60 percent keyboards have recently been in the spotlight among keyboard enthusiasts who want to reclaim desk space. It is the most compact keyboard size currently available, featuring a small form factor for portability and ease of positioning. Space is precious, and that might be what you need to streamline your desktop. 60 percent keyboards come with a myriad of qualities and specifications (such as weight, dimension, connectivity options, and lighting, among others), which enrich user experience.
The ability to choose the right keyboard greatly depends on your understanding of these diverse features. Similarly, there are plenty of great brand options for anyone needing to minimize their desktop footprint. However, with many manufacturing brands offering 60 percent keyboards comes the challenge of finding the right keyboard that suits your typing, gaming, or programming needs.
What is a 60 percent keyboard?
A 60 percent keyboard follows a compact layout that eliminates the function row (F1 to F12), Numpad, arrow keys and home cluster of the traditional full-sized keyboard. 60 percent keyboards have reversed the traditional convention that gamers and typists require a full-sized keyboard layout with tones of keys to execute their tasks. Functional keys are sacrificed for a sleek and compact design. Most of the 60% keyboards come with a 60-61 key layout, offering great portability and minimalistic appeals.
The Pros and Cons of a 60 Percent Keyboard
Pros
A major advantage of the 60% keyboard is its compact layout that gives you more desk space for mouse movements. Besides, most 60 percent keyboards have macro-programmable macros with various key switches that you can choose from to customize the keyboard. A handful of 60% mechanical keyboards can be customized to personalize lighting effects, switches, and key macros.
Cons
On the negative side, eliminating various functional keys means that you will need to get used to shortcuts and hotkeys for inputs that otherwise would have their dedicated keys on the full-size keyboard. If your day-to-day keyboard usage heavily relies on the eliminated keys, your typing flow will be complicated by slowness and typos, given that key functions are moved from dedicated keys to shared keys. Before you switch to 60% keyboards, you need to consider the short adjustment period due to the unfamiliarity with the shared keys and binding.
This guide explores a host of incredible features and benefits of the 7 best 60 percent keyboards with the underlying factors you must consider to help you select the right keyboard.
Our Top Picks: Best 60 Percent Keyboard
The Best Overall
1. Razer Huntsman Mini
Specifications
- Form Factor: 60%
- Number of Keys: 61
- Weight: 0.5 kg / 1.1 lbs
- Dimension: 103.38 x 293.62 x 36.83 mm / 4.07 x 11.56 x 1.45 inches
- Connectivity Options: Detachable USB Type-C Cable
- Lighting: Chroma RGB
- Switches: Razer Optical Switches
- Keycaps: Double shot PBT
- Other Features: Aluminum construction, Fully Programmable Macros
Features Explained
Razer Huntsman Mini is the best overall 60 percent keyboard constructed with an aluminum frame for solid structural integrity and long-hour use. It has a 60 percent compact layout with 61 keys. This keyboard features a cutting-edge Razer Optical Switch that is smoother than mechanical switches, registering key presses at an incredible speed with satisfying clicky feedback. It is a wired keyboard that connects via a detachable Type-C cable, providing you with a secure connection.
Razer Huntsman Mini is designed with double shot PBT keycaps for greater durability. It has fully programable macros that allow you to execute complex commands. The keyboard is powered by Razer Chroma RGB lighting for an immersive experience with dynamic lighting effects, supporting up to 16.8 million colors. Razer Chroma RGB lighting can be customized by activating up to 5 keyboard profiles to personalize the keyboard.
Benefits
- Allow customization and personalization of lighting effects.
- Secure connection via Type-C cable.
- Smooth and faster switches.
- Color diversity (up to 16.8 colors).
- All keys are macro-programmable.
Who Is It For?
While many of these features favor gaming enthusiasts, they are also versatile features applicable for general use.
The Best Hot Swappable
2. RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Triple Mode
Specifications
- Form Factor: 60%
- Number of Keys: 61
- Weight: 0.5 kg / 1.1 lbs
- Dimension: 289 x 103 x 39 mm / 11.38 x 4.06 x 1.54 inches
- Connectivity Options: Bluetooth 5.0, Wireless 2.4G, USB-C
- Lighting: Single LED backlit
- Switches: Hot-swappable PCB
- Battery Life: 1450 mAh
- Keycaps: ABS Double Shot
Features Explained
RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Triple Mode is the best hot-swappable 60% keyboard that enables you to instantly replace 3pin or 5 pin switches seamlessly. With hot-swappable PCB switches, you can customize your keyboard without soldering issues. Enjoy the RK61’s triple-mode connectivity that offers a limitless and secure connection. It supports wireless Bluetooth 5.1, or via a 2.4 GHz dongle and wired connections via USB Type-C.
The 60% keyboard has a built-in high-capacity battery of up to 1450 mAh, giving you the flexibility to engage in gameplay for up to 13 hours. RK61 is designed with a single LED backlighting. However, you can choose your ideal mode and adjust brightness for a sensational experience.
Benefits
- A great switch option that allows unique keyboard customization.
- Portable for use at home or anywhere without taking up too much space.
- Triple mode connectivity.
- Long-lasting battery with up to 1450 mAh.
Who Is It For?
RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61’s portable size renders it usable by anyone for entertainment or work in confined spaces and outdoor settings. Its 60% form factor provides convenient access to all important presses and function keys for typing, gaming, and programming, among others.
The Best Custom-Designed
3. HyperX Alloy Origins 60
Specifications
- Form Factor: 60%
- Number of Keys: 61
- Weight: 0.97 kg / 2.14 lbs
- Dimension: 297.18 x 38.1 x 106.68 mm / 11.7 x 1.5 x 4.2 inches
- Connectivity Options: Detachable braided USB-C
- Lighting: RGB backlit
- Switches: HyperX Mechanical
- Keycaps: Double shot PBT
- Other Features: aluminum casing, Adjustable keyboard feet
Features Explained
HyperX Alloy Origins 60 is the best custom-designed 60 percent keyboard with a 60% form factor that creates more desk space for your mouse. It features a full aluminum casing that keeps your keyboard structurally stable to withstand up to 80 million key presses. The 60% keyboard’s double shot PBT keycaps are durable, with secondary functions printed on the sides. The secondary function will help you quickly recognize the extra functions of the keys. HyperX Alloy Origins 60 comes with HyperX mechanical switches that are custom-designed to achieve a balance of accuracy and responsiveness.
The exposed LED design of the HyperX mechanical switches enables you to experience a stunning glow on your keyboard with RGB backlighting effects. With radiant RGB lighting, you can customize your keyboard with different lighting profiles for a personalized lighting effect. Thanks to the HyperX NGENUITY, which offers advanced customization of game mode, key macros, and configuring per-key lighting effect. Besides, it is designed with three adjustable tilt angle (3°, 7°, 11°) options that allow you to type or game in a natural position for a comfortable experience.
Benefits
- Highly customizable-lighting, game mode, key macros.
- Three adjustable tilt angles (3°, 7°, 11°) for comfort.
- Secure connection via Type-C cable.
Who Is It For?
HyperX Alloy Origins 60 is designed with advanced customization features that are more appealing for a sensational gaming experience. The HyperX NGENUITY allows customization of gaming mode and per-key lighting effects. Besides, HyperX mechanical switches are custom-designed for an accurate and responsive gaming experience.
The Best Value Wireless
4. Anne Pro 2 Wired/Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Specifications
- Form Factor: 60%
- Number of Keys: 61
- Weight: 0.635 kg / 1.4 lbs
- Dimension: 97 x 284 x 40 mm / 3.82 x 11.18 x 1.57 inches
- Connectivity Options: Bluetooth 4.0 or USB Type-C cable
- Lighting: RGB LED
- Switches: Gateron and Kailh Box Switches
- Battery Life: 1900mAh
- Keycaps: Double Shot PBT
- Other Features: NKRO/Anti-Ghosting
Features Explained
With NKRO/Anti-Ghosting feature, Anne Pro 2 gives you a safe using experience at wired connection mode. Even if you accidentally press many or all buttons at the same time, the keyboard will not conflict. It’s one of the best 60 percent keyboards that feature both wired and wireless connection modes via USB Type-C and Bluetooth 4.0, respectively. Bluetooth connectivity allows you a seamless wireless pairing with up to 4 devices. It has a 1900mAh built-in Li-Ion battery that can constantly supply power for up to 8 hours, depending on brightness and LED usage.
Take advantage of the RGB Led that gives you room to customize per-key lighting. Per-key RGB LED is characterized by over 16 million colors with different pre-programmed dynamic modes. You have the freedom to create, save, and change lighting profiles through software. It has 16 macro-programmable keys for an advanced gaming experience. In terms of switches, Anne Pro 2 is elegantly crafted with Kailh Box White and Gateron switches for a fast and durable click experience. It facilitates an excellent gaming experience with its double shot PBT keycaps that deliver a smooth texture during intense competition.
Benefits
- NKRO/Anti-Ghosting feature.
- Per-key lighting customization.
- Multiple switching options.
- Wired and wireless connectivity mode.
Who Is It For?
Anne Pro 2 is suitable for both gamers and typists. The switches respond faster to keypresses with distinct click feedback for typing and gaming accuracy. Customizable RGB backlighting also provides an optimum design-oriented experience for typing and gaming.
The Best Premium
5. Ducky One 2 Mini RGB
Specifications
- Form Factor: 60%
- Number of Keys: 61
- Weight: 0.59 kg / 1.3 lbs
- Dimension: 302 x 108 x 40 mm / 11.89 x 4.25 x 1.57 inches
- Connectivity Options: Detachable USB-C cable
- Lighting: RGB lighting modes
- Switches: Cherry MX
- Keycaps: Double Shot PBT
- Other Features: Three-level adjustable feet and N-Key Rollover
Features Explained
Ducky One 2 Mini RGB is considered a premium 60 percent keyboard with a distinctive bezel design. If you can efficiently execute your tasks without a Numpad, its 60% form factor will give you enough desk space and much-needed functionality compared to a TKL. It boasts many incredible features, including RGB lighting mode that offers a stunning lighting effect and a detachable USB Type-C with the highest frequency of 1000 Hz polling rate. Ducky One 2 Mini RGB is available in Cherry MX silent red switches, giving you a touch of linear switching qualities.
Linear switches are perfect for anyone looking to minimize noise when keystrokes are registered. The double shot PBT keycaps are durable with exceptionally reliable performance. As same as Anne Pro 2, with the N-key rollover, you can handle multiple keypresses simultaneously without conflict. Importantly, Ducky One 2 Mini RGB reflects an ergonomic motif in its three-level adjustable feet that allows you to fully adjust the keyboard stand in tilt angles for optimized comfort. The adjustable stands give you the right body posture for a longer typing duration.
Benefits
- Silent switches.
- Three-level adjustable feet.
- Supports simultaneous key presses with N-Key Rollover feature.
- Sleek design.
Who Is It For?
The Cherry MX Silent Red switches make the 60 percent keyboard a perfect choice for an office environment where noise from key presses might be a nuisance. The keyboard maintains smooth linear switches for a noise-free environment.
The Budget Choice
6. Redragon K630 Dragonborn Wired RGB Gaming Keyboard
Specifications
- Form Factor: 60%
- Number of Keys: 61
- Weight: 0.73 kg / 1.6 lbs
- Dimension: 320 x 150 x 50 mm / 12.6 x 5.91 x 1.97 inches
- Connectivity Options: Detachable USB Type-C Cable
- Lighting: RGB backlighting
- Switches: Hot-Swappable Red
- Other Features: Pro software customizable, height adjustable with non-slip stand
Features Explained
Redragon K630 Dragonborn is a 60 percent keyboard designed in wired-only as a desired feature shared among its users. It has a 60% layout that frees up your desk space. This 60% keyboard is fitted with 61 keys that complement its ultra-compact layout. And non-slip stand make the keyboard stable even during high speed gaming. Hot-swappable red switches allow you easily customize your keyboard switches without the need for soldering skills. Red switches are relatively linear to deliver up to 50 million smooth and quiet keypresses.
Its vibrant RGB backlighting is a spectacular feature constituting up to 13 preset modes that suit your preferences. With RGB lighting, you can also adjust brightness on board. Redragon K630 Dragonborn comes with pro software customization capabilities that expand your option of integrating available software to personalize modes found on Redragonshop. Not to mention, the keyboard has macros with diverse shortcuts for efficient gaming.
Benefits
- Non-slip stand make the keyboard stable while playing.
- Allows customization of lighting modes and effects.
- Supports the use of available software found on Redragonshop.
- Delivers smooth and silent keypresses.
Who is it for?
Redragon K630 Dragonborn is designed with phenomenal features dedicated to most gamers. The hot-swappable red switches ensure you register up to 50 million key presses, which is incredibly convenient for a smooth, responsive, and silent character movement during combat.
The Best for Gamers
7. Kraken Pro 60 BRED Edition RGB Keyboard
Specifications
- Form Factor: 60%
- Number of Keys: 61
- Weight: 0.78 kg / 1.72 lbs
- Dimension: 336 x 142 x 49 mm / 13.23 x 5.59 x 1.93 inches
- Connectivity Options: USB-C cable
- Lighting: RGB lighting
- Switches: Gateron Mechanical Optical (Silver Speed)
- Other Features: Compatible with PS4 (PlayStation), XBOX, and PC
Features Explained
Kraken Pro 60 BRED Edition is the best 60% keyboard for gaming enthusiasts. The keyboard is compatible with PS4 (PlayStation), XBOX, and PC, providing gamers with a wide range of options for configuring their gaming system. Besides, you can easily plug its high-speed USB-C cable into any gaming system and enjoy a secure connection. Its Gateron Mechanical Optical supports up to 100 million presses. The Silver Speed Switches are extraordinarily fast with smooth and consistent keystrokes to give you a competitive edge in video games. Kraken Pro 60’s RGB lighting is fully customizable, enabling you to create lighting effects that synchronize with any video or game.
Benefits
- Supports customization of lighting.
- Compatible with gaming systems including PS4 (PlayStation), XBOX, and PC.
- Built with extremely fast switches.
Who is it for?
Kraken Pro 60 BRED Edition is best for gamers. This keyboard works on PS4 (PlayStation), XBOX, and PC. Besides, its Silver Speed Linear Switches are designed with gamers at heart. They offer faster key presses for a sensational experience in competitive gaming.
Factors to Consider When Buying 60% Keyboard
Here is a quick guide on factors you must consider when buying your 60% keyboard;
Build Quality
You should consider the build quality as a guide to selecting the best 60% keyboard in terms of quality and functionality. The frame material is an important build quality for durability. 60% keyboards with aluminum frames are considered best for solid structural integrity and stability. Similarly, you should also consider the battery capacity of the keyboard. A battery built in a high capacity gives you the flexibility to enjoy long hours of uninterrupted gameplay.
Keycap
When selecting a 60% keyboard, you might need to decide which keycaps you prefer. Many keyboards come with either PBT or ABS keycaps. PBT tends to be the most desired keycaps designed for greater durability. However, the thin layer of the ABS keycaps allows backlighting to be more vibrant.
Switches
When selecting a 60% keyboard, you should consider the type of switches that satisfy your preferences. 60% keyboards come in a variety of key switches that make distinct sounds and feel. Switches range from tactile switches to streamlined linear switches. The type of switch you select offers a satisfying feel and sound. If you prefer a smooth and silent switch for office use, then linear switches are your ideal choice. Clicky switches feature noticeable bumps followed by a click halfway through a keystroke. With tactile switches, you will experience audible clicking sounds when keystrokes are registered.
Lighting
Lighting mode is a sensational feature that you should take into account when selecting your 60% keyboard. The keyboards are designed with single LED backlight or RGB backlighting. A single LED lighting illuminates the keys in a single color with adjustable brightness. In contrast, RGB lighting uses multiple color profiles to provide different lighting effects. You should consider fully customizable RGB backlighting for a more personalized lighting effect.
Connectivity Mode
Most 60% keyboards feature a combination of wired and wireless connection modes to provide reliable, secure, and stable connectivity. However, wireless connections, especially via Bluetooth, are characterized by latency to present issues when doing activities that require precise timing. For gamers, latency issues can be the ultimate difference between winning or losing a competitive game. While wireless-only keyboards render quality control issues that might hamper your experience, wired connections combined with alternative wireless technology such as 2.4Ghz ensures you enjoy a faster, more reliable, and stable connection.
Recommendations
We offer recommendations based on extensive experience testing the best 60 percent keyboards for a clear understanding of what makes them great. With our recommendations, you will buy a keyboard that suits your preference and needs.
Ergonomic Keyboards
Ergonomic keyboards come with the advantage of allowing you to hold your hands, wrist, and shoulders in a more natural position compared to the standard flat keyboard. Ergonomic keyboards feature adjustable tilt angles that enable you to have a natural angle. HyperX Alloy Origins 60 and Ducky One 2 Mini RGB are the recommended ergonomic keyboards with adjustable keyboard and three-level adjustable feet, respectively. The keyboards are optimized for natural body posture.
Suitable for Gaming
60 percent keyboards are designed with incredible features that are more useful for gaming than other tasks. Kraken Pro 60 BRED Edition, HyperX Alloy Origins 60, and Redragon K630 Dragonborn are the best keyboards for gaming enthusiasts. Kraken Pro 60 is compatible with any gaming system, including PS4 (PlayStation), XBOX, and PC. This keyboard also has Silver Speed Linear Switches that are faster for intensive gaming. HyperX Alloy Origins 60 is fitted with HyperX NGENUITY that allows advanced customization of game modes, while Redragon K630 Dragonborn is specifically dedicated to gamers.
Convenient for Office Use
Some users find keypress sounds gratifying, while others find it too noisy. If you are looking for an office keyboard built with a sleek design, then Ducky One 2 Mini RGB is the ideal choice for you. This keyboard features Cherry MX Silent Red switches that appeal to the office environment. Red switches are known for smooth linear switches that are noise-free.
Supports Software Integration
Although most 60% keyboards are customizable and programmable, what makes Redragon K630 Dragonborn a distinct keyboard is its pro software customization capabilities. The keyboard gives you the option to integrate available software and personalize gaming modes found on Redragonshop.
60% keyboards are relatively a matter of taste, and there are many features that appeal variedly among users. Take advantage of our explained features and recommended keyboards to select the best keyboard for your requirement. This guide keeps you up to date with the latest trend of the best 60% keyboards available. As the new 60% keyboard continues to be unveiled, we will keep tabs and provide you with all the latest insight regarding new features that might interest you.
