Mechanical keyboards have a lot of different options. Although, when you are looking for something with a reliable name, Ducky is always a solid option. I’ve been a mechanical keyboard user for quite a while, but a wireless mechanical keyboard? The Ducky Zero 6108 is just that. Is it worth considering the $100+ price tag? It depends. What are you looking for in a keyboard?
Specifications
- Current Price: $99.99 (Mechanical Keyboards)
- Key Features:
- Connect 3 ways- wired with USB-C cable or wirelessly with Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz
- Q-Bounce synthetic pad
- 2500mAh rechargeable battery
- 3-level adjustable feet
- Double Shot PBT keycaps
- Hotswap PCB that supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches
- PU bottom foam for enhanced acoustics
- Cherry MX2A switches
- Switches: Cherry MX2A Brown, Red, Silver, and Blue
- Keycap Profile: Cherry
- Size: Full-size
- Series: Zero 6108
- Key Count: 108 keys
- Logical Layout: US QWERTY
- Keycap Material: PBT
- Color: Black, White
- Physical Layout: ANSI
- USB Key Rollover: NKRO
- Top Material: ABS
- Print Method: Double Shot
- Multimedia Keys: Yes
- Switch Mount Type: Plate mount
- Built in Audio Port: Yes
- Mic Port: No
- Interface: USB-C, Wireless
- Windows Compatible: Yes
- Bottom Material: ABS
- Mac Compatible: No
- Keycap Color: Black
- Linux Compatible: No
- Backlighting: RGB / All LED
- Hotswap: Yes
- Legend Color: Clear
- Print Position: Top
- QMK Compatible: No
- VIA Compatible: No
- Barebones: No
- Plate Material: Aluminum
- Switch Direction: South Facing
- Assembly: Prebuilt
Ducky Zero 6108 - First Impressions
There are many nifty features off the rip that make the Ducky Zero 6108 an attractive option. As a wireless keyboard, it still offers hot-swappable switches. I wouldn’t expect less from Ducky, but it’s nice to have the option. I would expect some give and take when dealing with wireless, but the Zero 6108 is a full-fledged keyboard, even without the wires. If you want to add your favorite switches, the option is there.
The QUACK mechanics provide a much quieter experience and the super-fast switches never missed a keystroke in any test. It performed better than expected. The Cherry MX2A switches are not as clacky but are very responsive. Responsiveness is vital because I found no issue with the tri-mode connectivity options. The RGB options aren’t robust but workable. Overall, it’s solid. The backlit RGB options for the keys aren’t intrusive and are bright without being an eyesore.
If you are like me, I wondered what MX was versus MX2A. From how I can best describe it, the MX2A is essentially what would happen if you wrapped the MX Cherry switch in a big, old, warm hug. There isn’t any sort of wobble, and the switches are quick. The PBT keycaps feel sturdy and are thick walled for a deeper sound. They're also easy to clean without the risk of a sticky feeling afterward.
At first, I wasn’t sure exactly what to do with a wireless mechanical keyboard like the Ducky Zero 6108. For the most part, I’m usually sitting at a desk when I use my keyboard. Fortunately, I was able to mess around with it enough to get enough wireless use to come up with some recommendations.
The layout of the Ducky Zero 6108 is slightly more compact than what I am used to in a full-size keyboard. That isn’t to say it’s too small. If anything, the keyboard seems to have eliminated the “dead space” I am used to, and that’s perfectly fine.
I could use it for couch gaming, and with a Bluetooth connection, I had all the range I needed to sit comfortably on the couch. I could also use the 2.4 GHz dongle on a computer without Bluetooth. For the most part, I did spend my time with it plugged in and charging in my office, though, where it functioned better than the keyboard it replaced.
Even when moving locations, going from wired to wireless, and different systems, the Ducky Zero 6108 was snappy and responsive. I ran a few tests by testing latency on Fortnite Festival, and the results were within any margin of personal error. The First Descendant felt quick and snappy, wired and wireless, outside of pushing the range slightly (18ft) on Bluetooth.
While the Ducky Zero 6108 lacks options like programmable software or mappable buttons, playing games wasn’t possible when I needed those features. If you don’t mind trading those for wireless freedom, this may be your keyboard.
The Ducky Zero 6108 has plenty of options if you know where to look
When I unboxed the Zero 6108, I needed some clarification. I wasn’t 100% sure what the dongle that came with it was specifically for. Yes, I knew that the Ducky Zero 6108 was wireless and Bluetooth, but I had to read up on it to figure out if the dongle was for the 2.4 GHz connection. That wasn’t all, though; the keyboard has a lot of nifty stuff, but there is also no manual or info for it.
The initial RGB settings were a standard rainbow faire: nothing too special and nothing out of the ordinary. I wanted to see what else I could do with it or check the battery when I was wireless. To do these things, I had to do a little online research. I discovered a tiny pamphlet packed with the keyboard, which is just legal jargon.
Instead, after looking online, it is somewhat universal for Ducky to have programming options built into the FN keys. This is neat and allows for more flexibility without worrying about installing bloatware to make it work differently. I can change the color effects by pressing a few FN+F10 presses. I was also able to find out my battery level with FN+ALT.
It would be nice to have a cheat sheet in the box. Up into the review period, I’m still messing around with options and finding things I can do without messing with software. Once again, this is a huge bonus and a head-scratcher regarding the lack of communication. I downloaded the manual online, but it only has brightness, speed, and effects.
There is a lot to like about the Ducky Zero 6108
The more time I spent with the Ducky Zero 6108, the more I liked it. It was just too simple to unplug the keyboard from my desk, carry it downstairs, and play on my laptop hooked to my TV. I was a happy camper when I realized I could use the 2.4 GHz option for my work computer. It’s also worth noting that the Zero 6108 isn’t without its flaws either.
The much cooler spacebar with the Ducky Zero 6108 has a different feel than the normal one. That’s not major, but it is worth noting. At the same time, removing caps from the keyboard takes a lot of effort, so I was worried that I would break something.
Those gripes are minor, but there is a little more severe issue. Like most keyboards, the Ducky Zero 6108 has flip-out legs under the keyboard. There are two heights, which is also an excellent option. However, with both options, a little forward pressure on the keyboard will cause the legs to fold back into place. This isn’t a dealbreaker by any means, but when you are playing The First Descendant and playing Bunny but shift your weight and the legs fold, it gets annoying quickly.
Final Thoughts
I like the Ducky Zero 6108, and at the price it’s sold at, it’s versatile and reliable enough to be something I have used for a long time. Remember how I said I brought it downstairs? I’ve dropped it a few times by accident, and this bad boy is solid enough that it’s still working fine. That said, I recommend this if you want a full-size wireless option.
It’s not the perfect keyboard option, per se. However, I felt no issues (outside of the feet) were a deterrent. As I said, the price is solid, the performance is impressive, and the flexibility is second to none. The Ducky Zero 6108 could probably benefit from a few extra features, but it stands on its own unreliably supportive legs.
The manufacturer provided the product described in this article for evaluation purposes. Some articles may contain affiliate links; purchases made through this will result in a small commission for the site. Commissions are not directed to the author or related to compensation in any way.
