Ever feel like your keyboard takes up way too much space on your desk? Or maybe you’re tired of reaching for keys that are just too far away? If you’re nodding your head, you’re probably thinking about a 60% keyboard. These compact keyboards are super popular, but choosing the right one can feel like a puzzle. There are so many different brands, features, and prices, it’s easy to get lost in the choices.
But don’t worry! We’re here to make your life easier. This guide is your secret weapon for finding the perfect 60% keyboard. We’ll break down what makes them special and help you understand what to look for. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what you need to pick a keyboard that fits your style and your budget. Get ready to upgrade your typing game!
Top 60 Keyboard Recommendations
No. 1
MageGee Portable 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, MK-Box LED Backlit Compact 68 Keys Mini Wired Office Keyboard with Red Switch for Windows Laptop PC Mac - Black/Grey
- Mini portable 60% compact layout: MK-BOX is a 68 keys mechanical keyboard have cute small size, but with separate arrow keys and F1-F12, Fn function keys you need, can use it for gaming or work while saving space.
- Mechanical red switch: characterized for being linear and smoother, slight key sound has no paragraph sense with minimal resistance, but fast action without a tactile bump feel which makes it easier to tap the keyboard.
- Classic charming blue LED backlit: Customize multiple illuminated LED light effects, supports about 16 backlight modes, press Fn + Ins can control it, FN + ←/→ control backlight speed, FN + ↑/↓ control backlight brightness.
- Full anti-ghosting keyboard: all 68 keys are no conflict, black grey red mash up design, ergonomic suspension double-color injection keycap, double kickstand feet adjustable typing angle and detachable usb cable, both practical and beautiful.
- Extensive compatibility: MageGee MK-Box mechanical keyboards use USB 2.0 connector making it compatible with Windows (2000, XP, ME, Vista, 7, 8), Linux and Mac, plug and play, no drivers or software required.
No. 2
Aula WIN60 HE - 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Wired, Magnetic Switch Hot Swappable, Adjustable Actuation Rapid Trigger Mode, 8000 Hz Polling Rate, RGB Small Keyboard 60 Percent Compact Design for PC
- High-Performance Hall Effect Magnetic Switch Keyboard: The AULA Win60 HE 60% keyboard features advanced, self-developed magnetic switches and a lightweight, non-memory-intensive driver, delivering polling rates of up to 8000Hz for ultra-fast response times. As a hall effect keyboard, it leverages cutting-edge magnetic technology to ensure precise and consistent actuation without physical contact, eliminating wear and tear associated with traditional mechanical switches. This level of performance gives you a competitive edge in gaming with unmatched precision and reliability
- Optimized for FPS Games: Designed for FPS titles like Valorant and CS2, the Win60 HE’s magnetic switches enable faster peeking and quick-stop shooting, enhancing accuracy and positioning. Experience a clear advantage in high-stakes moments with this gaming keyboard
- Rapid Trigger Gaming Keyboard: Featuring an ultra-low RT step distance of just 0.02mm, the Win60 HE ensures lightning-fast response times, perfect for rapid shooting and complex combos. Stay ahead in intense matches with unmatched speed and precision
- Compact 60% Design: With its space-saving 60% layout small keyboard, the Win60 HE is ideal for gaming, work, or travel. Its compact size saves desk space without sacrificing functionality, making it perfect for gamers and typists alike
- Dynamic RGB Lighting: The Win60 HE features a lower light position design that illuminates PBT keycaps, along with 16.8 million customizable RGB colors. Create stunning lighting effects to match your setup and elevate your gaming atmosphere
No. 3
Snpurdiri 60% Wired Gaming Keyboard, 61 Keys RGB Backlit Ultra-Compact Small Gaming Keyboard, for PC/Mac Gamer, Typist, Travel, Easy to Carry on Business Trip(Black-White)
- Classic 60% Compact Design — This 60% gaming keyboard has a small size and it's good for all environnement, business travel games office home use, without Numpad, more practical for Gamers and Typist, give more space to your desktop
- Ergonomic Design and Mechanical Feel — The mini gaming keyboard key height is designed according to ergonomics,and it is not easy to fatigue after long-term use. Using advanced imitation mechanical technology, one of the attractive features is the mechanical feeling.It also belongs to a relatively silent membrane gaming keyboard
- Cool RGB Backlit Effect — The 60% rgb keyboard include 6 backlight effects and 8 backlight color switching. Different RGB setting enriches your typing time. Lighting speed and level can also be adjusted according to your need.Now,Key cap upgraded to double - color injection molding, character transparent luminous
- Simple Elegant Personality — For some small keyboard, if you are tired of monotones, you can choose this elegant and mature black and white matching classic style. In addition,detachable cable makes this portable gaming keboard connecting simple and easy to carry. USB Type-C connection also provide more stable transmission
- After-sales service — We maintain continuous improvement of product quality.For example, the Snpurdiri 60 keyboard is upgraded to two-color injection molding, and the character is transparent.We make every effort to ensure the quality of Snpurdiri 60 keyboard.Your satisfaction and happiness will be our motivation and direction to pursue continuous product upgrades
No. 4
GEODMAER 65% Gaming Keyboard, Wired Backlit Mini Keyboard, Ultra-Compact Anti-Ghosting No-Conflict 68 Keys Membrane Gaming Wired Keyboard for PC Laptop Windows Gamer
- 【65% Compact Design】GEODMAER Wired gaming keyboard compact mini design, save space on the desktop, novel black & silver gray keycap color matching, separate arrow keys, No numpad, both gaming and office, easy to carry size can be easily put into the backpack
- 【Wired Connection】Gaming Keybaord connects via a detachable Type-C cable to provide a stable, constant connection and ultra-low input latency, and the keyboard's 26 keys no-conflict, with FN+Win lockable win keys to prevent accidental touches
- 【Strong Working Life】Wired gaming keyboard has more than 10,000,000+ keystrokes lifespan, each key over UV to prevent fading, has 11 media buttons, 65% small size but fully functional, free up desktop space and increase efficiency
- 【LED Backlit Keyboard】GEODMAER Wired Gaming Keyboard using the new two-color injection molding key caps, characters transparent luminous, in the dark can also clearly see each key, through the light key can be OF/OFF Backlit, FN + light key can switch backlit mode, always bright / breathing mode, FN + ↑ / ↓ adjust the brightness increase / decrease, FN + ← / → adjust the breathing frequency slow / fast
- 【Ergonomics & Mechanical Feel Keyboard】The ergonomically designed keycap height maintains the comfort for long time use, protects the wrist, and the mechanical feeling brought by the imitation mechanical technology when using it, an excellent mechanical feeling that can be enjoyed without the high price, and also a quiet membrane gaming keyboard
No. 5
Wired Portable 60% Mechanical Feeling Gaming Keyboard,RGB LED Backlit Compact 68 Keys Mini Wired Office Keyboard for Windows Laptop PC Mac Gamer, Typist, Travel on Business Trip Black–Grey
- Compact Design :This 60% gaming keyboard has a small size and it's good for all environnement, business travel games office home use, without Numpad, perfect for gamer or typists to use it for home, work, game, travel, or business, etc
- Ergonomic Design and Mechanical Feeling:he mini membrane gaming keyboard key height is designed according to ergonomics,and it is not easy to fatigue after long-term use.you also can adjust backlight brightness and breathing speed by pressing FN+related key according to your real needs
- Multi RGB Backlight Color effect: you also can adjust backlight brightness and breathing speed by pressing FN+related key according to your real needs, providing a immersive lighting show when in dark place, effectively enhance the competitive atmosphere when gaming.
- different backlit control:RGB color,green ,red ,blue,light key:on/off,FN+M=Extrusion,FN+Backspace/Bslash brightness adjustment,four levels 0x0,0x3f,0x7f,0xff,FN+left/right to adjust the flow
- Ergonomics and Mechanical Feel Keyboard:A smaller keyboard provides better structural ergonomics, allowing the body to perform typing tasks in a more natural posture. The ergonomically designed keycap height maintains the comfort for long time use, protects the wrist, and the mechanical feeling brought by the imitation mechanical technology,
No. 6
AULA WIN68 HE Mechanical Gaming Keyboard 60%, Hall Effect Magnetic Switch, Fast Trigger Mode Adjustable Actuation, 8000Hz Polling Rate, RGB Backlit, Wired Black Keyboard for Laptop/PC Gamer
- Fast Trigger Gaming Keyboard: AULA WIN68 HE magnetic gaming keyboard offers an industry-leading 8,000Hz polling rate and 8x faster response time than traditional mechanical keyboard. Combined with ultra-low latency (0.3ms), it ensures your commands take effect instantly, giving you an edge in the game. The fast trigger keyboard is perfect for gamers and coders, greatly enhancing the gaming experience and work efficiency.
- Hall Effect Keyboard with Magnetic Switch: Equipped with advanced hall effect magnetic switches, the WIN68 HE black gaming keyboard offers adjustable actuation point(0.02mm-3.44mm), and each key can be personalized to the smallest unit of 0.1 mm, providing an ultra-precise keying experience. In addition, press/reset sensitivity can be individually set via software to match the keystroke habits of different people in different types of games
- Customizable Web Driver: The mechanical gaming keyboard is equipped with a professional web driver that allows users to customize RT/SOCD/DKS/MT/TGL functions, key mapping, macro editing, RGB lighting and other settings on windows systems without downloading(This driver does not support MAC, only compatible with Windows system). It provides one-stop management of the keyboard, allowing users to truly experience customization and personalization. Web driver connection: bit.ly/m/AULA
- 16.8 Million RGB Backlit keyboard: The light up keyboard features 16.8 million colors of RGB lighting effects with south-facing LEDs for a better visual experience. 14 preset lighting effects add a great ambience to your games. Lighting effects and brightness can be easily adjusted via driver or FN and key combinations. The backlight can be turned off if not needed
- 60% Compact Wired Keyboard: Designed for professional gamers, the 60% gaming keyboard saves up to 40% of desktop space while retaining the arrow keys and basic function keys. FN and key combinations unlock all keyboard commands. The 68-key wired gaming keyboard with detachable USB cable provides gamers with a more stable connection and greatly enhances the gaming experience. The small size and lightweight design make it easier to carry and perfect for business trip
No. 7
Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Gaming Keyboard: Clicky Optical Switches - Aluminum Top Frame - Chroma RGB Lighting - PBT Keycaps - Onboard Memory - Snap Tap - Black
- FASTER THAN TRADITIONAL MECHANICAL SWITCHES — Razer Linear Optical switch technology uses optical beam-based actuation, registering key presses at the speed of light (15-30% shorter actuation distance than other linear switches at 1.0 mm)
- ULTIMATE PERSONALIZATION & GAMING IMMERSION WITH RAZER CHROMA RGB LIGHTING — Fully syncs with popular games, Razer hardware, Philips Hue, and gear from 30+ partners; supports 16.8 million colors on individually backlit keys from the world’s largest lighting ecosystem for gaming devices
- QUALITY, ALUMINUM CONSTRUCTION — Covered with a matte, aluminum top frame for increased structural integrity
- OIL-RESISTANT DOUBLESHOT PBT KEYCAPS — Made of textured, high-grade PBT for a more durable and textured finish less prone to long-term grime buildup
- FULLY PROGRAMMABLE MACROS — Razer Hypershift allows for all keys and keypress combinations to be remapped to execute complex commands
No. 8
HyperX Alloy Origins 60 - Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Ultra Compact 60% Form Factor, Double Shot PBT Keycaps, RGB LED Backlit, NGENUITY Software Compatible - Linear HyperX Red Switch,Black
- [Petite 60% form factor]: Free up more room for your mouse with this supremely compact keyboard.
- [Full aircraft-grade aluminum body]: The aluminum casing keeps the keyboard structurally sound and stable when the action gets intense.
- [Double shot PBT keycaps with side printing]: The keycaps are designed with durable PBT material that is resistant to wear, friction, and solvents. Secondary functions are printed on the sides of the keycaps for quick recognition.
- [HyperX Mechanical switches]: Custom-designed HyperX key switches are balanced for speed and accuracy. They’re also reliable, rated for 80 million keypresses with no loss of quality.
- [RGB backlit keys with radiant lighting effects]: Get brighter, more luminous RGB lighting, thanks to the exposed LED design of the HyperX mechanical switches.
Your Guide to Picking the Perfect 60% Keyboard
So, you’re thinking about a 60% keyboard? That’s awesome! These little keyboards pack a punch. They’re smaller than your average keyboard, which means they save a lot of desk space. This guide will help you find the one that’s just right for you.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a 60% keyboard, keep these important things in mind.
Size and Layout
- Compactness: The main draw is the small size. It frees up desk space for your mouse or other gear.
- No Numpad or Function Row: Remember, these keyboards don’t have a number pad or the F1-F12 keys you see on bigger keyboards. You’ll use a special “Fn” key to access these.
Connectivity
- Wired: These use a USB cable to connect. They’re usually super reliable.
- Wireless (Bluetooth/2.4GHz): Some 60% keyboards connect without wires. This means a cleaner desk! Bluetooth is great for connecting to multiple devices. 2.4GHz offers a fast, stable connection.
Switches
- Mechanical Switches: Most 60% keyboards use mechanical switches. These feel great to type on. They come in different types:
- Linear (Red): Smooth and quiet. Good for gaming.
- Tactile (Brown): You feel a little bump when you press the key. Good for typing and gaming.
- Clicky (Blue): You hear a click and feel a bump. Great for typing, but can be loud.
- Membrane Switches: These are softer and quieter. They’re usually found on cheaper keyboards.
Customization
- Keycaps: You can often swap out the keycaps to change the look of your keyboard.
- Software: Some keyboards let you change lighting or remap keys using special programs.
2. Important Materials
The stuff your keyboard is made of matters. It affects how it feels and how long it lasts.
Case Material
- Plastic: Most common and affordable. It’s light.
- Aluminum: Feels premium and is very sturdy. It can also sound better.
Keycap Material
- ABS Plastic: Common and affordable. Can get shiny over time.
- PBT Plastic: More durable and doesn’t get shiny as easily. It feels a bit rougher.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a keyboard great, and others not so much.
What Makes it Better
- Solid Build: A keyboard that doesn’t flex or creak feels much better. Aluminum cases help here.
- Good Stabilizers: These help larger keys (like Spacebar) feel steady.
- Hot-Swappable Switches: This lets you change switches easily without soldering. It’s great for trying new switches or fixing a broken one.
- RGB Lighting: Pretty lights can make your setup look cool.
What Makes it Worse
- Wobbly Keys: If keys feel loose, typing isn’t fun.
- Cheap Plastic: Thin plastic can feel flimsy.
- Poorly Done Software: If the customization software is buggy, it’s frustrating.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Who is a 60% keyboard for? And what’s it like to use one?
For Gamers
- More Mouse Space: Gamers love the extra room for their mouse. It lets them move their mouse freely.
- Fast Typing: Mechanical switches help with quick actions in games.
For Typists and Programmers
- Ergonomics: The compact size can help keep your mouse closer to your keyboard. This can be more comfortable for your arms.
- Learning Curve: You’ll need to learn the Fn key combinations for certain keys. This is a small adjustment.
For Minimalists
- Clean Desk: If you like a tidy workspace, a 60% keyboard is perfect. It looks sleek and uncluttered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I really need a 60% keyboard?
A: It depends on what you like! If you want more desk space or a minimalist look, it’s a great choice. If you use the number pad or function keys a lot, you might find it tricky.
Q: Will it be hard to get used to?
A: There’s a small learning curve. You’ll use the “Fn” key for things like F keys and arrow keys. Most people get used to it quickly.
Q: Are 60% keyboards good for gaming?
A: Yes! Many gamers love them because they give more room for mouse movement. Mechanical switches also help with gaming performance.
Q: Can I use it with my iPad or phone?
A: If the keyboard has Bluetooth, yes! You can connect it to many different devices.
Q: What’s the difference between Red, Brown, and Blue switches?
A: Red switches are smooth and quiet. Brown switches have a small bump you can feel. Blue switches make a click sound and have a bump.
Q: How do I use the F keys (F1, F2, etc.)?
A: You press the “Fn” key and then the number key that corresponds to the F key. For example, Fn + 1 might be F1.
Q: Can I change the look of the keyboard?
A: Yes! You can often buy new keycaps to change the color and design.
Q: Is a 60% keyboard more expensive?
A: They can be, especially if they have premium materials or features. But there are affordable options too.
Q: What does “hot-swappable” mean?
A: It means you can easily pull out the switches and put in new ones without needing special tools or soldering.
Q: Where can I buy a 60% keyboard?
A: You can find them online at stores like Amazon, specialized tech retailers, and the websites of keyboard brands.