Do you want a keyboard that saves space on your desk but still gives you all the gaming power you need? Maybe you’ve seen them online – small, sleek keyboards that look super cool. But picking the perfect 60 percent gaming keyboard can feel like a puzzle. There are so many choices, and it’s tough to know which one is best for you. You want a keyboard that feels great to type on, doesn’t miss any important keys, and makes your gaming setup look awesome. It’s a big decision, and it’s easy to get lost in all the jargon and features.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to help you. We’re going to break down what makes a great 60 percent gaming keyboard. You’ll learn what to look for, understand the different features, and discover how to find a keyboard that fits your budget and your gaming style. By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident in choosing a keyboard that will level up your gaming experience and declutter your desk. Let’s dive in and find your perfect match!
Our Top 5 60 Percent Gaming Keyboard Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 60 Percent Gaming Keyboard Detailed Reviews
1. MageGee Portable 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Rating: 9.0/10
The MageGee MK-Box is a small and portable 60% mechanical keyboard that’s great for gaming and work. It has a cool black and grey design and bright blue LED lights. This keyboard is easy to use and fits on any desk.
What We Like:
- Its small size is perfect for saving space on your desk.
- The red mechanical switches are smooth and fast, making typing and gaming feel great.
- You can change the blue LED backlight to 16 different cool effects.
- It has all 68 keys that don’t conflict, so you can press many keys at once without problems.
- The keyboard works with Windows, Linux, and Mac computers right out of the box.
- It has adjustable feet so you can find the most comfortable typing angle.
- The double-color keycaps look nice and are made to last.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some people might miss having dedicated number keys or function keys all the time.
- The LED backlight is only blue, so you can’t choose other colors.
The MageGee MK-Box is a fun and practical keyboard for anyone needing a compact and reliable typing experience. It’s a solid choice for both your gaming setup and your office workspace.
2. Womier S-K80 75% Keyboard with Color Multimedia Display Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Rating: 9.5/10
The Womier S-K80 75% Mechanical Keyboard is a gamer’s dream, blending cool looks with awesome features. Its unique color multimedia display shows you everything from your caps lock status to your music’s rhythm. This keyboard feels great to type on, too, with a soft and quiet typing experience that’s perfect for long gaming sessions.
What We Like:
- The vibrant color multimedia screen lets you see important info at a glance and even display custom GIFs.
- Its 75% size is compact but still has all the keys you need for gaming and work.
- The gasket mount design and pre-lubed switches offer a super comfortable and quiet typing feel.
- You can easily swap out switches to make it totally your own.
- The RGB backlighting is fully customizable with tons of effects and colors, and it can even sync with your music!
- It works with both Mac and Windows computers.
What Could Be Improved:
- The software for customization might take a little getting used to for beginners.
- While it’s great for gaming, some users might prefer a different switch type for typing.
The Womier S-K80 is a fantastic keyboard for anyone who loves to customize their setup and wants a visually appealing and high-performing keyboard. It truly offers a personalized and immersive experience for both gamers and everyday users.
3. Redragon K630 Dragonborn 60% Wired RGB Gaming Keyboard
Rating: 8.6/10
The Redragon K630 Dragonborn is a compact gaming keyboard that packs a punch. Its 60% size means it takes up very little space on your desk, giving you more room to move your mouse. This makes it awesome for fast-paced games like first-person shooters.
What We Like:
- Super compact 60% layout saves tons of desk space.
- Linear Red switches are quiet and smooth for easy typing and gaming.
- The keyboard is hot-swappable, so you can change the switches if you want.
- It has awesome RGB lighting with many cool effects you can change right on the keyboard.
- You can customize it even more with special software for macros and lighting.
- Its simple wired design is reliable and perfect for FPS gamers who need maximum mouse space.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s only available in wired mode, so no wireless option.
- The software might be a bit tricky for beginners to figure out at first.
This keyboard is a fantastic choice for gamers who want a small, customizable, and great-looking setup. It’s a solid option that offers a lot of features for its price.
4. RK ROYAL KLUDGE R65 Wired Gaming Keyboard with Volume Knob
Rating: 9.0/10
The RK ROYAL KLUDGE R65 Wired Gaming Keyboard is a compact powerhouse for gamers and typists alike. Its 60% size saves desk space, while features like a premium volume knob and customizable RGB lighting make it stand out. This keyboard aims to deliver a fantastic typing and gaming experience.
What We Like:
- The gasket mount design with five layers of sound-absorbing material really cuts down on noise and vibrations, making typing feel smoother and sound better.
- The metal volume knob is a super handy addition. You can easily control your sound without interrupting your game or work.
- It comes with pre-lubed Creamy switches that feel incredibly smooth and make a satisfying “thocky” sound.
- You can swap out the switches easily if you want to try different ones.
- The RGB backlighting offers tons of cool effects to personalize your setup.
- QMK/VIA programmability means you can remap any key to do exactly what you want.
- The MDA profile PBT keycaps feel great to touch and are built to last.
- It works smoothly with both Windows and macOS.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 60% size is great for space-saving, some users might miss dedicated arrow keys or a number pad.
- The included Creamy switches are good, but the real fun of hot-swappable boards is trying out even more switch types, which can add to the overall cost.
This keyboard offers a lot of premium features in a compact package. It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking for a customizable and enjoyable typing and gaming experience.
5. Snpurdiri 60% Wired Gaming Keyboard
Rating: 8.6/10
The Snpurdiri 60% Wired Gaming Keyboard is a super-compact keyboard designed for gamers, typists, and travelers. Its small size makes it great for any situation, whether you’re gaming at home, working in the office, or even on a business trip. This keyboard is easy to carry and gives you more desk space.
What We Like:
- The 60% compact design is perfect for saving space on your desk and makes it super easy to pack for trips.
- It has an ergonomic design that feels good on your hands, even after using it for a long time.
- The keyboard offers a satisfying mechanical feel, making typing and gaming more enjoyable.
- You get cool RGB backlighting with 6 different effects and 8 color options to personalize your setup.
- The keycaps are made with double-color injection molding, so the characters are clear and light up nicely.
- The black and white color scheme is simple, stylish, and shows off your personality.
- A detachable USB Type-C cable means it’s easy to connect and carry, and the connection is stable.
- Snpurdiri is committed to making their products better, like the upgraded keycaps, so you know they care about quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- Since it’s a 60% keyboard, it doesn’t have a Numpad, which might be a drawback for some users who need it frequently.
- While it has a mechanical feel, it’s still a membrane keyboard, so it might not satisfy hardcore mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for a true mechanical switch experience.
This Snpurdiri keyboard is a fantastic choice for anyone who needs a portable and stylish keyboard. Its smart design and cool features make it a great addition to any setup.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Next 60% Gaming Keyboard
So, you’re thinking about getting a 60% gaming keyboard? Awesome choice! These compact keyboards pack a punch and can seriously upgrade your gaming setup. Let’s dive into what makes them great and how to pick the perfect one for you.
What is a 60% Keyboard?
A 60% keyboard is a type of keyboard that is much smaller than a typical keyboard. It removes the number pad, the function row (F1-F12), and the arrow keys. Everything you need is still there, but you access some keys using a function (Fn) key. This saves a lot of desk space!
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a 60% gaming keyboard, keep these important features in mind:
- Switch Type: This is super important for how your keyboard feels and sounds. There are three main types:
- Linear Switches: These feel smooth and have no “bump” when you press them. They are great for fast gaming.
- Tactile Switches: You feel a little bump when you press these. They give you feedback that the key has been registered.
- Clicky Switches: These give you both a bump and a satisfying “click” sound. Some gamers love this sound, others find it too loud.
- Keycaps: These are the plastic tops of your keys. Look for durable materials like PBT. They feel better and last longer than ABS keycaps.
- Build Quality: A sturdy keyboard feels good and lasts longer. Metal frames are usually stronger than plastic ones.
- Connectivity: Most 60% keyboards offer wired USB-C, which is fast and reliable. Some also have Bluetooth for wireless gaming.
- RGB Lighting: Many gaming keyboards have customizable RGB lights. This lets you change colors and effects to match your setup.
- Hot-Swappable Switches: This cool feature lets you change out the switches without soldering. You can try different switch types easily.
Important Materials
The materials used in your keyboard affect its feel, sound, and durability.
- Keycaps: PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) is a premium plastic. It resists shine and wear better than ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene).
- Case: Aluminum is a strong and premium material for the keyboard case. It gives a solid feel and looks great. Plastic cases are lighter and more affordable.
- Plate: This is the layer under the keycaps. Steel or aluminum plates add rigidity and improve typing feel. Polycarbonate plates offer a softer, more flexible feel.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things can make a 60% keyboard amazing, while others can make it disappointing.
Quality Boosters:
- Solid Construction: A keyboard that doesn’t flex or creak feels much better.
- High-Quality Switches: Well-made switches offer a consistent and satisfying typing experience.
- Durable Keycaps: PBT keycaps that won’t wear down are a big plus.
- Good Stabilizers: These help larger keys (like the spacebar) feel stable and not wobbly.
Quality Reducers:
- Wobbly Switches: Loose switches can make typing feel cheap.
- Cheap Keycaps: ABS keycaps can become shiny and worn quickly.
- Flimsy Case: A keyboard that bends easily feels less premium.
- Poor Stabilizers: These can lead to an annoying rattle on larger keys.
User Experience and Use Cases
A 60% keyboard is fantastic for gamers who want more desk space for their mouse. It’s also great for people who like a minimalist setup.
- Gaming: The compact size means your mouse has more room to move freely. This is a huge advantage in fast-paced games.
- Typing: While it takes some getting used to, many people find they can type just as fast on a 60% keyboard. You just need to learn the different layers.
- Portability: Their small size makes them easy to carry around if you game or work in different places.
- Desk Aesthetics: They look super clean and modern on any desk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about 60% Gaming Keyboards
Q: Is a 60% keyboard good for gaming?
A: Yes! Many gamers love 60% keyboards because they offer more mouse space and a clean look. They have all the essential gaming keys.
Q: Will it be hard to get used to a 60% keyboard?
A: It might take a little time to learn where the missing keys are. You use the Fn key to access things like arrow keys and F keys. Most people adapt quickly.
Q: What are the best switches for a 60% gaming keyboard?
A: For gaming, linear switches like Cherry MX Reds or Gateron Reds are popular for their speed. Tactile switches are good if you like feedback.
Q: Are 60% keyboards loud?
A: It depends on the switches. Clicky switches are the loudest. Linear and tactile switches are generally quieter.
Q: Can I use a 60% keyboard for typing documents?
A: Absolutely! Once you get used to the layout, typing can be just as efficient.
Q: What does “hot-swappable” mean?
A: Hot-swappable means you can easily remove and replace the keyboard switches without needing tools or soldering. This lets you customize your typing feel.
Q: How do I access the arrow keys on a 60% keyboard?
A: You usually press and hold the Fn key and then press another key (often one of the WASD keys or I, J, K, L keys) to use the arrow keys.
Q: Are 60% keyboards more expensive than full-size keyboards?
A: Not necessarily. Prices vary a lot. You can find affordable 60% keyboards, and some high-end ones can be quite expensive.
Q: What’s the advantage of a metal keyboard case?
A: Metal cases are stronger, heavier, and give the keyboard a more premium feel. They also help reduce keyboard flex.
Q: Do I need special software for RGB lighting?
A: Many 60% keyboards come with software that lets you control RGB lighting, keybinds, and macros. Some allow on-board control without software.
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.