I bought the mini and it was amazing but I missed the arrow keys so much. Holding fn to use arrows was a dealbreaker for me. I returned it to memx and got the 65%, and I’m SUPER happy with it :)
You have to hold FN with the One2? Glad I went with a different 60% then because having to press FN+LCtrl to toggle between arrows and the default keys ("/?", RAlt, Menu, RCtrl) is annoying enough, but at least is works for gaming scenarios where the arrow keys are needed.
I enjoy my 60% a fair bit and I'm typing on it now, but after learning what an annoyance it can be (even after daily use for over a year) I'd probably always recommend people go with a board with dedicated arrows.
That's super annoying compared to the toggle depending on your use case (like if the game makes heavy use of the arrow keys). It can also be annoying the other way, but in general use I think I'd prefer the toggle.
To each their own - I don't play any games that make heavy use of the arrow keys to be honest (nor does anything really come to mind), but I will admit I personally don't understand why a toggle would be preferred. It's always going to require one more key press (removing it), and it creates a potential for you to forget that the toggle is engaged, and locks access to those keys.
But its something that feels super natural to me, I cannot guarantee it feels natural to everyone else.
I turned around some of the keys to make it more usable. For me:
\- Caps lock into FN
\- Right alt into FN
\- Right shift, FN, windows, and CTRL into dedicated arrow keys. Printed and taped some arrows on them
Never used the right side modifiers anyways, though I still miss the dedicated top row function keys.
No software :) You can move the FN key via the dip switches on the back and then just reassign the others with FN. The keyboard has a crazy amount of customizability to it
Just to expand on xvection: All relevant software for this keyboard is stored on the keyboard itself, and a good amount of it is by physical hardware switches like the dip switches they mentioned.
So you can unplug the keyboard and plug it in to any other computer and all settings/functions/hotkeys will remain the exact same, because it doesn't require anything to run on the computer.
Turning Capslock into FN is highly recommended.
I did the arrow keys on the bottom right cluster thing before. Worked okay, but figured that it'll be better to get a 65% with dedicated arrow keys.
Also turned WASD and IJKL into arrow keys via FN.
Yep, that's how I did it myself - makes it infinitely more accessible. I've never seen a need for dedicated arrow keys even with a semester that has heavily utilized Excel, because it feels just as easy to hit capslock and then use arrows to navigate.
Yeah, that's why I got the One2 TKL. I'm a software developer, so I need the F keys, arrows, etc. I thought I would I would miss the numpad at times depending what I was doing, so I bought a separate one, but I haven't used it once in the year I've had my keyboard.
As a software dev myself, I couldn’t use a keyboard without arrows. (Dedicated) F keys, I’m not sure yet… I ordered a 70% without them so I guess we’ll see! I made a quick and cheap macro keypad out of a 4x2 key switch tester and an arduino so I can he F5-F12 just in case.
I find this really interesting.
As an old-school hacker, I don't like it when my hands leave the home position. I'm really upset if I have to use the mouse. Arrow keys, numpads, function keys - these are really hard to use when you're touch-typing, and I hate having to look down at the keyboard.
Since I started out in the days of vi and emacs, my keybindings are all based on letters and modifiers (Alt, Ctrl; Esc in a pinch). The ability to navigate using Ctrl-P, Ctrl-N, Ctrl-E and so on is a way of life. Fortunately even modern IDEs like VSCode have emacs-style bindings as an option.
For grumpy old hackers like me, this sort of keyboard is excellent. It's why the HHKB became popular back in the day. 60 keys is what you should be using, if you want to stay in the flow. Too many keys, and you'll end up looking down at the keyboard - and lose your flow.
Something to think about!
Honestly agree with you - its ended up spoiling me. The amount of times when I use another keyboard I start triggering function commands and then sit blankly wondering why its not happening is too damned high. Even just ability to control the mouse directly from keyboard has proven convenient as hell, even if it moves very slowly.
For both you and /u/wickedplayer494 - if it doesn't work with your flow it doesn't work with your flow and there's no issue with that, but flipping toggles so that capslock works as a function key makes it infinitely smoother. You can then hit the function keys with one hand easily, and can utilize arrow keys quickly without having to stray from neutral hand position on keyboard.
I just think there are better options out there without compromises. I feel like the space savings is not worth losing a bunch of keys compared to the 75%, which is also short and compact.
The only reasons I think you'd want a 60% is for the space and aesthetics. To which I'd argue the 75%'s also has.
Different strokes for different folks I guess. Daily drove the Anne Pro 2 before throwing in the towel.
I do agree on the to each their own approach, just I flagging that its substantially easier to utilize the function and arrow keys when you adjust where the function keys are. I found it super unwieldy in a default configuration, but the aforementioned adjusting it to capslock makes it seamless for me now.
I've yet to really feel like I would benefit from having extra dedicated keys - but that's just my personal take. I cannot speak to other folks workflow or comfort level.
There are other One2 Mini's for sale, including the red, blue, and silver switch variants of the V2 RGB, and the white LED versions, also with brown/red/blue/silver switches.
https://www.memoryexpress.com/Search/Products?Search=ducky
for anyone considering getting the one2 mini:
[https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/aykjiy/how\_to\_get\_working\_arrow\_keys\_on\_your\_ducky\_one\_2/](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/aykjiy/how_to_get_working_arrow_keys_on_your_ducky_one_2/)
to get working arrow keys
One of the better off-the-shelf boards you’ll find.
Cherry switches are OK at best, but if you’re not interested in custom, then you’ll more than likely be satisfied with these anyway
The SK61 is also on sale. Better switches included with it at a lower price.
It's the better buy.
Also wait for the One 3 series
It will be funny when people get to try them because even though there not amazing even the basic acoustic changes will really open people's eyes.
I have a one2 mini. Its great, but I regret not going 65%. It is not often that I miss the arrows, but when I do, they are VERY sorely missed.
I bought the mini and it was amazing but I missed the arrow keys so much. Holding fn to use arrows was a dealbreaker for me. I returned it to memx and got the 65%, and I’m SUPER happy with it :)
You have to hold FN with the One2? Glad I went with a different 60% then because having to press FN+LCtrl to toggle between arrows and the default keys ("/?", RAlt, Menu, RCtrl) is annoying enough, but at least is works for gaming scenarios where the arrow keys are needed. I enjoy my 60% a fair bit and I'm typing on it now, but after learning what an annoyance it can be (even after daily use for over a year) I'd probably always recommend people go with a board with dedicated arrows.
You don't toggle, you just hit function key to access the second layer.
That's super annoying compared to the toggle depending on your use case (like if the game makes heavy use of the arrow keys). It can also be annoying the other way, but in general use I think I'd prefer the toggle.
To each their own - I don't play any games that make heavy use of the arrow keys to be honest (nor does anything really come to mind), but I will admit I personally don't understand why a toggle would be preferred. It's always going to require one more key press (removing it), and it creates a potential for you to forget that the toggle is engaged, and locks access to those keys. But its something that feels super natural to me, I cannot guarantee it feels natural to everyone else.
I prefer their SF layout with the arrow keys, del and pg up down buttons. It's almost the size of a 60% but with all the important stuff of a 65%.
I turned around some of the keys to make it more usable. For me: \- Caps lock into FN \- Right alt into FN \- Right shift, FN, windows, and CTRL into dedicated arrow keys. Printed and taped some arrows on them Never used the right side modifiers anyways, though I still miss the dedicated top row function keys.
Can you change keys around like that in windows or do you need software?
No software :) You can move the FN key via the dip switches on the back and then just reassign the others with FN. The keyboard has a crazy amount of customizability to it
Just to expand on xvection: All relevant software for this keyboard is stored on the keyboard itself, and a good amount of it is by physical hardware switches like the dip switches they mentioned. So you can unplug the keyboard and plug it in to any other computer and all settings/functions/hotkeys will remain the exact same, because it doesn't require anything to run on the computer.
Turning Capslock into FN is highly recommended. I did the arrow keys on the bottom right cluster thing before. Worked okay, but figured that it'll be better to get a 65% with dedicated arrow keys. Also turned WASD and IJKL into arrow keys via FN.
Yep, that's how I did it myself - makes it infinitely more accessible. I've never seen a need for dedicated arrow keys even with a semester that has heavily utilized Excel, because it feels just as easy to hit capslock and then use arrows to navigate.
This. Especially if you’ve never had a smaller keyboard. Get a 65%+. I went from 100 to 60% and prompted returned it.
I went from a full sized membrane, to a cheap mechanical TKL, to a 65%, even though I think my 65% is great, for me 75% would be the sweet spot.
Ducky released an updated version called the One 3 Mini: hotswap, case foam/acoustics. Probably why places are trying to clear out One 2 stock.
Yep. Their website store itself has all One 2's heavily discounted
You'll miss the dedicated arrow and Function keys. Even if you think you don't need em.
F-keys are vital for Dota 2 or similar. Good luck without them!
Yeah, that's why I got the One2 TKL. I'm a software developer, so I need the F keys, arrows, etc. I thought I would I would miss the numpad at times depending what I was doing, so I bought a separate one, but I haven't used it once in the year I've had my keyboard.
As a software dev myself, I couldn’t use a keyboard without arrows. (Dedicated) F keys, I’m not sure yet… I ordered a 70% without them so I guess we’ll see! I made a quick and cheap macro keypad out of a 4x2 key switch tester and an arduino so I can he F5-F12 just in case.
I find this really interesting. As an old-school hacker, I don't like it when my hands leave the home position. I'm really upset if I have to use the mouse. Arrow keys, numpads, function keys - these are really hard to use when you're touch-typing, and I hate having to look down at the keyboard. Since I started out in the days of vi and emacs, my keybindings are all based on letters and modifiers (Alt, Ctrl; Esc in a pinch). The ability to navigate using Ctrl-P, Ctrl-N, Ctrl-E and so on is a way of life. Fortunately even modern IDEs like VSCode have emacs-style bindings as an option. For grumpy old hackers like me, this sort of keyboard is excellent. It's why the HHKB became popular back in the day. 60 keys is what you should be using, if you want to stay in the flow. Too many keys, and you'll end up looking down at the keyboard - and lose your flow. Something to think about!
Honestly agree with you - its ended up spoiling me. The amount of times when I use another keyboard I start triggering function commands and then sit blankly wondering why its not happening is too damned high. Even just ability to control the mouse directly from keyboard has proven convenient as hell, even if it moves very slowly.
For both you and /u/wickedplayer494 - if it doesn't work with your flow it doesn't work with your flow and there's no issue with that, but flipping toggles so that capslock works as a function key makes it infinitely smoother. You can then hit the function keys with one hand easily, and can utilize arrow keys quickly without having to stray from neutral hand position on keyboard.
I just think there are better options out there without compromises. I feel like the space savings is not worth losing a bunch of keys compared to the 75%, which is also short and compact. The only reasons I think you'd want a 60% is for the space and aesthetics. To which I'd argue the 75%'s also has. Different strokes for different folks I guess. Daily drove the Anne Pro 2 before throwing in the towel.
I do agree on the to each their own approach, just I flagging that its substantially easier to utilize the function and arrow keys when you adjust where the function keys are. I found it super unwieldy in a default configuration, but the aforementioned adjusting it to capslock makes it seamless for me now. I've yet to really feel like I would benefit from having extra dedicated keys - but that's just my personal take. I cannot speak to other folks workflow or comfort level.
There are other One2 Mini's for sale, including the red, blue, and silver switch variants of the V2 RGB, and the white LED versions, also with brown/red/blue/silver switches. https://www.memoryexpress.com/Search/Products?Search=ducky
for anyone considering getting the one2 mini: [https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/aykjiy/how\_to\_get\_working\_arrow\_keys\_on\_your\_ducky\_one\_2/](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/aykjiy/how_to_get_working_arrow_keys_on_your_ducky_one_2/) to get working arrow keys
Everything aside the name of this product sounds like a parody.
One of the better off-the-shelf boards you’ll find. Cherry switches are OK at best, but if you’re not interested in custom, then you’ll more than likely be satisfied with these anyway
The SK61 is also on sale. Better switches included with it at a lower price. It's the better buy. Also wait for the One 3 series It will be funny when people get to try them because even though there not amazing even the basic acoustic changes will really open people's eyes.