Ever feel like your keyboard is taking up too much space on your desk? Or maybe you’re tired of accidentally hitting keys you didn’t mean to while you’re deep in a game? If you’re nodding along, then you’re probably curious about the world of 60% gaming keyboards. These compact powerhouses are becoming super popular, but picking the right one can feel like navigating a maze.
The biggest challenge is figuring out what makes one 60% keyboard better than another for gaming. Do you need fancy lights, special switches, or a super-fast connection? It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the technical terms and features. But don’t worry! We’re here to cut through the confusion and help you find a keyboard that will actually boost your gameplay and make your setup look awesome.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know. We’ll explore what makes a 60% keyboard great for gamers, look at some top picks, and explain the important features to watch out for. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to choose a 60% gaming keyboard that’s perfect for you. Let’s dive in!
Our Top 5 60 Gaming Keyboard Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 60 Gaming Keyboard Detailed Reviews
1. MageGee Portable 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Rating: 9.2/10
The MageGee MK-Box 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a small but mighty keyboard that’s great for gaming and working. Its compact size saves desk space. It has red mechanical switches that are smooth and quiet. The keyboard also has cool blue LED backlights with different modes. It works with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. This keyboard is a good choice for anyone who wants a small, functional keyboard.
What We Like:
- It’s super small and portable, so you can take it anywhere.
- The red switches are really smooth and quiet.
- It has fun blue LED lights with many different effects.
- All the keys work at the same time, so you won’t miss any actions.
- It looks cool with its black, grey, and red colors.
- It’s easy to plug in and use with different computers.
What Could Be Improved:
- The LED lights are only blue, so you can’t change the colors.
- Some people might miss having a number pad.
This keyboard is a fantastic option for those who need a space-saving and stylish keyboard. It offers a great typing experience for both gaming and everyday tasks.
2. Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Gaming Keyboard: Clicky Optical Switches – Rapid Trigger Mode – Chroma RGB Lighting – PBT Keycaps – Onboard Memory – Snap Tap – Classic Black
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to level up your gaming with the Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Gaming Keyboard. This compact keyboard packs a punch with its lightning-fast optical switches that register your keystrokes quicker than ever. Its sleek aluminum design and vibrant RGB lighting make it a stylish addition to any setup. Plus, the durable PBT keycaps and customizable macros mean you can play your way.
What We Like:
- The Razer Optical switches are super fast. They use light to detect key presses, making them quicker than old mechanical switches. You get a satisfying click with every press.
- The Chroma RGB Lighting lets you customize your keyboard with millions of colors. It can even sync with your games for an immersive experience.
- The aluminum top frame makes the keyboard strong and sturdy. It feels built to last.
- The PBT keycaps are tough and resist oil buildup, so they stay looking good. They also have a nice texture.
- You can program custom macros for complex commands using Razer Hypershift. This makes gaming easier and faster.
What Could Be Improved:
- Being a 60% keyboard, it lacks a number pad and some dedicated function keys. This might take some getting used to for some users.
- While the Rapid Trigger Mode is great for gaming, it might accidentally register presses if you’re not careful with lighter taps.
The Razer Huntsman Mini is a fantastic choice for gamers who want speed, customization, and a compact design. It’s a powerful tool that fits right into your gaming world.
3. Womier 60% Percent Keyboard
Rating: 9.1/10
The Womier WK61 V2 is a cool 60% mechanical keyboard that looks awesome and is built for gamers and anyone who loves to customize their setup. It’s got a unique theme and a special blue color that makes it stand out.
What We Like:
- The “theme style” design with a matte translucent bottom is super neat. It looks clean with the lights off and really shines with the RGB lights on.
- It has layers of filling inside to make typing quieter and less hollow-sounding. This is great for DIY keyboard fans.
- You get 3 extra sublimation keycaps to mix and match colors, making it easy to personalize your keyboard. It’s a great starting point for custom keyboards.
- The keyboard is hot-swappable, meaning you can easily change the quiet red linear switches without needing special tools. The switches are built to last for millions of clicks.
- It uses a fast and stable Type-C USB connection.
- It works with Windows and Mac, and even consoles like PS4 and Xbox, so you can use it for gaming on different devices.
- The RGB lighting is super vibrant, and you can customize it with millions of colors using the Womier software.
- You can also set up custom macro keys to make your gaming or work faster.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the theme is unique, some users might prefer a more traditional aesthetic.
- The “creamy” keycaps, while PBT, might have a texture that isn’t for everyone compared to other keycap finishes.
This Womier WK61 V2 keyboard is a fantastic option for those wanting a customizable, good-looking, and feature-rich mechanical keyboard without breaking the bank. It offers a lot of fun for both gaming and everyday use.
4. HyperX Alloy Origins 60 – Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – Ultra Compact 60% Form Factor – Tactile Aqua Switch – Double Shot PBT Keycaps – RGB LED Backlit – NGENUITY Software Compatible
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready to level up your gaming setup with the HyperX Alloy Origins 60. This mechanical keyboard packs a punch in a super small package. Its 60% size frees up tons of desk space for your mouse. You can quickly find extra functions on the side-printed keycaps. The tough aluminum body means it can handle intense gaming sessions without a problem. Plus, the cool RGB lights make your keyboard look amazing.
What We Like:
- The tiny 60% size gives you more room for your mouse.
- The strong aluminum body keeps the keyboard steady.
- Double shot PBT keycaps are durable and have helpful side printing.
- HyperX mechanical switches are fast and accurate for gaming.
- Bright RGB lighting with cool effects makes your setup shine.
- You can change settings and lighting with NGENUITY software.
- It has three tilt angles and a detachable USB-C cable for easy travel.
- A keycap puller and extra keycaps let you customize it.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might miss having dedicated arrow keys or a number pad.
- The side-printed functions might take a little getting used to.
This keyboard is a fantastic choice for gamers who want a compact and powerful setup. It delivers great performance and looks awesome doing it.
5. HyperX Alloy Origins 60 – Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Rating: 9.3/10
The HyperX Alloy Origins 60 is a compact mechanical gaming keyboard designed for serious gamers. Its tiny 60% size saves desk space, giving your mouse more room to move. The keyboard feels super sturdy thanks to its all-aluminum body. You can customize it with cool RGB lighting and program your own macros using the NGENUITY software. It’s built to last with durable keycaps and HyperX’s own red switches that feel smooth and responsive.
What We Like:
- The 60% size is great for freeing up desk space for your mouse.
- The full aircraft-grade aluminum body makes it very strong and stable.
- Double shot PBT keycaps are tough and won’t wear out easily.
- HyperX Red mechanical switches are balanced for speed and accuracy.
- Bright RGB lighting with cool effects looks awesome.
- You can change settings, make macros, and customize lighting with NGENUITY software.
- It has three adjustable angles for comfortable typing.
- The detachable USB-C cable makes it easy to carry around.
- It comes with extra keycaps and a keycap puller for personalization.
- Works with PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 60% layout might take some getting used to for those who need dedicated arrow keys or function keys.
- The side-printed keycaps, while functional, might not appeal to everyone’s aesthetic.
This keyboard offers a fantastic balance of durability, performance, and customization for gamers. It’s a solid choice for anyone seeking a compact and high-quality mechanical keyboard.
Level Up Your Game: The Ultimate ’60 Gaming Keyboard Buying Guide
So, you’re looking for a ’60 gaming keyboard? Awesome! These compact keyboards pack a punch. They’re perfect for gamers who want more desk space for epic mouse movements. Let’s dive into what makes a ’60 keyboard great.
Why Choose a ’60 Gaming Keyboard?
A ’60 keyboard is small. It ditches the number pad, arrow keys, and function row you see on bigger keyboards. This leaves tons of room for your mouse. You can swing your mouse around freely, which is a big deal in fast-paced games. Plus, they look super clean and minimalist on your desk.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
1. Switches: The Heart of Your Keyboard
- Mechanical Switches: These are the gold standard for gaming. They feel clicky, tactile, or smooth. You’ll hear a satisfying click or feel a bump when you press a key.
- Linear Switches (e.g., Cherry MX Red, Gateron Red): These are smooth and fast. They don’t have a bump or a click. Gamers love them for quick actions.
- Tactile Switches (e.g., Cherry MX Brown, Gateron Brown): These give you a little bump when you press the key. You feel it, but you don’t always hear a loud click. They’re good for typing and gaming.
- Clicky Switches (e.g., Cherry MX Blue, Gateron Blue): These have a bump and a loud click. They’re super satisfying to type on, but they can be noisy.
- Membrane Switches: These are quieter and cheaper. They use rubber domes. They don’t feel as responsive as mechanical switches. Most serious gamers prefer mechanical.
2. Build Quality and Materials
- Keycaps: These are the little plastic tops you press.
- ABS Keycaps: Common and cheaper. They can get shiny over time.
- PBT Keycaps: More durable and textured. They feel better and last longer. They resist shine well.
- Keyboard Case: This is the body of your keyboard.
- Plastic: Lighter and cheaper.
- Aluminum: Heavier and more premium. It feels very sturdy.
3. Connectivity
- Wired (USB-C): The most reliable for gaming. It has no lag. USB-C is the modern standard for easy plugging.
- Wireless (Bluetooth/2.4GHz): Offers a clean setup. Make sure it has low latency for gaming. Some keyboards offer both wired and wireless.
4. Extra Features
- RGB Lighting: Many ’60 keyboards have cool customizable lights. You can set them to match your mood or game.
- Programmable Macros: Lets you assign complex key combinations to a single press. This can give you an edge in games.
- Hot-Swappable Switches: Allows you to change switches easily without soldering. You can try different switch types.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Good switches make typing and gaming feel amazing. Cheap switches feel mushy or inconsistent.
- PBT keycaps feel better and last longer than ABS. Worn-out keycaps look bad and feel worse.
- A sturdy case prevents the keyboard from flexing. A wobbly keyboard feels cheap.
- Reliable connectivity is crucial. Laggy connections can cost you games.
User Experience and Use Cases
A ’60 keyboard is fantastic for:
- Competitive Gaming: The extra mouse space is a game-changer. Fast reflexes are key.
- Minimalist Setups: If you like a clean desk, this is for you.
- Portability: Small keyboards are easy to take to LAN parties or a friend’s house.
- Typing Enthusiasts: Many ’60 keyboards are great for typing too, especially with tactile or clicky switches.
10 FAQs About ’60 Gaming Keyboards
Q1: What does ’60’ mean for a keyboard?
A: ’60’ means the keyboard is about 60% the size of a standard keyboard. It removes the number pad, arrow keys, and function row to be more compact.
Q2: Are ’60’ keyboards good for gaming?
A: Yes, they are excellent for gaming! They give you more space for your mouse, allowing for wider and faster movements.
Q3: What are the best switches for a ’60’ gaming keyboard?
A: Mechanical switches like linear (Red) or tactile (Brown) are usually preferred for their responsiveness and feel.
Q4: Do I need a wired or wireless ’60’ keyboard?
A: For competitive gaming, a wired connection is best for zero lag. Wireless is good for a cleaner look if it has low latency.
Q5: What are PBT keycaps, and why are they good?
A: PBT keycaps are made of a stronger plastic. They feel textured, last longer, and don’t get shiny like ABS keycaps.
Q6: Can I use a ’60’ keyboard for work or typing?
A: Absolutely! Many people find them great for typing. You might need to get used to reaching for some keys using function layers.
Q7: What is RGB lighting on a keyboard?
A: RGB lighting means the keyboard has lights that can change color. You can customize them for aesthetics or to highlight certain keys.
Q8: What is a hot-swappable keyboard?
A: A hot-swappable keyboard lets you easily remove and replace the switches without needing special tools or soldering.
Q9: How do I access the arrow keys on a ’60’ keyboard?
A: Most ’60’ keyboards use a function layer. You hold down a ‘Fn’ key and press another key (often on the WASD cluster) to use arrow keys.
Q10: Are ’60’ keyboards more expensive than full-size ones?
A: Not necessarily. While some high-end ’60’ boards can be pricey, many are competitively priced with full-size mechanical keyboards.
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.