Odin Gaming Nova 65 Aurora White Aluminum Barebones
Best barebones keyboard for enthusiasts building a custom 65% gaming setup.
Discover a premium barebones mechanical keyboard designed for enthusiasts. Its compact 65% layout offers a perfect blend of functionality and desk space, ideal for gaming and everyday use. Enjoy a superior typing feel with its gasket-mounted plate and ergonomic 6-degree typing angle. Crafted with a durable aluminum case and a sandblasted polycarbonate bottom, this keyboard features vibrant per-key RGB lighting and underglow, fully customizable via VIA software. It includes a custom PCB with south-facing LEDs and 5-pin hotswap, allowing for personalized switch and keycap configurations, along with pre-installed Durock v2 screw-in stabilizers.
$149.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1632
/ 3798
#1632 in Keyboards
Price vs Category Average
+7%
Above average
Layout
65
/ %
Who it's for
- Minimalists seeking a durable, high-end desk centerpiece
- Enthusiasts wanting total control over their typing experience
- Tinkerers who enjoy testing various switch types frequently
Who should skip it
- Beginners intimidated by technical assembly and research
- Budget-conscious buyers avoiding extra component costs
- Users needing an immediate, ready-to-use typing solution
Performance breakdown
Build Quality
Aluminum construction provides a premium, rigid foundation for any custom build.
Typing Feel
Gasket-mounted design delivers a satisfying, flexible typing experience for enthusiasts.
Customization Potential
Hotswap PCB and VIA compatibility offer near-limitless personalization for every user.
Aesthetic Appeal
Vibrant per-key RGB and underglow create a stunning, modern desk centerpiece.
Stabilizer Performance
Pre-installed Durock v2 stabilizers ensure smooth, rattle-free key travel out-of-box.
Space Efficiency
Compact 65% layout maximizes desk real estate without sacrificing essential functionality.
Key Specs
Layout
65%
Typing Angle
6 degrees
Mounting Style
Gasket mounted
PCB
Custom, 5-pin hotswap, south facing LEDs
Case Material
Aluminum
Bottom Material
Sandblasted polycarbonate
Stabilizers
Durock v2 screw-in
Lighting
Per-key RGB and RGB under glow
Know before you buy
A barebones keyboard comes fully assembled with the case, PCB, plate, and stabilizers, but it does not include switches or keycaps. You will need to purchase and install your own mechanical switches and keycap set to complete the build.
Yes, the south-facing LED orientation is specifically designed to prevent interference with Cherry profile keycaps, which can sometimes hit the housing on north-facing boards. This ensures a smoother typing feel and better compatibility with a wider variety of keycap sets.
The PCB supports standard 5-pin and 3-pin mechanical switches. Because it is hot-swappable, you can install or replace your switches without needing to solder them, making it easy to experiment with different switch types.
The Nova 65 is fully compatible with VIA software. Once you connect the keyboard to your computer, you can use the VIA interface to remap keys, create macros, and adjust the per-key RGB and underglow lighting in real-time.
Gasket mounting provides a slightly flexible, cushioned typing experience compared to traditional tray-mounted keyboards. This design helps absorb impact, resulting in a softer feel and a more consistent sound profile across the entire board.
The keyboard comes with Durock v2 screw-in stabilizers pre-installed, which are widely considered some of the best in the hobby. While they are ready to use out of the box, many enthusiasts choose to apply their own lubricant to further refine the sound and feel.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$149