Guides | Battlestation
Best 60 percent Keyboard for Gaming: Review & Buying Guide
60 percent keyboards are ideal mechanical keyboard options if you are looking to save some space on your desk.
Last updated on November 17, 2022
60 percent keyboards are ideal mechanical keyboard options if you are looking to save some space on your desk. They are compact keyboards with all the essential keys you need for gaming, work, and other applications.
The best 60% keyboards in the market right now are:
- Durgod Venus - The best for typing
- Ducky One 2 Mini - The best overall
- RK Royal Kludge RK61 - The best budget option
- Kinesis TKO Gaming Keyboard - The best for gaming
- Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless - The most versatile option
- Razer Huntsman Mini Analog - The best high-end option
- Anne Pro 2 60 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard - Sleek Design
The options above are some of the best compact keyboard options in the market. Each option offers functionality and space-saving characteristics without compromising on style and features.
With features like wireless connectivity, function rows, RGB lighting, mechanical switches, and more. Even 60% keyboards with compact designs and tons of customization options can take on full-size keyboards if you get the right one.
But before we take a deep dive into each of the best 60% mechanical keyboards we have on the list, you might want to know a little more about 60% keyboards.
What are 60 percent keyboards?
If you are new to the world of mechanical keyboards and workspace customization, a 60 percent keyboard is a more compact keyboard that is designed to save desk space in your work or gaming station.
Despite the smaller design and layout, these compact keyboards are 100% functional. It has everything a full-sized keyboard has, except for the standard number of keys. The 60-percent keyboard does not have a number pad, arrow keys, function row, or navigation cluster-- which many gamers or workers can live without.
They usually have 61 to 64 keys, depending on the manufacturer. As for the layout, some people might take a while to adjust. But once you get familiar with it, it will work like any other standard size keyboard.
Should I get a 60 percent keyboard?
If you are looking for a smaller keyboard with all the standard features that you can get for a fraction of the premium price of most mechanical keyboards, you should think about getting a 60-percent mechanical keyboard.
Because there are many options to choose from, you should consider getting one based on your preferences, such as:
- Purpose- Would you be using it for gaming or mostly work? A smaller keyboard would work for a casual gamer or the competitive gamer.
- Battery life- The hours of battery life are something you need to consider when buying any wireless keyboard.
- User reviews- you also might want to check user reviews when looking for the right keyboard. Lucky for you, we already reviewed your best options so all you need to do is continue reading.
- Durability- Different options vary in quality depending on the price. Some of the keyboards on the list are made for plastic construction and some are made with an aluminum frame for heavy-duty usage.
- Other features- These keyboards come with tons of features, such as hot keys, hot-swappable switches, bright RGB lighting, lighting effects, and more-- depending on the price range. But before choosing one option because of its features, you should probably consider one that has a fast response time.
Connectivity options: Should I get a wireless or wired keyboard?
It depends on your needs. If you want a neat desk without any wires, a wireless option might be the right choice for you. If you want faster response time and don't want to constantly recharge your keyboard battery when it turns low, a wired option is the safe choice.
Most mechanical keyboards these days are wireless or come with a detachable USB cable, allowing you to take them anywhere and move them around easily for cable management.
Pros and cons of 60 percent keyboards
Pros:
- Minimalist design
- Excellent for tight spaces
- Excellent customization and switch options
- The sleek design is aesthetically pleasing
- Comes with features like detachable cables, RGB backlighting, and other extra features
- Some offer wireless connection and onboard memory
- They are some of the most budget keyboards in the market
- They are well-recommended in the gaming industry
- Better tilting and mouse positioning
- Ergonomic keyboard options
Cons:
- Does not have all the keys
- The layout is a little bit different than full-sized options
- The space bar and other keys are smaller
The Best 60% Keyboards
1. Durgod Venus - The best for typing
The Durgod Venus made it on this list for one reason. It is the best for typing. With its linear switches and fast response time, you will definitely get into a typing flow in no time.
They are equipped with smooth stabilizers and PBT caps, in addition to their durable aluminum casing and excellent construction quality.
Typing on this keyboard feels really good. Plus, the original switches and PBT keys produce a satisfying thocky sound, which most writers prefer as it emulates an old-school typewriter.
If you are wondering if this keyboard lasts, the construction and choice of keycaps sure say that it is built to last.
Quick facts: Durgod Venus - The best for typing
- STURDY – Extra sturdy case with adjustable feet in two positions for a comfortable typing experience. Durable and fade resistant doubleshot PBT keycaps can be changed with the included keypuller.
- CHERRY MX BROWN SWITCHES – Tactile feedback with a noticeable bump and moderate sound level make them the perfect choice for typing. Moderate actuation force of 55 cN and 4.0 mm of total travel. Rated for 100 million actuations.
- FULLY PROGRAMMABLE – Set up macros or rebind keys in the Durgod Zeus Engine Software. Independent profiles and practical features such as Windows key lock and multimedia controls. Full Anti Ghosting Mode n-key Rollover (NKRO) for gamers.
2. Ducky One 2 Mini - The best overall
If you are in the market for a versatile, durable, and sleek-looking 60 percent keyboard for your gaming or office setup-- the Ducky One 2 Mini might be the best option so far.
This option is equipped with tons of switch customization options, a zodiac spacebar, customizable keycaps, and excellent firmware that allows it to run smoothly on just about any computer.
It might not have all the features, but this keyboard does so well in all of the features it provides. It is your one option for all y our gaming and productivity needs.
If that is not enough, this keyboard has onboard firmware, that allows you to pair and use it with any computer without program installation.
The only disadvantage we see is that it's not made with an aluminum frame for its hefty price tag, but that's really not a big deal considering all of its excellent features and user reviews.
Quick facts: Ducky One 2 Mini - The best overall
Products with electrical plugs are designed for use in the US. Outlets and voltage differ internationally and this product may require an adapter or converter for use in your destination. Please check compatibility before purchasing.
3. Royal Kludge RK61 - The best budget option
f you want to try a compact keyboard but you are on a budget, the RK Royal Kludge RK61 is the best budget-friendly option for you.
For under $50, you are getting a wireless mechanical keyboard with switches that last up to 50 million strokes. It also boasts a minimalist and attractive design. Although it features wireless connectivity, we recommend you use it with its wired option, especially for gaming. But that shouldn't be a big deal, considering its low price.
It might not be the most durable keyboard in the world, but it looks and feels great to use for simple applications, such as typing and casual gaming.
Quick facts: Royal Kludge RK61 - The best budget option
- First Generation of Triple Mode Keyboards - Wireless mode with stable bluetooth 5.1 chipset, hassle-free 2.4Ghz dongle plus USB-C wired mode set no limits about your keyboard connection. The RK61 is best to fit smartphone, laptop and tablet.
- 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard: The Compact mechanical keyboard with 61 Keys brings you a neat desktop. Tips you might want to know is that 60% bluetooth gaming keyboard without numpad is most FPS gamers’ choice, more spaces left for mouse movements.
- Hot-swappable: Hot-swap PCB allows you to replace 3 pins/5 pins switches freely without soldering issue. Enjoy the fun of making your own unique keyboard.
4. Kinesis TKO Gaming Keyboard - The best for gaming
Although most of the options on the list are suitable for gaming, nothing beats the Kinesis TKO Gaming Keyboard. It is compact and uniquely designed with a three-button space bar-- making it perfect for competitive gaming and button mashing.
It comes with 9 onboard profiles and an aesthetic RGB underglow bar that will turn your gaming station into a gaming haven. If you want to go portable, this option is bundled with a carrying case that allows you to safely transport it anywhere.
If there is one thing negative to say about this gaming keyboard, it is probably that it is not the best for typing because of its tight layout.
Quick facts: Kinesis TKO Gaming Keyboard - The best for gaming
- PROGRAMMABLE 60% LAYOUT: Ultra-compact aluminum keyboard with standard 60% layout and modular triple-space bar. Maximum portability and closer mouse placement.
- HOTSWAP MECHANICAL SWITCHES AND PBT KEYCAPS: Premium Kailh Box Red mechanical switches with low actuation force and linear feel. Switches are plug-and-play so you can customize the feel of WASD or swap out the whole board.
- DUAL-ZONE RGB LIGHTING: Customize the per-key RGB lighting with 12 customizable modes and edge lighting with underglow.
5. Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless - The most versatile option
The Crossair K70 Pro offers you the best of both worlds. It is an excellent option for both gaming and typing, thanks to the hot-swappable key switches.
It is quite compact and lightweight but it doesn't feel cheap at all. If there is one thing we liked most about this keyboard, it is probably the compelling RGB implementation because it looks so good if you are going for the ambient setup.
You can create up to 50 user profiles, allowing you to use them for multiple applications. It is equipped with a smooth and reliable Bluetooth connection-- so you don't have to worry about it being laggy when using it wirelessly.
It comes with everything you need for customizing it, including a keycap and switch puller-- allowing you to put in any type of mechanical keyboard switch depending on your purpose.
Quick facts: Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless - The most versatile option
- Make it Yours: A high-performance wireless gaming keyboard in a compact 60% form-factor that’s big on customization, with swappable MX switches and a 360° RGB LightEdge.
- Three Ways to Connect: Powerful wireless connectivity with hyper-fast, sub-1ms SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS, low-latency Bluetooth, or USB wired with CORSAIR AXON 8,000Hz hyper-polling.
- Customize with Swappable CHERRY MX Blue Keyswitches: Equipped with clicky CHERRY MX Blue keyswitches with a modular design, easily replaceable with any combination of MX-compatible 3-pin switches to fine-tune your keyswitch layout and play your way.
6. Razer Huntsman Mini Analog - The best high-end option
The Razer Huntsman Mini Analog keyboard is a high-end option equipped with optical switches that are perfect for programmers and gamers.
The response time is fast, which is excellent for competitive gaming. However, if you will mostly do typing, we wouldn't recommend spending a lot of money on this option because there are many better ones built for typing and other work applications.
Another thing we liked about this keyboard is its PBT keycaps which have a very clean font, which is easy to read and satisfying to touch. It also has RGB backlighting, making it easier for you to type when it is dark.
Quick facts: Razer Huntsman Mini Analog - The best high-end option
- Razer Linear Optical Switches Gen-2: Improved with sound dampeners for an even quieter typing experience, the smooth, consistent switches are now also more responsive with up to true 8000Hz polling rate for lower input latency
- Doubleshot PBT Keycaps: Harder and more durable than regular keycaps, these won’t wear down to a shiny finish and have labels which will never fade thanks to their doubleshot molding process
- Multi-function Digital Dial and 4 Media Keys: Configure them to pause, play, skip and tweak everything from brightness to volume—the ultimate convenience for enjoying your entertainment
7. Anne Pro 2 60 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard - Sleek design
If you are looking for a sleek option that will match the aesthetic of your minimalist gaming or desk setup, the Anne Pro 2 is the answer.
The best thing about this keyboard might be the design, but you should not disregard its excellent functions and features.
It comes with Bluetooth connectivity that is easy to set up, customizable backlighting, and it comes with your choice of Cherry MX, Gateron, or Kailh mechanical switches. Another thing that is worth mentioning is its long-lasting battery life-- thanks to its 1900 mAh battery.
Quick facts: Anne Pro 2 60 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard - Sleek design
- Minimalistic design doing more with less. Requires less hand movement while still being able to access all the functionalities.
- Compact and Portable . It saves desk space and easy to carry around. Fits right in backpack. Perfect for home, work and on the go.
- Decent bluetooth connectivity enables wireless connection up to 4 devices and switch seamlessly back and forth.
Are 60% mechanical keyboards good for gaming?
Because most games let you bind and customize the keys you need for playing, even a 60% keyboard would be ideal for gaming. If you are playing MOBAs, these compact keyboards will work just fine. In addition to giving you a lot of extra mouse room-- especially if you have a smaller gaming station or desk.
Gamers who play CSGO might find a 60 percent compact mechanical keyboard lacking because many players bind their pre-buys on the num pad, but the good thing about these games is that most commands are bindable to any key.
Benefits of using a mechanical keyboard for gaming
- Easy to tilt
Another advantage of these keyboards for gaming is that you can easily tilt them for saving more space.
- Portable
The most obvious advantage of having a 60-percent keyboard for gaming is its smaller size. With better portability, you can easily unplug it and take it anywhere, especially if you get a wireless option with Bluetooth connectivity.
- Better mouse positioning
Without the excessive frame, you can effortlessly reach your mouse when typing and scrolling-- giving you a competitive edge when gaming.
Are 60% mechanical keyboards good for typing?
A 60-percent keyboard with linear switches is an excellent choice for typing if you don't need extra keys like insert, home, page up, one shift key, page down, the number pad, etc. Although they are smaller in size, a 60% keyboard still makes a solid option.
The keys on a compact keyboard or any other 60-percent wireless mini keyboard are spaced the same as a full-sized option, so you wouldn't feel much of a difference. In addition to saving a lot of space on your desk, buying mini wireless keyboards will allow you to customize your switches. You can put clicky switches if you favor an audible clicking noise or other switch types depending on what you need.
60% vs 65% keyboards: Which one should I get?
The most notable differences between a 60% and 65% keyboard are the layout of keys, the extra function layer, key sizes, and extra functionality. Both options don't have a number pad, but the 65% keyboard option comes with extra keys like a delete key, page down, page up, print screen, and a larger shift key.
