Explore Ducky ProjectD Tinker 65: A Customizable, Affordable DIY Keyboard Revolution

Ducky’s specialized mechanical keyboard brand, ProjectD, has recently unveiled its latest DIY masterpiece, the “ProjectD Tinker 65,” following the success of its flagship series, ProjectD Outlaw. The Tinker 65, with its striking black and white design, subtly nods to a popular, action-packed anime famous for its tofu delivery storyline. As a 65% customizable keyboard, the Tinker 65 is more affordably priced than its flagship counterpart, the Outlaw, aligning with Ducky ProjectD’s mission to offer personalized style in keyboard products. The Tinker 65 is available as a Barebone kit without keycaps or switches, but it also offers an array of options including Cherry MX switches in various types and durable, stain-resistant PBT double-shot keycaps, making it an accessible choice for beginners aiming to craft their perfect keyboard.

Specifications:

Layout: 65%
Hot-Swappable Sockets: Yellow Kailh sockets supporting hot-swapping
Mounting Design: Gasket Mount
Plate Material: FR-4 Glass Fiber
Dampening Material: Poron silent sandwich, PE silent bottom cotton
Backlighting: RGB with South-facing arrangement
Switch Options: Hot-swappable (Red, Blue, Brown, Silver)
Keycaps: Double-shot molding
Connectivity: USB 2.0 (Type-C to Type-A) with a braided detachable cable
Ghosting Prevention: N-Key Rollover for full anti-ghosting
Macro Support: QMK / VIA compatible
Adjustable Stand: 3-step height adjustment
Dimensions: 320 x 125 x 40mm
Weight: 590g
Manufactured in: Taiwan

Table of Contents

Ducky ProjectD Tinker 65 Appearance and Gasket Mount Structure

The Ducky ProjectD Tinker 65 showcases a distinct black and white color scheme, featuring a black top cover that reveals a white plate and bottom cover when the keycaps are removed. This color distribution, along with the brand name, evokes images of the iconic tofu delivery car dominating Mount Akina. The keyboard’s slim bezel design contributes to its sleek and tidy overall appearance. The keyboard’s underside features a curved design, and its compact size and weight, just under 600g, make it highly portable.

In terms of internal structure, the Tinker 65 employs an FR-4 glass fiber material for the plate, coupled with Poron foam for sound dampening, integrated within a Gasket Mount design for a secure and snug top and bottom cover fit. This selection of materials and design effectively softens the sound of keystrokes while eliminating metallic reverberations, resulting in a pleasant and crisp typing sound. The mechanical design uniformly reduces the after-echo of each keystroke, enhancing the overall typing experience.

**The printing on the front of the Ducky ProjectD Tinker 65 box has an RGB effect.**

**The specifications are marked on the side of the outer box, including information about the switches, keycaps, hot-swappable support, etc.**

**The back of the box indicates that it uses German Cherry MX switches and supports 1 million keystrokes.**

**Out of the box, the keyboard body is covered with a plastic protective cover and wrapped in a plastic sleeve.**

**The box is marked with a schematic diagram of the Cherry MX axis key travel and axis structure. The outer packaging is quite thick and beautifully crafted.**

**ProjectD Tinker 65 accessory set, including USB braided cable and key extractor**.

**The cable provided is USB 2.0 Type-C to Type A with plastic sleeves pre-installed on both ends.**

Easy customization of Ducky ProjectD Tinker 65｜Hot-swappable, RGB, QMK/VIA function support

The Ducky ProjectD Tinker 65, true to its name, features a 65% keyboard layout. It thoughtfully retains essential keys such as Del, PgUp, PgDn, End, and arrow keys, making it particularly convenient for users who frequently utilize text selection in their typing. The keyboard is designed with several pre-set Fn key combinations, eliminating the hassle of initial key configuration. For instance, Fn + R instantly toggles the RGB lighting, while Fn + T switches between built-in RGB light effects. This model comes with all the essential combo keys one might need.

Moreover, the Tinker 65 supports hot-swappable switches, maintaining the customizable elements of its flagship counterpart, the Outlaw. Users can intuitively and swiftly modify basic keyboard settings via the QMK / VIA software, such as adjusting RGB color schemes, speed, and direction. Of course, this software also allows for the customization or modification of key combinations, offering a high degree of personalization to the user’s experience.

**The included transparent cover can be used directly for daily dust protection.**

**65% arrangement retains Del, PgUp, PgDn, End, and arrow keys**.

**The bottom four corners, including the three-section bracket, all have foot pads, and the ProjectD Tinker 65 stamped nameplate is affixed in the center.**

**Three-stage support frame adjustment**.

**Three sections of keyboard stand adjustment and anti-slip pads for each section**.

**The front side of the keyboard has the brand logo printed on it and a USB Type-C outlet in the middle.**

**Adjust the appearance of the front side of the bracket**.

**Turn on the RGB light effect directly after the keyboard is connected. Fn + R can switch RGB on and off at any time.**

**ProjectD Tinker 65 preset key combinations**.

For keyboard enthusiasts with advanced customization needs, the QMK framework offers the capability to write their own firmware programs, unlocking an array of unique custom functions for their keyboards. QMK’s versatility is ideal for various DIY keyboard firmware projects. However, implementing these customizations requires the use of QMK Toolbox for firmware flashing. This method is particularly recommended for advanced users who are looking to take their keyboard customization to the next level.

**QMK interface and detailed writing content can be found on the QMK website. https://qmk.fm/**

For beginners or those who don’t have high demands for advanced keyboard macros and settings, the officially supported VIA feature is an excellent choice. VIA allows for quick and easy adjustments of most basic keyboard settings, such as RGB lighting or remapping keys. This user-friendly interface provides a straightforward solution for those looking to customize their keyboards without delving into more complex configurations.

**VIA interface, open https://usevia.app/ to detect the keyboard configuration and start setting.**

Layers of sound-absorbing, high-quality Barebone, stain-resistant and wear-resistant matte feel, PBT two-color molded keycaps

The ProjectD Tinker 65 is currently available in two different purchasing options to suit individual preferences. Customers can choose between the Barebone version, which comes without keycaps and switches, and versions that include keycaps and switches, available in both English and Chinese engravings. The model we unboxed features Cherry MX Brown switches and English-engraved keycaps. While not officially specified, our hands-on observation revealed that the stabilizers on the longer keys are pre-lubricated for a smoother keystroke without friction.

For newcomers to custom keyboards, the Ducky ProjectD Tinker 65 in its Barebone configuration offers several features to enhance the typing experience. It includes a Poron material for sound dampening, IXPE foam under the switches, and an FR-4 glass fiber plate, all secured within a Gasket mount structure for effective sound reduction and minimal echo from keystrokes. The optional keycaps are made of a black and white double-shot PBT material with a matte finish that resists oil and wear, making them ideal for frequent use and portability. The Tinker 65’s PCB is designed for 5-pin south-facing LED compatibility, accommodating a wide range of DIY switches. Officially, it offers renowned German-made Cherry MX switches (Red, Blue, Brown, Silver), allowing for a high-quality customizable Barebone setup. With these features, the Tinker 65 is an accessible option for beginners looking to easily create a distinctive and comfortable custom 65% keyboard.

**Comes with Ducky brand logo key puller to remove keycaps**.

**Kalih yellow long key balanced satellite shaft, the shaft body looks pre-lubricated at the factory if you look carefully**.

Upon removing the keycaps of the ProjectD Tinker 65, you’ll notice a striking all-white plate underneath. The keyboard comes with a metal switch puller. A word of caution is advisable when using this tool: applying excessive force can potentially leave scratch marks on the white plate. However, for those who aren’t concerned about minor cosmetic imperfections hidden beneath the keycaps, using the provided metal switch puller should be no issue. It’s worth noting that these potential marks have no impact on the keyboard’s functionality or overall aesthetic when the keycaps are in place.

**The attached shaft puller is made of metal**.

**Remove the Cherry MX shaft body, the lower south-facing shaft design, the PCB pin is 5pin**.

**South-facing RGB lamp beads, the positioning plate is made of white refraction to vaguely enhance the light penetration**.

**Looking from the front, there is no difference in lighting effect between the shaft and the keycap. The RGB rendering effect under the keycap is quite tight and soft.**

**PCB black and white two-color formed long keys and general keycaps**.

When purchasing the Barebone version of the ProjectD Tinker 65, buyers need to ensure compatibility between their preferred switch types and the keyboard’s PCB. The PCB of the Tinker 65 is designed for south-facing 5-pin switch interfaces, making it compatible with most market-available switches. This means players who have a preference for specific switch types can confidently select switches that align with their personal typing habits for use with the Tinker 65.

**Optional 2-pin Cherry MX brown shaft, ProjectD Tinker 65 supports 5-pin shaft**.

Conclusion

For those who desire a simple yet DIY-customizable keyboard that also allows for a touch of personal flair, the Ducky ProjectD Tinker 65 is an excellent choice. This keyboard offers customizable switch options; you can select between versions with English or Chinese engraved keycaps. Advanced users with a preference for specific switch and keycap configurations can opt for the Barebone version offered by the official. This version comes equipped with a Gasket Mount structure and multiple high-quality sound-dampening materials, significantly reducing keystroke reverberations. It features a USB-C detachable cable and a full-key rollover design. The hot-swappable switches with a south-facing orientation ensure compatibility with a wide range of keycap products. With its impressive basic mechanical structure, the Tinker 65 is an ideal starter kit for those new to DIY keyboards. The Barebone version is currently available online for $2,590, while versions with Cherry MX Blue, Red, or Brown switches are priced at $3,390, and the Silver switch variant at $3,490. Additionally, the ProjectD Tinker 75, as the name suggests, offers a 75% layout option for different user preferences.

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Title: Explore Ducky ProjectD Tinker 65: A Customizable, Affordable DIY Keyboard Revolution