Compact, “60 percent” and “65 percent” keyboards have long been the purview of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts and programmers, but recent 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.
Small Size With Some Sacrifices
A standard, full-size keyboard has 104 keys. Technically speaking, that means a 60 percent keyboard should have 62 keys, and a 65 percent keyboard should have 67 or 68 keys. Realistically, manufacturers play it a little fast and loose with the key totals. Most 60 percenters we’ve tested run 60-65 keys; while 65 percenters have around 66-70 keys.
Unlike the tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard layout that simply removes the numeric keypad, the 60 or 65 percent keyboard layout also ditches what some might deem essential inputs. The typical 60 percent keyboard drops the Function (F1-F12) keys, arrows, 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.
65 percent 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.
Key Types
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 percent keyboard, so finding one that feels right comes down to finding your preferred switches. Our mechanical keyboard primer explains the switch basics.
It’s important to keep in mind why you want a 65-percent-or-under keyboard. 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 can lead to more accidental and out-of-order key presses.
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, Asian keyboard manufacturers, such as Anne Pro, Ducky, Happy Hacking, and Leopold.
Get Your Hotkey PhD
To compensate for losing essential keys, most 60 percent keyboards feature keys with secondary functions that are accessed by using the function key. Memorizing the shortcuts is a small hurdle that you must overcome. It’s also why the keyboard’s popularity has been relegated to keyboard hobbyists, programmers, and other power users until very recently.
Most factory-made 60 and 65 percent keyboards, particularly those launched during the 2021 boom, 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 percent keyboards make them particular essential. After all, shortcuts vary from model to model. In addition, many compact keyboard makers help you navigate the transition by supplying configuration software that lets you remap secondary inputs in addition to standard keys.
Looking for a Competitive Edge
Esports and competitive play fuel this current wave of 60 and 65 percent keyboards, so you can expect the 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.
On the other end of the spectrum, a surprising number of 60 and 65 percent 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 percent, 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.
Many 60 and 65 percent 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-C-to-A cord. On a few occasions, I’ve seen keyboards come with a hard case for travel. It’s a nice bonus, but it’s pretty rare so having one shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.
Expect Wires
What about wireless compact keyboards? After all, if you’re aiming to free up desk space, you may as well cut the cord, too. While there are wireless 60 and 65 percent keyboards, they’re few and far between. The groups who have been most interested in 60 and 65 percent keyboards until very recently—competitive gamers, programmers, custom keyboard enthusiasts—traditionally haven’t chased wireless keyboards. If the 60 percent keyboard scene continues to grow, however, this feature will likely make a larger splash in the market. If going wireless is your top priority right now, you should check out full-size and TKL keyboards. You’ll find a much larger selection.
Ready for Our Recommendations?
Now that you know what to look for in a 60 or 65 percent keyboard, it’s up to you to make your pick. Here’s our list 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.
