Kreo Swarm 65 specifications and in-depth review

Kreo Swarm 65

Manufacturer: Kreo

The Kreo Swarm 65 is a compact 65% mechanical keyboard designed for gaming and standard use. It features a gaming-grade mechanical switch and supports both wireless and wired connectivity, making it a versatile choice for different setups.

This keyboard comes equipped with a 270-hour battery life and offers customizable RGB lighting. It also supports Bluetooth 5.0, has a gasket mount for a more cushioned typing experience, and includes a detachable cable for easy portability.

Pros
  • Compact 65% layout offers a space-efficient design without sacrificing essential keys.
  • Hot-swappable switches allow for easy customization of the typing experience without the need for soldering.
  • Supports both wireless and wired connectivity, providing flexibility for different setups.
  • 270-hour battery life offers extended use for long gaming or work sessions.
  • Adjustable feet allow for a customizable typing angle to improve comfort.
Cons
  • No wrist rest included, which may reduce comfort during extended use.
  • Lacks advanced features like analog input, rapid trigger, or adjustable actuation.
  • Does not support custom firmware like QMK, ZMK, or VIA for key remapping and personalization.
  • No USB passthrough port available for additional peripherals.
Who is this for?

The Kreo Swarm 65 is ideal for users who prefer a compact layout and need a space-efficient design for their keyboard setup. Its long battery life of 270 hours makes it suitable for extended use without frequent recharging, especially for gamers or content creators. Additionally, its hot-swappable switches provide flexibility for those who like to customize their typing experience without technical expertise.

Who is this NOT for?

This keyboard may not be the best choice for users who require advanced customization features such as QMK or VIA support for deep key remapping. It also lacks features like a wrist rest, which may make it uncomfortable for long hours of use. Furthermore, users who need more versatile connectivity options or extra ports, such as USB passthrough, may find it lacking.

General info:

Keyboard type Gaming, Standard, Mechanical
Keyboard layout size Compact (65%)
Profile Standard
connectivity Wireless & wired
connection type USB, 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth
polling rate 1000 Hz
Mount type Gasket mount
Battery life 270 hours
designed for Mac
has a detachable cable
height 140 mm
width 250 mm
thickness 30 mm
weight 850 g
Bluetooth version 5
release date November 2025
warranty period 1 years

The Kreo Swarm 65 is a compact 65% mechanical keyboard offering versatile connectivity options with both wireless and wired support, including USB, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth. It features a 270-hour battery life for extended use, and its gasket mount provides a cushioned typing experience. Designed with a standard profile, it is compatible with Mac devices and includes a detachable cable for convenience. The keyboard has a polling rate of 1000Hz and is lightweight at just 850g.

Design:

has RGB lighting
Has a backlit keyboard
Case material Plastic
Case colors Black
has adjustable feet
includes a wrist rest
Backlight facing direction North-facing

The Kreo Swarm 65 features a sleek black plastic case with RGB lighting and a north-facing backlight for a visually appealing setup. It includes adjustable feet for a customizable typing angle, though it does not come with a wrist rest. The backlit keyboard ensures a well-lit experience for late-night sessions.

Switches:

Switch type Mechanical
Switch feel Linear
Hot-swappable switches
Switch name Kreo Starling Linear
Actuation distance (min) 1.3 mm
Actuation distance (max) 1.3 mm
Actuation force 43 g
Total travel distance 3.5 mm

The Kreo Swarm 65 features Kreo Starling Linear mechanical switches, offering a smooth linear feel with an actuation force of 43g. These switches have a minimal actuation distance of 1.3mm, ensuring fast response times, and a total travel distance of 3.5mm. Additionally, the keyboard supports hot-swappable switches, allowing for easy customization and switch replacements without soldering.

Features:

has analog input
has rapid trigger
has dual actuation
has adjustable actuation
has NKRO
has USB passthrough
Has a display
has QMK support
has ZMK support
has VIA support

The Kreo Swarm 65 supports NKRO for anti-ghosting, ensuring that all key presses are registered accurately. However, it does not include features like analog input, rapid trigger, dual actuation, adjustable actuation, or USB passthrough. Additionally, it lacks support for display features or customizable firmware like QMK, ZMK, or VIA.

Keys & layout:

Keyboard layout ANSI (United States)
Keycap type Double-shot, PBT
Keycap profile Cherry
uses a standard key layout
Media keys Via Fn key
has a rotary dial

The Kreo Swarm 65 features a standard ANSI key layout with double-shot, PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile for durability and comfort. The keyboard includes a rotary dial for added control and media adjustments, with media keys accessible via the Fn key. It adheres to a standard key layout, ensuring familiar key positioning for users.

Final Verdict

The Kreo Swarm 65 is a compact mechanical keyboard that excels in providing a customizable typing experience with its hot-swappable switches and long battery life of 270 hours. It is ideal for users looking for a space-efficient design and a versatile connectivity setup with both wireless and wired options. While it lacks advanced customization features and additional comfort options like a wrist rest, it remains a solid choice for gamers and general users seeking a reliable and straightforward keyboard with a focus on flexibility and durability.