Imagine a keyboard that fits perfectly on your desk, leaving tons of space for your mouse to move freely. Or maybe you dream of a keyboard that’s super portable, easy to take anywhere you go. These are some of the cool things a 60 percent keyboard can offer! But with so many different kinds out there, picking the right one can feel like a puzzle. You might wonder, “Which one is best for me?” and “How do I even start looking?”
Choosing a 60 percent keyboard can be tricky because they’re smaller than regular keyboards. They don’t have all the extra keys like number pads or function keys you might be used to. This means you have to learn new ways to use them, which can be confusing at first. But don’t worry! By reading on, you’ll learn all about what makes these keyboards special. We’ll help you understand the different features and what to look for, so you can find a 60 percent keyboard that feels just right for your typing and gaming adventures.
Our Top 5 60 Percent Keyboard Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 60 Percent Keyboard Detailed Reviews
1. MageGee Portable 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Rating: 9.2/10
The MageGee MK-Box 60% mechanical keyboard is a small but mighty keyboard that fits perfectly on any desk. It’s built for both gaming and work, making it super versatile. Its cool black and grey design looks awesome, and it has a nice, clicky feel when you type.
What We Like:
- Mini Portable 60% Compact Layout: The keyboard is small and saves space, but it still has all the important keys you need, like arrow keys and function keys.
- Mechanical Red Switch: The keys are smooth and quiet. They are fast to press, which is great for gaming.
- Classic Charming Blue LED Backlit: You can change the cool blue lights to many different patterns and brightness levels.
- Full Anti-Ghosting Keyboard: Every key press is registered, so you won’t miss any commands in games. The double-color keycaps look stylish.
- Extensive Compatibility: It works with Windows, Linux, and Mac computers without needing any special software. Just plug it in and go!
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Backlight Colors: The backlight is only blue, so you can’t choose other colors.
- No Wireless Option: This keyboard is wired, so you can’t use it without a cable.
This MageGee keyboard is a fantastic option for anyone wanting a compact, reliable mechanical keyboard. It offers great features for its price.
2. GEODMAER 65% Gaming Keyboard
Rating: 8.9/10
The GEODMAER 65% Gaming Keyboard packs a punch in a small package. This wired, backlit mini keyboard is designed for gamers and office users alike. Its ultra-compact, 68-key layout saves valuable desk space. The black and silver-gray keycaps look cool, and the separate arrow keys are a nice touch. It’s small enough to easily toss in your backpack, making it a great travel companion.
What We Like:
- The 65% compact design is awesome for saving space and looks super neat.
- It connects with a reliable Type-C cable, giving you a super fast and steady connection.
- The keyboard has 26 keys that won’t conflict, so every command registers perfectly.
- It’s built to last with over 10,000,000 keystrokes, and the keycaps won’t fade.
- The LED backlighting looks great and helps you see the keys in the dark. You can even change the colors and brightness!
- It feels like a mechanical keyboard with its imitation technology, but it’s quiet and won’t break the bank.
- The ergonomic design makes it comfortable to use for long periods, protecting your wrists.
- It has 11 handy media buttons to control your music and videos.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s a wired keyboard, so you’re tethered to your computer.
- As a membrane keyboard, it doesn’t offer the exact tactile feedback of a true mechanical keyboard for some users.
- The small size might take a little getting used to for those accustomed to full-sized keyboards.
This GEODMAER keyboard is a fantastic option if you want a compact, feature-rich keyboard that feels great and looks good. It’s a solid choice for both gaming and everyday productivity.
3. Aula WIN60 HE – 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Wired
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready for lightning-fast gaming with the Aula WIN60 HE 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. This compact keyboard packs a punch with its advanced magnetic switches and super-fast polling rate. It’s designed to give you an edge in your favorite games, especially fast-paced shooters.
What We Like:
- The Hall Effect magnetic switches are amazing. They offer super quick response times without wearing out like old switches.
- The Rapid Trigger feature is a game-changer. It lets you react instantly, making complex moves easy.
- Its small 60% size saves a lot of desk space. This is great for gaming, working, or even taking it with you.
- You can customize the cool RGB lighting with 16.8 million colors to make your setup look awesome.
- The web-based driver is super easy to use. You can change settings and create macros right from your browser, no downloads needed.
- It’s built for speed, especially for games like Valorant and CS2.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the magnetic switches are durable, some gamers might miss the traditional feel of other mechanical switch types.
- The 60% layout means some keys you might use often are accessed with a function key, which can take some getting used to.
The Aula WIN60 HE is a top-notch keyboard for gamers who demand speed and precision. Its innovative features and user-friendly design make it a fantastic choice for any PC setup.
4. Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Gaming Keyboard: Linear Optical Switches – Rapid Trigger Mode – Chroma RGB Lighting – PBT Keycaps – Onboard Memory – Snap Tap – White
Rating: 9.5/10
The Razer Huntsman Mini is a compact 60% gaming keyboard that packs a punch. Its sleek white design and advanced features make it a top choice for gamers who want speed and style. This keyboard uses special optical switches that are super fast, letting you react quicker in games. Plus, it has awesome colorful lights that you can change to match your mood or game.
What We Like:
- The optical switches are incredibly fast. They register your key presses with light beams, making them quicker than regular mechanical switches.
- The Razer Chroma RGB lighting is amazing. You can choose from millions of colors and sync the lights with your games and other devices for a cool, immersive experience.
- It’s built tough with an aluminum top frame, so it feels solid and lasts a long time.
- The PBT keycaps are durable and have a nice texture. They resist grease and wear, so they stay looking good.
- You can program custom shortcuts and complex commands with fully programmable macros.
- It’s a compact 60% size, which saves desk space and looks clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- Being a 60% keyboard, it lacks dedicated arrow keys and a number pad. You’ll need to use function layers for these, which takes some getting used to.
- The white color might show dirt more easily than darker colors, although the PBT keycaps are easier to clean.
This keyboard is a fantastic option for gamers who prioritize speed and customization in a small package. Its advanced features and solid build make it a worthy addition to any gaming setup.
5. Womier 60% Percent Keyboard
Rating: 8.6/10
The Womier WK61 V2 is a cool 60% mechanical keyboard that looks as good as it feels. Its unique theme style and matte translucent bottom make it stand out, especially when the RGB lights are on, casting a beautiful glow. This keyboard is built for gamers and anyone who loves to customize their setup.
What We Like:
- Unique theme style with a matte translucent bottom for a clean look.
- When RGB is on, the frosted wall makes the lights shine in all directions.
- It has sound-dampening fillings to reduce hollow noises and make typing feel more stable.
- Comes with 3 extra sublimation keycaps so you can change the colors and make it your own.
- It’s a hot-swappable keyboard, meaning you can easily change the switches.
- The linear red switches are quiet and smooth, perfect for gaming and typing.
- It’s compatible with PCs, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.
- You can customize the RGB backlighting and program macro keys using the WOMIER software.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 60% layout might take some getting used to if you’re used to a full-size keyboard.
- While it’s great for customization, some advanced users might want even more switch options out of the box.
This keyboard offers a fantastic blend of style, customization, and performance for its price. It’s a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their desk setup.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Your Perfect 60% Keyboard
So, you’re looking at a 60% keyboard? That’s awesome! These compact keyboards are super popular for a reason. They free up desk space and look really cool. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you find your perfect match.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a 60% keyboard, keep these features in mind. They’ll make a big difference in how much you like your new board.
A. Layout and Keycaps
- Standard vs. Non-Standard Layout: Most 60% keyboards have a standard layout. This means keycaps are easy to find. Some have slightly different keys, like a split spacebar. These can be harder to customize.
- Keycap Material: Keycaps are the plastic tops of your keys. ABS plastic is common and feels smooth. PBT plastic is more durable. It doesn’t get shiny as fast. It also feels a bit rougher.
- Dye-Sublimation vs. Doubleshot: These are ways the legends (the letters on the keys) are made. Dye-sublimation means the legend is dyed into the plastic. Doubleshot means two colors of plastic are molded together. Both are good. Doubleshot legends usually last longer and don’t fade.
B. Switches
- Mechanical Switches: These are the heart of a good keyboard. They give you a satisfying click or smooth press.
- Linear Switches: These feel smooth all the way down. They’re quiet and good for gaming. Think Cherry MX Red.
- Tactile Switches: You feel a little bump when you press the key. This tells you the key has registered. They’re good for typing. Think Cherry MX Brown.
- Clicky Switches: These give you both a bump and a loud click sound. They’re very satisfying for typing. Think Cherry MX Blue.
- Hot-Swappable PCBs: This is a big one! A hot-swappable printed circuit board (PCB) lets you change switches easily. No soldering needed! You can try different switches to find your favorite.
C. Connectivity
- Wired: Most 60% keyboards connect with a USB cable. This is reliable and fast.
- Wireless: Some offer Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz wireless dongle. This is great for a clean desk. Make sure the connection is stable.
D. Lighting
- RGB Backlighting: Many 60% keyboards have RGB lights. You can change colors and effects.
- Single Color Backlighting: Some have just one color. This can be simpler and cheaper.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a keyboard affect its feel and how long it lasts.
- Case Material:
- Plastic: Lighter and more affordable.
- Aluminum: Heavier, more premium feel, and better sound dampening.
- Plate Material: This is a layer inside the keyboard that holds the switches.
- Aluminum: Good balance of sound and feel.
- Brass: Offers a deeper, more satisfying sound.
- Polycarbonate (PC): Softer, making the typing feel more cushioned.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Lots of little things make a big difference in keyboard quality.
- Build Quality: A well-built keyboard feels solid. It doesn’t flex or creak. Check for tight seams and sturdy construction.
- Sound Profile: Some keyboards sound better than others. This comes from the materials and how they’re put together. A good sound is often described as “thocky” or “clacky.”
- Stabilizers: These are on larger keys like the spacebar and Shift. Good stabilizers prevent rattling and make these keys feel smooth.
- Firmware and Software: Easy-to-use software lets you remap keys and customize lighting. Good firmware makes sure everything works smoothly.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Who is a 60% keyboard for? And what’s it like to use one?
- Minimalists and Desk Space Savers: If you love a clean desk, a 60% is perfect. It removes the numpad and function row. This gives you tons of mouse space.
- Gamers: The extra mouse room is a huge win for gamers. Many gamers find the compact layout helps them move their mouse faster.
- Typists: While it takes some getting used to, many people type very fast on 60% keyboards. You just need to learn a few function layer shortcuts.
- Customization Enthusiasts: The 60% layout is a popular choice for custom keyboards. You can swap switches, keycaps, and even build your own.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)**
Q: What is a 60% keyboard?
A: A 60% keyboard is a compact keyboard that removes the numpad, function keys (F1-F12), and navigation cluster (arrow keys, Delete, etc.) to save space.
Q: Do I need to learn new shortcuts?
A: Yes, you will need to learn how to use the function layer. This is usually done by holding down a “Fn” key while pressing other keys to access missing functions.
Q: Is a 60% keyboard good for gaming?
A: Absolutely! Many gamers love them because they offer more desk space for mouse movement.
Q: Is it hard to type on a 60% keyboard?
A: It can take a little time to adjust. But once you learn the function layer, many people find they can type just as fast, if not faster.
Q: What are hot-swappable switches?
A: Hot-swappable switches let you change your keyboard switches without soldering. You can easily pop them in and out.
Q: How do I access the arrow keys on a 60% keyboard?
A: Most 60% keyboards have the arrow keys on a function layer. You’ll usually press the “Fn” key and one of the WASD or IJKL keys.
Q: What’s the difference between ABS and PBT keycaps?
A: PBT keycaps are generally more durable and resistant to wear than ABS keycaps. ABS keycaps can become shiny over time.
Q: Should I get a wired or wireless 60% keyboard?
A: Wired is usually more reliable and faster. Wireless is great for a cleaner setup, but make sure it has a stable connection.
Q: What does “layout” mean for a 60% keyboard?
A: Layout refers to the arrangement of keys. A standard 60% layout is common, but some have slightly different key sizes or positions.
Q: Can I customize a 60% keyboard?
A: Yes! 60% keyboards are very popular for customization. You can change keycaps, switches, and even the case.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
My name is Gary Flores, the creator of deepskyblue-owl-132507.hostingersite.com.. With a passion for creating cozy, functional, and beautiful spaces, I share my personal experiences and expertise about everything related to home improvement. From practical tips to design inspiration, my goal is to help you make your home the best it can be.