Higround Basecamp 65 Keyboard - BLACKICE Review: The Compact Thocky Keyboard Built for Everyday Use (2025)

Mechanical keyboards have evolved beyond functionality. They are now part of a workspace’s personality and soundscape. The Higround Basecamp 65 Keyboard - BLACKICE brings premium acoustic engineering and durable design to a compact layout that fits any setup. It delivers deep thocky sound, a solid feel, and modern customization options—all without requiring complex mods or tools.

Higround’s reputation for blending design with technical excellence continues through the BLACKICE edition. This keyboard is made to provide top-tier typing experience for gamers, creators, and everyday users who value performance and design equally. In this review, we look closer at what makes the Higround Basecamp 65 one of the most complete pre-built mechanical keyboards in 2025.

Design and Build Quality

The BLACKICE Basecamp 65 follows a sleek monochrome theme with cool blue accents. Its design is compact yet robust, thanks to a durable ABS frame paired with an aluminum plate. This gives it a solid, weighty feel that enhances stability while typing or gaming.

The dye-sub PBT keycaps resist shine and wear, ensuring that the legends remain sharp even with daily use. The side “ninja” print lettering keeps the top surface clean and minimalist, perfect for users who prefer understated aesthetics. The keyboard’s compact 65% layout maintains essential keys, including arrows, while saving desk space for mouse movement and accessories.

Performance and Sound

The standout feature of the Higround Basecamp 65 is its sound profile. The combination of its aluminum plate and dual silicone dampening foam creates a rich, low-pitched thock that many enthusiasts strive for. This acoustic setup reduces hollow resonance and adds depth to each keystroke, delivering an exceptionally satisfying sound and feel.

Inside, the keyboard uses pre-lubed TTC Milky linear switches. These switches, co-designed by Higround and TTC, use silver-plated springs with a 1.6mm actuation point and 45g of force, creating smooth and responsive keystrokes suitable for both gaming and extended typing sessions. The result is a crisp, consistent feel from the moment you unbox the keyboard.

Customization and Connectivity

The Basecamp 65 is fully hot-swappable, meaning you can replace its switches anytime without soldering. This makes it easy to experiment with different switch types to match your sound and feel preferences. The keyboard also supports full RGB lighting customization, with per-key control and macro programming through software.

Its detachable USB-C connection adds convenience and durability. While it lacks wireless connectivity, the wired setup ensures zero input lag, making it ideal for competitive gaming or professional work environments.

Complete Pros and Cons of the Higround Basecamp 65 Keyboard - BLACKICE

Here’s an honest breakdown of what this keyboard does best and where it falls short:

• ✅ Pro: Pre-lubed TTC Milky linear switches deliver smooth, quiet, and consistent keystrokes
• ✅ Pro: Dual silicone and polyfoam dampening layers provide excellent thocky sound and vibration control
• ✅ Pro: Hot-swappable PCB for effortless switch customization
• ✅ Pro: Durable PBT dye-sub keycaps resist fading and shine
• ✅ Pro: Compact 65% layout saves space while keeping essential keys
• ✅ Pro: Customizable RGB lighting with software-controlled macros
• 🟡 Con: Wired-only connectivity; no Bluetooth or wireless option
• 🟡 Con: Side-printed legends may reduce visibility in low-light setups
• 🟡 Con: Limited stock and strict purchase limits make it harder to buy multiple units
• 🟡 Con: Slightly heavier design may not appeal to users preferring ultra-light keyboards

Who Should Choose the Higround Basecamp 65 Keyboard - BLACKICE

• Gamers: Who want responsive and smooth linear switches that deliver consistent performance during long gaming sessions
• Keyboard Enthusiasts: Who appreciate pre-lubed switches, hot-swap flexibility, and a rich sound profile without the need for modding
• Design-Focused Users: Who want clean, modern aesthetics with subtle details that enhance their workspace
• Productivity Professionals: Who need reliable, comfortable, and quiet keyboards for extended daily typing sessions

Final Verdict: Is the Higround Basecamp 65 Keyboard - BLACKICE Worth It in 2025

The Higround Basecamp 65 Keyboard - BLACKICE successfully merges enthusiast-grade sound, reliable performance, and striking design in one pre-built package. It stands out for delivering rich thocky acoustics and excellent typing feel without requiring any modifications. Its compact 65% layout, hot-swappable flexibility, and premium keycaps make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to upgrade their setup.

While the lack of wireless options and side-printed legends might not suit everyone, these are minor trade-offs compared to the overall experience. The keyboard’s sound, feel, and build quality make it one of the best ready-to-use mechanical keyboards available today. If you want a no-compromise board that combines aesthetics, comfort, and performance, the Higround Basecamp 65 Keyboard - BLACKICE is a standout option for 2025.