In addition, the RK61 comes with easy-to-reach bottom layers printed on the front of the keycaps in a really easy-to-read fashion. Overall the keys have high contrast and are satisfying to use.
- Best 60%, 65%, 75% and TKL keyboards for gaming, typing and programming
- Best 60 percent keyboard: Corsair K65 Mini
- How many keys does a 60-percent keyboard have?
- What are the benefits of a 60-percent keyboard?
- 1. Vortexgear Pok3r
- 2. Anne Pro 2
- The Best 60% Mechanical Keyboards – Our Favorites
- Royal Kludge RK61: Best Budget 60% Keyboard
- Obinslab Anne Pro 2
- Glorious GMMK Compact
- Buyer’s Guide: Best 60% Keyboards
- Our Process
- Best Budget Wireless Mechanical Keyboard: Corsair K63 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- Best Compact Budget Mechanical Keyboard: Obinslab Anne Pro 2
Best 60%, 65%, 75% and TKL keyboards for gaming, typing and programming
Our favorite compact keebys from Corsair, Logitech, Asus and more.
Compact keyboards are the fastest growing segment of the mechanical keyboard, which is a reversal of the traditional belief that gamers want full-sized boards with loads of macro keys, multimedia controls, and other exciting gadgets. Instead, those 60 percent, 65 percent, 75 percent and TKL boards focus on pure aesthetics that are super portable and take up minimal desk space while still providing all the keys needed for 99% of modern gaming. In this summary, we’ll share our recommendations for the best compact keyboards on the market based on our extensive testing.
The makers of independent keyboards have been producing 65, 60 percent, and even smaller sizes for enthusiasts for years, but now larger brands – Razery, Corsairs and Logitechs from around the world are starting to get involved. If you want to see what the fuss is about with these smaller boards without sacrificing the creature comforts of synchronized RGB lighting and well-developed software packages, this is a great opportunity to hop aboard a mini keyboard. Of course, smaller vendors have their advantages as well, and we will try to cover both ends of the spectrum – while also focusing on boards that are readily available.
By the way – if you want to see our types of full-size keyboards check out our rundowns of the best gaming keyboards and the best mechanical keyboards, both of which have some unique options worth knowing about!
- Best 60% Keyboard: Corsair K65 Mini
- Best value 60 percent keyboard: HyperX Alloy Origins 60
- Best Cheap 60% Keyboard: Royal Kludge RK61
- Best 65% Keyboard: Asus ROG Falchion
- Best 65% Premium Keyboard: Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini Hyperspeed
- Best 65 percent keyboard: Fnatic Streak65 LP
- Best 75% Keyboard: Keychron K2
- Best TKL Keyboard: Corsair K70 TKL Champion Series
- Best TKL Keyboard: Xtrfy K4 TKL
- Best TKL Wireless Keyboard: Logitech G915 TKL
- Frequently asked questions
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Best 60 percent keyboard: Corsair K65 Mini
Confusingly titled the £ 110 / $ 140 Corsair K65 Mini is our favorite 60 percent keyboard. Provides 60% aesthetics, with clean lines and large legends embedded in PBT keys that let in a lot of light (RGB); there’s even a placeholder space if you don’t like the geometric themes in the default option.
I’m a fan of the way Corsair chose side-printed legends for secondary functions, which eliminates the sloppy looking keycaps that you might see on many 60 percent boards, while also making it easy to find the features you want for. Another nice touch is choosing where these secondary functions are located; a virtual mouse is available on WASD, while the arrow keys are reasonably centered around J. Lighting controls, media controls and volume controls are also present and accounted for.
Corsair’s iCUE software is heavy but powerful, allowing you to remap keys, program macros, and even set up complex lighting patterns to ensure the right look. Of course, all of this is worthless without a good typing experience, and the Cherry MX Red or Speed Silver switches are fun to use – albeit a bit loud, with an audible “ping” as you bounce each key. The K65 Mini is also one of the few keyboards that supports an 8000Hz update rate that slightly reduces input lag according to unbiased tests such as Battle (non) sense.
All things considered, there’s a lot to like here: all the standard features of a top-notch gaming keyboard from a major manufacturer, tucked away in a compact design with advanced features.
The Glorious GMMK presents exceptional value and is the most versatile keyboard on this list due to its hot-swappable switches and key options. A slight downside to this keyboard is that it uses a Micro USB connection, unlike other options that use a more modern USB-C connection.
How many keys does a 60-percent keyboard have?
First, it’s worth nothing if gaming keyboards come in one of three different configurations. The most popular of these is the full-size deck, which will typically have 100 to 110 keys, depending on whether the manufacturer includes multimedia buttons or macro keys. There is always a function row at the top of the keyboard and a numeric keypad to the right. Most gamers prefer the full-size model as it allows them to perform many different functions with a single press of a button and configure macros for actions that aren’t already built into the keyboard.
Tenkeyless decks have been quite common for a while; these are keyboards that bypass the numeric keypad on the right. That’s it. They still have function keys and media controls, but they are narrower as they bypass 17 keys. Yes, it is actually more than 10 keys, but the “seventeen keys” do not have the same ring. Players can choose one of these when they need a little more desk space and don’t need a quick way to enter numbers or perform calculations (which is my number one for the right pad).
There are also 60 percent keyboards which, as the name suggests, cut 40 percent of the standard keyboard size and only have 61 keys. Not only do they remove the numeric keypad, but the function keys are gone, along with the arrow keys and weird system keys like “print screen” and “home” that are only useful when you need them. On some computers, they don’t even work.
On a 60% keyboard, you can access these buttons by pressing a function key; there is no standard layout between companies, so you’ll have to learn new hotkeys if you switch between manufacturers like Razer, HyperX, or Corsair. They also lack built-in palm rests, although the height is at least adjustable.
Razer also just introduced a 65 percent keyboard, a less common configuration that retains the arrow keys and some features but still discards the rest to maintain a slimmed down profile. This is probably the preferred option if you use the arrow keys a lot. I need them because I edit a lot of text and some games may use them instead of the standard WASD board to control your character.
What are the benefits of a 60-percent keyboard?
With so many features removed, why buy a 60 percent keyboard? The number one reason, of course, is space. If you play in tight spaces or just have a lot of shit on your desk like I do, you don’t have to push things away just to make some elbow room. This is especially useful if you tend to eat near your computer, as the 60 percent keyboard’s tiny size makes it easy to step aside to put a plate or bowl on your desk. In fact, the keyboard is much cleaner as I can easily shake the crumbs out of it with one hand.
The smaller size makes it more portable as well, obviously with a 60 percent keyboard taking up less space than a laptop in a bag, though it’s still a bit thick. They at least have lower profile keys than standard decks, but if thickness is your number one concern then wearing a mechanical keyboard probably isn’t for you.
One big feature that isn’t talked about too much is that all the last 60- (and 65-) percent of your waistline use detachable USB-C cables. So if you frequently switch between workspaces, you can easily leave the cord at each desk for a quick keyboard connection. As someone who tests multiple keyboards, I found this useful as I can change the deck and leave the cord intact. You often have to unplug cables and untangle them from the office setup every time I try a new keyboard, but for 60% of models I use the same cable for all of them.
Producer: MOTOSPEED | Type: Wireless | Switches: Outemu | Style options: 2 | Dimensions: 11.5 x 4 x 2 inches | Price: 💰💰
1. Vortexgear Pok3r
Producer: Vortexgear | Keys: 61 | Switches: Cherry MX | Backlight: No | Dimensions: 11.60 x 4 x 1.4 inch | Weight: 1.76 pounds
One of the cool things about the Vortexgear Pok3r is that it comes with a classic aluminum bezel with a black motif. This makes RGB colors really stand out when using the keyboard. It also includes a board between the PCB and Cherry MX switches, which adds an extra layer of stiffness to the keyboard.
This keyboard was first popularized by game streamers on Twitch. It has become well known, alongside its competitors Anne Pro 2 and Ducky One 2 Mini.
Since the keycaps are laser etched PBT keycaps, they provide a great and lasting feel when in use. Includes a selection of Cherry MX switches, ranging from blue, brown, transparent, red, silent red, and silver.
However, please note that the keys are not equipped with a key puller.
The advantage of this keyboard is that it has several RGB modes without having to open any software. It also offers excellent macro support which can be quite tricky at first. Each key is capable of 32 keystrokes. You can program up to 3 layers. Since the keyboard has a dip switch, you no longer need to convert the Caps Lock key to the Fn key. You can easily switch between keyboard layouts.
You can also program each individual key color in addition to the preset modes. This customization allows you to edit the game keys separately from the others or give each row a different color. The possibilities are endless.
The included detachable USB cable is a micro USB cable, not a standard USB-C cable.
The keyboard has adhesive pads on the bottom that prevent it from moving. The key design is floating keys, so that RGB can glow quite bright.
The aluminum plate is white which does not match the black appearance. It looks strange when the lights are off. With RGB on, the white backpalte makes the light bounce off it and looks amazing.
The arrow keys on the second layer are on I / J / K / L. There are also additional multimedia features integrated into the standard keyboard.
- Unique appearance thanks to the metal housing
- PBT keys
- Cherry MX switch options
- Programmable layers
- Additional multimedia keys
- Convenient location of the arrows
- No kickstand
- Micro-USB cable instead of USB-C
- Loud stabilizers
- White back plate with black pattern
2. Anne Pro 2
As a crowd favorite, Anne Pro 2 is one of the most popular 60% of mechanical keyboards on the market today. One of the reasons for its popularity is the fact that it comes with Bluetooth 4.0 and a 1900mAh built-in battery that lasts for 8 hours of use on a single charge. It can also be used while connected and does not require a Bluetooth connection. To save battery power, the keyboard has an auto-sleep feature.
Apart from these things, the Anne Pro 2 is very well built and has an elegant design. Despite the plastic frame, it is very solid. It has PBT keycaps with a matte finish. The keys are wobbling but not very noticeable as you type. They are double see through PBT and the legends will never fade over years and years of wearing.
Each key is fully programmable and comes with configurable RGB lighting on each key. The keyboard is available on many Gateron switches with variations of Cherry MX and Kailh switches. Gateron switches are considered to be the first-class “follower” of Cherry MX switches. Over the years, users have come to respect this as a totally unique switch that meets the expectations of the original Cherry MX.
The downside to using this mechanical keyboard is that it has average ergonomics due to the lack of a tilt option. There is also no palm rest. And since it’s a tad smaller than the average wrench size, it can be difficult for some people to use.
The keyboard is also available in white and black. It has a standard layout of 60% so that the keys can be changed without any problems. The keyboard includes colored keys to play with the bottom row and improve personalization.
There is a key puller for easy key switching. The weight is solid and well built, although still portable. The bezel design is very classic and repels dust and hair, unlike the floating key design.
The software is very easy and intuitive to use without much learning. It can also reassign keys and functions. There are 3 different layers as well as a tap layer which makes using the arrow keys very easy.
Want to see our full hands-on review of this keyboard? Check it out here .
- PBT keys
- Bluetooth wireless option
- Smooth Gateron switches
- great personalization
- Convenient one-touch arrow keys
- Classic design with frames
- No arrow keys
- Small size
- Cheap quality plastic workmanship
- No stands to adjust the angle
Now we often get this question: are 60% of keyboards suitable for gaming? In short, yes! However, 60% wireless keyboards are better suited for casual gaming, while wired models provide the consistency needed for the greatest competitive advantage.
The Best 60% Mechanical Keyboards – Our Favorites
| Award | Keyboard | Picture |
|---|---|---|
| Our best choice | Duck One 2 Mini | |
| Best Budget 60 Keyboard | Royal Kludge RK61 | |
| Best 60% keyboard for typing | Durgod Venus | https://amazon.com/dp/B07X8Q27ZR?tag=best60sandc-20 |
| Best Hot-Swap 60 keyboard | Kemove Cień / Snow Fox | |
| The best 60% keyboard for gaming | Razer Huntsman Mini |
- Configurable keys
- Excellent firmware
- Zodiac space
- Lots of switch options
- All plastic construction
- No software
- Difficult to set up
Out of a total of 60% of keyboards on this list, the Ducky One 2 Mini made the biggest impression on us.
If you want to choose an option that meets your needs 60%, this is the keyboard we recommend.
The Ducky One 2 Mini does everything very well.
The customizability of this keyboard is our favorite part. You can configure the Ducky One 2 Mini to suit your productivity and gaming needs.
Keys, switches, software, RGB lighting can be customized according to your preferences.
Need a keyboard that matches the rest of your setup? You can get colorful keycaps and lighting to go with it.
Need a specific setup for writing, gaming or programming? Configure macros and key placement with the built-in firmware. No software is required.
When you integrate the Ducky One 2 Mini into your life, you will find that your setup is more efficient and customized.
A stylized space is also thrown in to add a nice touch to the design.
This keyboard is the perfect companion for any purpose you plan to use the keyboard for, whether it’s working, playing, typing, or programming.
For the price, I would love to see an aluminum frame, but if you have extra pie you can go for the Ducky One 2 Mecha Mini instead.
It would also be nice if the keyboard was connected wirelessly, but you can’t always have everything.
Highly customizable 60% mechanical keyboard with RGB backlight, unique keycaps and powerful embedded firmware.
Royal Kludge RK61: Best Budget 60% Keyboard
- Budget friendly
- Wireless Bluetooth
- Detachable USB-C port
- Backlight
The RK61 is one of the most cost-effective mechanical keyboards you can find at a low price.
This is our favorite under $ 50 mechanical keyboard.
We ranked the keyboard at number two because at this price point it is one of the best keyboards on the list.
The RK61 comes with Outemu switches, while it’s not the best, it’s a great option if you’re looking for a cheaper keyboard. The switches have a lifetime of 50 million keystrokes.
The keyboard has some nice features like Bluetooth wireless connection. If you want to take your keyboard on the road or enjoy a portable setup, this RK61 could be the perfect choice.
That being said, we don’t recommend playing over a wireless connection as this adds extra input lag. Not the best for super competitive play.
In addition, the RK61 comes with easy-to-reach bottom layers printed on the front of the keycaps in a really easy-to-read fashion. Overall the keys have high contrast and are satisfying to use.
The only downside is that the keycaps are made of ABS plastic, which tends to wear out faster than PBT, but doesn’t have the usual greasy sheen found in ABS.
For a keyboard in this price range, you can’t complain about the material of the keycaps.
The RK61 also has a centrally mounted detachable USB-C charging cable for easy charging and disconnecting. Plus, thanks to USB-C, you don’t have to worry about plugging the keyboard upside down. It is reversible.
The downside to the RK61 is that the backlight is only blue, which makes it look quite professional, but if you like a multitude of colors, the 60% option with RGB might be better.
Overall, we were impressed with the quality of the RK61 considering the price, but if you’ve got a little more to spend, there are better options on the list.
Excellent, inexpensive mechanical keyboard with RGB lighting and wireless connectivity (if you choose). The most profitable option.
The software is very easy and intuitive to use without much learning. It can also reassign keys and functions. There are 3 different layers as well as a tap layer which makes using the arrow keys very easy.
Obinslab Anne Pro 2
Image via Mechanicalkeyboards.com
Obinslab Anne Pro 2 is a 60% keyboard with wired and wireless functions. It can be connected to a computer directly with a USB-C cable or wirelessly via Bluetooth. If you connect wirelessly, you don’t have to worry about the keyboard dying in the middle of the game as the 1900mAh battery has a lifespan of around eight hours and has a battery saver feature.
Like the other keyboards on this list, there is bright, programmable RGB lighting. Obinslab Starter software is easy to use and allows you to configure preset modes and create different lighting profiles. You can also use the software to configure the RGB lighting of individual keys and program up to 16 macros.
The customization options for this keyboard aren’t just about looks. You can also choose mechanical switches from popular brands such as Gateron, Kailh, and Cherry MX. Each brand has several options to choose from, so you can choose the switch that best suits your preferences.
Obinslab’s Anne Pro 2 offers a balance between affordability and usability. The Anne Pro 2 is slightly cheaper than some of the more premium options like the Huntsman Mini, and offers wireless connectivity. It’s also a great option if you don’t want cables cluttering your desk, but Bluetooth connections can be a bit unreliable in competing games.
Glorious GMMK Compact
Image via Glorious
The Glorious GMMK Compact is marketed as the world’s first modular mechanical keyboard. The main selling point of the Glorious GMMK is the hot-swappable PCB. Hot-swappable allows you to try different switches on the same keyboard without soldering. These hot-swappable sockets are compatible with leading brands such as Gateron, Cherry MX and Kailh.
Glorious also includes a key switch and keycap puller for easy customization of your keyboard. Glorious offers black and white keys. The company also offers pudding style keycaps that are black on the top and have translucent sides to bring out RGB lighting.
Some of the other impressive features of the Glorious GMMK include a sturdy aluminum frame and RGB lighting. The RGB lighting isn’t as bright as the Razer Huntsman Mini, but the light is streaming down a bit more from under the keys. This keyboard is considerably heavier than the Huntsman Mini, even though both keyboards have aluminum plates.
The Glorious GMMK presents exceptional value and is the most versatile keyboard on this list due to its hot-swappable switches and key options. A slight downside to this keyboard is that it uses a Micro USB connection, unlike other options that use a more modern USB-C connection.
All things considered, there’s a lot to like here: all the standard features of a top-notch gaming keyboard from a major manufacturer, tucked away in a compact design with advanced features.
Buyer’s Guide: Best 60% Keyboards
What’s the best 60% keyboard for your setup and playstyle? Let’s move on to the most important considerations.
1. Wired versus wireless
The best 60% mechanical keyboards are available in wired and / or wireless configurations. Wired keyboards require a direct connection to the computer’s USB port, while wireless keyboards use 2.4 GHz or Bluetooth technology to communicate over radio waves.
Each type has its pros and cons. Wired keyboards provide greater consistency and the fastest response times, while wireless keyboards are more portable and you don’t have to rely on a direct connection.
Now we often get this question: are 60% of keyboards suitable for gaming? In short, yes! However, 60% wireless keyboards are better suited for casual gaming, while wired models provide the consistency needed for the greatest competitive advantage.
2. Switches
The switches are mechanical springs under each key and vary to the touch.
For the best possible experience, Cherry MX switches are considered to be the best in their class. But premium quality comes at a high price.
Fortunately, in recent years, smaller brands have stepped up their game. Nowadays, you can find a good keyboard with switches from brands such as Outemu, Gateron and Kailh.
3. Aesthetics
If it doesn’t look cool on your desk, why bother?
Think about your perfect color scheme. What fits the rest of your setup? You don’t have to compromise as there are so many options – black, white, silver, two-tone – the choice is endless. Not only that, but many 60 percent keyboards also feature LED lights for extra energy.
Choose the option that suits your game room and get back to the game in style.
Our Process
In this guide to the best 60% of keyboards, our writers spent 6 hours researching over 50 of the most popular options from big and small brands. After comparing this data, we read over 100 user reviews and narrowed our list down to 10 60% of keyboards on the market. All of these studies make up recommendations that you can trust.
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The £ 150 / $ 150 ASUS ROG Falchion is one of the most expensive boards on this list, but it looks, feels and works with some unique features we haven’t seen anywhere else.
Best Budget Wireless Mechanical Keyboard: Corsair K63 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Corsair K63 wireless mechanical gaming keyboard
The best wireless mechanical keyboard we tested is the Corsair K63 wireless mechanical gaming keyboard. It is versatile and has good ergonomics thanks to the included palm rest and the adjustable tilt setting. You can connect it to two different devices at the same time, using a USB receiver or via Bluetooth, and you can easily switch between them with the controls directly on the keyboard.
It has Cherry MX Red linear switches that require some force to actuate and provide no tactile feedback. These switches are responsive, and typing even for long periods is unlikely to fatigue you. This keyboard also has some extra features, including dedicated multimedia keys and a Windows key lock. While there aren’t any dedicated macro keys, you can reprogram any key with the software.
Unfortunately, the build quality is decent as it’s made entirely of slightly inexpensive plastic. Plus, it doesn’t have any built-in memory or cloud sync functionality, so you can’t keep custom settings when you switch devices. This keyboard only has blue backlight, so if you are a fan of keyboards with full RGB lighting, you can choose another option. That said, out of all the wireless options we’ve tested, this is the best low-cost mechanical keyboard option among them.
Best Compact Budget Mechanical Keyboard: Obinslab Anne Pro 2
Obinslab Anne Pro 2
Compact keyboards take a moment now. Whether you are minimalist or just have a small desk, if you are interested in a compact keyboard, you should check out Obinslab Anne Pro 2, the best compact, economical mechanical keyboard we’ve tested so far. It is a 60% compact keyboard that takes up very little space on your desk. It has a plastic bezel but feels very well-built and has high-quality, double PBT keycaps.
it connects wirelessly to a USB receiver or via Bluetooth, but can also be used wired. Using it in wired mode not only eliminates the need to worry about running out of battery, but also makes it a much more cost-effective choice for gamers thanks to its ultra-low latency over a wired connection. The model we tested has Gateron Brown tactile switches that don’t require too much force to actuate, but have a slightly higher pre-jump speed than linear switches, which are typically preferred by gamers due to their sensitivity. Fortunately, this keyboard is also available in a wide variety of other switch types, including line switches.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t include a palm rest, so it may not be a good choice if you need to use the keyboard for long, uninterrupted stretches. Still, it’s an efficient option in a neat package that can be easily incorporated into almost any setup.
