11 Best 60% Gaming Keyboards 2024
Does your gaming surface fail to deliver a clutter-free promise while you plan on maintaining an unmatched gaming experience? Step down from the gold minefield with these new and hot peripherals, which make apparent that you don’t have to switch in between fingers, whether you spend a weekend glued to conquer house raids and bolt-action rifles in Battlefield 5.
These are convenient figures that approximate both the number of keys compared to a full-sized keyboard and the keyboard width likewise, also excluding the function row and the navigation controllers. 60% gaming keyboards typically have a thin frame, with the exact number of keys varying between deigning and the exact fraction along within.
The 60% mechanical gaming keyboards omit the numeric keypad, navigation cluster, and a full-sized keyboard’s function keys. The escape key is consequently moved into the number row, leaving space for the keyboard area for space below the number row and space bar.
It offers a compact and intuitive interface, enabling the user to have convenient access to essential key bindings and functions. These keyboards ensure optimal wrist and hand positioning; thus, it becomes easier to set them up at an angle. The keys are within reach of your handspan, and there is more space for mouse.
Also Read: How to Choose the Right Keyboard Size? – Guide
60% Keyboards under $200
SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless is a keyboard designed for gamers who want a compact and portable keyboard that can provide a great typing and gaming experience. It is essentially a smaller version of the popular
SteelSeries Apex Pro keyboard that retains its unique feature of adjustable actuation points. This means that you can adjust how much pressure is needed to activate each key, giving you more control and customization options.
One of the advantages of the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless is its compact size. This allows you to have more space on your desk for your mouse movements, which is essential for gamers. Additionally, it is very portable, so you can easily take it with you on the go.
However, the smaller size means that it lacks some of the hardware features found on the original Apex Pro, such as the programmable OLED screen and dedicated media keys.
Despite its small size, the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless has a great build quality. The chassis is made of hard plastic, while the top plate is made of solid aluminum, which makes it feel very sturdy.
The keycaps are made of doubleshot PBT with a rough texture that feels nice on the fingertips, and the four rubber feet do a good job of keeping the keyboard in place. However, the keyboard lacks a wrist rest, which could increase overall comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless is a great keyboard for gamers who value customization and control. Its unique feature of adjustable actuation points allows you to fine-tune the pressure needed to activate each key, and you can even program two inputs to one keypress.
This means that you can use one key to perform two different actions depending on how hard you press it. Additionally, the keyboard comes with a detachable braided cable, which is fairly long but retains kinks from the packaging.
Overall, the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless is a solid gaming keyboard that offers great customization options and a comfortable typing experience. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around, but it does lack some of the features found on the larger SteelSeries Apex Pro.
Additionally, its battery life is not as long as some other wireless options, but its low latency ensures that even competitive gamers won’t notice any delay.
ASUS ROG Falchion Wireless
The ASUS ROG Falchion is a compact and wireless gaming keyboard that has a unique 65% form factor, making it smaller than a standard full-sized keyboard. It is designed for gamers who want to save space on their desk without compromising on performance or features.
One of the standout features of the Falchion is its low latency, which is impressively low for both wired and wireless connections. This is great news for gamers who need a keyboard that responds quickly to their commands.
Additionally, the Falchion comes with a polycarbonate keyboard case cover that protects the keycaps during transport and can be used as a case while using the keyboard.
The Falchion also offers a lot of customization options, including programmable macros that can be set to any key directly from the board itself or by using the Armoury Crate software.
The touch panel on the left side of the board can be programmed to control volume, switch apps, or perform other tasks, and macros can be set to it as well.
The keyboard is available with Cherry MX RGB Red, Brown, Blue, or Speed Silver switches, giving users the flexibility to choose the type of switch that feels best for their gaming style. However, it should be noted that the Falchion does not have Bluetooth support, so it cannot be paired with devices that do not have a USB port.
In terms of build quality, the Falchion feels well-built, thanks to its stiff plastic chassis and aluminum top plate. The keycaps are textured and made of doubleshot PBT material, which provides a nice curve to them that cradles your fingertips.
While there is a bit of wobble to the keys, it is minimal and shouldn’t be noticeable while typing. The underside of the keyboard has rubber pads in each corner and on the incline feet, which help keep the board in place during use.
The Falchion has okay ergonomics, with a standard straight board and one incline setting. It does not come with a wrist rest, but it is low enough that you should still feel comfortable typing for long periods without one.
The RGB backlighting on the Falchion is fantastic, with individually-lit keys and good color mixing. The color, effects, and brightness can be adjusted through the Armoury Crate software, and you can cycle through effects and adjust the brightness directly from the board itself.
In terms of connectivity, the Falchion comes with a USB-A to USB-C braided cable, and it is still easy to plug in even when using the board with the cover case.
Overall, the ASUS ROG Falchion is a fantastic choice for gamers who want a wireless and compact keyboard with low latency and customizable features.
The touch panel and programmable macros add an extra layer of functionality, and the Cherry MX switch options give users the ability to choose their preferred switch type. However, the lack of Bluetooth support and wrist rest may be a dealbreaker for some users.
Corsair K70 PRO MINI
The Corsair K70 PRO MINI WIRELESS is Corsair’s first hot-swappable keyboard. It’s also the first compact (60%) and wireless keyboard in the K70 lineup, which is primarily aimed at gamers. This keyboard is loaded with gaming-oriented features and is compatible with PlayStation devices.
It’s worth noting that the Corsair K70 PRO MINI WIRELESS is the only 60% keyboard in the K70 lineup, which means it’s compact and frees up desk space for more dynamic mouse movements while gaming.
The build quality of the Corsair K70 PRO MINI WIRELESS is very good. The chassis is made of high-quality plastic, while the baseplate is solid metal, providing excellent stability with minimal flex. The double-shot PBT keycaps have a nice texture and feel good to the touch.
However, the keys themselves wobble a bit during use, which can be noticeable on the larger modifier keys. This is due to the loose and unstable stabilizers in these keys. The rubber feet on the bottom do an adequate job of keeping the keyboard in place.
In terms of ergonomics, the Corsair K70 PRO MINI WIRELESS has only one incline setting to help reduce wrist strain. Due to its compact size, it may take some time to get used to it if you’re not familiar with a 60% layout.
The keyboard has a high profile, so you may want to consider purchasing a separate wrist rest for added comfort.
The Corsair K70 PRO MINI WIRELESS has full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys. You can customize the lighting using the iCUE software, but the color mixing on this keyboard is poor. The white backlighting has a noticeable green tint, which isn’t caused by interference from the switch housing or stems.
The Corsair K70 PRO MINI WIRELESS comes with a detachable USB-A to USB-C braided cable of decent quality. However, the cable retains kinks from the packaging, which can be annoying.
This keyboard has a lot of extra features, including a hot-swappable printed circuit board (PCB) that allows you to replace the stock switches with most 3-pin switches of your choice without soldering.
You can also use the keyboard as a mouse, as most keys double as hotkeys with functions like moving the cursor and left/right mouse clicks.
The cursor control’s CPI can be customized using the software without affecting the CPI set on your actual mouse. Additionally, there’s a “PlayStation Mode” that enables seamless use of the keyboard with a PS4 or PS5 unit.
The Corsair K70 PRO MINI WIRELESS has exceptional latency, no matter your connection type. During testing, it exhibited a maximum polling rate of 8000Hz for a wired connection and 2000Hz for a wireless connection using the USB receiver.
This keyboard uses Corsair’s iCUE software, which allows you to remap keys, set macros, and customize the RGB backlighting. You can also adjust the Windows lock function. The software includes tutorials to help you get the most out of your keyboard.
Additionally, you can save your profile settings straight to the keyboard’s 8MB of onboard memory. Overall, the Corsair K70 PRO MINI WIRELESS is a solid keyboard, especially for gaming.
However, its high price point may not be justified for office use, unless you’re looking for a keyboard with exceptional latency and wireless capabilities. The lack of a wrist rest may also be a dealbreaker for some users.
60% Keyboards under $100
KINESIS Gaming TKO Mechanical Keyboard
The Kinesis Gaming TKO is a compact, 60 percent keyboard designed for esports enthusiasts. It has a high-quality build and an attractive design, making it an excellent choice for gamers who want a keyboard that looks great and performs well.
While it lacks some of the ergonomic features found in other Kinesis keyboards, such as the Freestyle Edge RGB, it makes up for this with its compact size and innovative features.
Despite its small size, the TKO has a surprisingly large number of function keys that can be accessed through shortcuts. This is thanks to the keyboard’s many key cuts, which help make the keyboard more compact while still retaining all of its essential functions.
The TKO also features an innovative space bar design that splits the space bar into three separate keys, giving users more customization options and creating two dedicated macro keys in the middle of the board.
The TKO also features a number of ergonomic features, including four sets of feet that allow users to tilt and tent the keyboard to reduce wrist, shoulder, and forearm strain. This is especially important for gamers who spend long hours at their keyboards and need to take care of their bodies.
Additionally, the TKO is highly portable and comes with a dedicated carrying case, making it easy to take it with you wherever you go.
While the TKO’s driverless system is not as user-friendly as other configuration apps, it is still relatively easy to make changes to the keyboard’s settings using the SmartSet app.
Overall, the Kinesis Gaming TKO is an excellent choice for gamers who want a high-quality, compact keyboard with innovative features and excellent ergonomics.
Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Gaming Keyboard
The Razer Huntsman Mini is a compact gaming keyboard designed for minimalistic setups and those who need more space for mouse movement. It features an excellent build quality with a plastic frame and aluminum plate, and doubleshot PBT keycaps that provide a nice typing experience.
However, the stabilizers could be better, and the incline feet and rubber pads don’t provide enough grip, causing the keyboard to slide around.
The keyboard lacks a wrist rest and has a compact form factor that can feel cramped for some users, causing fatigue when typing for extended periods. It has full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys and offers several preset lighting effects that can be accessed directly on the keyboard.
Custom lighting profiles can be created using Razer’s Synapse 3 software, which is only available for Windows.
Most keys have a secondary function assigned to them since the keyboard doesn’t have a row of function keys, navigation keys, or dedicated media controls. These secondary functions are printed on the side of the keys and are accessible by holding down the ‘Fn’ key.
All keys are macro-programmable, and the keyboard features a ‘Sleep’ hotkey and a ‘Game’ mode key, which is essentially a Windows Lock key to prevent accidentally minimizing your game.
The Razer Huntsman Mini is a wired-only keyboard and has low latency that should satisfy even the most competitive gamers. It comes with Razer’s Clicky Optical switches that feel incredibly responsive due to their low pre-travel distance, and they provide distinct tactile feedback.
However, they require very little force to actuate, which can lead to more typos. Linear Optical switches are also available for those who prefer a smoother typing experience.
The keyboard is compatible with Razer’s Synapse 3 software, which allows customization of backlighting, key remapping, and macro programming. It has onboard memory to save up to five custom profiles, but it cannot save custom backlighting profiles.
Thus, if you move to another computer, you will need to install Synapse 3 again to retrieve your backlighting profiles through cloud sync, which requires an account.
In conclusion, the Razer Huntsman Mini is an exceptional gaming keyboard with excellent build quality, full RGB backlighting, and macro-programmable keys.
However, its lack of a wrist rest and cramped form factor can be uncomfortable for some users. It also lacks dedicated macro keys for MMO games. Nonetheless, it is an excellent option for those seeking a compact keyboard with low latency and customizable features.
Check out these Cool Gaming Accessories.
Glorious GMMK 60% Gaming Keyboard
The GMMK Compact keyboard from Glorious is a customizable keyboard that offers a unique selling point in the ability to swap out switches. The keyboard features a modular switch setup, allowing users to design their own typing experience.
This modular design means that users can easily swap in any switches that use the MX standard. The keyboard comes with Gateron Browns as standard, but users can swap these out for any other switch they prefer, such as Kailh Box Browns or NovelKeys Creams.
The ability to swap out switches makes it easy to try new switch types without having to switch out the entire keyboard.
The GMMK Compact also allows users to make more obvious changes to the keycaps and cable. Glorious includes some fun “artisan” alternatives for the Escape and Windows keys, and the removable USB-C cable feels like quality.
The keyboard’s base option is available without keycaps and switches for $59.99 plus shipping, allowing users to add different switches and keycaps as desired. The website’s keyboard builder provides a wide variety of Gateron and Kailh switches, and a helpful guide provides the pros and cons of each switch type.
The keyboard comes with Black Aura pudding variant keycaps, which allow for the board’s RGB lighting to shine through. The PBT material used in these keycaps is highly durable and worth the additional $3 over the standard keycaps.
The option of O-rings is also available to help dampen the sound of the switch. These can be added to function keys while leaving letters and numbers unchanged, providing a satisfying distinction in feel and sound.
The Glorious app provides further personalization of the lighting and key functions, with a solid number of lighting presets available. The Fn functions of keys are printed on the sides of the standard keycaps, making it easy to access frequently used functions without referencing a manual.
The compact form factor of the keyboard allows for a more natural typing and mouse-ing stance. Ergonomics become especially important for those who type or game for extended periods.
The compact size of the keyboard means that it can be a genuine game-changer for those who can do without the number pad and dedicated arrow keys. The additional room provided by the Compact keyboard allows for a wider area to move the mouse, making for fewer mistakes in intense shooters.
Users can save money by cutting included accessories or spend more by opting for different switches or keycaps. Overall, the GMMK Compact is a great introduction to the world of custom keyboards, with hot-swappable switches.
HyperX Alloy Origins 60%
The HyperX Alloy Origins 60 is a high-quality mechanical gaming keyboard that features a compact 60% design. The keyboard’s aluminum body provides a solid and durable construction. The keyboard uses HyperX Red linear switches that offer a very light and responsive feel with minimal force required to actuate.
The keyboard’s full RGB backlighting is extremely customizable, with a brightness level that can be adjusted to as low as 1%. The keyboard’s click latency is remarkably low, making it ideal for gamers who demand a responsive gaming experience.
The NGENUITY software allows users to customize macros to any key, and secondary functions are easily accessible through hotkeys. However, the software is only available for Windows users.
The HyperX Alloy Origins 60 has two incline settings, with a very steep maximum setting that may cause some wrist strain. The keyboard comes with a detachable USB-C to USB-A cable that is easy to replace if it becomes damaged.
The keyboard’s ergonomics are acceptable, but it lacks a wrist rest. The HyperX Alloy Origins 60’s full RGB backlighting is customizable, although its color mixing ability is poor, making it difficult to achieve a pure white light. Additionally, the keyboard’s keys have some noticeable wobble, but it’s not unreasonable.
Overall, the HyperX Alloy Origins 60 is an excellent gaming keyboard that offers an impressive combination of responsiveness, durability, and customization options. It’s ideal for gamers looking for a compact mechanical keyboard that delivers an exceptional gaming experience.
However, it may not be suitable for users who require a wrist rest or prefer a different switch type. The keyboard’s software is only available for Windows users, which may be a limitation for some users.
Keychron K2 Wireless Bluetooth
The Keychron K2 Version 2 is a solid choice for anyone looking for an entry-level mechanical keyboard. Its compact design makes it easy to carry around, and the aluminum frame provides excellent build quality, so you won’t have to worry about damage when on-the-go.
While the keyboard was designed with macOS users in mind, it also comes with extra Windows keycaps, making it easy to switch between operating systems. It’s compatible with both macOS and Windows, and most function keys work on mobile operating systems, with only a few exceptions.
The keyboard’s tactile Gateron Brown switches are a great choice for most users, but if you prefer clicky Blue switches or linear Red switches, those options are also available.
However, one downside to the Keychron K2 is its latency, which can be a bit high even when using a wired connection. This may not be a big issue for casual gamers, but serious gamers may be disappointed by this feature.
Despite its small size, the Keychron K2 has a full function row, Page Up/Down, Home, End, and arrow keys, making it a versatile keyboard for work or play. The full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys adds to the aesthetics of the keyboard, and you can cycle through various brightness settings and lighting effects using the Fn and function keys.
The only downside to the lighting is that it may not be bright enough to make the colors stand out in a well-lit room.
While the Keychron K2 doesn’t have dedicated software to customize the RGB lighting or reprogram keys, Keychron recommends using third-party software to remap keys. The keyboard also comes with media hotkeys, but unfortunately, you can’t reprogram any buttons.
The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 240 hours with the backlight turned off. The keyboard also features a detachable USB-C cable, with a 90-degree angle to avoid bending the wire when plugged in.
Overall, the Keychron K2 is a solid mechanical keyboard that’s a good choice for anyone looking for a compact, reliable keyboard for everyday use.
While it’s not the best option for serious gamers due to its latency and lack of customization options, it’s still a great keyboard for anyone who values portability and build quality.
60% Keyboards Under $50
ROYAL KLUDGE RK61
The ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 is a compact 60% mechanical keyboard that’s designed for portability and ease of use. It’s wireless and supports multi-device pairing with up to three devices via Bluetooth, making it easy to switch between devices without the hassle of connecting and disconnecting cables.
It’s compatible with any desktop or mobile operating system, but some hotkeys may not work on certain devices.
One of the standout features of the RK61 is its hot-swappable switches. It comes with three types of mechanical RK switches, and you can easily swap them out for any three or five-pin switch you prefer.
This allows you to customize the feel of the keyboard to your liking and gives you the flexibility to experiment with different switches and keycaps.
The build quality of the RK61 is good. It has a plastic frame with a metal base plate that feels solid, and there’s also an aluminum frame variant available. The keycaps are advertised as doubleshot, but only the top of the keycaps seems to be doubleshot while the sides aren’t, and they flex a lot.
The keyboard has four rubber feet underneath that do a decent job of holding it in place during regular use. However, the keys wobble easily, which can be noticeable while typing.
In terms of ergonomics, the RK61 is a simple straight keyboard without a wrist rest. While it’s comfortable to type on, it has a high profile that can cause some strain on the wrists, especially during prolonged use. Adding a wrist rest can help alleviate this issue.
The RK61 has bright backlighting, and the white variant uses blue backlighting with individually lit keys that get bright. The black variant of the wireless version has orange backlighting, and there are other versions with RGB backlighting.
All customization is done using hotkeys, including the backlight and brightness settings. You can switch between Mac and Windows modes, and we found the only difference is that the Mac mode disables the F1-F6 alternate functions. There’s a switch underneath to turn the wireless connection on and off.
One area where the RK61 falls short is in its latency. While it’s suitable for typing and regular use, it may not be ideal for competitive gaming, even with the wired connection.
Additionally, the dedicated software for the keyboard may not work properly, so you may not be able to customize the keyboard as much as you would like.
Overall, the ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 is a basic wireless keyboard that’s a nice cheap option if you need something small for the office or use on the go.
While it may not be suitable for gaming or heavy customization, its hot-swappable switches and portable design make it a versatile and convenient option for gamers. The white color is great for those with white gaming setup.
DIERYA Mechanical 60% Gaming Keyboard
The Dierya DK63 is a 60% RGB wireless mechanical keyboard that was released at least a year ago. The keyboard has a minimalist design and comes with a braided USB Type-C angled cable, a keycap puller, and a user manual.
The layout of the keyboard is a bit different from the usual 60% mechanical keyboard, as it has a 1.75u right shift instead of the usual 2.75u on a standard 60% layout keyboard, and it is missing a 1u right ctrl key. However, it has a dedicated arrow key and a slash key next to the up-arrow key, making it more convenient to use for tasks such as video editing.
The keycaps are made with doubleshot ABS plastic and have all the sub-legends needed for the fn key combo. The keyboard is built with soldered Outemu switches, and it is available with blue, brown, or red switches. The stabilizers are factory-lubed and do not rattle much. The keyboard supports Bluetooth mode and can connect up to three devices.
However, the keyboard goes to sleep without turning off the RGB lights, and it takes about five seconds to register a key after it has been asleep. The battery life is about 4-6 hours of wireless usage with full-brightness RGB lights on, and the keyboard does not have an indication of whether the battery is low or full when charging.
The keyboard has 12 different RGB effects that can be cycled using the fn + slash key, but it is missing a static color effect and a fn combo key to change the color of the effect to a single color. There is a program available for setting up macro settings, remapping keys, and controlling the RGB via software, but there is no option to set a custom color for the RGB lights.
Overall, the keyboard is a bit mediocre and has some problems, but it performs well in both wired and Bluetooth modes.
DREVO Calibur V2 RGB
The Drevo Calibur V2 is a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard that offers a more exotic layout. It has a compact design, which removes the wasted space between the arrow keys and nav cluster, similar to a typical 65% keyboard but with an additional column.
It has the same amount of keys as the Calibur V1, with standard keycap sizes and a pause key to fill in the space. It also supports both Mac and Windows and has minimal flex with a weight of just over 600g.
The Calibur V2 has a more aggressive aesthetic design than its predecessor, with minimal bezels, angular, and sharp edges. It has RGB lighting on both sides that angle down and shines on the surface. .
The keyboard has a USB type C port at the rear, and no flip-up feet, with flat rubber feet at the bottom. The package comes with a wire keycap puller, USB type C cable, two keyboard feet, some paperwork, and a dust cover.
However, the keycaps of the Drevo Calibur V2 are a letdown. They are thin 1mm ABS keycaps coated in black and laser-etched, which does not feel great, does not sound good, and will shine over time.
The legends will also fade away. The Calibur V1 had doubleshot ABS or PBT keycaps, which have a different piece of plastic for the legends, and were better. Moreover, the keyboard is not wireless, which is a downside for those who prefer Bluetooth keyboards.
Overall, the Drevo Calibur V2 is a good choice for those who want a budget mechanical keyboard with a more exotic layout. It is compact, sturdy, and has RGB lighting. However, its keycaps are not the best, and it is not wireless.
Final Words
Just like a portable gaming monitor, these 60% gaming keyboards are great for travelling. They are also very space saving if you have a smaller gaming desk & you need more space for your gaming mouse.
What Are 60% Gaming Keyboards
A 60% keyboard is a compact keyboard that typically doesn’t have a Numpad, navigational cluster, or function row. Instead, most of the missing commands are accessed as secondary functions on the alphanumeric keys that make up the majority of the keyboard.
These keyboards are currently very popular and it’s easy to understand why. They provide gamers and those who type on-the-go with more desk space for dynamic mouse movements during gaming or for keeping a cup of coffee nearby.
While many of these keyboards are designed for gaming, they are still versatile enough to be used for general work or typing tasks.
Look for Additional Features
Switches aside, you may want customizable key RGB backlighting, whether a color spectrum you can manage at your whim. You might be down for multimedia function keys or function keys to access the abilities of standard keys.
Look for convenient features keyboard employ, such as a roller of the volume dial. In such a case, macro buttons saving you from the trouble of performing complicated key combinations simultaneously for a simple action you want to be performed.
Also Read: Keyboards with Programmable Macro keys
How many keys are on a 60% keyboard?
A maximum of 60% mechanical keyboards employ 61 keys, radically differing from the standard full-sized keyboard with 104 keys. They omit the navigation and allow cluster, with Frow as well.
