15 Best 60% keyboards for Gaming, Typing & Programming [Bestseller Reviews]

  • Keycaps 101
  • Posted by: amy-golden
  • Oct 19, 2022

The compact size of best 60 keyboards is the primary reason people seek them. By eliminating unnecessary keys such as numpad, function row, or arrow keys found in full-size keyboards, 60% of keyboards become smaller and more portable for those on the go or gamers who prioritize desk space for mouse movement!

In this list, we have compiled a list of 15 best 60% keyboards for gaming, typing & programming. So, let's dive in and discover these top choices today!

The Best 60% Mechanical Keyboards – Top Picks

Model Switches Number of keys Price
Ducky One 2 Mini and Mecha Mini

Ducky one 2 mini and mecha mini

Cherry MX Brown switches 61 $119.00
Wooting 60 HE

Wooting 60 he

Gateron Lekker Linear 60 switches  61 $174.99
SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless

Steelseries apex pro mini wireless

OmniPoint 2.0 Adjustable HyperMagnetic Switches 61 $189.99
Keychron V4

Keychron v4

Gateron G Pro switches 61 $143.10
Everest Mountain 60

Everest mountain 60

Mountain Linear 45 61 $149.99
Kinesis TKO Keyboard

Kinesis tko keyboard

Kailh Box switches 63 $175
Anne Pro 2

Anne pro 2

Choice of various Cherry, Kailh, or Gateron RGB mechanical switches 61 $39.99
HyperX Alloy Origins

Hyperx alloy origins

HyperX mechanical switches 61 $76.99
Glorious GMMK Compact

Glorious gmmk compact

Cherry MX switches, Gateron switches, 61

 

$79.9
Razer Huntsman Mini

Razer huntsman mini

Razer optical  switches 61 $99.99
Royal Kludge RK61

Royal kludge rk61

3 Switch options: RK Reds, RK Blue or RK Brown 61 $44.08
Cooler Master SK622

Cooler master sk622

TTC low profile switches 64 $90.99

*Note: Prices can change at any time, so it's important to verify the current price before buying.

Ducky One 2 Mini and Mecha Mini: The best 60% keyboard overall

Ducky one 2 mecha mini keyboard (source: gamergear)
Ducky one 2 mecha mini keyboard (source: gamergear)
Features:

  • 10 additional colorful keycaps
  • Ducky Macro 2.0
  • USB type C
  • Low-profile
Pros:

  • Doubleshot PBT keycaps
  • Many different switch variants to choose from
  • Aluminum frame
  • Excellent for typing
Cons:

  • Software doesn’t have key-assigning function
  • Slightly high latency

Sometimes people wonder if a 60% keyboard is easy to slide around the table due to its small size. Well, you won’t meet that problem with Ducky One 2 Mini keyboard. The frame is made of aluminum, a high-class material that is favored in the aircraft industry. Therefore, this compact keyboard can stand strong as a giant on your desk despite the heavy strokes from users.

In addition, we believe the Ducky One 2 Mini keyboard must be in the top list of the best 60 percent keyboards, mainly because the two-layer PBT keycaps and high-quality Cherry MX or Kailh switches produce a great typing experience.

Unfortunately, this keyboard’s latency is a little bit higher than other best 60% keyboards for gaming, making it not ideal for heavy game titles. Moreover, its software does not let you map keys in one go so you will need to seek help with other software.

Wooting 60 HE - Best 60% keyboard for valorant 

Wooting 60 he keyboard (source: techjio)
Wooting 60 he keyboard (source: techjio)
Features:

  • PBT keycaps
  • Lekker switches
  • High degree of customization
  • Excellent build quality
  • Remarkably low latency
  • Travel case (included)
Pros:

  • Modifiable PCB for external keyboard cases
  • Able to customize through Wooting’s website
  • Useful rapid trigger 
  • Great small form factor for FPS
  • Single key actuation point
Cons:

  • Seems relatively light and can slip when gaming
  • No height or angle adjustment
  • Average lighting customization
  • No dedicated macro keys

The keyboard comes with PBT keycaps that are thicker and of higher quality. In addition, Wooting's switches offer a high degree of customization, allowing users to adjust the actuation point and assign multiple actions to a single key. On top of that, the Lekker switches, with their actuation force ranging from 40cN to 60cN, provide a satisfying typing experience. 

This keyboard is incredibly smooth and quiet, and it reset instantly after being released, eliminating the need to fully press the key again. This is actually the best 60% keyboard for gaming like VALORANT, where precise movements and counter-strafing are crucial for a great gaming experience.

SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless - Best 60% Keyboard with Adjustable Switches

Steelseries apex pro mini wireless keyboard source: me. Ign. Com
Steelseries apex pro mini wireless keyboard (source: me. Ign. Com)
Features:

  • Fully customized and stupidly fast
  • Ultimate control
  • 2-in-1 action keys
  • Premium aluminum top plate
  • Detachable USB-C
Pros:

  • Feel very well-built
  • Connect wirelessly through Bluetooth or a USB receiver
  • Support multi-device pairing
  • Extremely low latency
  • Clear RGB
Cons:

  • Fairly short battery life 
  • Lack wrist rest included for greater ergonomic support
  • Expensive
  • No touchpad or knob for easy on-screen navigation.

This keyboard is known for the best 60% keyboard with adjustable switches and compact size.

You have complete control over the ultimate adjustability of your keystrokes with OmniPoint 2.0. These advanced magnetic sensors in the switches instantly detect keystrokes without any physical contact, providing lightning-fast typing speed. This means you can customize the registration distance to the nearest 0.1 mm.

The 2-in-1 Action Keys are a terrific feature since they allow you to assign two separate actions to one key based. You may walk forward by softly pressing the key, or run forward by hitting it harder. 

This keyboard allows you to develop your own strong combos and surpass your opponents. With such incredible features and typing speed, there is no doubt that this is the best 60% keyboard for gaming.

Keychron V4 - Best 60 Percent Keyboard For Mac

Keychron v4 keyboard (source: keychron)
Keychron v4 keyboard (source: keychron)
Features:

  • QMK/VIA support
  • Silicone pad
  • Double-shot PBT keycaps
  • Hot-swappable sockets
  • South-facing RGB LED
  • PBT keycaps
Pros:

  • White or RGB backlight options
  • Light aluminum body
  • Mac and Windows compatible
  • Macro-programmable for all keys 
  • Hot-swappable PCB
Cons:

  • High latency
  • High-profile design is unpleasant without a wrist rest
  • Keys feel stuck when typing
  • Lack of customization software

Keychron V4 is particularly built for Mac users, providing smooth interoperability with Mac systems. Besides, its high-quality PBT keycaps are built to last without wearing down over time. 

The Keychron K4 keyboard is versatile due to its hot-swappable sockets, which make it effortless to remove and replace switches. Besides, its slim design also allows easy access to the keycaps to help you try out a bunch of really cool mods. For example, when incorporating tape mod or PE foam mod, the keyboard sound produces a louder, more “poppy” sound signature.

The south-facing RGB LED is strategically positioned to enhance the visibility of the keyboard backlight for the typist. This is further enhanced by the high-quality PBT keycaps that do not allow light to shine through. 

Everest Mountain 60 - Best 60% keyboard with Double-shot PBT 

Everest mountain 60 keyboard (source: one-tech. Es)
Everest mountain 60 keyboard (source: one-tech. Es)
Features:

  • Compact 60% layout with arrow keys
  • Detachable numpad
  • Pre-lubed linear switches
  • PBT double-shot keycaps
  • Multi-layered sound dampening
Pros:

  • Hot-swappable switches
  • Numpad (sold separately)
  • 3x USB Type-C ports
  • Quick respond
  • Good switches
  • Excellent typing experience
  • Double-shot PBT material
Cons:

  • Three of the ports are not passthrough
  • Software sometimes freezes
  • Relative expensive
  • 1u right shift key
  • Software errors occur.

The Everest 60 keyboard features double-shot PBT keycaps, renowned for their exceptional durability over dye-sub keycaps, ensuring lasting quality. While alphas and modifiers might appear slightly blurry, especially on the caps lock key, the overall keycap construction remains robust.

Besides its arrow keys and the option to attach a detachable numpad, it offers extra keys when needed. In terms of Mountain's Linear 45 switches, they are incredibly smooth as if they were meticulously hand-lubed.

Another plus of this keyboard is its case designed with a silicone layer (at the bottom) and two layers of foam (one below and one above the PCB). Therefore, you won't hear any annoying pinging sounds.

Kinesis TKO Keyboard: Best 60 Percent Keyboard for Gaming

Kinesis tko keyboard
Kinesis tko keyboard
Features:

  • 12 customizable RGB effects
  • 9 fully customizable dual-layer profiles
  • Detachable USB-C cable
  • Three-button spacebar
Pros:

  • 3 Kailh BOX switches to pick from
  • Onboard programming shortcuts
  • Aluminum plate
  • Doubleshot PBT keycaps
Cons:

  • Difficult to update firmware
  • Expensive

Kinesis TKO keyboard is highly praised by the keyboard community for its strong construction. The plate is made of aluminum and the keycaps are durable thanks to PBT materials. Moreover, it has four silicon legs that can withstand heavy physical impact to always stay in one place.

You can choose among Kailh BOX Brown, White, or Red switches and those switches are tested to last for 80 million keystrokes. Apart from standard key characters, the manufacturers also print hotkeys on the keycaps, so it saves you time to switch between the manual and the keyboard.

Besides, this keyboard is pretty cool when it has 9 customizable profiles for specialist users. This gives you the freedom and control over the keymap to enhance your keyboard experience.

However, compared to other best 60% keyboards, it’s quite difficult to get updated firmware since this is a softwareless keyboard.

Anne Pro 2: Best Wireless 60 Percent Keyboard 

Anne pro 2 keyboard (source: ebay)
Anne pro 2 keyboard (source: ebay)
Features:

  • USB type C
  • 1900 maH battery
  • Tab key and double Fn keys
Pros:

  • Doubleshot PBT keycaps
  • Wired or wireless mode
  • High-quality mechanical switches
  • Full key programming
  • Extremely good customization software
Cons:

  • Wireless connection is not lag-free
  • Weak RGB lighting
  • Lacks number pad
  • Relatively short battery life

The Anne Pro 2 is the best wireless 60% keyboard for programming. It offers customization options with programmable keys. Users can remap keys and create custom macros, allowing them to optimize their workflow and increase productivity. 

This keyboard is equipped with high-quality mechanical switches, such as Gateron or Kailh, which provide a tactile and responsive typing experience. The precise actuation and comfortable key travel offered by these switches make the Anne Pro 2 a pleasure to type on for long coding sessions.

Besides, the Anne Pro 2 comes with customizable RGB lighting. Programmers can assign different colors to key combinations, making it easier to identify important shortcuts or functions.

HyperX Alloy Origins: Best Budget 60 Percent Keyboard

Hyperx alloy origins 60 mechanical gaming keyboard
Hyperx alloy origins 60 mechanical gaming keyboard
Features:

  • HyperX NGENUITY software
  • RGB backlit keys
  • There-angle adjustable incline stands
  • Detachable USB-C cable
  • 3 onboard profiles
Pros:

  • Aircraft-grade aluminum body
  • Good typing experience
  • Customizable keys and RGB effects
Cons:

  • Hard to find keycap’s replacements

When mentioning the best 60% keyboards for gaming, we cannot forget the name of HyperX Alloy Origins 60 gaming keyboard. This keyboard uses HyperX switches that can last to 80 million key activations. They are fit for both typing and gaming experiences.

Moreover, the whole body is made of aluminum materials, and the keycaps are used PBT plastic with two layers. Therefore, we can trust the longevity of Hyper X Alloy keyboards won’t be a short time. Worth noting that, the keyboard is quite heavier than the regular 60% keyboards of the same aluminum body. This can be a hit or miss depending on the users.

This keyboard also has a detachable cable that allows you to find the replacement easily when the cables pass the using time. In contrast, it’s difficult to look for keycaps that fit the HyperX keyboard.

See for yourself how vivid the RGB effects of this keyboard are in the below video.

Glorious GMMK Compact: The best hot-swappable 60% Keyboard

Glorious gmmk compact gaming keyboard
Glorious gmmk compact gaming keyboard
Features:

  • 16.8 million RGB colors
  • Discreet led indicators
  • Rubber feet and pads
  • Removeable USB cord
Pros:

  • Macro keys and hot keys
  • Buttery smooth Gateron Brown tactile switches
  • Hot-swappable
Cons:

  • High latency
  • ABS keycaps

Among the 10 best 60 percent keyboards, Glorious GMMK Compact keyboard is a hot-swappable one that allows you to change the switches easily. Unlike standard keyboards, you don’t have to desolder and solder the switches to custom them based on your liking.

This keyboard has a solid build with high-quality plastic, Besides, the rubber feet and under pad will prevent it from sliding or tilting due to your heavy typing. Even though it has ABS keycaps, the typing feels on those keycaps and switches are super nice. They do not wobble but are well-balanced throughout the whole key layout.

It’s easy to program keys on this keyboard, and you are also allowed to customize the RGB lighting aside from the pre-setting effects.

The downside of the Glorious GMMK Compact keyboard would be its high latency. This characteristic makes it less desirable for gamers who are into heavy gameplay.

Related Articles

Razer Huntsman Mini: Best RGB-Ready 60 Percent Keyboard

Razer huntsman mini 60% gaming keyboard
Razer huntsman mini 60% gaming keyboard
Features:

  • Detachable USB cable
  • 5 keyboard profiles
  • Razer Chroma RGB lighting effects
Pros:

  • Onboard memory
  • Individual lighting keys
  • Doubleshot PBT keycaps
  • Aluminum case
Cons:

  •  No dedicated macro keys

Razer Huntsman Mini 60% keyboard is a compact keyboard that is not short on necessary keys. It’s thanks to the secondary functions and shortcuts printed on the side of keycaps. This means you won’t have to search every time just to know where to press for those cut-off functions.

‘The best 60 percent keyboards for gaming’ list cannot be completed without this keyboard. The main reason is the 5 built-in profile that allows you to remap and set the layout for different purposes. Besides, the Razer Huntsman Mini 60% keyboard has an aluminum body and PBT keycaps that are strong and very durable under time.

Moreover, the optical switches from Razer are precise and crazily fast, making them very suitable for those who compete in games.

Related Articles

Royal Kludge RK61: Best budget wireless 60% Keyboard

Royal kludge rk61 keyboard (source: rkgamingstore)
Royal kludge rk61 keyboard (source: rkgamingstore)
Features:

  • Four rubber feet
  • USB-C to USB-A rubber cable
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Blue backlighting
Pros:

  • Affordable price
  • It has wireless mode
  • Multi-device connections
  • Hot Swappable
  • Smooth mechanical switch
  • Anti-ghosting technology
  • Good ergonomic design
Cons:

  • ABS keycaps
  • High latency
  • No trackpad
  • Lack of volume wheel

Royal Kludge RK61 is the best 60% keyboard for Fortnite for the following reasons. The first thing is its reliable and smooth mechanical switch. The Royal Kludge RK61 offers three main switch options: RK Red, RK Blue, and RK Brown, which brings you a fantastic typing experience. 

The built-in anti-ghosting technology ensures that all commands are executed perfectly, without any intermittent or lagged. Besides, the ergonomic design of the RK61 has an arch and slope design gives users the most comfortable hand feel and reduces strain during long gaming sessions.

Cooler Master SK622: Best 60 Percent Keyboard for Use With Multiple Devices

Cooler master sk622 white mechanical keyboard
Cooler master sk622 white mechanical keyboard
Features:

  • Low-profile
  • Colorful RGB lighting
  • Rechargeable battery
  • USB-C cable
Pros:

  • Wired or wireless
  • Aluminum or plastic option
  • Three switch types to choose from
  • No additional software required
  • Minimal input lag
Cons:

  • Wireless mode has 125Hz only

The last keyboard in this list of the best 60% keyboards will be Cooler Master SK622 keyboard. It’s better than other wireless keyboards on the list since the lagging issue in wireless mode is controlled to be minimal. However, clearly, the transmission rate will drop compared to wired mode.

You can choose between aluminum or plastic for the keyboard case. Also, there are TTC Low-profile Red, Blue, or Brown switches to pick from. Overall, the typing feels on the three switch types are nice and firm, making it a good option for those who prioritize typing performance.

Note: If you want to know more about low profile switches, this Low-Profile Switches Guide is for you.

The best feature of the Cooler Master SK622 is the 32-bit ARM Cortex processor. Thanks to it, you won't need to install extra software for personal programming. It has the ‘On the fly’ system that controls macro programming and lighting changing. Hence, you can set up everything quite easily and quickly.

Visual effects on this keyboard can enhance your gaming experience. Take a look and feel it yourself.

What is a 60 % keyboard?

60% keyboard layout
60% keyboard layout

Before getting into the definition of a 60 percent keyboard, you should take a look at different keyboard layouts and sizes to fully grasp it.

A 60 keyboard is a smaller mechanical keyboard version of a regular keyboard with, removing the numpad, function row, and a few extra keys. These keyboards are described as "60 keyboards" since they generally have 60 keys in total.

Pros and Cons of a 60% keyboard

Why should you use a 60% keyboard?

For those who will prefer a 60% keyboard:

  • Want a small keyboard to save space
  • Need to carry the keyboard around
  • Think that some keys are unnecessary, hence, they can be ditched out.

Why shouldn't you use a 60% keyboard?

You should not buy a 60% keyboard if:

  • Do not familiar with the use of shortcuts and hotkeys
  • Heavily rely on the Numpad and arrow keys

If you are not a fan of 60% keyboards, don’t worry, we have other choices for you to explore. Check out our collection of "best keyboards" here and find your perfect match. You might be surprised by how much fun typing can be!

Factors to look for in 60% boards

Sk622 black keyboard
Sk622 black keyboard

Build quality

There are two things you should notice:

  • Materials for case, back plate, and keycaps since they decide the longevity of the keyboard and typing feels. The best reference: Aluminum
  • Overall design because it will bring you comfort or discomfort.

Keycaps 

If you're looking for the perfect keycaps, it's crucial to consider various factors like profiles, materials, thickness, and compatibility. Among these, keycap profiles take the top spot. Read about out detailed guide to different keycap profiles to help you choose the suitable keycap profiles for your best 60% keyboards.

Compare 60% keyboards versus full-sized keyboards (source: target)
Compare 60% keyboards versus full-sized keyboards (source: target)

Keycap sets designed for full-sized keyboards can also be used with 60% keyboards, as these compact keyboards have the same layout as the alphanumeric keys on their full-size counterparts. 

You can see the image below, when you remove the function row and right side of the full-size keyboard, you will have a 60% keyboard.

Keycaps play a crucial role in determining the sound, feel, appearance, and overall satisfaction of a keyboard, so it’s best to pick out the good ones. One of the best options you should consider is the best PBT keycap set because of its thick form with great structure quality.

Features 

Features you should consider before choosing a 60% keyboard (source: the new york times)
Features you should consider before choosing a 60% keyboard (source: the new york times)

You will make a smart choice when buying a 60% keyboard by understanding its features and benefits. Here are some features you need to consider:

  • RGB backlit: This feature allows for customizable lighting effects on the keyboard, enhancing aesthetics and visibility in low-light conditions.
  • Programmable keys: The ability to program key functions and macros offers a personalized and efficient typing experience.
  • Hot-swappable keyboard: This feature allows for easy switch-out of mechanical switches without soldering, providing flexibility and customization options.
  • Wireless keyboard: The absence of cables enables greater freedom of movement and reduces clutter on the desk.
  • USB type: The preferred USB type (A, B, or C) determines compatibility and connection options with other devices.
  • Incline legs or adjustable stands: These features provide ergonomic support and allow for customized typing angles for increased comfort during long typing sessions.

Wired or wireless 

Wired or wireless connectivity affects the convenience and flexibility of using the keyboard. Wired keyboards provide a stable connection and do not require batteries, ensuring uninterrupted usage. 

On the other hand, wireless keyboards offer freedom of movement and a clutter-free workspace. Both types have different pros and cons. If you are not sure what to choose between them, let's check our detailed comparison to make better decisions.

Conclusion

A 60 percent keyboard is the smallest keyboard type, therefore, saves the most space on your working table. Of course, it has its advantages and disadvantages so you should consider them carefully before choosing.

After that, if you decide to have one, the top 10 best 60 percent keyboards above may help you choose easier. Enjoy reading!

FAQs 

How much does a 60 percent keyboard cost?

Most 60% keyboards are at around $100. But, you can find some best 60 percent keyboards for about $50.

What are the downsides of 60 percent keyboards?

The missing keys on the 60% keyboard will need time to get familiar with them at first. If you use them a lot, function keys, for instance, you should avoid this type of keyboard layout.

Which 60 percent keyboard is the best for everyday use?

For everyday uses, you should focus on typing performance. Therefore, we suggest Ducky One 2 Mini and Cooler Master SK622.

Which 60 percent keyboard is the best for gaming?

Some best 60% keyboards for gaming are HyperX Alloy Origin 60, Kinesis TKO, and Razer Huntsman Mini.

Which 60 percent keyboard has the fastest switches?

A lot of keyboards in this best 60% keyboard list allow you to choose the switch type. So, we cannot pick out one. But, we can suggest you focus on linear switch types as they have an advantage in speed over the other two types.

What keycaps will fit a 60% keyboard? 

There are two ways to determine if a set of keycaps will fit your 60% keyboard. First, most keycap sets are compatible with 60% of keyboards as long as they work with full-sized keyboards. Second, your keycaps will be compatible if your keyboard has a standard bottom row, consisting of all 1.25u sized keys and a spacebar.

What are the best 60% keyboard for Valorant?

The key to finding the best keyboard for Valorant lies in its reliability, accuracy, and responsiveness during gameplay. Two top contenders for this are the Wooting 60 HE and the SteelSeries Apex Pro. These keyboards meet all the necessary criteria that make them ideal choices for Valorant.

What are the best 60% keyboard for Fortnite?

The best 60% keyboards for Fortnite are the Ducky One 2 Mini, GMMK Compact, and RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61.

What are the best 60% keyboard for programming?

Anne Pro 2 is the best 60% keyboard for programming because it offers a compact layout, customizable RGB lighting, wireless connectivity, and reliable mechanical switches. These features provide an efficient and comfortable typing experience for programmers.

Tags:

Author

I work as a freelance blogger in Seattle, Washington. I've been freelancing full-time for 5 years. I'm interested in anime, resin art, and mechanical keyboards.

amy-golden