Best 60% mechanical keyboards

Many computer users and gamers love small, space-saving keyboards even at the cost of fewer keys.

A 60% keyboard is the solution for their requirement. It has 60-70 keys, about 35-45 keys less than a full keyboard. Usually, it lacks a number pad, F keys (f1, f2, etc.), navigation keys (home, end, page up, page down) and sometimes they even don’t have arrow keys, depending on the brand.

It is really hard to find good quality 60% keyboards. But I did my homework and found the best options that are in the market, so here are they:

Royal Kludge is known for its high-performance keyboards, and they have lived up to the expectation with this 60% keyboard. It is based on a straightforward simplistic design that has staircase layout key placement to enhance its ergonomics. It is a true gaming keyboard with its all-key anti-ghosting, n-key rollover feature, and fully programmable keys. You can also program your own gaming mode. You will also be able to make function multi-function key combinations.

The switches used are of high quality, the blue one provides tactile feedback with a clicky sound, while brown is a lighter version of the blue switch and red has the least sound out of the three with linear feedback. The keyboard is made of high-quality ABS material which makes it durable and lightweight. The RGB LED has 18 backlight modes, 8 monochrome backlight modes, and 1 full-color backlight. The Type-C cable ensures fast and efficient data transfer.

Additional features:

• 61 keys, simple design
• PCB support 3-pins or 5 pins switch
• Customizable backlight
• Customizable key programming
• Customizable gaming mode
• 18 RGB backlight modes
• 8 monochrome backlight modes
• Supports Windows, Mac, and Android
• Ergonomic – Stair-up keycap design

Glorious Gaming (GMMK) is a notorious brand when it comes to keyboard accessories, especially gaming mechanical keyboards, people love their products, and they are expensive, but still very popular this specific GMMK 60% Compact keyboard is a best seller. Highly popular among gamers.

It’s hot-swappable, perfect for gamers who want to test out multiple switches and find the perfect fit. It has a great build, feels very premium and you can adjust the height, for more comfort, very ergonomic.

It’s compatible with Windows, Mac and it even supports gaming consoles (Xbox, PS4, PS5)

Additional features:

• PBT keycaps
• A lot of RGB options
• Compatible with 3rd party keycaps
• Pre-installed with brown switches (quiet, good for home & office)

The unique specialty of this 60% mechanical keyboard is its clicky optimal switch, as it uses infrared light instead of physical contact, which makes it 30% faster than other available mechanical switches. Razer Huntsman is the #1 best-selling gaming peripherals manufacturer. It is a highly durable keyboard with an aluminum construction frame which enhances its structural integrity, and it can withstand long hours of intense gaming sessions.

The keyboard is ergonomically designed with a dual kickstand and is ideal for small desk spaces. The keycaps are also of premium quality with a textured surface that is oil-resistant. The double-shot PBT keycaps have side-printed secondary functions. You can save up to 5 profiles using onboard memory which allows you to choose from preloaded lighting effects without the need for software.

Additional features:

• Onboard memory
• Chroma RGB Lighting
• PBT Keycaps, textured and oil-resistant
• Fastest keyboard switches
• Cable latch for the USB cable to avoid a loose connection
• Aluminum top frame
• 30% shorter actuation distance, at 1.5mm

The Ducky brand is getting some recognition, it has really grown as a brand, and they have managed to create some really awesome mechanical keyboard that people love and recommend us included. They are well-balanced and stable.

This specific keyboard has PBT Double shot seamless keycaps. Destinictive bezel design and dual layer PCB. It didn’t have a wrist wrest in the box, but it felt comfortable enough to type on it and play games, well-balanced height. You can also adjust the height.

Additional features:

• PBT keycaps
• Programmable without software
• Ergonomic & well balanced
• 3-level adjustable feet

This apparently is a 60% keyboard, but with the Smart Tap button, it is definitely more than that. The smart tap allows you to trigger two different commands, eg if you press the smart tap button once, it will change your WASD keys to work as arrow keys. Similarly using magic fn, a long press will perform fn and shift functions, while a short press will change it to arrow keys. The keyboard allows you to choose from Gateron switch as well as Kalih switch options. 

The keyboard has dual connectivity with wired, and Bluetooth 4.0 low latency connectivity, backed by a 199 mAh battery which can last for up to 8 hours. You can connect to up to 4 devices using Bluetooth and can be switched seamlessly. The ObinsKit console can be used to define macros, create custom profiles, and RGB light effects. It supports full n-key rollover over the USB connection. 

Additional features:

• Low latency connectivity
• Pairing with 4 devices simultaneously
• Double shot PBT keycaps
• Fully programmable keys
• Smart tap function – trigger 2 commands with one key
• Short press arrows with a smart tap
• Create custom profiles

This compact mechanical keyboard is made for some really high performance with quality-assured Gateron switches and optimized key response. The keyboard is very thoughtfully designed with an L-shaped USB-C cable and blind-mate USB-A interface. You can record 4 macros and customize the lighting effects. The keyboard supports 100% anti-ghosting and NKRO. 

The keyboard is equipped with wear-resistant and oil-proof PBT double-shot keycaps, and the keyboard is also splashproof to prevent damage on accidental liquid spills. The keyboard has a natural 8-degree inclination which makes it comfortable for longer use. It offers a hot-swappable option so you can easily change the switches when needed. 

Additional features:

• Ergonomic – stair-up keycap design
• PBT Double-shot keycaps
• Clear the housings of the switch with a dust cover
• Faster switch response with elastic springs
• Support NKRO (Full Anti Ghosting Mode)
• Adjustable brightness and glowing speed
• IPX4 Certified makes it splash resistant

Nuphy Air 60 is a 60% layout keyboard with 64 keys, with 3 connectivity modes supporting connection with up to 4 devices at the same time. This keyboard is very thoughtfully designed to enhance the look and user experience and is compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems. It comes with COAST-inspired keycaps, with options to add Twilight-themed keycaps. It is a low-profile keyboard equipped with the world’s first ultra-thin PBT keycaps, and the keys are ergonomically spherical in shape that fits in the fingers really well. 

With a strong battery backup of 2500 mAh, this can last easily for up to 12 hours. It has a unique AirFeet, using which it can be easily docked over most laptops, especially MacBooks. It is also compatible be used with Microsoft Surface Laptop 1/2/3, Surface Pro 4/5/6/7, and Surface Book 1/2. There are RGB LED indicators on the left and right edges to indicate caps lock, connection, and battery status.

Additional features:

• 17mm thin
• ANSI 60% layout
• Ultra-thin PBT keycaps
• Aluminum alloy construction
• Ergonomic spherical keycap design
• Advanced dye-sublimation coloring technology for keycaps
• Designed for Mac and Windows

This is a hot-swappable keyboard where you can change the switches to any other Outemu switch easily. You can use Cherry switches too by eliminating the additional pins. It has Bluetooth 3.0 and Bluetooth 5.0 to ensure better connectivity and can be connected to up to 3 devices seamlessly at the same time. The wireless keyboard is backed by a 1500 mAH which can run easily for up to 10-12 hours. The Newmen GM 610 keyboard comes with an additional set of keycaps in a different color theme so that you can change them according to your interior and mood.

It is a feature-rich and versatile keyboard that comes with multiple connectivity options, hot-swappable, RGB backlight, smart battery management, and durable construction. The keyboard has anti-ghosting and full key rollover. The smart battery management will automatically deactivate RGB backlit after sensing a few minutes of inactivity to save energy. It allows you to turn on/off the backlights, adjust the brightness, and breathing frequency and switch to mono-color effects. 

Additional Features:

• Connect 3 devices at a time using Bluetooth
• 20 chroma backlit effects
• Auto sleep on inactivity
• Compatible with windows and mac
• Connect with 3 devices using Bluetooth

This supremely compact HyperX keyboard is highly popular for gamers, as it uses very little space and is compatible with gaming devices like Playstations and Xbox. This is made of a highly durable aircraft-grade aluminum body. The feet can be adjusted at three different angles, i.e. 3, 7, or 11 degrees. The keyboard has exposed LED lights which enhances its visual appeal, along with RGB customization.

The keycaps are designed using double-shot PBT material, which makes them resistant to wear, tear, stains, and liquids. The keyboard is compatible with Ngenuity software which can be used to customize the gaming mode, create macros, and customize per-key lighting and effects. The custom-made HyperX switches are fast and responsive and tested for up to 80 million keystrokes.

Additional Features:

• Double shot PBT keycaps
• Side-printed secondary functions
• Aircraft-grade aluminum body
• Adjustable keyboard angles
• HyperX NGENUITY software for customizable gaming mode, build macros, and lighting keys
• Multi-platform compatibility (PS, PS4, PS5, Xbox)

This DK63 Mini Gaming Keyboard is a powerful keyboard packed with features. The Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity offers lower latency and a stable and faster connection. The keycaps are made of high-quality ABS material, and the USB cable is braided and has an L-shaped port. The battery is really very strong, and you can use it for up to 20 hours under normal circumstances. The keyboard is highly compatible and can be used with Windows, Mac OS, and Android devices. 

The keyboard has some really attractive lighting effects like reactive mode, wave mode, ripple mode, aurora mode, and eight monochrome backlights. It has an 8° ergonomic angle and scientific stepped keycap, which let you keep your hands comfortably in the natural state. The keyboard also has arrow keys. The keyboard is very aesthetically designed, and we liked the white version very clean and crisp. You will also be able to define macros through Dierya dedicated software, which also indicates the battery status. 

Additional Features:

• High light transmittance RGB lights
• High-quality ABS keycaps
• 8° Ergonomic angle
• Customize 16.8 Million Light Mode
• Create Macro Command
• Key Reassign
• Connect 3 devices
• Lower latency and faster connection speed

The Epomaker Skyloong, 60% keyboard, comes in a wide variety of switch options to choose from the range of Gateron’s mechanical as well as optical switches. The keyboard uses a board with the ability to hot-swap the switches with any other Gateron switch. The keyboard is also available in a wide variety of colors and themes to blend well with your room and desk decor. It is IPX6 compliant, which makes this keyboard water and dust-resistant, while the keycaps are made with PBT thermal sublimation technique. Hence, they are also oil-resistance and scratch-proof.

The keyboard has onboard flash memory so that you can access the saved settings even when working offline. Using the driver you can record macros and create your own function keys. The SK61 keyboard is an N-key rollover keyboard so that you can use it accurately as fast as possible. The keyboard is equipped with RGB SMD light with 16.8 million colors and hundreds of lighting effects can be downloaded as per your taste. 

Additional Features:

• 3 layers are fully programmable
• Mainboard water-resistant and dustproof
• PBT dye-sublimation keycaps
• Durable and oil-resistant keycaps
• 16.8million RGB backlights
• Compatible with Mac/iOS, Android, and Windows

The HK gaming GK61 keyboard is hot-swappable and can be replaced with other Gateron, Kailh and Cherry switch to name a few, and it is available in many Gateron mechanical and faster optical switches. The RGB backlit is backed by 16.8 million color combinations with multiple backlit modes. The HK GK61 gaming keyboard is available in 6 different colors.  

The GK 61 keyboard uses Doubleshot ABS keycaps, which are considered very durable. You will be able to customize the HK GK61 keyboard using the software to define macros and customize other advanced functions. The keyboard comes with a full n-key rollover and anti-ghosting technology. It is a plug-and-play keyboard with no drivers needed. The keyboard is spill and dust-resistant which makes it a highly protected keyboard.

Additional Features:

• Multiple backlit modes
• Macro recording using software
• ABS Doubleshot keycaps
• 5 Pins PCB
• 16.8 million RGB color options
• 3 profile layers
• Dust and spill-resistant
• Ultra-fast response
• RGB and Macro memory features

The Corsair K65 mini is one of the best 60% keyboard a professional gamer can have. It is lighting fast, primarily due to the Cherry MX speed or red switch, and secondarily it uses Axon Hyper-processing technology which enhances its polling frequency to 8000 Hz, and hence makes the keyboard 4 times faster than other keyboards. To further add to the advantage, it comes with a high-quality USB-C cable which ensures high-speed data transfer. 

The keyboard is made to undergo intense sessions with its durable build and structure. It has precision-molded PBT Double-Shot Keycaps which are resistant to wear and tear, and don’t get faded. The keycaps are 1.5 mm thick which adds to their rigid stability. The Corsair K65 mini can be fully reprogrammed with iCue Software. The RGB lighting effects and the whole visual effect it creates are the best, and we especially like the way the space bar glows up. 

Additional Features:

• Braided cable
• Per key RGB customization
• 20 lighting layers
• 100% anti-ghosting
• Store up to 50 profiles
• Powered by Axon Hyper-processing technology
• Declared compatible with PC, Mac and Xbox by manufacturer

The Redragon K599 keyboard is a 60% compact keyboard but with ten keys extra added in the Numpad section. These extra keys are certainly numerics, navigation keys, and arrow keys. The powerful battery runs for up to 30 hours on RGB and up to 60 hours without RGB. A conveniently placed toggle switch is given to turn the wireless mode on or off. It has a battery charging indicator as well.

The precision-engineered keycaps offer crystal clear backlighting through the legends on the keycaps that don’t scratch out. The keyboard is specifically designed for performance over a longer period of time, by using dust-proof switches that can last for up to 50 million keystrokes. The keyboard comes equipped with Outemo Red switches, which have a linear soundless profile and have fast action due to minimum resistance. These qualities make this keyboard highly popular among the gaming community. 

Additional Features:

• 70 keys design, includes number and arrow keys
• Dustproof switches
• Conflict-free, n-key rollover
• Non-Slip Ergonomic
• Splash-proof Design
• Adjustable typing angle
• Compatible with PCs, Xbox and PS4

What To Look For in 60% Keyboard?

• Switch types: Switch type is an important factor based on your individual requirements. There are manufacturers like MX, Cherry, Gateron, etc, and they produce keys in variants like Red, Black, Brown, Blue, etc, each one of them with certain characteristics. In 60% of keyboards, there are very few keyboards available with Cherry MX, but you will find plenty of other good switches like Outemu, Gateron, HyperX, etc.
• Hot Swappable: Most 60% of keyboards are hot-swappable. Just before purchasing, check its compatibility with the switch you want to swap to.
• Connectivity: Look for good quality USB cables, and if you are looking for a wireless keyboard, ensure that it offers stable and long-range connectivity.
• Programmable keys and macros: For the purpose of gaming, a keyboard must have the ability to define macros and program the keys. You will find this option in most of the keyboards available. 
• Build Quality: you want your keyboard to be sturdy, well-balanced and that can last for a long time.

Is 60% Keyboard Good For Programming?

I don’t recommend you use a 60% keyboard for the purpose of programming unless you are highly familiar with using it. 60% of layout keyboards often don’t have arrow keys and F1, and F2 keys, which might make your job a bit more difficult.

If you’re starting out, we recommend bigger layout keyboards. Like 80% Mechanical Keyboard is a good mid-way.

Are 60% Keyboards Better Than 100%?

So, when it comes to 60% keyboards versus 100% keyboards, it’s kinda like choosing between a compact sports car and a roomy SUV.

You see, 60% keyboards are super compact and minimalist. They’re perfect if you want to save space on your desk or need something portable. But here’s the deal – they don’t have all the keys you’d find on a regular keyboard. You might need to use key combos to access some stuff.

On the other hand, 100% keyboards are like the full-size deal. They have all the keys you’re used to, including the numeric keypad and function keys. Great for tasks like data entry and gaming where you need those extra keys.

But, and here’s the kicker, they take up more desk space and might not look as sleek if you’re into a clean and tidy setup.

So, it really depends on what you’re into and what you need. If you’re all about saving space and keeping things minimal, go for the 60%. If you want all the bells and whistles and don’t mind the size, the 100% is your go-to. It’s like choosing between a sporty little car and a spacious SUV, both have their perks!

Verdict: Which Is The Best 60% Mechanical Keyboard?

There are some amazing 60% mechanical keyboards you can choose from. The popularity of 60% keyboards has risen, and they are more popular than we actually thought before writing this article.

Choosing the best keyboard is always a preference thing. You have to ask yourself what you really need. I personally liked RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 the most. The design is amazing, the RGB colors are great, it has arrows on it, it even has function keys, and it’s very compact. Perfect for playing games and perfect for any other purpose.

We also liked GMMK 60% Mechanical Keyboard, which is the most popular keyboard among gamers. It doesn’t have arrows on it or function keys, so we wouldn’t recommend this keyboard for beginners.

Keyboard:	Hot Swappable:	Score:
RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61	Yes	10/10
GMMK 60%	Yes	10/10
Razer Huntsman Mini 60%	No	9.2/10
Ducky One 2 Mini	Yes	9.2/10
ANNE PRO 2	Yes	9/10
DIERYA DK61E 60%	Yes	8.8/10
Nuphy Air 60%	Yes	8.6/10
Newmen GM610 (60%)	Yes	8.6/10
HyperX Alloy Origins 60	Yes	8.5/10
DIERYA DK63N	No	8.4/10
EPOMAKER SKYLOONG SK61	Yes	8.2/10
HK GAMING GK61	Yes	8.2/10
Corsair K65 RGB MINI	Yes	8.2/10
Redragon K599	No	7.8/10

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