Among enthusiasts and professionals alike, 60 percent keyboards have gained immense popularity for their compact design, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. These keyboards ditch the number pad, function row, and sometimes even the arrow keys, offering a minimalist setup that doesn’t skimp on performance. If you’re also looking for the best 60 percent keyboards on the market, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the best 60% keyboards in 2024, catering to various budgets, styles, and typing preferences. Whether you’re a typing enthusiast, a gamer, or just someone who fancies a minimalistic setup, we’ve got you covered. So let’s get to it.
But first, you might to check out the following:
- Is 60% too small? Check out these Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard options, both wired and wireless.
- Add comfort to your TKL keyboard with these wrist rests for TKL keyboards.
- Need maximum comfort? Check out these ergonomic keyboards for carpal tunnel.
1. Redragon K617 Fizz
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switches: Red
With its compact design, it saves valuable desk space while still offering the tactile feedback and responsiveness that gamers and typists crave. Furthermore, the hot-swappable switches are a game-changer, allowing users to change switches without the need for soldering.
The keyboard also comes with up to 20 presets for customizing the RGB backlighting. One thing to note here is that there are no arrow keys on the keyboard. If you’re someone who still desires them in the compact 60% keyboard layout, you can consider the RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61. It’s only a few bucks more expensive, and offers a similar, if not better, experience, while also including dedicated arrow keys.
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What We Don’t Like
2. HyperX Alloy Origins 60
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switches: Red or Aqua
The keyboard’s robust aircraft-grade aluminum body provides a solid foundation that’s both durable and aesthetically pleasing. The compact design does not compromise on strength or functionality, making it an ideal choice for users with limited desk space or those who prefer a minimalist setup.
The keycaps are designed with durable PBT material that is resistant to wear, friction, and solvents. Add to that, the secondary functions of each key are printed on the sides for quick recognition too. As for customizibaility, the HyperX NGENUITY offers a ton of options. You can customize the game mode, create your own macros, or play with the RGB lighting as well.
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3. SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switches: OptiPoint optical switches
The SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini comes with the company’s custom OptiPoint switches. These switches have zero debounce and a lightning-fast 0.2ms response time. Add to that, you can also customize the actuation point of each key. You can set it to a light 1mm for fast typing, or 1.5mm for a more deliberate keystroke.
However, if you crave more customization, you can also spend a bit more on the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini. While most features remain the same, the Pro comes with 40 levels of per-key actuation, ranging from 0.1mm to 4.0mm. It’s also available in both wired and wireless connectivity options.
Coming back to the Apex 9 Mini, it also uses a high-grade aluminum alloy frame that ensures durability and stability. However, unlike the HyperX Alloy Origins, the Apex 9 Mini also offers fully swappable switches for customization and longevity.
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What We Don’t Like
4. Razer Huntsman Mini
- Connectivity: Wired
- Switches: Red
This sleek keyboard features Razer Clicky Optical Switches, boasting a 0.2ms actuation point for unparalleled speed and a satisfying clicky feel. However, folks wanting a bit more customization can opt for the Analog Optical Switches as well.
In addition to its performance, the Huntsman Mini boasts a durable design with double-shot PBT keycaps that resist wear, ensuring that the legends on the keys remain clear and legible over time. Add to that, Razer has also added side-printed secondary functions for easier reference.
The Razer Huntsman Mini also shines in customization, with fully programmable keys and personalized RGB lighting. Add to that, there’s also support for on-the-fly macro recording, along with a Gaming mode option.
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5. Corsair K70 PRO MINI
- Connectivity: Wired or Wireless
- Switches: Red, Blue, Brown, Speed
The K70 PRO MINI Wireless boasts a robust aluminum frame, exuding durability and premium quality. Beneath the hood, you’ll find your choice of Cherry MX mechanical switches, available in either Blue, Brown, Red, or Speed styles. What’s more is that these switches are hot-swappable, so you can change them later on too.
The keyboard also features customizable RGB lighting, which can be adjusted via Corsair’s iCUE software. Add to that, there’s support for both wired as well as wireless connectivity, either via Bluetooth or via Corsair’s Slipstream dongle.
As for the response times, the keyboard comes with AXON Hyper-Processing technology. With up to 8,000Hz hyper-polling rate at 0.125ms response time, the keyboard promises lag-free performance, critical for competitive gamers and fast-paced typists.
That said, the Corsair keyboard mostly caters to gamers. If you’re more into typing, a better option would be the Keychron Q4 QMK. It’s a fully customizable keyboard, that features a gasket-mount design for a unique typing experience and supports QMK/VIA firmware for limitless keymap adjustments.
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60 Percent Keyboard, 100% Minimalism
Well, those were our picks for the best 60 percent keyboards that you can buy for your gaming or work needs. Each of these 60 percent keyboards offers something unique, catering to different preferences and needs. Whether you prioritize customization, build quality, or innovative technology, there’s a keyboard on this list that’s sure to enhance your computing experience. So consider your use case and your budget, and get yourself one of these 60% keyboards.
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Last updated on 23 February, 2024
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