Whether you are a working professional or an avid gamer, chances are your desk setup is going to look like a warzone for the majority of the time. But, getting your hands on a 60 percent keyboard can make your life a lot easier.
Not only they are a fraction of what standard sizes has to offer, but the minimalistic approach also adds up to the overall aesthetics. Bear in mind, 60 percent keyboard still retains all the essential keys, while offering a compact and intuitive interface.
We have curated this article based on some of the best 60 percent keyboards you can find out there in the market. Whether you are a keyboard fanatic or need that tiny form factor to get by, there’s going to be one keyboard on the list just for you.
Also Read: 10 Best Gaming Laptops You Can Buy
How to Buy the Perfect Keyboard?
Below is a section on every major factor you should consider when you browse for keyboards. The buying guide would help you understand keyboard specifications and features better.
1. Wired or Wireless?
There are some major differences between wired and wireless keyboards. Let’s break it down.
The significant difference is that wired keyboards should be physically plugged into your PC, while wireless don’t. But it is a personal choice whether you want to purchase a wired or wireless keyboard. Each has its pros and cons.
Wired Keyboards
Pros
- Wired keyboards are incredibly responsive.
- It doesn’t require batteries.
- It is comparatively cheaper.
Cons
- The wires get tangled up easily.
- It limits the distance range.
Wireless Keyboards
Pros
- No cords so there are no electrical faults.
- Wireless keyboards are expensive.
- Convenient to use.
Cons
- Wireless keyboards have a bad reputation due to weak sensors inevitably causing connectivity issues.
- It doesn’t function without batteries.
2. Types of Keyboards
There are primarily two types of keyboards that cater to different needs.
A. Membrane Keyboard
Membrane Keyboards aren’t a bad option if you’re looking for something on a budget. Plus, they are cheaper and quieter. But people prefer mechanical keyboards over membranes due to fewer customization options and poor typing experience.
B. Mechanical Keyboard
When compared, mechanical keyboards offer a better typing experience. These are mostly more expensive than their membrane counterparts, but they are durable and easy to repair. It is the preferred choice of gamers due to its faster response time.
3. Size of the Keyboard
The second factor you should consider while buying a keyboard is its size. We recommend mini keyboards for tablets, iPad, and cell phones. Larger keyboards are best for gamers and professionals who require frequent use of the number pad.
4. Ergonomic
Typing for hours puts a lot of stress on the hands and wrists. So, it’s essential that you look for keyboards with ergonomic design. Ergonomic keyboards offer efficient support to the wrist, reducing muscle strain and preventing injuries. You can check our recommendations and choose an option that best suits your needs.
5. Cost of Keyboards
If you need a basic keyboard for typing purposes, then you don’t have to spend much. In this range, you can get regular-sized and travel-sized keyboards. But if you are a gamer, mechanical keyboards that offer a high level of responsiveness and accuracy work the best. So, do some research before you decide.
Best 60 Percent Keyboards to Look Out For
The Best 60 Percent Keyboard to Buy
1. Ducky One 2 Mini
This goes without saying, if you ever looked out for mechanical keyboards, you must have come across the name Ducky at least once. The Ducky One 2 Mini is hailed as one of the best 60 percent keyboards you can ever get your hands on.
Primarily focusing on the typing experience the Ducky One 2 Mini PBT double-shot keycaps, solid PCB, and above all fantastic stabilizers. Backed by a metal case that adds sturdiness and weight to the keyboard, it surely stands out from the crowd. The only thing holding the Ducky One 2 Mini is the lack of customizable key layouts.
Pros:
- Offers a solid build quality
- Comes with PBT keycaps
- Superior out-of-the-box stabilizers
- Colored keycaps with themed spacebar
Cons:
- Lack of key mapping via software
Buy Ducky One 2 Mini
2. Anne Pro 2
Being one of Reddit favorite keyboards, the Annie Pro 2 is a solid keyboard offering a wireless connectivity option. As far as aesthetics are concerned, the Anne Pro 2 can offer you a minimal cableless design. Unfortunately, the only trade is you have to make is the lack of any input lag whatsoever.
Apart from connectivity, the 60 percent keyboard comes with solid build quality, acceptable stabilizers, and a good overall typing experience. The software is what makes Anne Pro 2 truly unique. With deep key mapping and the ability to set layers, you can customize the keyboard just the way you want.
Pros:
- Great software customization
- Comes with double shot PBT keycaps
- Can be connected wirelessly
- Good stabilizers
Cons:
- The RGB might seem dim and inconsistent at times
Buy Anne Pro 2
3. HyperX Alloy Origins 60
HyperX has always been one of the top contenders when it comes to gaming keyboards. The HyperX Alloy Origins 60 following the same footsteps offers one of the best in-house switches, an aircraft-grade aluminum body and all the gaming features one could ever ask for.
Going back to the basics, the 60 percent keyboard only comes with bare essentials. Although users can easily take advantage of the HyperX NGENUITY software to completely customize their keyboard just the way they want. With onboard memory and dedicated gaming mode, you can obliterate your opponent in almost no time.
Pros:
- Users can get the robust HyperX’s switches
- PBT double shots keycaps
- The HyperX NGENUITY offers the utmost customization
Cons:
- Didn’t find anything yet
4. Razer Huntsman Mini
The Huntsman Mini, Razer’s 60 percent keyboard offering is a good choice for anyone who is getting their hands on mechanical keyboards for the first time. Similarly priced around Ducky One 2 Mini, the Huntsman Mini can be a good contender.
Apart from Razer’s software customization, users can also choose between Purple Clicky Opticals or Linear Opticals. Overall you can expect a good typing experience based on your preferred choice of switches. While the clicky switches are mostly loud and lightweight, liner ones are faster and smoother to type in.
Pros:
- Great software customization options
- Offers a very attractive design
- The PBT keycaps come with side printed legends
Cons:
- The overall sound profile might feel a little hollow
5. Glorious GMMK Compact
If you want a 60 percent keyboard with utmost customizability, the Glorious GMMK Compact is the perfect fit for you. Neither less to say, with hot-swap switches, it is one of the best keyboards to try out new switches.
Even with the average build quality, the Glorious GMMK Compact is completely serviceable, making it a good companion for keyboard enthusiasts. As for the technical features, the Glorious GMMK Compact comes with anti-ghosting, a 1000 Hz polling rate, and above all, N-Key Rollover.
Pros:
- Comes with hot-swap switches
- A plethora of RGB options
- Comes with PBT keycaps
Cons:
- Lack of remappable function keys
6. Happy Hacking Professional 2
Next on our list, we have the Happy Hacking Professional 2 made by Fujitsu. This particular 60 percent keyboard is perfectly suitable for tech professionals. A chunk of the contribution goes to its key combos and the use of dip switches. Even an avid keyboard lover is surely going to appreciate the versatility.
Backed by the sleek minimal design, the Happy Hacking Professional 2 is a keyboard that can go well with both the professional environment and gaming setup. Not to mention, the Topre Capacitive Switches offer unprecedented precision. Even the HHP2 hasn’t cut any corners with ergonomics as well. The overall symmetrical design is surely going to provide you with all the comfort you need while typing.
Pros:
- Comes with a sleek minimal design
- Offers Topre Capacitive Switches
- Works well with PC, Mac, and Linux
Cons:
- The keystrokes might lack tactility
Buy Happy Hacking Professional 2
7. Cooler Master SK-621
Cooler Master is yet another prominent name that comes within the gaming industry. The SK-621 is just yet another addition to their line-up of 60 percent keyboard. Not to mention, the keyboard is loaded with all the features you can possibly ask for. It comes with hybrid connectivity, i.e. users can use both wired and wirelessly.
The onboard storage allows you to set up macros on the go, with game-enhancing software. Lastly, with Cherry-MX switches and aluminum construction, the Cooler Master SK-621 has become a class on its own.
Pros:
- Offers an aluminum body construction
- Comes with 512 KB of onboard storage
- Users can enjoy the hybrid connectivity
Cons:
- Lack of any height adjustment whatsoever
8. DREVO Calibur V2
Closing our list, the DREVO Calibur V2 is not just yet another 60 percent keyboard. Offering some of the pro-grade gaming features, it can even give some of the most prominent players on the market a run for their money.
With completely customizable RGB lights, anti-ghosting, and N-key rollover, the DREVO Calibur V2 is a great affordable keyboard. Just bear in mind, for all the macOS and Linux users, the software is only available in Windows.
Pros:
- Offers an ergonomics design
- Customizable RGB lighting
- Comes with anti-ghosting and N-key rollover
Cons:
- The software is exclusive to Windows only
Buy DREVO Calibur V2
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Which 60 Percent Keyboard You Liked the Most?
So that was our curated article on some of the best 60 percent keyboards you can get your hands on. Let us know in the comment section below, how adaptive you are with using a 60 percent keyboard over a standard size?
