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The Best Keyboard Deals This Week*
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Compact “60%” and “65%” keyboards have long been the purview of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts and programmers, but interest from streamers and esports pros has pushed smaller keyboards into the spotlight. Major keyboard manufacturers, especially those in the gaming world, craft these reduced-size keyboards for gamers and typists who want to reclaim desk space, tilt their keyboard to an ergonomic angle, or simply tote something small and lightweight. This expanding category may appeal to you, even if you aren’t part of the traditional target audience.Our guide to the best 60% and 65% keyboards we’ve tested includes wireless, budget, and RGB-laden picks, as well as alternative choices that are sure to suit your needs. Below, you’ll find our favorite picks, listed by category, followed by everything you need to know when shopping for a 60% keyboard.
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Kinesis TKO Gaming Keyboard
Best 60% Keyboard for Gaming and General Use
Bottom Line:
With bold and helpful features, the Kinesis TKO gaming keyboard carefully weaves competitive and ergonomic keyboard features into a single, awesome vision.
PROS
Four ergonomic feet enable reverse tilt and tenting
Three-button spacebar
Nine onboard profiles
RGB underglow bar
Bundled carrying case
CONS
Driverless software makes configuration and firmware updates more difficult than usual
SPECS
Name
Value
Number of Keys
63
Interface
USB Wired
Key Switch Type
Kailh Box White (Clicky)
Key Backlighting
RGB Per-Key
Media Controls
Shared With Other Keys
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
None
Learn More
Kinesis TKO Gaming Keyboard Review
Asus ROG Falchion Wireless Gaming Keyboard
Best 65% Keyboard for Gaming and General Use
Bottom Line:
The Asus ROG Falchion is a terrific 65-percenter with many useful keyboard features, such as mechanical keys, wireless connectivity, and a touch slider.
PROS
Wireless and mechanical
Compact 65 percent design
Touch-based volume slider
Incredible battery life
Dongle storage
Comes with a cover
CONS
Cover doesn’t attach to the keyboard
Armoury Crate offloads some RGB customization to a second app
Battery indicator housed in the keyboard’s side
SPECS
Name
Value
Number of Keys
71
Interface
RF Wireless, USB Wired
Key Switch Type
Cherry MX Red
Key Backlighting
RGB Per-Key
Media Controls
Shared With Other Keys
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
None
Learn More
Asus ROG Falchion Wireless Gaming Keyboard Review
Corsair K70 RGB Pro Mini Wireless
Best Wireless 60% or 65% Keyboard
Bottom Line:
The feature-rich Corsair K70 RGB Pro Mini Wireless is a stunner and one of the finest 60% keyboards we’ve seen.
PROS
Excellent RGB implementation
Hot-swappable key switches
Included key cap and key switch puller
Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connection options
Compact and lightweight
Can create up to 50 user profiles via Corsair iCue app
CONS
Expensive
8,000Hz polling maximum may be overkill
SPECS
Name
Value
Number of Keys
61
Interface
USB-C, Bluetooth, RF Wireless
Key Switch Type
Cherry MX Speed Silver
Key Backlighting
RGB Per-Key
Media Controls
Shared With Other Keys
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
None
Learn More
Corsair K70 RGB Pro Mini Wireless Review
Fnatic Streak65 Gaming Keyboard
Best Low-Profile 60% or 65% Percent Keyboard
Bottom Line:
The Fnatic Streak65 has nearly everything that you’d want in a compact keyboard, including a top-tier typing feel, lightweight body, macro keys, and marked keycaps.
PROS
Compact, 60-percent design
Comfortable, low-profile switches
Four dedicated macro keys
Marked keycaps indicate essential function shortcuts
CONS
Limited customization options
Tightly packed keys
SPECS
Name
Value
Number of Keys
68
Interface
USB Wired
Key Switch Type
Fnatic Speed
Key Backlighting
RGB Zonal
Media Controls
Shared With Other Keys
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
None
Learn More
Fnatic Streak65 Gaming Keyboard Review
HyperX Alloy Origins 65
Best Budget 60% or 65% Keyboard
Bottom Line:
The HyperX Alloy Origins is a great 65 percent keyboard for gamers looking to save desk space without sacrificing their wallets.
PROS
Excellent-feeling HyperX key switches
RGB lighting
Compact footprint
Included keycap puller
Ngenuity app works well for customization
SPECS
Name
Value
Number of Keys
67
Interface
USB-C
Key Switch Type
HyperX Red
Key Backlighting
RGB Zonal
Media Controls
Shared With Other Keys
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
None
Learn More
HyperX Alloy Origins 65 Review
Razer Huntsman Mini Analog
Best RGB-Ready 60% or 65% Keyboard
Bottom Line:
Though changes are minor over the original, Razer’s refreshed Huntsman Mini gaming keyboard is worth putting your fingers on. The addition of Razer’s analog switches is a welcome upgrade to an already excellent 60% keyboard.
PROS
Optical analog key switches offer precise control
Compact and lightweight
RGB lighting looks great
Quality PBT keycaps
Razer Synapse software offers tons of customization
CONS
Expensive
Synapse software isn’t beginner-friendly
SPECS
Name
Value
Number of Keys
61
Interface
USB-C
Key Switch Type
Razer Analog Optical
Key Backlighting
RGB Per-Key
Media Controls
None
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
None
Learn More
Razer Huntsman Mini Analog Review
Roccat Vulcan II Mini
A Solid Alternative to the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog
Bottom Line:
Roccat delivers a compact keyboard with tons of functionality, and an RGB light show that helps it stand out among its competitors.
PROS
Lightweight and compact
Excellent RGB lighting implementation
Tons of functionality thanks to Easy Shift
Switches compatible with many third-party keycaps
CONS
No wireless connections
Easy Shift is somewhat complicated
Key presses could be more satisfying
SPECS
Name
Value
Number of Keys
68
Interface
USB-C
Key Switch Type
Titan II Optical
Key Backlighting
RGB Zonal
Media Controls
None
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
None
Learn More
Roccat Vulcan II Mini Review
SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless
Best 60% or 65% Keyboard for Use With Multiple Devices
Bottom Line:
The latest SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless keyboard is a sleek, stylish, and adaptable piece of hardware ready to grace your desk or local café…if you can afford it.
PROS
Adjustable, precise Omnipoint switches
Clear, colorful RGB
Compact 60 percent layout
Bluetooth profiles let you easily switch between devices
2.4GHz dongle uses a USB-C port
CONS
Expensive
Loses stability when angled feet are deployed
SteelSeries GG software can be a little buggy
No storage space on keyboard for accessories
SPECS
Name
Value
Number of Keys
62
Interface
Bluetooth, USB-C, 2.4 GHz Wireless
Key Switch Type
Steelseries OmniPoint Adjustable Switches
Key Backlighting
RGB Per-Key
Media Controls
Shared With Other Keys
Dedicated Shortcut Keys
Onboard Profile Storage
N-Key Rollover Support
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Rest
None
Learn More
SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless Review
Buying Guide: The Best 60 Percent Keyboards for 2024
How Many Keys Does a 60% Keyboard Have?A standard, full-size keyboard has 104 keys. Technically speaking, that means a 60% keyboard should have 62 keys, and a 65% keyboard should have 67 or 68 keys. Realistically, manufacturers play it a little fast and loose with the numbers and the key-count totals. Most so-called 60% models we’ve tested run 60 to 65 keys, while 65% ones have around 66 to 70 keys.
(Credit: Mike Epstein)
Unlike the tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard layout that simply removes the numeric keypad, the 60% or 65% keyboard layout also ditches what some users might deem essential inputs. The typical 60% keyboard drops the Function (F1 to F12) keys, arrow keys, and other navigation/utility keys. (Think Home, Delete, Print Screen, Page Up, and Page Down.) The layout is compressed into a single block without any sections or gaps. For example, the Escape key no longer floats alone, because that would require extra room in the layout.Meanwhile, 65% keyboards give you a little more wiggle room while staying compact. These boards drop the Function keys and most other nonessentials, but they almost always keep the arrow keys. Many also hold onto one or two other keys. Fnatic and a few other keyboard manufacturers add extra, customizable macro keys that give you the option to remap the keyboard.
(Credit: Mike Epstein)
Key Types: Understanding 60% Mechanical KeyboardsAs with the best keyboards and, more specifically, the best mechanical keyboards, typing feel is the most important element. I’ve yet to see a non-mechanical 60% or 65% keyboard, so finding one that feels right comes down to finding your preferred key-switch “flavor.” (Key switches are the actuation mechanisms under the top of the key, or keycap.) Our mechanical key switch primer explains the switch basics.It’s important to keep in mind why you want a compact keyboard in the first place. Many gaming keyboards use linear switches (often classified as “Red” switches) that require little force to actuate. Those hair-trigger switches are great for gaming at breakneck speed, but they can lead to more accidental and out-of-order key presses.
(Credit: Mike Epstein)
If you’re looking for balance, or simply the most comfortable overall switches, you may want to look outside the gaming world. That search may lead you to a world of new keyboard manufacturers, many originating in Asia, such as Anne Pro, Ducky, Happy Hacking, and Leopold.Get Your Hotkey Ph.D.: Shortcut Keys on 60% KeyboardsTo compensate for losing essential keys, most 60% keyboards feature keys with secondary functions that are accessed by using a function toggle key. Memorizing the shortcuts is a small hurdle that you must overcome. It’s also why this kind of keyboard’s popularity has been relegated to keyboard hobbyists, programmers, and other power users.
(Credit: Mike Epstein)
Most factory-made 60% and 65% keyboards house a few features to help take the sting out of that transition. For example, many compact keyboards feature sideprints, the text and symbols that highlight each key’s secondary features. Though many keyboard types use sidecaps, 60% keyboards make them particularly essential. After all, shortcuts vary from model to model. In addition, many makers of compact keyboards help you navigate the transition by supplying configuration software that lets you remap secondary inputs in addition to standard keys.Get a Competitive Edge: Finding the Best 60% Keyboard for GamingThe rise of esports and competitive play has fueled this current wave of 60% and 65% keyboards, so you can expect many of these input devices to contain features that cater to pro players. Some esports-minded keyboards house a “competition” switch that’s the evolution of a “game mode” key found in gaming keyboards. The function varies from model to model, but the idea is to strip away any customization that may distract you or disqualify you from tournament play. Most of the time, that means resetting the keyboard profile to the default setting and dimming or turning off RGB lighting.
(Credit: Mike Epstein)
On the other end of the spectrum, a surprising number of 60% and 65% gaming keyboards feature dedicated macro keys that let you create macros or otherwise customize your keyboard. With the Fnatic Streak65, it simply means cutting the default layout down to 60%, then adding a few blank keys. A few keyboards, including the Kinesis TKO, break up the space bar into multiple keys, creating room for macros that seemingly weren’t there before.On a few occasions, I’ve seen keyboards of this size class come with a hard case for travel. That’s a nice bonus, but it’s pretty rare, so having one or not shouldn’t be a deal-breaker.Should I Get a Wireless 60% Keyboard?Many 60% and 65% keyboards feature a detachable cable—preferably USB-C—that makes for easier travel and storage. Companies still occasionally add proprietary locking mechanisms to the cables, ensuring that the cable never detaches during play. I prefer it when companies forego that measure. The cables stay in fine on their own except in drastic circumstances, and, without the locking mechanism, you can replace a broken cable with any other USB Type-C-to-A cord. What about wireless compact keyboards? After all, if you’re aiming to free up desk space, you may as well cut the cord, too. Wireless 60% and 65% keyboards, though, are few and far between. The groups who have been most interested in 60% and 65% keyboards until very recently—competitive gamers, programmers, custom keyboard enthusiasts—traditionally haven’t chased wireless keyboards. If going wireless is your top priority right now, you should check out full-size and tenkeyless (“TKL”) keyboards. You’ll find a much larger selection.So, What Is the Best 60% or 65% Keyboard to Buy?Now that you know what to look for in a 60% or 65% keyboard, it’s up to you to make your pick. Here’s our list of the best compact keyboards culled from our recent reviews. In addition, if you’re all in on competitive play, consider pairing your new compact keyboard with one our favorite esports mice.
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