The Ducky DK9008G2 Cherry MX Brown Keyboard

The Ducky DK9008G2 is the top model of the higher-end Ducky 9000-series of mechanical keyboards. The 9000-series is differentiated from the lower-end 1000 series by their built quality and a few additional features like multimedia keys using Fn+F1 to F7, Windows key lock and a detachable USB cable with 3 adjustable outlet. The DK9008G2 comes with 108 keys as well as 4 shortcut keys for the Windows calculator, My Computer, the default mail client and the default Internet browser.

The "G2" in the model number is the generation code - this is the second-generation DK9008 model. Note that the label lists USB N-Key Rollover (NKRO). This is one of the keyboard's main features. It allows you to press an unlimited number of keystrokes at the same time, and the keyboard will recognise all your keystrokes. This is very important if you do a lot of gaming.

Most keyboards only feature a 2-key rollover, while some higher-end keyboards allow NKRO over the PS2 port. However, USB NKRO is very uncommon, which makes it a key feature of this Ducky keyboard has. USB NKRO first appeared in the Ducky DK9008G2 Tiger Year Limited Edition keyboard. It was only recently that you can buy the DK9008G2 standard edition for much less dough.

Many of Ducky's competitiors can only offer PS/2 NKRO, and up to just 6-key rollover when using USB port. So if you an active gamer and you want NKRO, this keyboard is definitely one of your top choices. Not even the "gaming keyboards" from Logitech boasts such a feature. As you can see from the screenshot below using Aqua'S KeyTest, the keyboard is able to register all the keystrokes at the same time.

Ducky also revised the PCB in the G2 model. They used the dual-layered FR-4, which is sturdier and resists heat better. It is also more expensive, of course. Despite its heft, the keyboard itself is compact, if you exclude the palm rest. There's not even enough space for the Ducky logo! That's okay though because I actually prefer having the logo printed on the space bar.

Packaging & Contents

The Ducky DK9008G2 comes in a bright red box. Inside the box, you will find the keyboard (covered in black cloth) and the usual folded manuals.

In case you are not aware, since the keyboard is based on Cherry MX key switches, all of the key caps are user-replaceable! To start you off, Ducky included 6 additional key caps, for the usual "wear and tear" WASD keys, and 2 "Esc" replacement keys with Ducky company logo. They also included a detachable USB cable and a key cap remover.

Unfortunately, the DK9008G2 does not come with any palm rest. Ducky offers a palm rest, but it's about 4 cm narrower than the keyboard, so you will have to adjust the palm rest accordingly. It also adds to the cost of this expensive keyboard. The palm rest has a leather top, but it lacks a proper cushion underneath. In fact, most of the support is provided by the compression of the leather top itself!

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