As someone who loves diving into the world of mechanical keyboards, the Paw65 Mechanical Keyboard Assembled Edition by Chilkey left a lasting impression on me: the compact size and ability to change the out the metal rim diffuser with a cat ear one.

This 65% keyboard strikes a beautiful balance between style, performance, and affordability. Whether you're new to custom keyboards or an experienced enthusiast, this review will guide you through its highlights, including an exciting mention of the ND75 LP Keyboard, which is now firmly on my wishlist!

The Paw65 comes in Purple Unicorn, Wild Rose and Dark Blush.

Since it was on sale, I got myself the Dark Blush Assembled Edition with the Sprout Green Tactile Switches. Delivery was not not too bad at S$18, and it took about 1.5weeks to arrive. At 1.95kg, this is the second heaviest mechanical keyboard I have in my growing collection next to my Rainy75.

[Exploring the Rainy75 Mechanical Keyboard: A Game-Changer in Affordable Luxury]

Unboxing the Paw65: What to Expect

Unboxing it feels like stepping into the premium world of custom keyboards. I had a fun and enjoyable time unboxing this keyboard!

The sweet pink and cute paw motif on the box made it really sweet. It was really a delight unboxing the keyboard. Chilkey really thought of everything, ensuring the keyboard arrived in pristine condition.

Here's what is included with the Assembled Edition:

The Paw 65 Mechanical Keyboard: Fully assembled and ready to use.
Sprout Green Tactile Switches: Pre-installed, offering a buttery smooth tactile typing experience.
Coiled USB-C Cable: A perfect blend of durability and style. It is even in pink!
Keycap and Switch Puller Tools: For easy customization.
Accessories: Screws, cat ear diffuser, USB dongle for wireless connection, storage bag.
User Manual: Simple instructions (but it does not tell you how to turn on the keyboard, you have to turn the switch underneath the spacebar for wireless or Bluetooth connection).

Unboxing Video

Typing Experience: The Paw65 in Action

Typing on the Sprout Green Tactile Switches is pure joy. There’s this subtle bump with every press that feels oh-so-satisfying. Each press is like a smooth bump with just the right amount of bounce to it. To date this would be one of my favorite kind of tactile switches.

The Sprout Green Tactile Switches deserve a special mention for their specs, which make them ideal for both work and play. They are tactile, with a noticeable bump for satisfying feedback.

Total Travel: 3.50+0.3mm
Pre-Travel: 2.00+0.5mm
Operating Force: 37+5gf
Actuation Force: 35gf Min
Bottom Out Force: 45gf Max
Mechanical Lifespan: 80 million times
Electrical Lifespan: 100 million times
Spring: 22mm/Double Stage

The 65% layout is compact yet functional, saving precious desk space without sacrificing essential keys. And with customizable RGB lighting, I can set the vibe of my desk to match my mood. Whether you’re hammering out work emails or battling bosses in a game, the Paw 65 feels like it’s crafted just for you.

But here’s the exciting part: if you want to make the keyboard entirely your own, Chilkey also offers a Barebones Edition. For just US$44.50 (about S$60), the usual price is US$89, you can build the Paw 65 with your choice of switches and keycaps. If you love experimenting or already have a collection of switches and keycaps, this option is a no-brainer!

Pricing: Why Chilkey Offers the Best Deal

The Assembled Edition of the Paw65 is available for US$49.50 (about S$67) on the Chilkey website. The usual price is US$99 (about S$133), and locally in Singapore it costs around SG$135-155, not including delivery. With the sales, it’s an absolute steal! And don’t forget, if you are interested in getting one yourself, you can use the exclusive code MELODI at checkout to save even more!

A Quick Peek at the ND75 LP Keyboard

If the Paw65 has sparked your interest in Chilkey’s offerings, let me introduce you to their latest release, the ND75 LP Keyboard. This slim, low-profile keyboard boasts a sleek design and offers a seamless typing experience. It’s perfect for those who want the responsiveness of mechanical switches with a more compact, lightweight build.

I’m so intrigued by the ND75 LP that I’ve already added it to my wishlist. It’s next on my keyboard journey, and I’m planning to get it soon. Stay tuned for an upcoming review once I have it in hand!

Final Thoughts: Why the Paw65 Stands Out

I love the Paw details and the pink hues against the black!

The Paw65 Mechanical Keyboard is an outstanding choice, whether you're a newcomer to mechanical keyboards or a seasoned enthusiast. It ticks all the right boxes with its sleek design, exceptional comfort, and ample customization options; all at a price that won’t hurt your wallet (too much).

That said, while I’m a big fan of its overall design and aesthetic appeal, there is one aspect I found less practical: the placement of the power button.

If you plan to use the keyboard via Bluetooth or wirelessly, you’ll need to turn it on using a small button located underneath the spacebar keycap. While this keeps the keyboard’s exterior seamless, it’s far from convenient. Removing the spacebar every time you need to turn it on is tedious, especially if you switch between wired and wireless modes frequently.

I thought the Rainy75 was frustrating with its power switch hidden beneath the Caps Lock key, but the Paw65 takes it a step further. Placing the switch under one of the most essential and largest keycaps makes it even more inconvenient. I would love to see a more user-friendly placement in future iterations of this keyboard.

Despite this minor drawback, the Paw65’s overall quality and features still make it a solid investment, especially for its price and versatility. I left the keyboard on for a week (with some rgb) and it lasted all week without having to charge (normal usage for about 8 hours per day), so the battery lifespan is pretty good.

So, what are you waiting for?

Head over to the Chilkey website now to get your hands on the Paw65. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try out the Barebones Edition. Don’t forget to use the code MELODI for an exclusive discount!