You can save a lot of desk space by purchasing a 60 percent keyboard with high-end switches, and you can move around more quickly because of its lightweight and trim design.
Because of the rising market for personalized keycaps and designs, it’s a terrific way to express yourself. Smaller keyboards have long been the domain of mechanical keyboard fans and programmers, but increasing interest from gamers and streaming pros have brought them into the mainstream.
For gamers and typists who want to reclaim desk space, tilt their keyboard to an ergonomic position, or carry something small and lightweight, major keyboard manufacturers, notably those in the gaming sector, design these reduced-size keyboards.
Even if you don’t fall within the usual target demographic, this growing area may still interest you.
It is a mechanical keyboard with 60 percent of the keys that a conventional full-size keyboard has. With a smaller number of keys, a user has fewer options available to them. So, what’s the point if consumers can’t use certain features? What’s the answer to that question? Small size. An object with a tiny form factor occupies a small amount of space on the desk.
The tenkeyless keyboard or 60 percent keyboard, for example, takes up significantly less desk space than a full-size keyboard. Speakers, mousepads, PC cases, and any other desk accouterments are all examples of what is meant by the term “small form factor” in this context.
Long or competitive gaming sessions often lead to player exhaustion. It’s possible that a player’s setup is to blame for their physical exhaustion, although this isn’t always the case.
As a result of its tiny form factor, a 60 percent keyboard may reduce pain in the shoulders and wrists for those who use it.
Table of contents
Things to know before you buy your new 60 percent Mechanical Keyboard
Durable Keys
Mechanical keyboards use different switches for each key, making them more robust than standard keyboards.
Mechanical keyboards have a lifespan of 50 million keystrokes, whereas regular keyboards have a lifespan of 5 million keystrokes. Typewriter-style mechanical keyboards employ individual mechanical switches to register keystrokes.
Mechanical keyboards provide a more responsive feel than the membrane keyboards found in most computers, and they’re also claimed to be more durable.
Mechanical keyboard switches have a reputation for being long-lasting and sturdy. Traditional membrane switches have a shorter lifespan.
Dust and Water Resistance
Even in the high-end mechanical keyboard market, water and dust resistance is steadily gaining momentum, especially among gamers.
While certain mechanical keyboards may be marketed as water-resistant, the most protection they offer is splashing water, so it’s safe to conclude that they aren’t waterproof and shouldn’t be subjected to pressurized water in the first place.
Non-mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, can be found that are entirely watertight; thus, they can be intentionally exposed to pressurized water without injury.
At least a level of liquid protection over five is required in this instance. This type of keyboard is usually silicone and can even be washed by hand because it can handle the amount of water pressure imposed on it during the process.
When it comes to water resistance, regular membrane keyboards fare the worst of all because the only thing that separates the keycaps from the circuitry is a thin sheet of the membrane that is completely replaceable and has no water-stopping properties.
RGB and non-RGB Variants
Custom colors can be generated by combining red, green, and blue LED backlights to create millions of possible hues on an RGB keyboard, like a TV.
Using RGB keyboard software, you can designate which keys or sequences of keys you want to appear in the colors of your choice. Keyboard lighting effects can be linked to specific functions, game events, or your PC’s live performance.
Gaming keyboards with RGB backlighting first gained popularity as external upgrades for high-end home gaming systems. This industry’s growth is unabated (see our Legion K500 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard).
But high-performance laptops, such as Lenovo’s Legion Y730 and Legion Y740, also have RGB keyboards. Individuals who want their gaming system to have a little flair can now design and travel with their custom key patterns and color schemes.
Our Featured Selections
Razer Huntsman Mini
The Razer optical switches in this mechanical keyboard make it 60% smaller than a standard mechanical keyboard. The Razer Huntsman TE has all the same functionality, but it’s smaller. The Huntsman Mini is the first of its type, the first major brand mechanical keyboard with a 60% key travel.
Huntsman Mini was released in July 2020 and had many of the same features as these other well-known boards, but it has the support and reputation of a larger corporation to back it up. If you have a clean gaming setup or need to take your mechanical keyboard to tournaments, Razer promises that the Huntsman Mini will be ideal.
A tiny mechanical keyboard with well-supported software, responsive switches, and a high-quality overall build that will last for many years of gaming and typing is the Razer Huntsman Mini.
Physical Specs of Razer Huntsman Mini:
| Length: 29.46cm / 11.6 inches | |
| Width:10.41cm / 4.1 inches | |
| Height: 3.81 cm / 1.5 inches | |
| Case: Low profile | |
| Weight: 433 grams | |
| Keys: 60 keys | |
| Cable Length: Braided, detachable USB Type-C | |
| Backlight: Full RGB | |
| Software: Razer Synapse 3 | |
| Polling rate: 1000 Hz |
The compatibility of the Razer Huntsman Mini is adequate. Everything works as expected on Windows, and there are no problems. There is no software support for Linux; thus, customization choices are restricted.
All keys function perfectly on Linux. macOS lacks Context Menus, Scroll Locks, Pause/Break Keys, and Windows Lock Keys; however, the Insert Key serves as a “Help” Key. No macOS software support is also lacking.
To put it simply, the Razer Clicky Optical Switches provide an outstanding typing experience. It’s a pleasure to type on the PBT keycaps. However, the keys themselves wobble a bit.
The tactile feedback from the clicky switches makes it easy to verify that a keystroke has been entered. As a result, there may be a few more errors due to the low operating force and slightly tight device layout.
The lack of a wrist rest and the keyboard’s high profile may contribute to weariness over time.
HyperX Alloy Origins 60
HyperX’s Alloy Origins 60 is a 60 percent gaming keyboard with a solid design, snappy mechanical switches, and RGB backlighting that warrants its high price tag. With the HyperX x Ducky One 2 Mini, HyperX entered the 60% form factor market in May 2020.
In November, HyperX released a redesigned version of the limited-edition keyboard that soon sold out. As a result, HyperX has produced the Alloy Origins 60 ($100) as its first solo entrance into the 60% market. As a compact clacker, this is one of the greatest gaming keyboards. Hopefully, the first of its “petite” keyboards will be in stock for a long time.
Physical Specs for HyperX Alloy Origins 60:
| Dimensions: 296 x 105.5 x 36.9 mm |
| Weight: 782 g |
| Connection: USB |
| Illumination: Yes (RGB) |
| Cable Length: 180 cm |
| Key Rollover: NKRO |
| Numpad: No |
| Macro Keys: No macro keys |
| Media Keys: Yes (integrated) |
| USB Passthrough: No USB Passthrough |
| Switches: HyperX Red |
| Keycaps: Double-shot PBT keycaps |
| Extras: Fully programmable, extra keycaps, keycap puller |
The typing experience on the HyperX Alloy Origins 60 is excellent. While the PBT keycaps are comfortable to hold, typing with them causes the keys to squeak. As a result of the HyperX Red linear switches’ less weight and responsiveness, you may find yourself typing slower to fix errant keystrokes. If you’ve never typed on a small keyboard before, you may need to pay extra attention to the keys you’re pressing.
This is a great choice if you’re on a tight budget and looking for a new gaming keyboard. The keys are extremely responsive using the HyperX Red (linear) key switches.
The actuation force of 45g, the 1.8mm actuation point, and the 3.8mm overall travel distance of these keys provide you an advantage if you need to press the same key repeatedly.
The keyboard is your best bet if you’re looking for a precise and comfy peripheral for your gaming. However, the HyperX Alloy Origins 60 boasts a fantastic 80 million keystroke lifespan, which you won’t be hitting any time soon, no matter what games you play.
ROCCAT Pyro
It’s hard to find a better mid-range gaming keyboard than the Roccat Pyro. An aluminum plate with a plastic case feels sturdy and sturdily built. Hundreds, even thousands, of hours of serious gaming should be no problem in this situation. With the anti-ghosting technology built into the linear mechanical switches, you get more precise keystrokes.
Some keyboards have the anti-ghosting feature, allowing numerous clicks to be registered at once. Special maneuvers and various actions can be performed as a result of this. While Roccat used to use Titan switches in its high-end Vulcan keyboards, they have since switched to TTC switches, which they also created but which are less advanced than Titans.
With a lifespan of fifty million keystrokes, you can rest assured that these keys will last. Cleaning and maintaining the Roccat Pyro will help it last longer because the keycaps tend to collect grease and debris.
Physical Specs for ROCCAT Pyro
| Type: Mechanical |
| Size: Full board |
| Connectivity: Wired |
| Switches: TTC Red |
| Keycaps: ABS |
| Media keys: Dual-function, volume dial |
| Wrist rest: Detachable |
| USB passthrough: None |
Typing on the ROCCAT Pyro is a joyous experience. The keys are solid; however, there is a slight wobble, which shouldn’t be noticed while typing.
The linear TTC Red switches are extremely light and responsive, and there is no audible or tactile feedback when pressing them. You won’t experience weariness while typing on this board because of the usual form and spacing of the keys.
Window 7 and Windows 8 are both compatible with the ROCCAT Pyro. Keys like Pause/Break, Print Screen, Fn, and Menu don’t operate under macOS, although NumLock registers as Clear and Insert as Help. Linux and macOS have no software, but all the keys operate on both systems.
It’s hard to believe that for the price, the ROCCAT Pyro keyboard is so good at gaming. In addition to media hotkeys and configurable RGB backlighting, it offers low latency.
The ROCCAT Swarm software allows you to define macros; however, you can only set them to the alphanumeric keys on the left of the board, including 5, T, G, and B. For as long as you hold down the Easy-Shift[+] button, you can access the second layer of macros for these same keys. However, you can still remap the keys on the rest of the keyboard even if macros are not an option
Despite the increased pre-travel distance of some linear switches, the linear TTC Red switches come with seeming light and responsive. Even though it appears to be well-made, the plastic chassis does show some flex. In addition, the ABS keycaps have a slick feel and can easily become shiny due to finger oils.
NZXT Function Mini
There are three different Function mechanical keyboards from NZXT, each featuring hot-swappable switches and a wide range of customization possibilities. Compared to a 75% model, the Function MiniTKL has an additional column of keys but is slightly larger. You can save money on a new switch if you aren’t interested in making the switch swap.
Even though the Mini TKL has all the keys of its conventional TKL counterpart, they are arranged more compactly. The Mini TKL’s width has been lowered from 361.7 mm to 338.5 mm compared to the TKL variant. The Mini TKL keyboard is devoid of a palm rest, unlike “earlier” models.
Physical Specs for NZXT Function Mini
| Brand : NZXT |
| Dimension: 338.5 x 123.4 x 40.3 mm |
| Weight: 718 g |
| Switches : Gateron Red, linear |
| Number of Keys: 88 |
| Backlight: RGB Per-Key |
| Compatibility: 5-pin Cherry MX Switches |
| Cable: Detachable USB Type-C |
| Anti-Ghosting: Yes |
| System OS: Windows |
| Palm Rest: None |
| Dedicated Shortcut Keys: No |
Gateron Red switches are the only ones found on NZXT’s retail keyboards. Having this choice available to gamers seems like a good idea. The switches’ linear motion and tactile feedback at the activation point are identical to Cherry MX Red. For custom models, Gateron Blue, Gateron Brown, Gateron Silent Black Ink V2 60g (linear), and Gateron Alias Silent 60g (tactile) switches can be utilized.
The “Hot-Swap” design of the NZXT Function keyboards is the most crucial feature. Removing the switches from the PCB is feasible to replace or lubricate them.
If you use the NZXT configurator, you can even order a keyboard without any switches and install the ones you choose. The “Hot-Swap” design is only available on a few devices with an ISO layout (Azerty). Counting
Glorious and Keychron as examples, there are just a few extremely unusual models. Mechanical keyboard customization is possible without having to rely on ANSI standards.
On Gateron Red, NZXT Function models functioned admirably. When paired with a palm rest, the keyboard allows you to operate for long periods without discomfort. This is a question of personal preference and habit, as linear switches do not provide tactile input when actuated.
In terms of convenience, typing on the linear switches is fine, although we would have liked clicky tactile ones. However, the Red linear switches are the most prominent in video games. Many gamers prefer the closer proximity of the mouse and WASD keys on the TKL keyboard. However, the digital panel must be discarded.
Razer BlackWidow Lite
The Razer BlackWidow Lite mechanical keyboard is a fantastic choice for the office. Unlike Cherry MX Brown switches, the Razer Orange switches on this keyboard have been designed by Razer. It has a decent typing experience, with a light tactile bump and no clicky noise.
However, gamers may find the click latency to be too high. Additionally, some users may find that the keyboard’s height makes it difficult to type for extended periods without fatigue. The good news is that the board is well-made and has O-rings to reduce key noise.
Physical Specs for Razer BlackWidow Lite
| Dimensions: 361 x 133 x 36 mm |
| Weight: 660 g |
| Connection: USB |
| Illumination: Yes (one color) |
| Key Rollover: 10KRO |
| Numpad: No |
| Macro Keys: No macro keys |
| Media Keys: Yes (integrated) |
| USB Passthrough: No USB Passthrough |
| Switches: Razer Orange |
| Keycaps: Laser-etched ABS keycaps |
| Extras: Keycap puller |
Despite the superb typing experience, some users may find the Razer BlackWidow Lite’s keys too high to be comfortable for long periods. As a result, this keyboard is prone to typos because the keys are so close together. While most keys are stable, there is evident wobble in the stabilized keys like the space bar.
The Razer Orange switches are light and provide a pleasant tactile bump before you press the key, so most people should have no problems with the board design.
The Keychain C1 is a hot-swappable TenKeyLess keyboard that lets you swap different switch types without having to solder anything However, the ‘Fn’ key, context menu, scroll lock, and Pause/Break keys do not operate on macOS, which is disappointing.
The software isn’t available, so you can’t tweak it to your liking even though every key works on Linux.
There’s no denying that the Razer BlackWidow Lite is well-made. The keyboard’s main body is solid plastic, and the keys sit on a metal plate. Solid and tactile, the keycaps on this keyboard are made of ABS. Some keys, particularly the space bar, jiggle somewhat on the board.
