Higround BLACKICE Basecamp 65 Keyboard Review: Out-of-the-Box "Thock" (2025)

TL;DR:

• The Higround BLACKICE Basecamp 65 is a 65% compact mechanical keyboard designed for gamers and enthusiasts who want a premium typing experience without manual modifications.
• It features a gasket-mounted design, multiple layers of sound-dampening foam, and pre-lubed linear switches to produce a satisfying, deep "thocky" sound profile right out of the box.
• With its stylish dye-sub PBT keycaps, hot-swappable switch sockets, and customizable RGB, it's a strong contender for the best pre-built enthusiast keyboard in its price range.

The world of mechanical keyboards can be a deep and intimidating rabbit hole of custom builds, switch lubing, and endless modifications. Higround, a brand known for its design-forward and often limited-edition peripherals, aims to bridge the gap with its Basecamp 65 line. This "higround keyboard review" focuses on the popular BLACKICE colorway, a keyboard that promises an enthusiast-grade sound and feel directly out of the box. We'll explore its 65% compact layout, its internal construction that creates its signature sound, and whether this "higround basecamp keyboard review" finds it to be the perfect hassle-free entry into the world of premium-feeling keyboards in 2025.

The Sound and Feel: Engineering the "Thock"

The number one reason many users gravitate towards keyboards like the Higround Basecamp 65 is the sound and feel of the typing experience. Higround has meticulously engineered this keyboard to produce a deep, satisfying, and low-pitched sound often described by enthusiasts as "thocky" or "creamy." This is achieved through several key features working in harmony:

• Gasket Mount Design: Unlike standard keyboards where the main plate is screwed directly to the case, a gasket mount system places soft material (like silicone or poron) between the plate and the case. This isolates the plate, allowing for more flex and creating a softer, bouncier typing feel while dampening high-pitched vibrations.
• Multiple Dampening Layers: The Basecamp 65 is packed with sound-absorbing materials. This typically includes silicone pads in the bottom of the case and layers of foam between the plate and the printed circuit board (PCB), all designed to eliminate hollow sounds and reverberations, resulting in a cleaner, deeper acoustic profile.
• Pre-Lubed Switches: The keyboard comes with high-quality linear switches (like Higround's own White Flame switches, co-developed with TTC) that are lubricated at the factory. This ensures a smooth, scratch-free keystroke from day one, which is a crucial element for achieving that premium sound and feel.

This focus on out-of-the-box sound performance makes it one of the "best sounding keyboard out of the box" options available.

Design and Build Quality: The BLACKICE Aesthetic

Higround keyboards are as much about visual appeal as they are about performance. The BLACKICE theme features a sleek combination of black, grey, and icy blue keycaps, creating a cool and modern look that stands out on any desk setup.

Keycaps and Construction

The keycaps are made from durable PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) plastic, which is more resistant to shine and wear than standard ABS plastic. The legends are applied using a dye-sublimation process, meaning the ink becomes part of the plastic itself, so they will never fade or wear off. The keyboard itself often features a sturdy aluminum top frame for rigidity and a polycarbonate or ABS case. This combination provides a solid foundation for the typing experience.

65% Compact Layout

The Basecamp 65 uses a "65% hot-swappable mechanical keyboard" layout. This is a popular compact form factor that saves significant desk space compared to a full-size keyboard while retaining the most essential keys, including a dedicated set of arrow keys. This makes it ideal for gamers who need more room for mouse movement and for those who prefer a minimalist desk setup.

Features and Customization

Beyond its core typing experience, the Higround Basecamp 65 offers the features modern users expect.

Hot-Swappable Switches

For those who like to experiment, the keyboard's PCB is hot-swappable. This means you can easily remove the included switches and install different ones (compatible 3-pin or 5-pin mechanical switches) without any soldering. This allows you to change the entire feel of your keyboard down the line, whether you want to try tactile or clicky switches, offering excellent long-term value and customization potential.

RGB Lighting and Software

The keyboard features vibrant, per-key customizable RGB lighting. Using Higround's companion software, users can create custom lighting effects, adjust brightness, and sync colors to match their setup. The software also allows for key remapping and macro programming, providing a good degree of functional customization for gaming or productivity.

Pros and Cons of the Higround BLACKICE Basecamp 65

Here’s a balanced overview of this popular keyboard:

• Pro: Exceptional "thocky" sound profile right out of the box with no modifications needed.
• Pro: Premium typing feel from the gasket-mounted design and pre-lubed linear switches.
• Pro: Stylish and unique design with high-quality dye-sublimated PBT keycaps.
• Pro: Hot-swappable PCB allows for easy switch customization.
• Pro: Compact 65% layout saves desk space while keeping arrow keys.
• Pro: Bright and customizable per-key RGB lighting.
• Con: It is a wired-only keyboard (USB-C), lacking Bluetooth connectivity.
• Con: The keycap legends are side-printed on some designs, and the RGB lighting does not shine through them, which can make them hard to see in the dark.
• Con: Premium price for a pre-built 65% keyboard, though justified by its features.
• Con: Limited to a linear switch experience out of the box (though this can be changed thanks to hot-swap).

Who Should Buy the Higround Basecamp 65?

The Higround Basecamp 65 is an ideal choice for:

• Gamers and Typists: Who want a high-performance mechanical keyboard with a satisfying sound and feel.
• Aspiring Keyboard Enthusiasts: Who want an enthusiast-level experience without the time, effort, and research of a full custom build.
• Design-Conscious Individuals: Who want a stylish keyboard that serves as a centerpiece for their desk setup.
• Anyone looking for a great "out-of-the-box" experience: The combination of pre-lubed switches, quality keycaps, and sound dampening is hard to beat without manual modding.

Final Verdict: Is the Higround Basecamp 65 the Perfect Pre-Built Keyboard for 2025?

The Higround BLACKICE Basecamp 65 is a fantastic keyboard that successfully delivers an enthusiast-grade experience in a convenient, pre-built package. Its greatest achievement is its sound profile; it provides that deep, satisfying "thock" that many builders spend hours trying to achieve, right out of the box. Combined with a sleek design, high-quality PBT keycaps, and features like hot-swappable sockets, it offers incredible value. While the lack of wireless connectivity and shine-through keycaps are valid considerations, they do little to detract from its superb core typing experience. This "higround keyboard review" concludes that for anyone looking for a "gasket mount keyboard 65" that sounds and feels amazing without any of the hassle in 2025, the Higround Basecamp 65 is a top-tier choice and a worthy investment.