Best 60% Keyboard: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide 2023

Keyboards can be grouped based on the type of switches and the number of keys.

A full size keyboard would come in handy for someone who needs to hit all keys on a regular basis. But if you use it mostly for gaming, chances are you won’t use all the keys, especially the number pad.

Do you want a simple one in terms of design? You can go for a 60% keyboard.

A 60% keyboard is a keyboard that keeps only the essential keys and omits other sections like the numbad, navigation keys, etc. The lack of these parts doesn’t necessarily make it lag behind in functionality.

Even in a full size keyboard, you’d notice that the number keys are placed on top of the QWERTY arrangement. When the section is eliminated, you can still type in numbers because they are present.

Another benefit of using this type of keyboard is that you can free up some space.

If you’re struggling with a limited desktop, this compact design can save the day. And for gamers, it can also help prevent fatigue.

Believe it or not, but all these sections add a significant amount of weight to a keyboard.

When they’re removed, it will be more lightweight. Thus, you can easily move it around without worries about hand fatigue.

What’s the best 60% keyboard?

There are many keyboards that have this form factor, so it’s a challenge to pick the best one. Here are some that you can consider.

Best 60% Keyboards for Gamers and Esports Enthusiasts

1. Redragon K530 Draconic 60% Compact RGB Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

Choosing a top brand like Redragon seems like a no brainer to ensure quality.

This keyboard comes in an ultra compact design. Without the numeric and other sections, there are 61 keys left, but it remains functional for day-to-day use.

For connection, it utilizes Bluetooth 5.0, which offers speedy data transmission. It also eliminates the need for a cord, which means less clutter on your battle station.

Don’t worry about durability because the 3000mAh capacity allows you play long enough before you notice that it needs recharging.

In terms of compatibility, you can pair it various devices, like tablets, Smartphones, and laptops. As long as a device is Bluetooth-enabled, you should be able to start the pairing process.

Meanwhile, the wired mode can transform it into a powerful gaming peripheral.

Wired connection has always been preferred for gaming as it reduces latency, so this coming with a USB-C cable is a major plus.

2. Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Gaming Keyboard

Razer is another trustworthy brand in the gaming-sphere. If you’re on the lookout for a top-notch keyboard, consider this one.

The price tag may surprise you a little, but it’s a Razer product after all. That means it has quality to back it up.

First of all, the keyboard uses Razer optical switches claimed to work faster than mechanical switches. They also deliver clicky feedback, so you can feel key presses.

Carrying the Razer brand name, the keyboard includes Razer Chrome, which provides the user with a broad range of customizations. You can synchronize it with popular games and other Razer hardware.

The light show would be amazing when you turn it on.

Now let’s shift our focus to the design. The whole thing is made of aluminum, making it robust and durable.

The picture doesn’t do it justice in a way. You need to touch it yourself to know the sturdiness of this material.

Another useful feature is macro support. The macros are programmable in which you can assign to various commands.

3. DIERYA DK61E 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Before shopping around for a keyboard, it’s important to assess your needs.

If a compact keyboard is all you need, then this would be a great fit. There are some good features it has to offer.

Besides a slim design, it also comes with a driver for easy customization. With the DK61E driver, you can personalize it the way you want to.

Design-wise, it may not stand out with the black theme, but there’s more to look beyond a color theme.

The keys, for instance, use PBT doubleshot keycaps, which allow them to have great resistance to wear and tear. They’re also claimed to be tougher than ABS keycaps.

Don’t worry about spilling oil on the keyboard because it’s designed oil-proof.

Another highlight of the product is the IPX4 certification for the circuit board.

Why is it necessary for a keyboard to have waterproof properties? Well, unforeseen things happen, so better be safe than sorry.

4. MOTOSPEED Wired/Wireless 3.0 Mechanical Keyboard

It’s hard to tell keyboards apart because they usually come in solid colors, either black or white.

This one has a light color, which probably works if your battle station sports a similar theme. This keyboard offers dual wired and wireless connections.

Design-wise, it’s small, light, and has a clean look. As with many other 60% keyboards, there are 61 keys in total, which contribute to its compact design.

The keys have a mechanical feel to them and are able to endure up to 50 million strokes. Use it in the wireless mode, you can have fun for about 10 hours thanks to the 1300 mAh battery.

The unit is also equipped with an on/off button that you can press occasionally to make it last longer.

On another note, the RGB backlight looks captivating.

While it’s hard to see it against the light color, it will shine bright in dim environments. The light looks cool especially with the 19 effects included.

5. ANNE PRO 2, 60% Wired/Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

It’s normal to have high expectations for a product that costs higher than average.

With the price point, let’s see if this keyboard can live up to your expectations. Firstly, this keyboard offers good Bluetooth connectivity, which means a lot for typing as poor connection leads to serious latency issues.

It can also be connected to a total of 4 devices. This way, you can switch between devices with ease.

By buying this product, you’ll also get access to obinsksit software, which allows quick setup for key layout and other functions.

Additionally, having a compact design doesn’t limit its functionality. Anytime you want to access F1 to F12 keys, a press on the caps lock / Magic Fn button will do it.

There are more features worth bragging about, such as anti-ghosting technology, 16 macro keys, and double shot PBT keycaps.

In terms of design, the keyboard looks sleek and compact. It would make a good addition to your desktop as it doesn’t take much space.

The battery is also generous. The 1900 mAh capacity can deliver hours of uninterrupted use.

6. E-Element Z-88 60% RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

For the price, you can get a keyboard with OUTEMU red switches.

These switches are recognizable from their quiet noise output.

Is it a good pick? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for.

If you’re not fond of loud keyboards, this is great. But for gaming which requires tactile feedback, it’s probably not very ideal.

Another awesome feature is 81-key rollover. With this, you can hold down multiple keys at once.

You can guarantee that all those presses are read by the system. It also features double-shot injection molded keycaps to increase durability.

As for compatibility, the keyboard works with devices running Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista, XP, and Mac OS X.

What to look for in 60% keyboard for Gaming

1. Connection

Some keyboards come with a wire. Others rely on a wireless connection to register key presses.

There are also variants that combine the two. The type of connection needs to be tailored to the needs.

If you use a keyboard mostly for work, then some delay time may not bother you. But if it’s mostly for gaming, any sign of latency can be a serious problem.

Between these options, wired keyboards are typically preferred for gaming.

But if you still lean towards wireless ones, choose one with a low latency. This way, it can deliver responsive performance.

2. Switches

Choosing a 60% keyboard isn’t different from choosing any other keyboard. There are certain features you’d want to be included.

The type of switches, for instance, is a big factor to consider.

Mechanical switches come in different brands, but Cherry MX is widely acknowledged for their superb quality.

The interesting part is they are available in different variants, marked by different colors (red, brown, blue, etc).

Each one has distinct characteristics. For this reason, you should know which type is right for you.

3. Design

Keyboards can be hard to distinguish from each other since they look rather similar.

However, if you have a closer look, there are unique elements that each one carries.

For example, some keyboards have shorter caps, less space between keys, specific color themes, RGB light configuration, etc.

In the end, design is a matter of preference. While it has no bearing on performance, you can still have the final say on that.

FAQs – Choosing 60 Percent Keyboards

What does a 60% keyboard mean?

A 60% keyboard is a keyboard that has 60% of the keys that a full-size keyboard has.

That’s why it looks compact because it only keeps the main typing section, while others like the numpad, F row keys, and directional section are removed from the configuration.

Unlike a full-size keyboard that contains 104 keys, a 60% keyboard has about 61 keys.

It’s not to be mistaken for the tenkeyless design. Tenkeyless refers to keyboards without the numpad, while others are retained. This makes them bigger than 60% keyboards.

Are 60% keyboards better?

Better in functionality? Probably not, because 60% keyboards are the same as others in this respect.

The percentage just indicates that they have fewer keys, but all functions should be accessible by pressing down key combinations.

How many keys is a 60%?

The average number of keys in a 60% keyboard is 61.

And that’s achieved by removing clusters surrounding the main key section, such as the F key row, navigational section, and number pad.

If you want a compact keyboard for gaming or avoid clutter on your desktop, this can be an option.

Are AKKO keyboards good?

Keyboards by this brand receive favorable reviews on Amazon, which indicates that customers are satisfied with the products.

However, it’s important to see them on a case-by-case basis.

Just make sure to browse through reviews before buying a keyboard, so that you know how people feel about the particular product.

What is the best 60% keyboard for Fortnite?

Nearly all products mentioned above are good for playing Fornite.

In choosing a keyboard to play this game, the most important factor is the type of switches.

Don’t opt for a membrane keyboard as it’s too smooth-sounding to deliver high accuracy while gaming. Instead, choose one with mechanical switches.

Not only does it help with the loud clicky sound and tactile feedback, but it also has a long lifespan.

Final Thoughts on Picking 60 Percent Keyboard

Keyboards come in several sizes. For those into compact designs, 60% keyboards might be more appealing to you compared to other variants.

Having a compact design means that a 60% keyboard won’t take much space on your desktop. As a result, there’s more space for speakers, monitor, and other peripherals.

It also makes a good pick for travelling as it easily fits in a bag.

For gamers, these keyboards have another hidden benefit. Thanks to the streamlined design, you can move it around throughout a gaming session as it doesn’t put much strain on your hands.

This can keep you from early hand fatigue. If you need one, choose one from the best 60% keyboards recommendation above.