If you love the feel of a mechanical keyboard but hate how bulky they can be, you’re in luck. Portable mechanical keyboards pack all the great features you want into a smaller, travel-friendly size. Whether you need one for work, gaming, or just to save some desk space, we’ve rounded up the best options out there. Let’s get into it.

1. Wordrunner
We createdWordrunner because we believe writers deserve tools made just for them. Too often, keyboards are built for gamers or general office work, not for the people who spend hours crafting stories, articles, and essays. We built Wordrunner from the ground up to be the keyboard we always wished we had: one that focuses purely on writing without distractions.
Wordrunner isn’t just about typing - it’s about helping you build real momentum. That’s why we designed the world's first mechanical Wordometer, an 8-digit counter that physically tracks your word count in real time. You can see your progress the moment you start typing. No apps, no settings - just instant, tangible feedback that keeps you going. And because it’s mechanical, the counter stays visible even when the keyboard is off.
Key Highlights:
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Mechanical Wordometer that tracks your word count in real time
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Built-in timer to keep you focused during writing sprints
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Customizable function keys made specifically for writers
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High-quality mechanical switches and sound-dampened typing
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Solid metal body that’s built to last
What Makes It Portable:
Wordrunner works wirelessly over Bluetooth and supports multiple device connections. It's compact enough to fit into your bag, and the durable metal body means you can take it anywhere without worrying about damage. Whether you’re writing at a desk, a coffee shop, or on the road, Wordrunner is ready to go.
If you’re ready to unlock a new level of writing focus, we invite you to explore the WordRunner onKickstarter.
2. Royal Kludge RK61 Wireless 60% Keyboard
The Royal Kludge RK61 is a small, no-fuss keyboard built for people who want that solid mechanical feel without dragging around something heavy. It ditches the extra keys you don’t use every day, so it takes up way less space on your desk. If you like keeping things simple and neat, this keyboard makes it easy.
One of the best parts about the RK61 is how easy it is to connect. Whether you prefer working wire-free or plugging in, this keyboard supports wired (USB-C), Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz connections. You can even switch between different devices quickly, which is super handy if you bounce between a laptop and a tablet during the day. Plus, if you ever feel like changing how the keys feel, swapping them out is a pretty straightforward process.
Key Highlights:
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Easy switching between wireless, Bluetooth and wired use
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Can connect to multiple devices at once
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Minimal design with just the keys you really need
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Feels sturdy but still light to carry
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Swapping out keys is simple if you want a different feel
What Makes It Portable:
It’s small, light, and easy to slip into a backpack or bag without taking up much room, making it a solid pick for working or gaming on the go.
3. Logitech MX Mechanical Mini
The Logitech MX Mechanical Mini is a compact keyboard designed to give you a comfortable typing experience without taking up much space. It focuses on providing a smooth, mechanical key feel in a smaller form that helps keep your desk clean and your posture in check. The layout is simple and functional, making it a good choice for people who want something that just works without extra distractions.
This keyboard also puts a bit of thought into sustainability, using recycled materials in its design. It's made to be durable but light enough to move around when needed. While it skips a lot of flashy extras, it sticks to what matters: good feel, reliable performance, and a more thoughtful build for everyday use.
Key Highlights:
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Minimalist layout for a cleaner desk setup
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Comfortable mechanical feel for long typing sessions
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Built with recycled materials for a lower environmental impact
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Compact size that encourages better posture
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Simple design without unnecessary extras
What Makes It Portable:
The smaller size and lighter build make it easy to fit into bags or move between setups without adding bulk or weight.
4. Epomaker TH80 Pro V2 VIA
The Epomaker TH80 Pro V2 VIA is a compact keyboard that blends a lot of useful features into a size that’s easy to manage. It keeps things simple with a smaller layout, but still gives you enough keys for most tasks. The standout feature is its small screen that can be customized to show different information like system stats or logos, adding a bit of personal touch without being over the top.
Another thing that sets it apart is how flexible it is to connect. You can go wired, use Bluetooth, or switch to a wireless dongle depending on what suits your setup best. It’s built solid enough to feel stable during use but stays light enough to move around without feeling like a chore.
Key Highlights:
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Customizable screen for simple, personal display options
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Easy switching between wired, Bluetooth, and wireless dongle modes
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Compact 75% layout that still keeps all the important keys
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Built to stay stable and feel good during long use
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Allows you to customize key functions through simple software
What Makes It Portable:
Its compact frame and light weight make it easy to move between places or pack into a bag without taking up too much space or adding extra bulk.
5. NuPhy Air75 V2
The NuPhy Air75 V2 is a slim and lightweight keyboard built for people who want mechanical keys without the bulk. It keeps a clean, low-profile design that fits easily into a bag or backpack. Despite its thin build, it feels sturdy and offers a satisfying typing experience. The keyboard’s design focuses on portability and simplicity, but still gives you room to customize it just the way you like.
You can switch between wired, Bluetooth, or wireless connections, making it flexible whether you’re at a desk or on the move. It works across different systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux without any extra setup. If you like having control over how your keyboard works, you can remap keys and customize layouts through simple software tools.
Key Highlights:
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Low-profile design that’s easy to carry
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Supports wired, Bluetooth, and wireless connections
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Works with Windows, macOS, and Linux right out of the box
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Customizable key layouts with easy-to-use software
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Comes with a sturdy frame but stays lightweight for daily use
What Makes It Portable:
Its thin, compact build and light weight make it ideal for slipping into a backpack or carrying around with your laptop, without adding bulk or weight.
6. MageGee Portable 60% Keyboard
The MageGee MK-Box is a simple and compact mechanical keyboard that keeps things light and easy. With 68 keys, it cuts out the extras you don’t always need but still keeps useful ones like the arrow keys and function row. It’s a wired keyboard, which keeps the setup straightforward without having to worry about battery life or wireless connections.
Despite its budget-friendly design, it still delivers a satisfying mechanical typing feel, especially with its clicky switches. The LED backlight adds a bit of style without being too flashy. Overall, it’s a practical pick for people who want a smaller keyboard that does the job without a lot of extra fuss.
Key Highlights:
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60% layout with 68 keys including arrow and function keys
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Clicky switches for a traditional mechanical typing feel
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Blue LED backlighting with simple lighting effects
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Wired connection for a no-hassle setup
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Lightweight and compact, good for small desks
What Makes It Portable:
Its small size and light build make it easy to pack in a bag, perfect for people who need a basic, reliable keyboard they can move around without much effort.
7. Drop + OLKB Planck Kit V7
The Drop + OLKB Planck V7 is a compact keyboard built around an ortholinear layout, which means the keys are arranged in straight columns instead of the staggered rows most people are used to. It’s designed for those who want a smaller keyboard that minimizes finger movement while still offering a high level of control and customization. You build it yourself, which means you can set it up exactly the way you want from the ground up.
Even though it’s small, the Planck V7 is made with serious attention to detail. It has a sturdy aluminum or polycarbonate case and a strong USB port that’s built to last. Plus, you get the option to add rotary knobs in up to eight different places if you like to fine-tune your setup even more. It’s designed to be flexible and powerful without being bulky.
Key Highlights:
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Ortholinear layout to reduce finger travel
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Strong, compact case in aluminum or polycarbonate
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Options for rotary encoders for extra control
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Works with popular open-source customization software
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Small built-in speaker for feedback sounds
What Makes It Portable:
The slim and lightweight build makes it easy to carry around, and the compact layout keeps it small enough to fit into tight desk spaces or travel setups.
8. Keychron K3 Max
The Keychron K3 Max is a low-profile mechanical keyboard that balances a slim design with a lot of functionality. It has a 75% layout, which makes it compact without cutting out important keys. Whether you prefer to use it wired or through a 2.4 GHz connection, it’s built to keep up with both work and gaming.
What makes the K3 Max even more useful is its support for easy key customization through QMK firmware and Keychron’s web-based Launcher app. Plus, it’s compatible with both Mac and Windows right out of the box, and even includes keycaps for both setups. With an aluminum top and a lightweight build, it’s a solid option for anyone needing a portable mechanical keyboard without too much bulk.
Key Highlights:
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Slim, low-profile design for better portability
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Supports Bluetooth and wired connections
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Programmable keys with QMK and Keychron Launcher
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Comes with Mac and Windows keycaps for easy switching
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Comfortable typing experience with acoustic foam and adjustable angles
What Makes It Portable:
Its lightweight body, thin profile, and wireless options make it super easy to carry around or move between home, office, or coffee shop setups.
9. Razer Huntsman Mini
The Razer Huntsman Mini is a 60% mechanical keyboard built for gamers who want a compact setup without losing functionality. While it ditches the function row and numpad, all those commands are still accessible through shortcuts. Designed to save space and boost portability, it's a great fit for minimal desks and travel.
Built with Razer's Optical Switches, the Huntsman Mini delivers fast, responsive keystrokes. The keycaps are durable double-shot PBT, resisting shine and wear, and they have side-printed secondary functions for quick reference. With onboard memory, you can save up to five profiles without needing software, and it’s loaded with preset RGB lighting effects for an extra layer of personalization.
Key Highlights:
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Compact 60% layout perfect for minimal setups
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Fast Razer Optical Switches for quick actuation
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Durable double-shot PBT keycaps with side-printed legends
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Onboard memory for up to five profiles
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Razer Chroma RGB lighting with preset effects
What Makes It Portable:
Its ultra-compact size, detachable cable, and lightweight design make it ideal for gamers on the move or anyone needing to save space without sacrificing performance.
10. Keychron K2 HE
The Keychron K2 HE is a 75% wireless keyboard built with magnetic switch technology. It's designed for people who want more control over how their keyboard feels without needing a lot of complicated setup. You can adjust how far you have to press each key before it registers, which makes it easy to get the keyboard feeling just right for both gaming and everyday typing.
This keyboard also has a sturdy build with a mix of aluminum and plastic, and the option for wood accents gives it a more natural look. It works on Windows, macOS, and Linux and can connect using Bluetooth, a wireless dongle, or a USB cable. Whether you are switching between work and gaming or just need a reliable keyboard, the K2 HE keeps things simple without being boring.
Key Highlights:
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Magnetic switches that let you set how deep a key needs to be pressed
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Can connect wirelessly or with a cable
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Works with different operating systems
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Special features like setting multiple actions on one key
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Quiet and solid typing feel, with a design that looks good on any desk
What Makes It Portable:
The compact size and wireless options make it easy to carry around without dealing with extra cables. It’s small enough to fit in most bags but still comfortable for regular use.
11. Lemokey X4
The Lemokey X4 is a wired mechanical keyboard with a 75% layout, made for people who want a simple and reliable setup without giving up flexibility. It has a gasket-mount design that makes typing feel softer and quieter, and you can easily customize the key layout with their web app. It comes with durable double-shot keycaps and a red backlight that gives it a clean, minimal look.
This keyboard keeps things focused - no unnecessary extras, just solid performance for gaming or everyday use. The aluminum knob adds a little extra control for volume or other functions, and it’s built with enough thought that it feels nice without being flashy.
Key Highlights:
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75% layout gives you most keys you need without wasting space
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Gasket mount and PC plate for a smoother, quieter typing feel
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Customizable key layouts with an easy-to-use web app
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Red backlight with multiple effects to fit your preference
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Solid build with adjustable typing angles for comfort
What Makes It Portable:
The smaller 75% size and wired connection mean you can toss it into a bag without too much hassle. It’s lightweight enough to carry but still feels solid on a desk.
12. Ajazz AK820 Pro
The Ajazz AK820 Pro is a 75% mechanical keyboard built for people who want something compact without giving up useful features. It has a simple design but comes with a small interactive screen that shows things like battery life, connection type, and lighting settings. Whether you prefer working wired or wirelessly, this keyboard lets you switch easily between USB or wireless connections.
This keyboard feels good to type on thanks to a gasket-mounted design that softens each keypress. It also comes with RGB backlighting and can handle use with both Mac and Windows systems. It’s a no-fuss keyboard that still gives you a few extras without getting overly complicated.
Key Highlights:
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75% compact layout saves desk space but keeps important keys
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Built-in TFT screen for real-time updates and customization
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Switch easily between wired and wireless connections
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Gasket-mount and flex-cut design for a softer typing feel
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Works with both Mac and Windows with easy switching
What Makes It Portable:
The smaller size and wireless options make it easy to move around or set up anywhere. It’s light enough to carry in a bag without adding much bulk.
13. Ducky One 2 Mini Pro Classic
The Ducky One 2 Mini Pro Classic is a small and simple mechanical keyboard that fits easily on any desk. It focuses on the essentials, offering a clean, no-nonsense layout that feels comfortable whether you are working or gaming. The typing experience is quiet and solid thanks to small improvements inside the keyboard that reduce noise without making it feel heavy or stiff.
This keyboard also gives you a little extra flexibility. The keycaps are built to last, and you can even swap out a few keys with colorful ones that come in the box if you want a small personal touch. It’s a keyboard that keeps things simple but does the basics really well.
Key Highlights:
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Compact layout that saves space without losing important keys
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Durable keycaps that stay looking good over time
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Easy to unplug and carry thanks to a removable cable
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Smoother, quieter typing feel with less rattle
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Comes with bonus colorful keycaps for a small custom look
What Makes It Portable:
Its small size and removable cable make it easy to toss into a bag and take wherever you go, without worrying about damage or extra bulk.
14. Wooting 60HE+
The Wooting 60HE+ is a compact keyboard designed to give users faster reactions and smoother typing. Unlike traditional keyboards, it uses a different type of switch technology that feels quick and precise without any extra noise or lag. Whether you are gaming or working, the overall experience is smooth, and the keyboard feels stable without being too heavy.
It also supports easy customization. You can adjust how far you need to press the keys before they respond, which can be handy for different tasks. The design is clean and simple, making it a good choice if you want something straightforward without losing flexibility.
Key Highlights:
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Small layout that keeps your desk free of clutter
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Switches react quickly and feel smoother than regular mechanical keys
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Adjustable key press settings for a more personal feel
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Durable keycaps that do not wear down easily
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Designed for easy updates and profile changes without extra software
What Makes It Portable:
The small size and lightweight design make it simple to carry, so it is easy to take this keyboard with you whether you are traveling or just moving between setups.
15. Shurikey Hanzo 001
The Shurikey Hanzo 001 is a keyboard built for those who like something simple but with a bit of character. It has a clean, retro look and a layout that saves space without feeling cramped. Whether you are typing or gaming, it handles both without much fuss. With the option to connect wirelessly or with a cable, it works well in different setups, whether you are at home or moving around.
This keyboard is about balancing a nice feel with convenience. The keys are smooth and reliable, and it supports switching between devices easily, which is great if you work with more than one computer or tablet during the day.
Key Highlights:
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Compact layout that keeps your desk clear
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Dual connection options for more flexibility
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Retro design for a different look
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Keycaps made to last longer without fading
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Switches tuned for a comfortable typing feel
What Makes It Portable:
Its small size and wireless connection make it easy to pack and use anywhere without dealing with too many cables.
Conclusion
Finding the right portable mechanical keyboard comes down to knowing what matters most to you. Whether it’s a compact size for easy travel, reliable wireless connection, or a great typing feel that keeps up with your work, there’s no shortage of strong options available right now. Mechanical keyboards aren’t just for gaming anymore - they’re built to deliver a better experience wherever you write, work, or create. With the right portable keyboard, you get the freedom to set up and focus anywhere, without sacrificing comfort or performance.
FAQ
What makes a mechanical keyboard “portable”?
A portable mechanical keyboard is smaller and lighter than a full-size keyboard, often using a compact layout like 60% or 75%. It’s designed to be easy to carry and quick to set up wherever you need it.
Is a smaller keyboard harder to use?
It can take a little getting used to, especially if you’re coming from a full-size layout. However, many portable keyboards are smartly designed to keep important functions easily accessible through layers or shortcuts.
Can I use a portable keyboard for gaming too?
Absolutely. Many portable mechanical keyboards have fast response times and high-quality switches that make them great for gaming as well as work.
Do mechanical keyboards really make a difference for typing?
They do. Mechanical switches provide a more precise and consistent feel compared to regular membrane keyboards, which can make typing faster, more comfortable, and less tiring over long sessions.