Discover why 60% mechanical keyboards are perfect for gamers & minimalists. Pros, cons, FAQs & top picks to upgrade your setup in 2025.
If you’ve been browsing gaming setups or watching pro players, you’ve probably noticed one thing — their keyboards are small. Not just “slim” — we’re talking about the ultra-compact 60% keyboard that’s taking over both the gaming and productivity world.
This guide will explain what a 60% keyboard is, why gamers love it, its pros and cons, and which models are worth buying in 2025.
What Is a 60% Keyboard?
A 60% keyboard is a mechanical keyboard that’s around 40% smaller than a full-size one. It removes the function row (F1–F12), arrow keys, and number pad, leaving only the most essential keys.
Instead of having dedicated keys for everything, a 60% keyboard uses layers — meaning you can press a combination of keys to access missing functions.
Why it’s popular:
Saves desk space
Improves mouse movement range
Looks clean and minimalist
Easy to carry around
Why Gamers Love 60% Keyboards
For competitive gaming, desk space is crucial. A 60% keyboard’s small form factor gives players more room for large, sweeping mouse movements — especially in FPS games like Valorant, CS2, and Apex Legends.
Other reasons gamers prefer them:
Ergonomic positioning: Keeps arms closer together for comfort during long sessions.
Lightweight build: Easier to take to LAN events or tournaments.
Custom feel: Switches, keycaps, and lighting can be personalized.
Pro tip: A 60% keyboard with anti-ghosting and low-latency response can give a real edge in competitive matches.
Key Features to Look For in a 60% Keyboard
When buying a 60% mechanical keyboard, these features can make a big difference:
1. Hot-Swappable Switches – Swap mechanical switches without soldering.
2. PBT Keycaps – More durable and resistant to shine than ABS keycaps.
3. Programmable Layers – Customize key functions to suit your workflow or games.
4. RGB Lighting – Adds style and helps in low-light gaming sessions.
5. Wired or Wireless Options – Choose wired for competitive gaming, wireless for portability.
6. Build Quality – A sturdy metal frame feels premium and lasts longer.
Who Should Use a 60% Keyboard?
A 60% keyboard is perfect for:
Gamers who want more mouse space and faster reaction times.
Minimalists who prefer a clutter-free desk.
Travelers who need a lightweight, portable keyboard.
Programmers who value customization and shortcut layers.
It may not be ideal for heavy spreadsheet or number entry work, but for gaming, coding, and general typing, it’s hard to beat.
Popular 60% Keyboard Recommendations (2025)
Here are some top-rated 60% keyboards worth checking out:
1. Razer Huntsman Mini – Fast optical switches, vibrant RGB, perfect for esports.
2. Keychron K12 – Wireless + hot-swappable, great for both Mac and Windows users.
3. Ducky One 3 Mini – Excellent build quality, customizable keycaps, responsive switches.
4. Anne Pro 2 – Wireless with excellent battery life and full RGB customization.
5. Glorious GMMK 2 60% – Hot-swappable, premium feel, and fully modular.
Pros and Cons of a 60% Keyboard
Pros
Compact Size – Perfect for small desks and portable setups.
Minimalist Aesthetic – Clean and clutter-free look.
Lightweight & Portable – Easy to carry anywhere.
Ergonomic Benefits – Reduces strain during long sessions.
Customizable – Hot-swappable switches, RGB, and programmable layers.
Cons
Missing Keys – No dedicated function row, numpad, or arrows (layers fix this).
Learning Curve – May take time to get used to key combinations.
Not for Data Entry – Lacks numpad for heavy spreadsheet work.
Limited In-Store Options – Best models often bought online.
FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About 60% Keyboards
Q: What is a 60% gaming keyboard and why is it popular among gamers?
Ans: It’s a compact mechanical keyboard without function keys, arrow keys, and a numpad. Gamers love it for the extra mouse space, portability, and clean design.
Q: Do you have any recommendations for 60% keyboards for gaming?
Ans: Yes — Razer Huntsman Mini, Ducky One 3 Mini, and Anne Pro 2 are excellent picks.
Q: Why does a 60% keyboard stand out?
Ans: Its small form factor, minimalist look, and portability make it unique compared to bulkier keyboards.
Q: What are the disadvantages of a 60% keyboard?
Ans: Missing dedicated keys, a small learning curve, and not ideal for heavy number entry.
Q: Why do people use 60% keyboards?
Ans: For better desk space, portability, comfort, and style.
Q: How many keys does a 60% keyboard have?
Ans: Usually 61 keys, depending on the layout.
Q: Does a 60% keyboard have F keys?
Ans: Not directly — they’re accessed through a function (FN) layer.
Q: Why do people get 60% keyboards?
Ans: To save space, improve mouse movement, and achieve a minimalist setup.
Conclusion – Is a 60% Keyboard Worth It?
For gamers, coders, and anyone who loves a minimal, high-performance setup, a 60% keyboard is an excellent choice. It’s portable, stylish, and functional — and once you adapt to using layers, you’ll wonder how you ever used a full-size board.
If you’re ready to upgrade, choose a model with hot-swappable switches, PBT keycaps, and low-latency performance for the best experience.
A 60% keyboard isn’t just smaller, it’s smarter.
