Razer / Razer
Modern keyboards are manufactured to such a high standard that even the compact 60% versions can cram in most of the same features as the very best keyboards of any size. The distinct look, compact sizing, and often better pricing of 60% keyboards make this a keyboard type well worth considering. That’s especially true if you’re already looking at the best mechanical keyboards — many of them are one and the same.
With a number of keyboard makers offering the compact form factor for gamers and typists, it shouldn’t be tough to find the right one for you. Here are some of the best 60 percent keyboards that we recommend.
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Razer Huntsman Mini Analog
Best 60 percent keyboard
Pros
- Software customization with onboard memory
- Individually lit RGB keys
- Customizable actuation distance
- Detachable USB cable
Why should you buy this: It’s a premium gaming keyboard with fast optical analog switches.
Who’s it for: Gamers and occasional typists in need of a feature-rich compact keyboard.
Why we picked the Razer Huntsman Mini:
Razer is a reliable name in the peripherals space, and its 60 percent keyboard offering, the Huntsman Mini Analog, is a feature-packed compact keyboard solution with some of the most advanced switches you can find. It is available in black or white (Mercury) color schemes with a total of 61 keys and a detachable USB-C cable. Despite the premium price, the build is all plastic, which was probably done to keep the overall weight to a minimum. The company includes its own doubleshot PBT keycaps with a superthin font that allows for sharp-looking letters.
The real standout feature with this keyboard, though, are the analog switches. They combine the performance of optical switches with near-infinite customization, letting you fine-tune the actuation distance for the task at hand. Shallow and responsive for gaming, deeper for greater typing accuracy, or any combination for any key(s) you wish — it’s all adjustable within the backend software, alongside the excellent Razer Chroma RGB per-key backlighting.
Whether you’re looking to type fast, game slow, vice versa, or anything in between, the Huntsman Mini Analog is the best 60% keyboard for the job.
Razer Huntsman Mini Analog
Best 60 percent keyboard
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Keychron K12
Best compact keyboard for multi-device setup
Pros
- Solid build quality
- Wired and wireless operation
- Multi-device pairing
- Optional hot-swap switches
Cons
- Not the best with latency
- Could use a wrist rest
Why should you buy this: Highly compatible and well-rounded wireless keyboard.
Who’s it for: Working professionals with a multi-device setup.
Why we picked the Keychron K12:
Keychron started off as a Kickstarter project in 2018 and today offers a range of keyboards available in various layouts. The K12 is the company’s 60 percent offering that offers both wired and wireless connectivity. It is compatible with both MacOS and Windows, with additional keycaps so you can get the right layout. It can also be used with Linux, Android, and iOS devices. With Bluetooth 5.1, the keyboard can pair and quickly switch between three devices, making it perfect for someone who has to deal with more than one device. Available with factory-fitted Gateron G Pro mechanical switches (red, blue, or brown), one can also buy the K12 in a hot-swap version where you can choose between Gateron G Pro and Keychron’s own optical switches. Additionally, you get the option of white or RGB backlighting for the keys, as well as an aluminum frame for that extra sturdiness.
The inbuilt 4,000mAh battery can last about two months (with backlighting turned off) before it needs a recharge. There is no dedicated software, which means there are no options to program macros, but there are dedicated keys to control the RGB lighting. Also, the keyboard is a little thick and could use a third-party wrist rest for added comfort.
Keychron K12
Best compact keyboard for multi-device setup
Jacob Roach / Digital Trends
SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
Best 60% keyboard for gaming
Pros
- Unique Omnipoint 2.0 switches
- Dual actuation inputs
- Perfect size for gamers
- Satisfying typing and gaming experience
- Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connections
Cons
- Unnecessarily expensive
- SteelSeries GG is a bit confusing
- 60% form factor limits use cases
Why should you buy this: It’s fantastic for gaming purists.
Who’s it for: Gamers who don’t want any wasted space or keys.
Why we picked the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini:
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini is a lean and mean gaming keyboard, with all of the keys you need built on SteelSeries’ fantastically responsive and customizable Omnipoint 2.0 switches. They have dual actuation, so you can use granular controls in racers and games with nuanced inputs. They also unlock additional potential for more controls within the confines of a more compact design.
The keyboard is entirely wireless, and can run off Bluetooth or the 2.4 GHz wireless dongle. It’s rated for 40 hours of battery life with the lights on, but if you run it on low or don’t run it continuously, you should get far longer than that on a single charge.
The adjustable switches can be incredibly fast if you lower the actuation distance to fractions of a millimeter, and you can always extend that again for more accurate typing. RGB lighting is excellent, too, with per-key controls adjustable in the SteelSeries software.
SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
Best 60% keyboard for gaming
Image used with permission by copyright holder
HyperX Alloy Origins 60
Rock solid gaming keyboard
Pros
- Robust build quality
- Competitive pricing
- Responsive and silent key switches
- Great RGB LED lighting
Cons
- Low onboard memory
- Custom software limited to Windows users
Why should you buy this: Great value for the asking price.
Who’s it for: Budget-focused gamers looking for a reliable compact keyboard.
Why we picked the HyperX Alloy Origins 60:
The HyperX Alloy Origins 60 is a highly praised 60 percent keyboard for gamers featuring one of the most compact designs, paired with a rock-solid build and an excellent price tag. It makes use of high-quality plastics, an aircraft-grade aluminum top frame, and a detachable USB-C cable that is braided for longevity. The company offers the keyboard with its own linear red mechanical switches and Doubleshot PBT keycaps with 45G actuation force and 1.8mm actuation distance. There is per-key RGB lighting as well and adjustable feet that offer three different angles of inclination. One can easily set macros and control the RGB lighting using the NGenuity software, while the keyboard’s onboard memory can save up to three profiles. The software also lets you customize functions and assign them to almost any key on the Base Layer or the Fn Layer.
Overall, the Alloy Origins 60 performs quite well, with light and silent operation and extremely low click latency. It’s also very affordable compared to its competitors, especially since HyperX bundles a keycap remover with some extra keycaps, including a trippy-looking spacebar keycap.
HyperX Alloy Origins 60
Rock solid gaming keyboard
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2
One of a kind 60 percent keyboard with capacitive switches
Pros
- Clean retro design
- Long-lasting build quality
- Wired and wireless connectivity
- Topre switches
Cons
- Unusual layout
- No backlighting
- High price
Why should you buy this: Minimalist design with premium Topre key switches.
Who’s it for: Programmers and typists looking for a unique experience.
Why we picked the Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2:
Focusing on aesthetics and a great typing experience, the Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2 or the HHKB Pro 2 is one of the most unique products on this list. Catering to a niche audience, it features an understated retro design, solid PBT keycaps, and Japanese Topre key switches, all of which manage to deliver an interesting typing experience. There is a steep learning curve though, as the keyboard doesn’t have a traditional layout, especially when it comes to the Control key that is positioned where the Caps Lock key should be. The capacitive non-contact Topre switches are definitely the highlight of the keyboard, offering linear and smooth key travel, almost like a superior version of the Cherry MX Brown switches.
As for connectivity, there are two pass-through USB ports to attach additional peripherals or thumb drives, and for some odd reason, a mini-USB port for connecting your PC. You also get Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to wirelessly connect multiple devices. Apart from the confusing layout, the biggest issue with this keyboard is the price. Currently available for over $300, the HHKB Pro 2 is one of the most expensive 60 percent keyboards on the market.
Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2
One of a kind 60 percent keyboard with capacitive switches
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Corsair K65 RGB Mini
Appealing design with strong software ecosystem.
Pros
- Customization options
- Bright RGB lighting
- Up to 50 custom profiles
- Great design
Cons
- Misses out on adjustable feet
- 8,000Hz polling rate doesn’t make a difference
Why should you buy this: Great design aesthetics with multiple customization options.
Who’s it for: Gamers who seek a good-looking design and robust software ecosystem.
Why we picked the Corsair K65 RGB Mini:
Corsair made its entry into the 60 percent keyboard category K65 RGB Mini and did so with gusto. The advertised “hero feature” of the keyboard is its class-leading 8,000Hz polling rate, though that shouldn’t be the only reason for you to buy one. It comes with a pleasing design and bright RGB lighting, making it one of the most premium-looking 60 percent keyboards. You also get a removable USB-C cable, Doubleshot PBT keycaps, and the option of Cherry MX Red, brown, blue, Silent, and Speed key switches. Available in black or white color schemes, Corsair additionally sells custom-colored keycap sets for the K65 RGB Mini to please enthusiasts. Then there is the iCUE software integration, which has become one of the best in the business, giving you full control of the RGB lighting as well as a variety of other options to play with.
This is definitely one of the most practical 60 percent keyboards with minor gripes. It misses out on adjustable feet, meaning you cannot change the angle of inclination, and for a $100 keyboard, one expects a metal top frame for that extra rigidity.
Corsair K65 RGB Mini
Appealing design with strong software ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 60 percent keyboard?
While a traditional keyboard comes with 104 keys, a 60 percent keyboard has a total of 60 to 62 keys. It sacrifices most of the function keys, including the number pad, arrow keys, and other miscellaneous keys, in favor of a compact and sleek design. Such keyboards offer great portability and take up very little desk space, which is great for compact or minimalistic setups.
Are 60 percent keyboards good for gaming?
Certain gamers today prefer using a 60 percent keyboard as they are easy to maneuver and position at different angles, while the compact size makes more room for mouse movements. Additionally, most 60 percent keyboards offer the ability to set macros and choose between various key switches, which is again quite useful while gaming.
How expensive are 60 percent keyboards?
Due to their smaller size, 60 percent keyboards are relatively cheaper compared to full-size keyboards. Having said that, you can find a compact keyboard for as low as $50 going all the way up to $100. There are also some exceptions, like the Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2, which costs upwards of $300!
What are the drawbacks of 60 percent keyboards?
There are a number of keys that are not immediately available on 60 percent of keyboards, which may hamper your overall productivity. You can access the missing keys by rebinding the keys you do have, but there is a learning curve with that, and it definitely takes time to get used to the layout. If you are someone who heavily uses the numpad or the function keys, you will be better off with one of the best full-size keyboards.