The 60% keyboard has been one of the most popular form factors for mechanical keyboards. The reason being, they offer a lot of functionality without being too big. There have been a lot of 60% keyboards available over the years, so it can be hard to decide which is the best.
In this blog, we will look at the 11 best 60% keyboards available in 2021. The 60% keyboards are the ones that look great and perform exceptionally well.
Hi, I am Anirban Saha, an Electronics and Communication Engineer. I would provide an in-depth guide to you.
Let’s get started!
What are the best 60% keyboards?
| Top 65 Percent Keyboards | Check Price |
| 1. GMMK 60% Mechanical Keyboard Compact Size (61 Key) | Check Price at Amazon |
| 2. Ducky One 2 Mini 60% Mechanical keyboard | Check Price at Amazon |
| 3. DREVO Calibur V2 TE RGB 60% Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | Check Price at Amazon |
| 4. ANNE PRO 2 60% Wired/Wireless Mechanical Keyboard | Check Price at Amazon |
| 5. Drop ALT 60% Mechanical Keyboard | Check Price at Amazon |
| 6. Royal Kludge RK61 60% Mechanical Keyboard | Check Price at Amazon |
| 7. Cooler Master SK-622 60% Mechanical Keyboard | Check Price at Amazon |
| 8. MOTOSPEED 61 60% Mechanical Keyboard | Check Price at Amazon |
| 9. Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Mechanical Keyboard | Check Price at Amazon |
| 10. HyperX Alloy Origins 60 Mechanical Keyboard | Check Price at Amazon |
| 11. Corsair K65 RGB MINI 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | Check Price at Amazon |
What is a 60% keyboard Layout?
60% keyboard is a compact layout of keyboard that eliminates the redundant switches that improve portability and space-saving in the desk. 60% keyboards have 61 keys without Fn keys and 71 keys with Fn keys.
The 60% keyboard design eliminates NumPad, Arrow Key and the Function Keys to make it compact.
What Makes the 60% Keyboards Unique?
One of the things we’ve noticed when comparing various 60% keyboards is they all have their own unique take on how to make them better suited for gamers.
Some companies will include extra buttons or even special gaming modes just so players can get an edge over their opponents. Others try to reduce some of the fat to make it easier for gamers on the go.
We’ll talk more about those below as well, but what makes 60% of keyboards unique is that they have a small footprint while still providing just enough keys and features so players can be competitive in their game of choice.
And even though these keyboards are smaller than your standard keyboard, there’s no loss of utility when playing games because most offer features such as multiple key remapping or programmable macro buttons.
This means you have an advantage over other players who may not know how to customize their virtual reality experience!
What are the benefits of a 60% keyboard?
60% keyboards may have a small form factor and may appeal to many.
Let’s look into it the benefits we get when we use a 60% mechanical keyboard:
- Saves Desk Space: 60% keyboards are efficient and have the most valuable keys needed to operate a keyboard. It looks neat and beautiful in your workspace.
- Better for Travel: Due to the small form factor, the 60% mechanical keyboards are travel friendly and also it helps gamers who need to travel to participate in competitions.
- Cuts down extra key bloat: 60% keyboards do not have arrow keys, Fn keys, number pad keys, and this makes it reduce its size. Most of the essential functionalities are mapped to other keys to perform the same task.
- Compact yet Powerful: 60% of keyboards perform flawlessly like any other mechanical keyboard in a surprisingly small form. The reduction of size is noticeable if you switch from a full-sized keyboard. You will enjoy more using this compact-built mechanical keyboard.
Factors to Look For in 60% Mechanical Keyboards
Generally, the mechanical keyboards are very high quality inbuilt, have high usability, and last for long.
Still, before buying any 60% keyboard, you can look at the following parameters that I mention below.
Keycap and Switches
Keycaps and switches are the essential components that you would interact with whenever you use the keyboard. The keycaps are the outer covering layer made of high-quality plastics that cover on top of the switch, so having a good experience in typing a good keycap is needed.
The keycaps can be made of ABS or even PBT, of which PBT is of better quality. I have written an article that would talk in detail about ABS vs PBT keycaps.
Switches, on the other hand, make or breaks your typing experience. Mechanical switches are of different types like click, tactile and linear. Each of the various switches has distinct characteristics that define how you would make the keypress and how you would get feedback about the keypress and the sound of the keypress.
Hence choosing high-quality keyboard switches is needed.
Anti-Ghosting/ N-Key Rollover
As you type your keys together, the computer won’t recognize a key a lot of times if the keyboard does not support Anti-ghosting. With anti-ghosting, it becomes very convenient when you type or play games. This feature helps the keyboard to recognize all your key presses even you pressed few keys together.
Macro Key Support
The macro key is essential for gamers. With macro, you can assign a particular key to perform a complex move during gaming. You can easily combine all the click functionality you need to perform into a single keypress in the keyboard.
RGB Backlighting
RGB Backlighting boosts out your gaming mood. Also, it is pleasing to use a RGB backlit keyboard.
The backlit keyboards help to view in the dark without external lighting. This feature helps a lot.
Hot-swappable Keys
Hot-swappable keys help to change the mechanical keys easily. The hot-swappable keys have special sockets so that you can click switches into place and pull them out without ever needing to solder.
Durability
Durability is an essential factor for a 60% keyboard. The build quality mainly decides the durability of the keyboard. The switches also determine that.
The form factor should be made of high-quality material, preferably Aluminium or any rugged and durable material.
Top 11 60% keyboards Reviews
Here are the list of the top ten 60% keyboards for gaming:
1. GMMK 60% Keyboard Compact Size (61 Key)
Glorious products like Gaming mice and keyboards are excellent for competitive gaming. The Glorious GMMK keyboard is a 60% keyboard with compact size and 61 keys of ANSI Layout.
If you are a gamer then anti-ghosting would be your preference and this GMMK keyboard has full NKRO support.
It has a 6m braided cable, so, you don’t have to worry about the wires getting damaged easily. The keycaps are ABS Doubleshot Injection Keycaps. Hence, you are getting ABS plastic material which is good.
Product Specifications
| Switch | Gateron Brown |
| Switch Type | Tactile |
| Number of Keys | 61 |
| Product Dimensions | 11.54 x 4.05 x 1.73 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 1.69 pounds or 766 gm |
| Polling Rate | 1000 Hz |
| Key Layout | QWERTY layout(ANSI) |
| Cord Length | 6 ft Braided cable |
| Keycaps Type | ABS Doubleshot Injection keycaps |
| Anti Ghosting/ N-Key Rollover Support | Yes |
| RGB Lighting support | Yes, with 16.8 million colors RGB LED |
| Number of Switch Pins | 3 pin |
Overall, the response time of the key pressed is impressive and this keyboard turns out to be one of the best in the Gaming range of 60% keyboard. I got really impressed by the performance of the GMMK keyboard from Glorious.
In this video, you will get the real feel of the GMMK Compact 60% mechanical keyboard.
- COMPACT SIZE (61-Key) 60% Layout with removable...
- FULL MODULAR, MECHANICAL KEYS - Easily remove and...
- MECHANICAL KEY SWITCHES - Gateron Brown (Cherry MX...
- MINIMALIST DESIGN - Sandblasted Aluminum...
Last update on 2021-10-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Ducky One 2 Mini 60% Mechanical keyboard
The Ducky One 2 Mini keyboard is a smaller, more compact version of the Ducky One keyboard. It is still full size but has a few key differences that make it perfect for gamers who travel or want to save space on their desk.
This keyboard is great for gaming because the keys are very responsive and feel great to press.
They are not too mushy like a membrane keyboard, but they also don’t have that clicky feeling you get with mechanical keyboards- so it’s perfect for people who want both options.
It has backlighting which is really nice in dimly lit environments or at night when your hands.
In this video, you will find the review of the Ducky One 2 mini in-depth. You will also find how the keyboard would be in real life.
The features of the Ducky One 2 Mini are great for gaming as well.
Product Specifications
| Package Dimensions | 13.58 x 6.3 x 1.97 inches |
| Weight | 2.05 pounds or 590 g |
| Switch Used | Cherry MX Red |
| Switch type | Linear (would have a silent clicking experience) |
| Number of keys | 61 |
| Keyboard layout | QWERTY layout (ANSI) |
It has a repeat rate of 1000Hz, which is the fastest available on keyboards right now- so you have no lag while playing fast-paced games or First Person Shooters like Dota or CS GO.
The anti-ghosting functionality makes sure that all your keystrokes are registered and every single one of them goes through without error.
Here are a few cons of the Ducky One Mini:
It doesn’t have a wrist rest for comfort when playing games.
The space bar is loud and requires more force to press down than other keyboards which take some getting used to.
Last update on 2021-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. DREVO Calibur V2 TE RGB 60% Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
DREVO’s newest keyboard offers an incredibly low profile that makes it perfect for FPS gamers who need to be able to move their hand quickly from one key to another without any interference from other keys on the board.
The company also has developed its own unique switches which are quite unlike anything else in this list, but they do feel great and provide some more tactile feedback than many of these keyboards do not have at all because of how low profile they are.
The 60% form factor is what most people think of when you mention compact keyboards since the majority of them tend to cluster around.
Product Specifications
| Number of Keys | 71 |
| Connectivity Type | Wired |
| Switch Used | Otemu Brown Switch |
| Switch Type | Tactile switch |
| Typing Experience | A tactile experience with very low clicking sound |
| Anti-Ghosting/ N-Key Rollover Support | Yes |
| Keycap Material | ABS Laser Marked keycaps |
In this video, you will find the review of the DREVO Calibur V2 in-depth. You will also find how the keyboard would be in real life.
- Unique Compact Design: Insert F keys into number...
- Customizable RGB Backlight: True RGB 16.8 million...
- PC/Mac Dual Mode: Switch between PC and Mac easily...
- Gaming Mode: Anti-ghosting, N-key Rollover allows...
Last update on 2021-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. ANNE PRO 2 60% Wired/Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Anne Pro 2 keyboard is a great keyboard for anyone who needs to type fast and be precise with their keystrokes.
The 60% form factor is what most people think of when you mention compact keyboards since the majority of them tend to cluster around that size, but they are still quite lengthy boards which can make it more difficult to use some parts in tight spaces or cases where there isn’t much room available on your desk.
In this video, you will find the review of Anne Pro 2 in-depth. You will also find how the keyboard would be in real life.
With an Anne Pro however, one thing I love about this board is how thin everything feels from the keys down to even just the thickness of the whole board itself.
That makes it feel like less resistance as well, so typing speeds go up without any noticeable difference in quality between these boards and bigger ones which are often used by gamers.
Product Specifications
| Keyboard Switch Used | Gateron Red Switch |
| Switch Type | Linear switch |
| Typing Experience | Smooth and silent clicking experience |
| Keyboard Connectivity | Wireless, Wired |
| Keycap Type | Double Shot PBT Keycaps |
| Number of keys | 61 |
| Keyboard Dimensions | 11.18 x 3.82 x 1.57 inches |
| Weight | 635 g |
| Response time | 1 ms (1000 Hz polling Rate) |
The Anne Pro has been designed for everyone from the novice who’s just starting out in their typing journey to expert gamers trying to find that perfect board for them without spending hundreds of dollars on it! It comes in all sorts of colors too which you can customize according to your moods each day!”.
The first thing I noticed when putting my fingers on this keyboard was how thin everything felt down through the whole board itself. That makes it feel like less resistance as well, so typing speeds go high.
- Minimalistic design doing more with less. Requires...
- Compact and Portable . It saves desk space and...
- Decent bluetooth connectivity enables wireless...
- Revamped obinskit starter software simplifies the...
Last update on 2021-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Drop ALT Mechanical Keyboard
The Drop ALT Mechanical Keyboard is a 60% keyboard that’s gone through tons of revisions to make it the best board for gaming. The white backlit keys are just one detail in this boards design, and you can see what we mean when you take a look at all the features below!
The Drop ALT Mechanical Keyboard is made with LED lighting effects so your next game can shine brightly without any annoying lights around. It also comes equipped with RGB light strips on both sides which will let people know who their new competitor on the field of battle might be!
In this video, you will find the review of the Drop ALT Mechanical Keyboard in-depth. You will also find how the keyboard would be in real life.
The features of the Drop ALT Mechanical Keyboard:
- RGB LED lights on the side of the keyboard and under keys for excellent lighting effects
- Comes with a USB cable that’s six feet long. This is more than enough to reach from your PC tower to your seat!
The 60% key layout means you’ll have all the most important buttons right at your fingertips without having to take up too much space with function keys or other unneeded ones. It also comes equipped with quick access media controls so you can handle everything.
- A COMPACT LAYOUT The ALT mechanical keyboard is a...
- A SOLID BUILD Constructed with a solid aluminum...
- CHERRY MX BROWN RGB SWITCHES This ALT model comes...
- HOT-SWAPPABLE SWITCH FUNCTIONALITY Want to switch...
Last update on 2021-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Royal Kludge RK61 60% Mechanical Keyboard
The Royal Kludge RK61 keyboard is a great option for gamers looking to buy a new keyboard without breaking the bank. It’s made of durable material and will last you through many gaming sessions.
The RK61 comes with blue LED backlighting that can be customized by pressing Fn + PgDn. You can also adjust its brightness via Fn+PgUp, control all your music playback features like play/pause or skip tracks too!
Plus, this model won’t take up as much desk space due to its compact size. It has a detachable cable and is also compatible with Macs, so you can enjoy this keyboard on any computer!
Find the complete review of the Royal Kludge here in the video below. You will get the real feel of the keyboard.
Product Specifications
| Number of Keys | 61 keys |
| Anti-Ghosting/N key rollover support | Yes |
| Lighting effects | 18 RGB backlight modes, 8 monochrome backlight modes and 1 full color backlight |
| Connectivity | Wireless |
| Package Dimensions | 13.03 x 6.02 x 1.93 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.65 pounds or 748 gm |
A great feature of this model is that it’s also small enough not to take up too much desk space but still offers all the features needed for modern gamers like backlighting controls or compatibility with other operating systems such as Mac OS, Windows and Linux OS.
- Mini 60% Keyboard: RK61 mini 60% gaming keyboard...
- Brown Switch: Slightly quieter and easier to...
- RK61 RGB Keyboard: This 60% rgb keyboad has 18 RGB...
- Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard: RK ROYAL KLUDGE...
Last update on 2021-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7. Cooler Master SK-622 60% Mechanical Keyboard
The Cooler Master SK-622 is a compact keyboard with a 60% keyboard layout.
It has some great features like LED backlighting, Windows key lock and anti-ghosting technology which ensure no matter how fast your fingers type you’ll never miss the important bits.
It’s also very comfortable to use thanks to its detachable wrist rest – something we all know is crucial for long gaming sessions or just general typing comfort!
Product Specifications
| Keyboard Dimensions | 11.54 x 4.06 x 1.19 inches |
| Weight | 0.98 pounds or 445 gm |
| Switch Type | RGB Low Profile Blue |
| RGB lighting Support | Yes, Present with 18 lighting effects |
| Connectivity Type | Wireless with Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Polling Rate | 1000 Hz and 125 Hz(with Bluetooth) |
| No of keys | 61 |
Here is the video that would help to understand in-depth of the Cooler Master SK-621 keyboard.
- Low Profile Switches: A reduced travel distance...
- Portable 60% Layout: Compact layout and design,...
- Hybrid Wireless: Choose between wired Type-C...
- Ergonomic Upgrades: New ergonomic keycaps and...
Last update on 2021-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
8. MOTOSPEED 61 60% Mechanical Keyboard
The Motospeed 61 keyboard is a great option for gamers on a budget.
It’s not the most advanced 60% keyboard but it does an excellent job of providing all-important gaming features like backlighting and anti-ghosting technology, which allows you to press as many keys simultaneously without any corrupted inputs.
The Motospeed 61 also includes two USB ports for plugging in your mouse or other peripheral devices – this is something that isn’t found on cheaper keyboards!
And if you’re into looking stylish while playing games then you’ll love the RGB LEDs – they can be set to different colours by use of the included software package (although unfortunately there are no pre-set colour schemes available).
Find here the in-depth review covering all aspects of the Motospeed 61 gaming keyboard. You will get to know how this keyboard would perform heavy tasks like gaming.
Product Specifications
| Number of keys | 61 keys |
| Connectivity | Wireless |
| Dimensions | 11.42 x 3.94 x 1.77 inches |
| Weight | 640 g |
| Response Speed | 0.1ms |
| Key Life | >50 Million |
| Keycap Type | Double-Shot-Molded Keycaps |
And if you’re into looking stylish while playing games then you’ll love the RGB LEDs which can be set to different colours by use of the included software package.
You have tons of options when it comes to backlighting too with 15 levels ranging from dim to bright.
There are even more cool features on offer such as macro keys, NKRO, multimedia control buttons, key remapping capabilities and N-key rollover.
- 【MULTI-DEVICE & DUAL CONNECTIVITY MECHANICAL...
- 【PROLONGED BLUETOOTH USAGE】Built-in utilizes...
- 【RGB-BACKLIT MECHANICAL KEYBOARD】19 Backlit...
- 【HIGH QUALITY AND RELIABLE PERFORMANCE】Compact...
Last update on 2021-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
9. Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Mechanical Keyboard
The Razer Huntsman Mini is a 60% keyboard designed for gaming that’s made specifically with portability in mind. It measures just 17 inches and weighs a measly two pounds which is an impressive feat given the amount of features it includes.
The Huntsman Mini has all kinds of goodies to make it easy to use on the go like textured, anti-slip keys, fully programmable keys with macro support as well as full RGB lighting colour options.
It also comes equipped with four extra “gaming” buttons; one volume control button and three media mode buttons
There are even shortcut functions included such that you can switch between modes without having to cycle through them manually – perfect when you’re getting into a fight then need quick access to your abilities.
Product Specifications
| Switch Used | Razer Clicky Optical Switch/ Razer Linear Optical Switch |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Keycap type | Oil-Resistant Doubleshot PBT Keycaps |
| Dimensions | 4.07 x 11.56 x 1.45 inches |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds or 499 gm |
| RGB backlighting Support | Yes, Chroma RGB Support Present |
| Onboard Profiles | Up to 5 |
| Typing Experience | Faster and responsive click performance with clicky and linear switch options |
The Razer Huntsman mini with its precise gaming capability is highly recommended for professional gamers.
- The #1 Best-Selling Gaming Peripherals...
- Faster Than Traditional Mechanical Switches: Razer...
- Ultimate Personalization & Gaming Immersion with...
- Quality, Aluminum Construction: Covered with a...
Last update on 2021-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10. HyperX Alloy Origins 60 Mechanical Keyboard
HyperX Alloy Origins 60 keyboard is a great 60% gaming keyboard with 61 keys. This keyboard is a great choice for gamers who are looking for budget gaming keyboards that offer some of the best features in terms of lighting and mechanical switches.
The HyperX Alloy Origins 60 offers six different Cherry MX variants including silent red, linear brown, tactile blue, clicky black, tactile white and tactile green to suit your personal taste or type of gameplay you are playing on it.
Product Specifications
| Dimensions | 11.7 x 1.5 x 4.2 inches |
| Weight | 2.14 pounds or 970 gm |
| Switch Used | HyperX Red/ HyperX Aqua/ HyperX Blue |
| Keycap Type | Double shot PBT keycaps with side printing |
| Switch Lifetime | more than 80 million keystrokes |
| Memory Profiles | 3 |
| Anti-Ghosting/ N-Key rollover support | Yes |
| RGB backlighting | Yes Present |
The features of the HyperX Alloys Origins 60 make it one of the best 60% keyboards on the market and you should consider purchasing it if those features are what you’re looking for.
- [Petite 60% form factor]: Free up more room for...
- [Full aircraft-grade aluminum body]: The aluminum...
- [Double shot PBT keycaps with side printing]: The...
- [HyperX Mechanical switches]: Custom-designed...
Last update on 2021-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
11. Corsair K65 RGB MINI 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
The Corsair K65 RGB Mini keyboard has a simple, sleek design that’s ideal for gamers with an eye for aesthetics.
The keyboard is made up of aluminum top coverings and crisp white backlights which allows you to fully enjoy the simplistic beauty it offers. These backlights are customizable so if you happen to be away from your computer, you can still keep in touch through light effects.
The features of the Corsair K65 gaming keyboard are:
- Cherry MX mechanical switches
- Mini layout with full keycap set for 60% less wasted space than a standard keyboard.
- Full anti-ghosting (press down any combination of keys at once).
- PBT Double-shot keycaps.
Dedicated media controls allow you to play, stop, pause and skip tracks without interrupting your game.
Product Specifications
| 62 | |
| Keyboard Dimensions | 11.57 x 4.13 x 1.73 inches |
| Switch Used | Cherry MX speed silver |
| Response time | 0.25 ms |
| Typing Experience | Lightining fast and super smooth keypress experience |
| Weight | 1.28 pounds or 580 gm |
The keyboards also feature an integrated USB audio connection so that the headset can be plugged directly into the computer instead of using up one of the valuable ports on your machine.
- Small Size, Big Features: The K65 RGB MINI...
- Powered by CORSAIR AXON Hyper-Processing...
- 100% CHERRY MX SPEED RGB Silver Mechanical...
- Personalize Your Play: Show off your style with...
Last update on 2021-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
My Choice for 60% keyboards
After going through the 11 best 60% keyboards, I found out the best ones for you:
True RGB Backlit
Tap Arrow Keys
Double Shot PBT Keycaps
NKRO
1900mAh Battery
True RGB Backlit
Tap Arrow Keys
Double Shot PBT Keycaps
NKRO
1900mAh Battery
Last update on 2021-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
FAQs on Best 60% keyboards
Q: Are 60% keyboard good for Gaming?
Ans: 60% keyboards are good for gaming and you can play FPS games with ease like Fortnite, CS Go and more. In their compact size, you get the keys you need on a 60% keyboard. Also, you can program macro keys as per your need for gaming, which would improve your gaming performance.
Q: Are 60 keyboards good for small hands?
Ans: If you have small hands and you’re looking for a gaming keyboard, then yes! 60% keyboards are designed to be compact. Smaller keyboards are also easier for transportation purposes, which is a crucial factor if you often travel with your PC setup.
Q: What keycaps will fit a 60% keyboard?
Ans: Almost all types of keycaps will fit a 60% keyboard.
Q: Do 60 keyboards have function keys and Arrow keys?
Ans: 60% keyboards do not have Arrow keys or Function keys. There are different keys mapped for the same utility.
Q: How many keys do you have on a 60 keyboard?
Ans: In Average, a 60% keyboard has 61 keys.
Q: Is a 60% keyboard better?
Ans: 60% keyboard has all the valuable keys needed for typing and gaming in its small form of 61 keys. It saves desk space and has a compact form factor, making it more efficient and better than a full-sized keyboard.
Conclusion
I tried to cover in detail the best 60% keyboard with detailed specifications and features.
The main features of 60% keyboard are they can be used for gaming or typing, the size is perfect to fit on your desk while not taking too much space;
It has a great design that doesn’t require any additional software so you don’t need to install anything at all. It also comes with RGB lighting and macro support which makes the experience more exciting when playing games in the darkroom.
Lastly, I would recommend Razer Huntsman mini as an alternative because this one has been designed specifically for gamers following their needs – professional players will love it!
If you like 65% keyboard layout, you can check the best 65% keyboard also.
