LTC
LTC NB681 Nimbleback Wired 65% Mechanical Keyboard
Bottom line: The LTC NB681 Nimbleback Wired 65% Mechanical Keyboard ($29.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): Hot-swap PCB takes 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches, no soldering; main trade-off: wired USB-C only, with no Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless mode.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Hot-swap PCB takes 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches, no soldering
- ✓ Keeps dedicated arrow and navigation keys in a 68-key 65% layout
- ✓ Two USB 2.0 passthrough ports for a mouse, flash drive or phone charging
- ✓ Linear red switches suit fast gaming inputs and quieter typing
- ✓ 18 RGB presets plus 5 brightness and 5 speed levels without software
Cons
- ✗ Wired USB-C only, with no Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless mode
- ✗ No dedicated function row or numpad, so F-keys need a layer combo
- ✗ Stock switches are linear only, so tactile fans must buy new switches
- ✗ Passthrough ports run at USB 2.0 speeds, not USB 3.x
Manufacturer description
The LTC NB681 Nimbleback is a wired 65% mechanical keyboard. It fits 68 keys into a compact frame and still keeps dedicated arrow, navigation and control keys. You get back the desk space a full-size board takes up, and you keep the arrows you use for gaming, coding and editing. The hot-swap PCB is its main selling point. It accepts both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches, including Gateron and Kailh, so you can change the feel of the board without soldering. It ships with linear red switches that have no tactile bump. They suit fast in-game inputs and quieter typing. The board connects over…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored LTC NB681 Nimbleback Wired 65% Mechanical Keyboard using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the gaming peripherals category. LTC's gaming peripherals lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for gaming peripherals of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swap the switches on the LTC NB681 Nimbleback without soldering?
Yes. The hot-swap PCB accepts both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches, including Gateron and Kailh switches, so you can pull and replace them without soldering.
What switches come installed on this version of the Nimbleback?
This version ships with hot-swappable red switches. They are linear, with no tactile bump, which favors quick, low-resistance keypresses and quieter typing.
Does the LTC NB681 work with a Mac?
LTC lists the keyboard as compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11, iOS and macOS. Check the product listing to confirm whether the LTC driver software runs on your operating system.
What are the USB ports on the keyboard used for?
The two built-in USB 2.0 passthrough ports let you plug a mouse, flash drive or other device directly into the keyboard. They can also charge phones and small accessories. The keyboard itself connects over a USB-C cable.
How much can I customize the RGB lighting and keys?
The board has 18 preset lighting modes, with 5 brightness and 5 speed levels you can adjust from the keyboard. The LTC driver software adds key remapping, macro assignment and custom RGB effects.
Key Features
- Compact but Practical 65% Layout - Ultra-compact design with 68 keys portable layout. Geared with the practical arrow, navigation, and control keys, it well balanced the characteristic of functional and space-saving.
- Hot-swappable Quiet Red - Hot-swap PCB allows you to replace 3 pins/5 pins switches freely，compatible with any MX-style switch (brands like Gateron and Kailh, etc.). Equipped with linear red switch without tactile bump. A favorite for nimble gamers who require swift reactions with minimal resistance or those seeking for quiet typing experience.
- 2 USB 2.0 Ports and Type C Wired Connection - 2 built-in USB passthrough ports allow you to connect more periphery devices such as mouse and flash disk directly into the keyboard for easy access and faster productivity. You can also use it as charging ports for cell phones and accessories. The type C wired connection method guarantees a high speed and stable data transmission.
- Dynamic RGB Backlight - 18 preset backlight modes available on board. 5 brightness and flowing speed levels adjustable. Gorgeous color schemes and reactive effects.
- Professional Software Supports - Remap keys' function, assign macros, and customize RGB lighting effect with the powerful LTC drive. The keyboard is compatible with win7, win8, win10, win11, iOS, and MAC system.
Full Specifications
| Brand | LTC |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Style | Contemporary |
| Theme | Gaming |
| Generation | 1 |
| Model Name | LTC-NB681-R11BK |
| Style Name | Contemporary |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Switch Type | Linear |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | NB681 |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Compatibility | Switch, iOS, Mac |
| Built-In Media | Hot-swappable switches, USB A ports, Type C port |
| Number of Keys | 68 |
| Button Quantity | 68 |
| Connection Type | Wired |
| Keyboard Layout | QWERTY |
| Mfr Part Number | NARF5_19372 |
| Special Feature | Backlit |
| Full listing title | LTC NB681 Nimbleback Wired 65% Mechanical Keyboard, RGB Backlit Ultra-Compact 68 Keys Gaming Keyboard with Hot-Swappable Switch and Stand-Alone Arrow/Control Keys (Hot Swappable Red Switch, Black) |
Ready to buy?
LTC NB681 Nimbleback Wired 65% Mechanical Keyboard, RGB Backlit Ultra-Compact 68 Keys Gaming Keyboard with Hot-Swappable Switch and Stand-Alone Arrow/Control Keys (Hot Swappable Red Switch, Black) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
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