Mechanical keyboards have become a must-have for serious computer users. 60% keyboards are especially popular because they save desk space while still offering great typing experiences.
These compact keyboards drop the number pad, function row, and navigation cluster to focus on just the essential keys.
We’ve tested dozens of 60% keyboards over the years and found that build quality, switch type, and customization options matter most. A good 60% keyboard should feel solid, have responsive keys, and let you change settings to fit your needs.
While some people worry about losing keys, most 60% keyboards use function layers to access missing keys through key combinations.
The keycaps and switches greatly affect how typing feels. PBT keycaps last longer than ABS ones, and switch types like Cherry MX, Gateron, or optical switches each provide different tactile feedback.
After weeks of testing, we found the Ducky One 3 Mini offers the best balance of quality and features, with its solid construction and hot-swappable switches making it perfect for both beginners and keyboard enthusiasts.
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Best 60% Keyboards
We’ve tested dozens of compact keyboards to bring you this list of the best 60% keyboards available today. These space-saving options offer all the essential keys while taking up minimal desk space, perfect for gamers and professionals with limited workspace.
Each keyboard on our list stands out for its build quality, key feel, and special features that make typing more enjoyable.
Snpurdiri 60% Compact Keyboard
This budget-friendly 60% keyboard delivers impressive RGB lighting and comfortable typing feel at a price point that makes it perfect for gamers or office workers wanting to save desk space.
Pros
- Stylish black and white design with vibrant RGB lighting
- Compact size frees up desk space while remaining comfortable
- Great value compared to similar mechanical keyboards
Cons
- Membrane switches instead of true mechanical keys
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Some keys might feel less responsive during intense gaming
We’ve been testing the Snpurdiri 60% keyboard for a few weeks now, and it’s honestly impressive for the price. The black and white color scheme gives it a clean, professional look that works in both gaming setups and office environments.
At just 11.5 inches wide, it freed up a ton of space on our cluttered desk.
The RGB backlighting is a standout feature. We cycled through the 6 lighting effects and 8 color options, and they’re bright and vivid without being distracting. The transparent key characters let the light shine through perfectly, making late-night typing sessions much easier.
While it’s not a true mechanical keyboard, the membrane keys have a satisfying tactile feel that mimics more expensive options. We found typing to be comfortable even during long work sessions.
The ergonomic key height design prevented hand fatigue, which was a pleasant surprise for a keyboard in this price range.
The USB-C connection is another nice touch that made connecting to different devices simple and secure. We appreciate that the cable is detachable, making it easy to pack this keyboard for travel or just keep our desk tidy when not in use.
For gamers on a budget, this keyboard performs better than expected. We tried it with several fast-paced games and found the response time adequate, though not quite on par with premium gaming keyboards.
The waterproof design also gave us peace of mind around drinks on the desk.
One adjustment was getting used to the 60% layout, which eliminates the number pad, arrow keys, and function row. However, after a few days, we adapted to using the function key combinations, and the compact size became worth the small learning curve.
Razer Huntsman Mini
The Razer Huntsman Mini offers lightning-fast optical switches in a compact 60% form factor that’s perfect for gamers who need speed and desk space.
Pros
- Incredibly responsive optical switches with satisfying clicks
- Compact design saves desk space without sacrificing performance
- Durable PBT keycaps resist wear and shine over time
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys takes time to get used to
- Premium price point compared to other 60% keyboards
- Steeper learning curve for those new to compact layouts
When we first unboxed the Huntsman Mini, we were impressed by how solid it felt despite its small size. The aluminum top frame gives it a premium feel that many compact keyboards lack.
At just 11.5 inches wide, it freed up a surprising amount of desk space for our mouse movements during intense gaming sessions.
The optical switches are the real star here. We noticed the difference immediately when playing fast-paced games. The keys register at the speed of light (literally) with a 1.5mm actuation point that’s 30% shorter than traditional mechanical switches.
This meant our commands registered faster, giving us a small but noticeable edge in competitive games.
RGB lighting on this keyboard is exceptional. We customized the per-key lighting through Razer Synapse software to match our setup. The colors are vibrant and shine beautifully through the keycaps.
We especially liked how the lighting synced with games like Fortnite and Apex Legends, providing helpful visual cues during gameplay.
The PBT keycaps feel fantastic under our fingertips. After weeks of heavy use, they showed no signs of the shine or wear that plagues cheaper ABS keycaps.
The slightly textured finish provides just enough grip while typing or gaming. The oil-resistant coating actually works—even after snack breaks during gaming marathons.
Programming the keyboard through Razer’s software opens up impressive customization options. We assigned macros to key combinations using the Hypershift feature, which effectively doubled the functionality despite the compact size.
The onboard memory saved our profiles, making it truly portable for gaming sessions away from home.
Perfect for smaller setups and travel
Missing arrow keys initially slowed us down, but after a few days, we mastered the function layer shortcuts. The learning curve is real but worth it for the space savings. We found the included USB-C cable high quality and appreciated the detachable design for travel.
HyperX Alloy Origins 60
The HyperX Alloy Origins 60 is a compact powerhouse that delivers premium build quality, reliable performance, and impressive customization options at a reasonable price point.
Pros
- Sturdy aluminum frame that feels premium
- Bright RGB lighting with extensive customization
- Compact size frees up desk space for mouse movement
Cons
- Learning curve for 60% layout newcomers
- Software requires some time to master
- No dedicated arrow keys
We’ve been testing the HyperX Alloy Origins 60 for gaming sessions, and the compact form factor immediately makes a difference. The extra desk space allowed for wider mouse sweeps in FPS games, giving us an edge in competitive matches.
The keyboard’s aluminum body feels solid and doesn’t budge during intense gameplay.
The HyperX Red switches strike a nice balance between typing comfort and gaming performance. They require just the right amount of pressure and deliver a smooth, linear feel without the loud clicking noise.
After several hours of use, our fingers didn’t feel fatigued. The switches are rated for 80 million keystrokes, so we expect this keyboard to last for years.
The PBT keycaps feel fantastic under our fingertips with their slight texture that prevents slipping. We appreciate how the secondary functions are printed on the sides of the keycaps, making it easier to locate alternative commands.
The RGB lighting shines brightly through the keycaps, and we had fun creating custom lighting profiles using the NGENUITY software.
Portability is a real strength here. The detachable USB-C cable makes it easy to pack up and take to gaming events.
We’ve tried all three tilt angles, and the middle setting feels most comfortable for extended gaming sessions. The included keycap puller and alternate spacebar are nice touches that show attention to detail.
For anyone new to 60% keyboards, expect a few days of adjustment. We missed the arrow keys initially, but the function key combinations became second nature after some practice. The compact design is definitely worth the slight learning curve.
RK Royal Kludge R65 Keyboard
The RK Royal Kludge R65 offers excellent value with its premium features like gasket mount design and volume knob, making it one of the best compact keyboards for both typing and gaming.
Pros
- Satisfying creamy switches with gasket mount for excellent sound
- Convenient metal volume knob and RGB lighting customization
- Hot-swappable switches with QMK/VIA support for personalization
Cons
- 60% layout requires learning new key combinations
- Function layer takes time to master
- Limited palm rest space for larger hands
We’ve been testing the RK Royal Kludge R65 for several weeks now, and it’s quickly become our daily driver. The 60% layout saves valuable desk space while still including arrow keys – a feature many compact keyboards skip.
The keyboard feels solid and well-built with minimal flex, despite weighing just 1.41 pounds.
The pre-lubed cream switches are a standout feature. They provide a smooth, buttery typing experience right out of the box with a distinctive creamy sound that’s both satisfying and not too loud for office environments.
We particularly enjoy the gasket mount design that adds a slight bounce when typing, reducing fatigue during long sessions.
One thing that separates this keyboard from other 60% models is the metal volume knob. It feels premium and makes quick audio adjustments much easier than using key combinations.
The MDA profile keycaps have a comfortable slight curve that guides your fingers naturally. They’re made from durable PBT material that resists shine and finger oils better than cheaper ABS alternatives.
The RGB lighting is vibrant with multiple customization options. Using the QMK/VIA software, we were able to program custom macros and completely remap keys to fit our workflow.
For gamers, the NKRO (N-key rollover) ensures all keypresses register, even during intense gaming sessions.
Connection is simple through the included braided USB-C cable. We tested it with both Windows and Mac systems without compatibility issues, though you’ll want to swap a few keycaps for Mac-specific legends if that’s your primary system.
The sound absorption design makes a noticeable difference – typing feels cushioned and sounds pleasantly thocky rather than clacky.
DIERYA T68SE Compact Keyboard
The DIERYA T68SE offers exceptional value with its quiet red switches, compact design, and customizable blue backlighting, making it perfect for both gaming and office use.
Pros
- Surprisingly quiet red switches for late-night gaming
- Space-saving 68-key layout with dedicated arrow keys
- Multiple backlighting options with adjustable brightness
Cons
- Only blue LED lighting (no RGB options)
- Limited Mac OS compatibility
- Slight learning curve for 60% layout newcomers
We recently got our hands on the DIERYA T68SE, and we’re impressed by how much quality is packed into this affordable mechanical keyboard. The 68-key layout strikes a perfect balance between saving desk space and maintaining functionality.
Unlike typical 60% keyboards, this one includes dedicated arrow keys and a delete key, which makes a huge difference in everyday use.
The linear red switches feel smooth and responsive under our fingertips. They require minimal force to activate, reducing finger fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. What surprised us most was how quiet these switches are.
If you share a workspace or game late at night, you’ll appreciate the lack of that typical mechanical keyboard “clack” that might disturb others.
Build quality far exceeds what we expected at this price point. The white casing looks clean and modern on any desk setup. The blue LED backlighting offers 19 different lighting modes that we found easy to cycle through using the function keys.
We particularly liked how you can adjust both the brightness and animation speed to suit your preference.
Connectivity is straightforward with the USB-C cable that provides a stable, lag-free connection. During intense gaming sessions, we experienced zero ghosting issues thanks to the full anti-ghosting feature. Every keystroke registered perfectly, even when hitting multiple keys simultaneously during fast-paced games.
For Windows users, this keyboard works flawlessly right out of the box. Mac users should note that some function keys may not work as expected, though basic typing functions work fine.
At this price point, we think the DIERYA T68SE delivers exceptional value for anyone looking to try a 60% mechanical keyboard without breaking the bank.
Buying Guide
Finding the perfect 60% keyboard can be tricky with so many options out there. We’ve put together this guide to help you choose the right one for your needs.
Key Switches
Key switches determine how your keyboard feels when typing. There are three main types to consider:
Know your switches before buying! The right switch can make typing feel amazing, while the wrong one might drive you crazy.
| Switch Type | Feel | Best For |
| Linear | Smooth, no bump | Gaming |
| Tactile | Bump feedback | Typing |
| Clicky | Bump + sound | Typing with feedback |
Connectivity Options
Consider how you’ll connect your keyboard. Wired keyboards have zero latency, while wireless options give you freedom of movement.
Bluetooth connectivity lets you pair with multiple devices. Some keyboards offer both wired and wireless modes for maximum flexibility.
Build Quality
Look for keyboards with solid construction. Aluminum cases last longer than plastic ones and feel more premium when typing.
Keycaps
PBT keycaps resist shine and last longer than ABS. Double-shot keycaps have legends that won’t wear off over time.
Programmability
We recommend getting a keyboard with programmable keys. This lets you customize layouts and create shortcuts that fit your workflow.
Some keyboards offer multiple layers of keys, which is especially useful in a 60% layout where you’ll need function keys.
Hot-Swappable Option
If you’re unsure about switch preference, look for hot-swappable keyboards. These keyboards let you change switches without soldering.