Arbiter Studio may not have the same extensive lineup as some other brands, but the Polar 65 shows they know how to make a statement. Compact, minimalistic, and packed with features, this keyboard is designed to appeal to those who appreciate both form and function. It’s not just about looks—though it certainly has those in spades—but about delivering a solid typing experience that stands out in a crowded market. So, does the Polar 65 live up to the hype, or is it all about the aesthetics?
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DESIGN
As its name suggests, the Polar 65 is a compact 65% keyboard with several unique layout features. It includes a total of 68 keys, which, in addition to the standard keys, also incorporates an arrow cluster, along with other essential keys such as tilde, delete, page up, and page down. Given its form factor, the keyboard is free of extraneous details, making it an excellent choice for fans of functional minimalism. This is particularly ideal for those who prefer a more streamlined desk setup, as the Polar 65 measures only 315mm in length and 109mm in width.
Minimal yet beautiful black and white colorway
Despite its compact size, the Polar 65 is impressively sturdy, as evidenced by its weight of just under 1kg—a notable heft for such a small keyboard. This weight is primarily attributed to its chassis, which is made in part from aluminum that dominates the upper part of the keyboard. The underside, while not as robust, is crafted from high-quality polycarbonate and is equipped with rubber feet that span nearly the full length of the keyboard. This, combined with its weight, ensures that the Polar 65 remains firmly in place on your desk. While some users might miss adjustable feet, the keyboard’s slight incline provides sufficient ergonomics and typing comfort. Additionally, every component appears meticulously assembled, with no creaking sounds, key rattles, or any other signs of poor craftsmanship—this is undeniably a well-constructed keyboard.
With limited space on the chassis, Arbiter Studio has imbued the keyboard with personality through its keycaps. Made from double-shot PBT plastic, the keycaps feature the relatively rare KOP profile. Although this isn’t a major issue, as the KOP profile is similar to the more common OEM profile, it does have a slightly wider and flatter top surface. However, the tops of the keycaps are smooth and somewhat slippery, lacking the granular texture typical of many PBT keycaps, which may require some adjustment before typing becomes entirely comfortable.
Polar 65 is small yet robust thanks to the aluminum chassis
The keyboard is available in nine different variations, and our review unit features a striking combination of a metallic chassis with white, black, and red keys. Each variant also includes an alternative set of certain keys, allowing for customization. In our case, the red keys can be swapped out for black and white ones, adding even more personality to the Polar 65 without veering into overly gamer-centric territory. Enhancing the aesthetics is, of course, the RGB lighting. While the Polar 65 does not feature shine-through keycaps or per-key RGB backlighting, it does offer a full array of standard lighting presets such as wave, breath, ripple, and more. The north-facing lighting is bright, animations are smoothly rendered, and most effects allow for speed and color adjustments, either directly on the keyboard or through the software.
PERFORMANCE
While the design and build quality of the Polar 65 are commendable, its true standout feature is its switches. The Polar 65 is equipped with Fuji switches, linear switches made by Gateron, with an initial force of 36g, an end force of 60g, and a total travel distance of 4mm. Although these specifications might seem typical, the Fuji switches are actually Hall effect magnetic switches—a rarity in the keyboard world. This combination allows for customizable actuation points on each keypress, a feature that truly sets the Polar 65 apart.
Polar 65 and all its tech is tailor-made for gamers
On the Polar 65, the actuation point can be adjusted from an incredibly low 0.1 mm to a relatively high 3.8 mm. At 0.1 mm, the keys are so sensitive that merely resting your fingers on the keyboard might trigger unintended presses, whereas at 3.8 mm, nearly full depression is required for the keystroke to register. The optimal setting depends on your personal preference, typing style, and whether you prioritize faster response times in fast-paced games or a different feel altogether. This level of customization is not only practical, but also adds a layer of enjoyment, as adjustments can be made on the fly without the need to swap out switches or keyboards.
One limitation is that the Hall effect in these switches only applies to the actuation point, and they lack the analog capabilities found in some competitors. However, this is somewhat offset by the inclusion of rapid trigger support. This feature resets each key as soon as you lift your finger, eliminating the need for it to pass a fixed reset point to release the key press. While the technical aspects might be intricate, the impact is straightforward: in games where quick inputs are crucial, this can make a significant difference, particularly in fast-paced competitive FPS games or rhythm-based titles.
Hall effect switches are an excellent addition
The combination of these features with a consistent 1000 Hz polling rate ensures that the Polar 65 delivers top-tier performance, no matter what type of games you play. It’s evident that Arbiter has focused on reliability, speed, and responsiveness, avoiding unnecessary extras that would only inflate the price without adding meaningful value.
Two other aspects worth discussing are the keyboard’s sound profile and its software. The Polar 65 features two layers of sound-dampening silicone, which, together with the switches and casing, produce a relatively satisfying sound. While it may not be the best-sounding prebuilt keyboard on the market, it certainly avoids the pingy, hollow noise typical of lower-quality keyboards. Among keyboards with this type of magnetic switch, the Polar 65 stands out as one of the better-sounding options.
The RGB is bright and the sound profile is crisp
Although most adjustments can be made directly on the keyboard itself, for more detailed and easier management of all functions, you can use the Arbiter Studio software. The software is quite unique in that it is actually a web-based application that essentially works in any web browser. This is advantageous because it allows you to customize the Polar 65 on any PC you connect it to, and also means that the app is absolutely lightweight compared to traditional applications that need to be installed on your PC.
However, while the software is user-friendly and visually appealing, it remains relatively basic at this stage. Beyond creating profiles and adjusting switch actuation, the available options are limited to simple menus for RGB lighting and key remapping. That said, Arbiter has shown a commitment to enhancing this software, and it’s likely that we’ll see more robust features in the future, potentially bringing it closer to what more established brands offer.
CONCLUSION
The Polar 65 by Arbiter Studio is a standout compact keyboard that blends robust build quality, customizable Hall effect switches, and a sleek design, making it ideal for both gamers and typists. While its software is basic and it lacks analog input, the keyboard’s performance, durability, and aesthetic appeal more than compensate, offering a great experience at a reasonable price.
