Top 60 Percent Mechanical Keyboards You Should Know About

If you're looking to save desk space without compromising on performance, a 60 percent mechanical keyboard is a perfect choice. These keyboards are sleek, minimal, and packed with features, making them popular among gamers, coders, and anyone who values a tidy workspace. In this list, we’ll explore some of the best 60 percent mechanical keyboards available, so you can find the one that suits your needs the best.

The Wordrunner: The Ultimate Keyboard for Writers

Before diving into the list of the best 60% mechanical keyboards, we’d like to introduce a keyboard that breaks the traditional mold - meet theWordrunner. While it’s not a standard 60% keyboard, the Wordrunner has unique features designed specifically for writers and content creators. As creators ourselves, we designed it to enhance productivity and help writers stay focused without distractions. The Wordrunner offers an innovative mechanical Wordometer, a first-of-its-kind 8-digit counter that physically tracks your word count in real-time. This feature gives you immediate feedback as you type, allowing you to see your progress and maintain momentum.

The Wordrunner is packed with writing-specific tools, including a built-in timer to keep you on track and customizable keys for shortcuts like Find, Replace, and Undo. It’s crafted with an aluminum body for durability and features versatile connectivity options, making it a perfect companion for writers on the go. While it may not be suited for gaming or regular typing tasks, the Wordrunner is an ideal tool for anyone who wants to boost their writing productivity and stay in the zone. 

If you’re looking for a keyboard designed with writers in mind, take a look at the Wordrunner onKickstarter.

1. Wooting 60HE+

The Wooting 60HE+ is a compact 60 percent mechanical keyboard that focuses on providing a responsive and customizable typing and gaming experience. It features analog input, which means it can detect the entire motion of each keypress, offering more control over the action. This is a useful feature for users who want precise adjustments, whether they're gaming or working on projects. In addition, the keyboard is designed to be easily modified, allowing users to customize it to their preferences.

It comes with Lekker switches, which offer a smooth, linear keypress with a quiet operation. The design includes high-quality materials that aim to improve durability and typing comfort. The 60HE+ is also equipped with functionality that makes it adaptable for different tasks, including key remapping and customizable layers. Overall, this keyboard provides a simple and adaptable option for those looking for a smaller, more efficient setup.

What Sets It Apart:

• Analog input for better key control

• Adjustable actuation point for a personalized feel

• Rapid trigger feature for faster key responses

• Modular design that allows for customization

Made For:

• Gamers who need precise input control

• Users looking for a customizable keyboard

• Those who prefer a compact layout without losing functionality

2. Keychron Q4

The Keychron Q4 is a compact 60 percent mechanical keyboard that blends quality and customization. Made with a solid CNC-machined aluminum body, this keyboard has a premium feel that’s hard to ignore. It comes with hot-swappable Gateron G Pro switches, allowing users to easily change switches without needing to solder. The Q4 is built to be customizable, offering an all-around adjustable design that suits various needs, from gaming to general use. Its minimalist layout is designed to keep things efficient and clean, which is perfect for those who want a more compact setup without losing functionality.

What really stands out about the Keychron Q4 is its double gasket design. This structure helps reduce unwanted noise from the keyboard’s metal parts, resulting in a quieter, more pleasant typing experience. The keyboard also supports QMK and VIA, allowing users to customize key mappings and functions with ease. Whether you're looking to improve your typing efficiency or simply enjoy a more comfortable setup, the Keychron Q4 provides the flexibility to do so.

What Sets It Apart:

• Hot-swappable Gateron G Pro switches for easy customization

• Double gasket design for quieter typing with less noise

• South-facing RGB LED lights for enhanced backlighting

• Supports both macOS and Windows with easy system switching

Made For:

• People who value a customizable and versatile keyboard

• Users looking for a quieter typing experience

• Those who need a compact, reliable keyboard for everyday tasks and gaming

3. Royal Kludge RK61

The Royal Kludge RK61 is a compact and versatile 60 percent mechanical keyboard that’s designed with both gamers and office users in mind. Its tri-mode connectivity - Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB-C wired - provides flexibility in how you connect to devices. This makes it a great choice for those who need to switch between multiple devices quickly. The RK61’s minimalist 61-key layout keeps things simple while still providing all the essential keys for productivity and gaming.

What stands out with the RK61 is its hot-swappable feature. You can easily replace the 3-pin or 5-pin switches without any soldering, allowing you to experiment with different switch types to find the one that feels just right for you. Additionally, the RK61 is built with a portable, lightweight design, making it easy to carry around for work or gaming on the go.

What Sets It Apart:

• Tri-mode connectivity for flexible use across devices

• Hot-swappable switches for easy customization

• Compact 60% layout for a clean, minimalist setup

• Portable design for easy transport and use anywhere

Made For:

• Users who need a versatile keyboard for multiple devices

• People who enjoy customizing their typing experience

• Gamers and office workers looking for a compact, efficient keyboard

4. Kinesis TKO Limited Edition

The Kinesis TKO Limited Edition is a customizable 60 percent mechanical keyboard designed for both performance and comfort. Featuring a standard 60% layout, the TKO allows you to access all the essential keys while keeping the footprint compact. Its modular HyperSpace triple spacebar design stands out, providing three programmable thumb keys instead of the usual single spacebar. This feature can significantly boost productivity and gaming performance by allowing easy access to extra functions right at your fingertips.

In addition to its spacebar innovation, the TKO offers a fully hotswappable design, enabling users to replace key switches without any soldering. This level of customization allows you to modify the keyboard to your liking, whether it's for a particular game or work task. The dual-zone RGB lighting adds a sleek aesthetic, and the premium PBT keycaps offer durability and a satisfying typing experience. The TKO's ergonomic features, including zero-degree slope and tenting capabilities, enhance wrist comfort, making it ideal for long sessions at the desk.

What Sets It Apart:

• Modular HyperSpace triple spacebar for customizable controls

• Hotswappable switches for easy personalization

• Dual-zone RGB lighting for customizable backlighting

• Ergonomic design with zero-degree slope and tenting options

Made For:

• Gamers looking for a customizable and ergonomic keyboard

• Professionals who need extra programmable keys for efficiency

• Users who value comfort and performance in a compact design

5. Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless

The Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless is a 60 percent mechanical keyboard designed for those who need a compact yet powerful option. It offers flexibility in connectivity, allowing you to choose between wireless and wired options. The keyboard is built with a sturdy aluminum frame and features per-key RGB lighting, which adds a dynamic touch to your setup. The mini layout ensures that you have easy access to all the essential keys without taking up too much space, making it ideal for smaller desks or on-the-go use.

This keyboard is highly customizable, with hot-swappable switches that let you change the feel of the keys to suit your preferences. Whether you're using it for gaming or productivity, the Corsair K70 Pro Mini provides a reliable and comfortable typing experience. It’s also compatible with various devices, from PCs to mobile, ensuring that you can use it in a range of environments.

What Sets It Apart:

• Customizable hot-swappable switches for personalized feel

• Wireless and wired connectivity options for flexibility

• Compact 60% layout for space-saving and portability

• Customizable RGB lighting to match your setup

Made For:

• People who need a compact keyboard for limited space

• Gamers and general users looking for a versatile and customizable keyboard

• Those who prefer a portable and easy-to-use design without compromising performance

6. HyperX Alloy Origins 60%

The HyperX Alloy Origins 60 is a compact and portable 60% mechanical gaming keyboard designed to give you more space for quick and precise mouse movements. Built with a full aircraft-grade aluminum body, this keyboard is sturdy and reliable, ready to withstand long gaming sessions. It features HyperX mechanical switches, known for their speed and responsiveness, ensuring that every keystroke counts. The keyboard’s compact form factor doesn’t sacrifice functionality, offering all the essential keys while freeing up space on your desk for better mouse positioning.

In addition to its solid construction, the Alloy Origins 60 boasts vibrant RGB backlighting with customizable lighting effects, making it easy to personalize your setup. The durable PBT keycaps are designed to resist wear and maintain their quality over time, with secondary functions printed on the side for easy access. Using HyperX NGENUITY software, you can further customize the keyboard with macros, lighting profiles, and game-specific settings, making this keyboard a great option for those who want both performance and personalization.

What Sets It Apart:

• Compact 60% layout for more room for mouse movement

• Durable aircraft-grade aluminum body for long-lasting use

• Customizable RGB lighting and effects through HyperX NGENUITY software

• Reliable HyperX mechanical switches rated for 80 million keypresses

Made For:

• Gamers looking for a space-saving keyboard without sacrificing functionality

• Users who want a sturdy and portable keyboard for travel

• Those who enjoy customizing their keyboard with lighting and macros

7. Glorious GMMK 1 Compact

The Glorious GMMK 1 Compact is a 60 percent mechanical keyboard designed for users who value both performance and portability. With its compact 61-key layout, this keyboard is ideal for tight spaces, offering enough keys for everyday tasks while leaving room for comfortable mouse movement. It features hot-swappable sockets, meaning you can easily change out the switches without needing to solder, giving you the freedom to customize the typing experience. The keyboard is compatible with a wide range of switches from brands like Cherry, Gateron, and Kailh, allowing you to choose the switches that best suit your needs.

This keyboard is built with a tray mount style and a USB-C 2.0 interface for easy connectivity. The Glorious GMMK 1 also comes with customizable RGB lighting effects, which can be adjusted using the FN key, providing an added layer of personalization. Whether you’re gaming, coding, or typing, the GMMK 1 Compact offers a versatile, space-efficient option without sacrificing functionality.

What Sets It Apart:

• Compact 60% layout, saving desk space while keeping essential keys

• Hot-swappable switch sockets for easy customization

• Customizable RGB lighting with multiple effects

• Compatible with a wide variety of switches for personalized feel

Made For:

• Users looking for a compact, customizable keyboard

• Gamers who need space for more mouse movement

• Those who want an easy-to-use, versatile keyboard with a variety of switch options

8. Ducky One 2 Mini v2 RGB

The Ducky One 2 Mini v2 RGB is a compact 60 percent mechanical keyboard that combines portability with functionality. It features a 60% layout, meaning it omits the number pad and function row for a more compact design, but it doesn’t cut back on essential features. With high-quality PBT double-shot keycaps and customizable RGB lighting, this keyboard offers durability and personalization. It’s ideal for users looking for a compact setup that still delivers on performance and style, whether for gaming or work.

Designed with convenience in mind, the Ducky One 2 Mini v2 offers great customization options through its RGB lighting modes and the support for Ducky Macro V2.0. The keyboard also features a detachable USB-C cable for easy transport and storage. Whether you’re gaming or typing, this keyboard ensures that you have quick access to all the necessary keys through its FN layer. It’s a solid choice for anyone who needs a reliable, space-efficient keyboard.

What Sets It Apart:

• Compact 60% layout for portability and efficiency

• High-quality PBT double-shot keycaps for durability

• Customizable RGB lighting effects for a personalized setup

• Supports Ducky Macro V2.0 for advanced customization

Made For:

• Gamers and professionals who need a space-saving keyboard

• Users who want a compact, portable keyboard with robust features

• Those who enjoy customizable lighting and macros for gaming or productivity

9. Obinslab Anne Pro 2 Black 60%

The Obinslab Anne Pro 2 Black is a compact 60 percent mechanical keyboard that offers both wired and wireless connections. It’s designed to save space while providing all the essential keys for a streamlined typing or gaming experience. The keyboard is equipped with customizable RGB backlighting that can be adjusted through the ObinsLab Starter software, giving users the freedom to personalize their lighting effects. Whether used for gaming or work, this keyboard balances functionality with portability, making it a good option for those with limited desk space.

In addition to its compact design, the Anne Pro 2 features customizable key mappings and macros. This allows you to program each key according to your preferences, adding an extra layer of flexibility. The keyboard is simple to use and works well across different operating systems, offering an efficient and user-friendly typing experience.

What Sets It Apart:

• Wireless and wired options for easy connectivity

• Customizable RGB lighting for a personalized touch

• Full key remapping and macro support for added flexibility

• Compact 60% layout for a space-saving design

Made For:

• Users who need a compact and flexible keyboard

• People who enjoy customizing their key functions and lighting

• Those looking for a portable keyboard that works well in various setups

10. Vortex Pok3r RGB

The Vortex Pok3r RGB is a 60 percent mechanical keyboard designed for those who prefer a compact layout without compromising on functionality. With its robust aluminum frame, it offers both durability and a sleek design. The keyboard is equipped with Cherry MX switches, which are known for their reliability and smooth performance. Its RGB backlighting can be customized, allowing users to personalize their keyboard with dynamic lighting effects.

The Pok3r RGB features a soldered PCB, which provides stability and ensures that the keyboard remains reliable over time. It also includes N-Key rollover, making it suitable for high-speed gaming and rapid typing. The keyboard is easy to set up with USB Type-C connectivity and is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. Whether for gaming or typing, the Vortex Pok3r RGB provides a portable and customizable option for users who need a compact yet efficient keyboard.

What Sets It Apart:

• Compact 60% layout for portability and functionality

• RGB backlighting with customizable lighting effects

• Cherry MX switches for reliable and smooth performance

• Soldered PCB for durability and stability

Made For:

• Users who need a compact and customizable keyboard

• Gamers looking for high performance in a small form factor

• People who value durability and sleek design in a portable setup

11. Epomaker EP64

The Epomaker EP64 is a compact 60% mechanical keyboard that strikes a balance between functionality and portability. Designed with a 64-key layout, this keyboard retains arrow keys while omitting the numpad and function row for a more streamlined form. It’s equipped with PBT keycaps in a beautiful Bauhinia colorway, which combines white and light purple hues, giving the keyboard an elegant and modern look. The keyboard also features customizable RGB lighting effects that can be adjusted to match your personal style.

What makes the EP64 stand out is its versatility in connectivity. It supports Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB-C wired connections, making it compatible with a wide range of devices. The hot-swappable design allows users to easily change switches without soldering, giving you the flexibility to experiment with different switch types. Whether you’re working or gaming, the Epomaker EP64 provides a customizable and portable option for those seeking a compact mechanical keyboard with all the essential features.

What Sets It Apart:

• Compact 60% layout with arrow keys for easy access

• Multiple connectivity options: Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB-C

• Hot-swappable switches for easy customization

• RGB lighting with customizable effects

Made For:

• Users looking for a compact and portable mechanical keyboard

• Those who want the flexibility of hot-swappable switches

• People who enjoy customizable RGB lighting and effects

12. KBParadise V60 The 2 Great Wave

The KBParadise V60 The 2 Great Wave is a 60% mechanical keyboard that stands out due to its compact design and functionality. It features a hot-swappable switch system, allowing users to easily remove and replace any MX-compatible switches without soldering, making customization accessible. The keyboard’s double-shot PBT keycaps provide durability and a satisfying feel, ideal for long typing sessions. Its sleek design is highlighted by a unique Great Wave color theme, adding a touch of style to any workspace.

Despite being compact, the V60 includes easy access to hotkeys for productivity, multimedia, and internet functions. This makes it a versatile keyboard for both work and gaming. The keyboard is lightweight and portable, measuring at just 290mm x 100mm, making it a great choice for users who are looking for a space-saving, high-performance mechanical keyboard.

What Sets It Apart:

• Hot-swappable switches for easy customization

• Double-shot PBT keycaps for durability and a premium feel

• Compact 60% layout with quick access to multimedia and productivity functions

• Stylish Great Wave color theme

Made For:

• Users seeking a compact keyboard with customizable switches

• People looking for a portable yet high-performing keyboard for gaming and work

• Those who prefer a keyboard with durable keycaps and versatile functionality

Conclusion

60 percent mechanical keyboards offer a perfect balance of compactness, portability, and functionality. Whether you're a gamer, programmer, or someone who simply appreciates an efficient workspace, these keyboards are a great choice. They eliminate unnecessary keys while retaining essential functions, making them ideal for minimalists and those with limited desk space. The customizable features, various switch options, and vibrant RGB lighting effects further enhance the appeal, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits. With options ranging from hot-swappable switches to premium PBT keycaps, these keyboards cater to a wide variety of preferences, offering a truly personalized typing experience.

FAQ