate-mounted stabilizers because they can be easier to install and replace.
When you type on the Ducky One 3 Mini, you’ll notice that the keys that use the stabilizer feel very stable and don’t wobble or shake. This makes for a smoother and more consistent typing experience overall.
One of the reasons the stabilizer on the Ducky One 3 Mini works so well is because it comes pre-lubricated from the factory. This means that the moving parts of the stabilizer are already coated with a thin layer of lubricant, which helps to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation.
Overall, the V2 plate stabilizer used in the Ducky One 3 Mini is a high-quality and reliable component that helps to make this keyboard an excellent choice for typing and gaming alike.
The Hot-Swappable PCB
The Ducky One 3 Mini features a hot-swappable PCB that uses Kailh’s hot-swap sockets. This means that users can easily mount and remove switches without the need to desolder them, making it very convenient to try out different types of mechanical switches. The hot-swappable sockets are colored in a vibrant yellow and are known for their impressive reliability.
Additionally, the PCB is optimized for sound reduction with a multi-layered padding design to reduce unwanted noise during use. There is also a supplementary layer of EVA foam pad located underneath the PCB to provide further sound reduction and negate any unwanted sounds.
The hot-swappable PCB is compatible with both N-key and 6-Key Rollover, allowing users to handle any number of simultaneous key presses. The keyboard also has a dual-layer PCB for longer life expectancy and signal stability.
Overall, the hot-swappable PCB in the Ducky One 3 Mini offers a convenient and efficient way to customize the keyboard with a wide range of mechanical switches while also providing excellent sound reduction and stability.
The Switches
When you buy the Ducky One 3 Mini keyboard, you can choose from different types of switches made by a company called Cherry MX. These switches are important because they are the little parts inside the keyboard that make each key work when you press it.
There are seven different Cherry MX switches you can choose from, and each one feels a little different when you press it. Some of the switches are quieter than others, some are more sensitive, and some have a tactile bump when you press them.
Here are the seven switch options you can choose from:
- Cherry MX Black – This switch is a linear switch, which means it feels smooth and consistent when you press it down. It requires a bit more force to press than some of the other switches, which makes it good for people who want a bit of resistance when typing.
- Cherry MX Brown – This switch is a tactile switch, which means it has a little bump when you press it down. It’s not as loud as the Cherry MX Blue switch, so it’s good for people who want a tactile feel without the noise.
- Cherry MX Blue – This switch is also a tactile switch, but it’s known for being quite loud. When you press it down, it makes a clicky sound that some people love and others find annoying.
- Cherry MX Red – This switch is a linear switch like the Cherry MX Black, but it requires less force to press. This makes it good for people who want a smooth typing experience without having to press down too hard.
- Cherry MX Silver – This switch is also a linear switch, but it’s even more sensitive than the Cherry MX Red. It’s good for people who want a really fast typing experience.
- Cherry MX Clear – This switch is a tactile switch like the Cherry MX Brown, but it requires a bit more force to press down. It’s good for people who want a tactile feel but don’t want to accidentally press keys too easily.
- Cherry MX Silent Red – This switch is similar to the Cherry MX Red, but it’s designed to be quieter. It’s good for people who want a smooth typing experience without making too much noise.
If you choose a Cherry MX linear or tactile switch, it’s a good idea to lubricate the switch to make it even smoother. The switches that come installed in the Ducky One 3 Mini are not lubricated from the factory, so adding a bit of lubricant can make a big difference in your typing experience.
Good Damping Quality
Foam Inside the casing and also Silicon installed between PCB and Plate
The Ducky One 3 Mini keyboard features a damping foam that is placed inside the keyboard case, as well as a soft damper between the PCB and the Plate. This feature helps to reduce noise and vibration when typing or gaming on the keyboard. The use of a silencer provides a pleasant typing experience, and the resulting sound of typing is not loud or annoying.
Silicon between PCB and Plate
The silicone material placed between the PCB and the plate is effective in reducing the vibration and noise caused by typing on the keyboard. It effectively muffles the sound of typing, making it smoother and quieter. Overall, the damping of the Ducky One 3 Mini keyboard provides a more enjoyable and comfortable typing experience.
By adding foam to the case, the Ducky One 3 Mini can produce a high-quality acoustic sound, with a more muted and refined tone than a keyboard without dampening. This can be particularly beneficial for those who work in quiet environments, such as offices or libraries, as it can help to reduce the amount of noise that the keyboard produces.
Overall, the addition of a foam damper is a popular mod for mechanical keyboards, as it can provide a noticeable improvement in sound quality and make typing more enjoyable.
The RGB Backlit
The Ducky One 3 Mini has RGB backlit keys, which allows for a personalized keyboard with various lighting effects. Users can change the brightness, speed, and color of the lighting to match their preferred style. The keyboard also features radiant lighting effects, adding an extra layer of visual appeal to the keyboard. With its seamless double-shot keycaps made of true PBT material, the lighting is optimized to shine through the legends while maintaining the keycaps’ original look.
When using the Ducky One 3 Mini in a room with low lighting, the RGB backlit system is bright enough to provide maximum lighting, making it easy to see and use the keyboard.
To change the RGB animation on the Ducky One 3 Mini, you can use the “Alt + T” key combination. This will bring up a menu where you can select from a variety of pre-set animations or customize your own. This feature allows you to personalize your keyboard and make it truly your own.
Overall, the Ducky One 3 Mini’s RGB backlit system is a unique and cool feature that adds both style and functionality to the keyboard. Its customization options and brightness make it a great choice for those who use their keyboard in low-light environments or just want to add some personality to their setup.
Connectivity And Compatibility
Detachable USB Type C
The Ducky One 3 Mini keyboard, as well as other models in the Ducky One 3 series, can only be connected to a computer using a detachable USB Type C cable. This means that the keyboard can be easily disconnected and reconnected, which can be useful for transportation or storage purposes.
In terms of compatibility, the Ducky One 3 Mini keyboard is designed to work with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux operating systems, which means that it can be used with a wide range of computers. However, it’s important to note that the keyboard doesn’t support Bluetooth or 2.4Ghz wireless connectivity, so it can’t be used wirelessly with other devices.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality keyboard that offers reliable connectivity and compatibility with a range of operating systems, the Ducky One 3 Mini could be a good choice. Just keep in mind that it only supports USB Type C connectivity, and can’t be used wirelessly.
The Software
A potential downside of all products in the Ducky One 3 line, which is the lack of supporting software for customizing the keyboard’s RGB lighting or reprogramming key functions. Instead, users must manually configure all settings and reprogram keys without the aid of software.
This means that users may need to spend more time and effort configuring their keyboard to their liking, as they won’t have the convenience of an intuitive software interface. However, the guide referenced in the statement provides a comprehensive resource for users to learn about and adjust basic keyboard settings.
Some examples of settings that may need to be adjusted manually include changing the colors or patterns of the keyboard’s RGB lighting, remapping specific keys to different functions, or adjusting the keyboard’s response rate. While some users may find this process frustrating, others may enjoy the control and customization that comes with manual configuration.
Overall, the lack of supporting software may be considered a drawback for some users, but it is important to note that the Ducky One 3 line is still a high-quality and well-regarded option for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Manual Adjustment for Ducky One 3 Keyboards
Profile Selections
Keyboard Button Function Keys
Keyboard Configuration Diagram US Layout
Multimedia Keys Setting
Performance
The Ducky One 3 Mini is a high-performance mechanical keyboard with a compact form factor. It features Cherry MX mechanical switches for exceptional tactile feedback and durability. The keycaps are made from true PBT, which is a high-quality material that is resistant to shine and stains. The double-shot printing technology ensures that the legends on the keycaps never fade away, even after years of use.
The keyboard has a frosted surface, which gives it a unique and attractive appearance. It is also optimized for stability and poise during intense typing or gaming sessions. The weight distribution and lowered case height make it more stable, and the front-to-back weight ratio is meticulously engineered to keep the keyboard in one position.
The keyboard also features authentic acoustics, with a multi-layered padding design that reduces unwanted noise during use. A supplementary layer of EVA foam pad is located underneath the PCB to further improve sound reduction and negate any unwanted sounds.
One of the key features of the Ducky One 3 Mini is its hot-swappable mechanical design, which uses Kailh’s hot-swap sockets. This allows users to easily mount and remove switches without the need for desoldering, making it easy to experiment with different switch types.
The keyboard has a detachable USB Type-C cable and uses USB HID with a high frequency of 1000Hz polling rate for faster response times. The dual-layer PCB design ensures longer life expectancy and signal stability. Users can choose between N-key or 6-Key Rollover and set the keyboard at three different tilt angles using the two-step keyboard feet.
The Ducky One 3 Mini also features RGB backlit keys with a variety of radiant lighting effects that can be personalized with brightness, speed, and color adjustments. Overall, the Ducky One 3 Mini is a high-quality and versatile mechanical keyboard that is perfect for both gaming and typing.
Typing Experience
The typing experience on the Ducky One 3 Mini mechanical keyboard is exceptional due to several key features. Firstly, the keycaps are made from true PBT material, which is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear. Additionally, the double-shot molding technique used for the key legends ensures that they will never fade, even after years of use.
The keyboard’s weight distribution and lowered case height improve its stability and poise, making it ideal for both gaming and typing. The front-to-back weight ratio is also meticulously engineered to keep the keyboard in one position, even during the most rigorous typing sessions.
To enhance the typing experience, the keyboard features a multi-layered padding design that highlights the raw acoustics of the switches while reducing unwanted noise. The keyboard also has a supplementary layer of EVA foam pad underneath the PCB, which further reduces sound and negates any unwanted noise.
The Ducky One 3 Mini is also a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard, meaning that users can easily mount and remove switches without having to desolder them. This makes it easy to customize the keyboard with a wide range of mechanical switches.
Other notable features of the keyboard include a detachable USB Type-C connection interface, dual-layer PCB for longer life expectancy and signal stability, and the option of N-key or 6-Key Rollover for handling simultaneous key presses. The keyboard also has three different tilt angles and a sleek bezel design that matches all varieties of keycap colorways.
Finally, the keyboard features RGB backlit keys with customizable lighting effects, allowing users to personalize their keyboard’s brightness, speed, and color to suit their style. Overall, the Ducky One 3 Mini offers an outstanding typing experience with its high-quality materials, advanced features, and customizable design.
Price and Value
$134.00
The Ducky One 3 Mini is a high-quality mechanical keyboard that offers a range of features and benefits for users. The keycaps are made from true PBT material, which is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear. The double-shot printing technology ensures that the legends on the keycaps never fade away, even after years of use. The frosted surface finish of the keycaps makes them resistant to shine and stains, ensuring a sleek and clean appearance even with constant use.
In terms of construction, the Ducky One 3 Mini has been designed to provide optimal stability and poise during intense gaming or typing sessions. The weight distribution and lowered case height ensure that the keyboard remains in one position and is not easily moved around. The multi-layered padding design helps to reduce unwanted noise and enhances the acoustics of the switches.
The Ducky One 3 Mini is also a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard, which means that users can easily replace the switches without the need for soldering. This feature provides greater flexibility and allows users to experiment with a wide range of mechanical switches. The detachable USB Type-C connection interface makes it easy to plug and unplug the keyboard, while the high frequency of 1000Hz polling rate ensures that the keyboard sends input signals to the PC quickly and accurately.
The Ducky One 3 Mini comes with RGB backlit keys that offer a range of lighting effects. Users can customize the brightness, speed, and color of the lighting to match their style and preferences. The keyboard also features a sleek bezel design that complements different keycap colorways.
Overall, the Ducky One 3 Mini offers excellent value for its price. It is a well-designed and durable keyboard that offers a range of features that are useful for gamers, typists, and anyone who spends a lot of time typing. The high-quality construction, hot-swappable switches, and customizable lighting effects make it a great investment for anyone looking for a high-quality mechanical keyboard.
Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| True PBT keycaps with double-shot legends for durability and aesthetics | No wireless option |
| Optimized construction for stability and balance during use | No dedicated media keys |
| Multi-layered padding for improved acoustics and noise reduction | No programmable keys or macro support |
| Hot-swappable mechanical switches for easy customization | No included wrist rest |
| Detachable USB Type-C cable for convenience | No software for customization |
| High polling rate of 1000Hz for fast and accurate inputs | Limited color options for keycaps |
| Sleek bezel design to match various keycap colorways | No dedicated volume control knob |
| RGB backlit keys with various lighting effects for personalization | Higher price point compared to other 60% keyboards |
| Three adjustable keyboard angles for comfort during extended use |
The Ducky One 3 Mini offers several advantages, including high-quality PBT keycaps with double-shot legends for durability and aesthetics, optimized construction for stability and balance during use, multi-layered padding for improved acoustics and noise reduction, and hot-swappable mechanical switches for easy customization. It also features a detachable USB Type-C cable, high polling rate of 1000Hz for fast and accurate inputs, a sleek bezel design, RGB backlit keys with various lighting effects, and three adjustable keyboard angles for comfort during extended use.
However, some potential drawbacks of the Ducky One 3 Mini include the lack of a wireless option, dedicated media keys, programmable keys or macro support, an included wrist rest, and software for customization. It also has limited color options for keycaps, no dedicated volume control knob, and a higher price point compared to other 60% keyboards.
Should You Buy The Ducky One 3 Mini?
Whether or not you should buy the Ducky One 3 Mini keyboard depends on your personal preferences and needs. However, based on the features and specifications listed, it seems to be a high-quality keyboard with a durable PBT keycap material, hot-swappable switches, RGB backlighting, and a sleek design.
Conclusion
The Ducky One 3 Mini is a mechanical keyboard that stands out from the competition with its quality materials, excellent performance, and attractive design. It features a compact size with a sturdy and stable build, perfect for both gaming and typing. The keyboard’s PBT keycaps are double-shot molded, ensuring durability and long-lasting legends that will never fade. Additionally, the frosted surface provides excellent grip and is stain-resistant, ensuring the keyboard looks as good as new even after years of use.
One of the best features of the Ducky One 3 Mini is its hot-swappable switches, allowing users to switch out switches without the need for soldering, making it easy to customize the keyboard to personal preferences. The keyboard also features authentic acoustics, thanks to its multi-layered padding design that highlights the raw acoustics of the switches while reducing unwanted noise. The keyboard is also optimized for stability, with a weight distribution and lowered case height that keeps it in one unwavering position during use.
The Ducky One 3 Mini also comes with a detachable USB Type-C cable, making it easy to transport and use on-the-go. It offers three keyboard angles, giving users the ability to customize their typing angle for added comfort. The keyboard also features RGB backlit keys with various lighting effects, providing users with an added level of customization.
Overall, the Ducky One 3 Mini is an excellent mechanical keyboard that offers outstanding build quality, durability, and customization options. Whether you’re a gamer or typist, this keyboard is sure to impress with its impressive performance and attractive design.
FAQs
Are the keycaps of Ducky One 3 Mini made of true PBT?
Yes, the keycaps of Ducky One 3 Mini are made of true PBT.
What is the printing technology used for the keycaps of Ducky One 3 Mini?
The keycaps of Ducky One 3 Mini are made using the double-shot printing technology.
What is the weight of the Ducky One 3 Mini keyboard?
The weight of the Ducky One 3 Mini keyboard is 593g.
What is the connection interface for the Ducky One 3 Mini keyboard?
The connection interface for the Ducky One 3 Mini keyboard is USB 2.0.
Is the Ducky One 3 Mini keyboard hot-swappable?
Yes, the Ducky One 3 Mini keyboard is hot-swappable and features Kailh’s hot-swap sockets.
Does the Ducky One 3 Mini keyboard have RGB backlighting?
Yes, the Ducky One 3 Mini keyboard has RGB backlighting with radiant lighting effects.
What material are the keycaps made of on the Ducky One 3 Mini?
The keycaps are made from true PBT material, which is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear.
How are the legends on the keycaps created?
The legends are formed using a double-shot technique, where two plastics are molded together. This ensures that the legends will never fade away, even after years of use.
Is the keyboard stable during use?
Yes, the keyboard is designed with weight distribution and a lowered case height to improve stability and reduce movement during use.
What kind of padding is used to reduce unwanted noise during use?
The keyboard features a multi-layered padding design to reduce unwanted noise from switches. There is also a layer of EVA foam pad underneath the PCB for additional sound reduction.
Can users easily switch out the switches on the Ducky One 3 Mini?
Yes, the keyboard is hot-swappable and features Kailh’s hot-swap sockets, making it easy for users to mount and replace switches without desoldering.
What type of USB connection does the Ducky One 3 Mini use?
The keyboard uses a USB Type-C connection interface.
What is the polling rate of the Ducky One 3 Mini?
The keyboard uses USB HID with a polling rate of 1000Hz, meaning it sends input signals to your PC 1000 times per second.
How many simultaneous key presses can the Ducky One 3 Mini handle?
The keyboard has the option of N-key or 6-Key Rollover, allowing it to handle any number of simultaneous key presses.
What are the dimensions and weight of the Ducky One 3 Mini?
The keyboard measures 310x110x40 mm and weighs 593g.
Where is the Ducky One 3 Mini produced?
The keyboard is produced in Taiwan.
Are Ducky One 3 Mini Work with Mac?
Yes, the Ducky One 3 Mini can work with a Mac as it uses a USB connection and is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. However, some of the keyboard’s special functions may not be fully compatible with a Mac.
