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.
Recommended by Our Editors
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 |
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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 |
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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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
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 Keyboards
As 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% Keyboards
To 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 Gaming
The 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.
