Key Points
- The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless Keyboard is our best overall 60 percent keyboard.
- 60 percent keyboards are very portable and super-efficient, which saves you tons of space on your working area or gaming desk.
- With a 60 percent keyboard, you will reduce the clutter on your desk, which will allow you to position your computer comfortably. For gamers, 60% keyboards create room for other accessories integral to your gaming setup.
- When shopping for the best 60 percent keyboard, use the following criteria: check the number of keys, assess the keyboard’s layout, check the connections, and evaluate the keyboard software.
Buying a 60 percent keyboard is a roller-coaster, especially with the technical words manufacturers use to name their devices to make them attractive. Nevertheless, a good 60% keyboard should have the right number of keys and connect seamlessly.
Moreover, you should determine your use before buying to avoid acquiring an unnecessary product that doesn’t meet your expectations. For example, a gaming keyboard may be different from a typing keyboard.
In addition, customer reviews are essential in a market oversaturated with 60% keyboards because manufacturers will always paint them as the perfect devices. So, after weeks of research, here is our list of the five best 60 percent keyboards on Earth today.
- #1 Best Overall 60 Percent Keyboard: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless Keyboard
- Best 60 Percent Keyboard for General Use: KINESIS Gaming TKO Mechanical Keyboard
- Best 60 Percent Keyboard for Corporate Work: HyperX Alloy Origins 60
- Most Premium 60 Percent Keyboard: Razer Huntsman Mini
- Best Budget 60 Percent Keyboard: RK Royal Kludge RK61
#1 Best Overall 60 Percent Keyboard: SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless Keyboard
- 2-in-1 action keys (you can program two different actions for the same key)
- 2.4 GHz wireless connection
- Fadeproof double shot PBT keycaps
- OmniPoint 2.0 delivers 11x faster response and 10x swifter actuation
The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Keyboard is our top choice for the #1 best 60 percent keyboard on Earth today. Weighing 1.2 pounds, the Apex Pro has a compact design that perfectly complements its RGB lighting, which gamers find fascinating.
Moreover, this keyboard runs on a 32-Bit ARM processor, which allows it to complete complex tasks, including customizing the key sensitivity from the fast 0.2mm to a moderate 3.8mm. Also, the Apex Pro Mini has a jaw-dropping switch rating that guarantees an astonishing 100 million presses.
In addition, this keyboard uses the OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable switches, which make the keyboard 11 times quicker, and perfect for intensive gaming. Furthermore, connectivity isn’t an issue, as you can connect it wirelessly or use a USB-C cable.
But where this 60% keyboard shines the most is its programmable abilities; you can program any key to perform two different actions, which is crucial for shortcuts.
Adding to the Apex Pro’s specs is a long-lasting battery, which gives you a usage time of 30 hours, especially when connecting it to your Xbox, Windows, or PlayStation. All in all, you must part ways with $182 to own this keyboard, which is its main drawback.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This keyboard is customizable. | It is expensive. |
| The keyboard’s RGB lighting adds to its aesthetic. | |
| It has a long-lasting battery. |
Check the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Keyboard out on Amazon.
Best 60 Percent Keyboard for General Use: KINESIS Gaming TKO Mechanical Keyboard
- Ultra-compact aluminum keyboard
- Premium Kailh Brown mechanical switches
- 12 customizable modes
- Zero-degree slope with pop-up feet
Next, we have the Kinesis Gaming TKO Mechanical Keyboard, one of the best multipurpose keyboards on the market. This 60% mechanical keyboard is designed for typing, coding, and gaming, as apparent from its 11.6” W x 4.5” H x 1.3” D dimensions. Moreover, its RGB lighting will draw you to it at first glance.
Powered by the SmartSet Programming Engine, you can remap this keyboard’s keys, adjust the settings, and create profiles that suit your work typing requirements and gaming settings. Moreover, the keyboard’s 1ms response rate is impressive.
And with the KINESIS keyboard allowing approximately 80 million keystrokes, you don’t have to worry about its longevity. Our only criticism is that it’s a wired keyboard, which is unfortunate, considering many people today prefer wireless ones.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The keyboard’s SmartSet Programming Engine is impressive. | It is not wireless. |
| The presence of RGB lighting makes it unique. | |
| This keyboard’s 80 million strokes make it long-lasting. |
Check the Kinesis Gaming TKO Mechanical Keyboard out on Amazon today.
Best 60 Percent Keyboard for Corporate Work: HyperX Alloy Origins 60
- Full aircraft-grade aluminum body
- Double shot PBT keycaps with side printing
- HyperX Mechanical switches
- RGB backlit keys with radiant lighting effects
We must include the HyperX Alloy Origins 60 because it best suits the corporate world. Dressed in an aircraft-grade aluminum casing, this keyboard can handle intensive typing, irrespective of how many hours you use it daily.
Moreover, thanks to HyperX’s petite design, you can make room for other devices, especially a sweeping mouse, to help you navigate your work computer. Also, HyperX packed this keyboard with RGB backlights that illuminate roughly 16,777,216 colors.
Thanks to the HyperX NGENUITY software, this keyboard supports advanced customization. You can change its lighting and key settings to match your typing style and preferences.
Moreover, this 1.72-pound keyboard is compatible with Windows 10, 8.1,8, and 7, and with an operating force of 45g, you don’t always have to be careful when typing. Unfortunately, the HyperX Alloy Origins 60 isn’t wireless, which is a slight hiccup to a near-perfect keyboard.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This keyboard’s HyperX NGENUITY software supports customization. | The keyboard has a cord, limiting its use and convenience. |
| It is compatible with multiple Windows versions. | |
| It is well-designed. |
Check the HyperX Alloy Origins 60 out on Amazon.
Most Premium 60 Percent Keyboard: Razer Huntsman Mini
- Razer Optical switches use light-based actuation
- Supports 16.8 million colors on individually backlit keys
- Oil-resistant doubleshot PBT keycaps
- Fully programmable macros
Fourth on our list is the Razer Huntsman Mini, a premium keyboard that will trick you into making an impulse purchase. Covered in an aluminum body, this keyboard boasts a cutting-edge design that we rarely see in modern keyboards.
Adding to the keyboard’s design are RGB customizable backlights with 16.8 million color options that will light up your workspace, especially if you pair it with an RGB sweeping mouse.
Moreover, the Razer Huntsman Mini’s memory can house more than five profiles, but the greatest appeal is the keyboard’s gaming mode option, which makes this keyboard versatile. In addition, it has programmable keys, which let you create a profile with different programmable buttons.
Our main criticism is that the keyboard lacks a passthrough feature, making it difficult to plug other devices into the Huntsman Mini. Also, for a keyboard that goes for $89, it’s unfortunate that it lacks media keys.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The Keyboard’s RGB lighting adds to its premium look. | It lacks media keys. |
| The Huntsman Mini has a gaming mode feature. | It lacks a passthrough feature. |
Check the Razer Huntsman Mini out on Amazon.
Best Budget 60 Percent Keyboard: RK Royal Kludge RK61
- 8 monochrome backlight modes and 1 full-color backlight
- 61 keys
- Ergonomically curved
- Precision engineered keycaps
Lastly, we have the RK Royal Kludge RK61, one of the most affordable 60 percent keyboards on the market. With an ultra-compact layout that RK Royal Kludge paired with a single-color backlight, this wireless keyboard has a minimalist design that we don’t usually see in a $49 keyboard.
It’s small (11.4 x 4 x 1.5 inches) and lightweight, so you can easily squeeze it into your work bag. What’s more, this keyboard has an operating force of 50-60g, so it won’t break when subjected to intense typing.
However, where this keyboard shines the most is its expansive battery that gives you a usage time of 10 hours. Also, besides connecting this keyboard to your Windows computer, you can use it with your Android and iOS devices.
The lack of RGB lighting is where this keyboard fails, considering that’s usually a mandatory requirement in most modern keyboards. Furthermore, adjusting to this keyboard is difficult if you’re used to full-sized ones.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It is very affordable. | It lacks RGB lighting. |
| The RK61 has a long-lasting battery. | You need time to get used to it. |
| It is compatible with Windows, iOS, and Android devices. |
Check the RK Royal Kludge RK61 out on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best 60 Percent Keyboard: Step-by-Step Guide
Blindly choosing a 60 percent keyboard is not wise, as you may select a device that doesn’t meet your expectations. You do not want to spend almost $100 on a keyboard only to find you cannot use it for gaming or the intended task.
Here are a few factors to keep in mind when comparing 60 percent keyboards.
- Number of keys
- Keyboard design
- Keyboard software
- Compatibility
- Price
Let’s look at each one in more detail.
Number of Keys
Generally, 60% keyboards don’t have a number pad or the F1 to F12 keys. However, some lack other keys depending on the keyboard layout.
As such, you must cross-check the keyboard’s keys to ensure all the keys are available, depending on your use. For example, if you’re buying a 60% typing keyboard, all the typing keys must be available to speed up your work.
Keyboard Design
The 60% keyboard should be appealing at first glance. Moreover, its design should suit your intended use. For example, get a 60% keyboard with RGB lighting if you mainly use it for gaming and have a sweeping RGB mouse to pair it with. As for office workers, a 60% keyboard with one backlight color should suffice.
Keyboard Software
You wouldn’t want to tinker with the keyboard’s layout, but having the power to customize your 60% keyboard is a game changer. For example, you can program your keys to create shortcuts, which speeds up your workload.
Gamers can assign certain keys to specific moves, which improves your gameplay when playing fast-paced games. Moreover, with good keyboard software, you can change the keyboard’s RGB lighting and customize it to your liking.
Compatibility
Test the keyboard before buying it to ensure it’s compatible with your device. Moreover, if you have multiple devices at home, like a Windows computer, iOS, and an Android device, ensure the keyboard is compatible with them to avoid buying separate keyboards for different devices.
Price
Don’t overspend on a keyboard if you won’t maximize its specs. A basic 60% keyboard without any customization software or RGB lighting is enough for someone using it for typing only.
Moreover, some keyboards are usually overpriced based on brand popularity, so check out the keyboard’s reviews before acquiring it to ensure it’s worth it.
What to Know Before Buying a 60% Keyboard
Not all 60% keyboards are handy for gaming. This statement holds even when the manufacturer indicates it in the product description. In fact, most 60% keyboards are usually multipurpose devices, as you can also use them for typing and coding.
However, you must check the keyboard’s layout to ensure it has all the keys, especially if the manufacturer asserts it’s a gaming keyboard.
The keyboard’s size matters. Some 60% keyboards usually have compressed keys that make it hard to type. Moreover, you will have difficulties adjusting to the keyboard, primarily if you’re used to a well-spaced one. So, ensure the 60% keyboard is large enough for your convenience.
Using a 60% Keyboard: What it’s Like
Using a 60% keyboard is like using a standard keyboard. All the alphabetical keys are similarly arranged, and you can even get a wireless device if you don’t like the wired one.
However, it will take time before you acclimatize to these devices. For starters, you won’t have functional keys, so you must program your 60% keyboard to perform the same tasks you expect from function keys. Lastly, these keyboards don’t have a number pad.
Summary Table
| Keyboard | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless Keyboard | Customizable, RGB lighting, long-lasting battery | Expensive |
| KINESIS Gaming TKO Mechanical Keyboard | SmartSet Programming Engine, RGB lighting, 80 million strokes | Not wireless |
| HyperX Alloy Origins 60 | HyperX NGENUITY software supports customization, compatible with multiple Windows versions, well-designed | Has a cord, limiting its use and convenience |
| Razer Huntsman Mini | RGB lighting, gaming mode feature | Lacks media keys, lacks a passthrough feature |
| RK Royal Kludge RK61 | Affordable, long-lasting battery, compatible with Windows, iOS, and Android devices | Lacks RGB lighting, need time to get used to it |
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