Gamers benefit more from 60 keyboards to minimize fatigue during extended or competitive gaming sessions. They are programmable without software, with multiple layers but with no keymapping functionality via software.
A 60% keyboard is a keyboard that has been reduced in size so that it only includes the keys that are absolutely essential for basic typing and gaming. This includes the alphanumeric keys, as well as the arrow keys and a few others.
The freedom of customization is what attracts gamers and enables bright minds to choose different colored keycaps, wire keycap pullers, and themed spacebars. This attention to quality to achieve the ultimate immersive experience doesn't come cheap, and 60% mechanical keyboards can be pricey.
Why use a 60% keyboard?
I have a one-line answer for this. Use it to create a better ergonomic posture for gaming thanks to its narrower width to enhance your comfortability and immersion.
Its diminutive width is a significant advantage to creating a better ergonomic posture for gaming, great for limited desk space, and looks good with an enhanced symmetrical layout design.
Also, be aware of its possible cause of productivity decline by not having function or arrow keys if you use them heavily. Fewer total keys mean fewer key mapping options becoming a potential drawback to its decline.
I prefer 60 keyboards for an overall immersive and ergonomic experience on top of high performance, key feel, and compatible design achieved by sacrificing some functionality.
There is a school of thought in favor of these mechanical keyboards, and gamers alike think the bigger when experiencing immersion in their gaming equipment.
Why are 60% keyboards so popular?
Because the remaining 40% in the market are the worse ones, it’s good not to have a keyboard around with unnecessary keys running all around your fingers to be accidentally pressed.
Being multi-purpose, highly customizable, and compatible are the selling points of 60 percent keyboards, making them the celebrity around their look-alikes.
The majority of 60% keyboards use a wired connection, which leads to a gain in space and reduces device footprint. In my experience, they are faster (Mbappé like faster) and reliable making you good to go for fast-paced typing.
It's essential for any minimalist who prefers a clean setup and alleviates wrist and forearm pain.
If you aim to create the best-looking office or customized gaming setup possible, go for it because you will find nothing more character-driven and a high-performance keyboard than this one.
Examples of best 60% keyboards
The number of 60% keyboards available in the market can be overwhelming, and finding one that fits perfectly for productivity or play is a hard home.
Anyway, that's why you and I are here to discover the best 60% keyboards for each class, from keyboard enthusiasts and streamers to programmers and esports pros.
If you are following the article, you know what to look for in a 60 percent keyboard, and your every question will be answered before we even reach the end of this article.
Here's my list of the best 60% keyboards after in-depth research and analysis of hundreds of best-reviewed mechanical keyboards in the market.
SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless
It's overall best in the 60% keyboard category, providing unforgettable gaming and programming experience. However, it's not well-suited for enjoying the content on your smart TV or HTPC.
The best thing I liked about this keyboard is its adjustable pre-travel distance feature, letting you customize the sensitivity of your keypresses on a pre-key base.
It uses magnetic switches called OmniPoint 2.0 to provide a pre-travel distance from an ultra-sensitive 0.2mm to a typing-friendly 3.8mm, making this beast a versatile unit every other keyboard terrifies to challenge.
Kinesis TKO Gaming Keyboard
Its bold and helpful features are advantageous, and its ergonomic feet enable reverse tilt and tenting. It has a three-button spacebar, nine onboard profiles, and an RGB underglow bar. It's best for competitive gaming and my favorite for its incredible vision and ergonomic features.
This machine can be a nightmare for simple people out there who don't want to be involved in complex updates. It isn’t easy to make configuration and firmware updates thanks to its driverless software.
Razer Huntsman Mini Analog
It's the best upper mid-range 60% keyboard that performs similarly to the SteelSeries, with equally low latency and excellent RGB backlighting. The Razor is best for gaming with macro-programmable keys that feel very well-built.
What makes the Razer stand out is its "Analog Mode," which registers how far down you've pressed a key to respond in-game, and it gives you much fine movement control than you'd typically get with any other option.
Corsair K65 RGB MINI
It's the best mid-range 60% keyboard that focuses on raw gaming performance. Instead of non-standard switches, Corsair comes with Cherry MX switches.
I got unparallel gaming performance and a highly responsive in-game experience while using the Corsair.
Obinslab Anne Pro 2
Hold me, or I will not stop bragging about how good Obinslab Anne Pro 2 is. It's the best budget 60% keyboard in the market, perfectly balanced for everything there is related to keyboards.
It's well adopted when playing, and its pre-travel, build quality, backlighting, operating force, latency, key macro programmable ability, and typing quality is beyond a match. While most 60% keyboards are focus-oriented, Obinslab is a multi-purpose mechanical keyboard that I highly recommend.
Do programmers use 60 keyboards?
Programmers can be weird, but they are able to enjoy the things others do, and I am one of them. The interest of programmers in the 60% keyboards is one of the main reasons behind its popularity, but the main driving force of it is the gaming industry.
Nearly every mechanical keyboard in the market has its 60% version with exceptional build quality, proven keyboard switches, multiple functional layers, macros support, and many other customizable features without compromising on quality, and that's also why these keyboards are too expensive.
Take Ducky One 2 Mini as an example and a perfect build for programming.
Programmers enjoy 60% keyboard ergonomics, smaller depth dimensions & compact design for easy handling, high-quality mechanical switches to enhance typing, and keyboard programmability enabling them to customize the keyboard software and look exactly how they want.
That's what makes these keyboards most attractive to programmers, and if you are one like me, you will not be disappointed!
Psst! Read more about whether or not Mechanical Keyboards Good For Programming in my article on Are Mechanical Keyboards Good for Programming?
Which 60% keyboard is the best?
Gaming and programming are two of the primary uses of the 60% keyboards, and when it comes to gaming or programming, you and I can have different values to determine what keyboard is the best.
I look for switches, their feel, build quality, size and design, keycaps, and customizability when selecting the best keyboard, and based on these factors, I have a few 60% keyboards in mind.
I found Razer Huntsman Mini analog keyboard and Obinslab Anne Pro 2 the best because they helped me unlock the new dimensions of typing fast and being more comfortable around computers.
The 60% keyboards perform well enough to please almost everyone, and differences are often not noticeable unless you dig them up.
Are 60% keyboards worth it?
Yes, they are great for gaming, programming, and everyday use, and investing in them can save you much space on your desk, improve your typing experience, and make moving around a lot easier thanks to their compact and lightweight design.
Most people misunderstood the reason behind the 60% keyboards, the remaining keys are still there, and you can access them. A manageable and easy-to-handle keyboard for a better ergonomic posture is why they are worth it.
Conclusion
A 60% keyboard is a great choice for those looking to save some space on their desktop and have an efficient typing experience. With fewer keys, the keys you do have are larger and easier to press, making it comfortable to type with.
Additionally, since there are fewer components due to the reduced size of the board, they tend to be more durable than full-sized keyboards. Lastly, they can also provide a unique aesthetic look that many people find appealing.
If you're in the market for a new keyboard, consider getting one that's 60%, as you won't regret it!
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- What Are Analog Keyboards?
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- Are Ducky Keyboards Good for Gaming?
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