The short answer is that a 60 Keyboard is a keyboard without the number pad, function keys, arrow keys, and navigation cluster.
You might have seen or heard about a 60 Percent keyboard and asked yourself questions like what does 60 percent keyboard mean or if a 60 percent keyboard will suit you, then you are not alone.
Gaining popularity over the years, 60 Percent Keyboards became a preference for those who want a cleaner setup and save desk space.
If you’re one amongst the many who are planning to switch over to a 60 keyboard but are hesitant because you don’t know much about this keyboard type, then stick around as we have gathered the most helpful information about 60 percent keyboards.
What is a 60 Keyboard?
A 60 keyboard is a type of keyboard that is smaller in size when compared to a full-sized keyboard as it lacks a few keys.
A 60 percent keyboard does not have a Numpad, function row, arrow keys, and navigation cluster.
While the smaller size might take some time to get used to, once you get the hang of it, you will be surprised at how good these are for gaming and fast you can type or execute gaming functions on a 60 percent keyboard.
How Many Keys Does a 60 Keyboard Have?
The “60” in 60 percent keyboard comes from the fact that these keyboards have around 60 to 62 keys in total. In comparison to existing keyboards in the market, let’s go ahead and take a look at the number of keys for some widely used keyboards:
A full-size keyboard – 104 – 108 keys
Tenkeyless (TKL) – 88 keys
65% Keyboards – 67-68 keys
40% Keyboard – 47 keys
The lesser number of keys in 60 keyboards does not mean a loss of functionality. 60 percent keyboards often come with programmable keys.
This means that you can reassign the functions of certain keys to make them work the way you want them to. For example, you can map the keys to launch a specific application or perform a particular action with just a few keystrokes.
This is a great feature for gamers and power users who want greater control over their keyboards.
How Big is a 60 Percent Keyboard?
60 keyboards normally measure approximately 11.5 inches by 4.25 inches. The size is much smaller than that of tenkeyless keyboards because of the missing keys that you usually have from a full-size keyboard, be it a mechanical keyboard or a membrane keyboard.
Let’s go ahead and take a look at the different size keyboards in comparison with 60 keyboards:
A full-size keyboard – 39.37 inches x 16.83 inches
Tenkeyless (TKL) – 31.93 inches x 13.65 inches
65% Keyboards – 28 inches x 12 inches
40% Keyboard – 21 inches x 7 inches
Please note that the sizes can vary depending on the size of the keycaps and the board as a whole.
How to Use Function keys or Navigation Keys on a 60 Keyboard?
To use the F-keys on a 60 keyboard usually will have you press the fn key at the bottom right side of the keyboard plus the corresponding number key. So for example, if you’d like to use the F1 then you can press Fn + 1.
The Navigation Keys are usually accessible via the WASD letters on the right-hand side of the keyboard.
But please note that access to function keys and navigation keys may vary depending on the keyboard manufacturer and models.
Advantages of Using a 60 Percent Keyboard
The small form factor of a 60 percent keyboard has its advantages not only as a gaming keyboard but also for typing jobs. Aside from size, there are other benefits of using 60 percent keyboards as follows:
Size
The compact size of 60 percent keyboards is one of its main advantage and why more people are switching over to 60 keyboards. The smaller keyboard takes up way less desk space than a full-size keyboard.
This means that you will have more room on your desk for your MMO mouse or other important items that you need while working or gaming. Moreover, the smaller form factor also makes 60 keyboards more portable than other types of keyboards.
You can easily pack them in your bag and take them with you whenever you travel.
Some 60 keyboards feature wireless connectivity that adds up to its convenience when traveling.
Weight
60 keyboards are also lighter than other types of keyboards. This is because they have fewer keys and smaller printed circuit boards (PCBs).
The weight advantage is not that significant when compared to other types of keyboards but it can make a difference, especially if you are carrying your keyboard around with you often.
Less Key Clutter
60 keyboards have a clean and uncluttered look because of the fewer keys. This can help you focus more on what’s on the screen in front of you rather than be distracted by the keys on your keyboard.
Programmability
When it comes to customization of how keys function, 60 percent keyboards deliver fantastic programmability. You can set custom macros and key bindings to make your gaming or work easier and more efficient.
You can also change the keycaps to a different color or material to give your keyboard a unique look. There are many aftermarket keycap sets that you can choose from to customize your keyboard.
Great for Gamers
The smaller form factor of 60 keyboards makes them great for gamers. The extra space on your desk can give you more room to move your mouse around.
Moreover, the compact size also makes it easier to pack up your keyboard and take it with you to LAN parties or other gaming events.
Disadvantages of Using a 60 Percent Keyboard
Despite the many advantages and great features of a 60 keyboard, there are also a few disadvantages that you should be aware of. These include the following:
Fewer Keys
The main disadvantage of 60 percent keyboards is that they have fewer keys. This can be a problem, especially if you are used to having a full-size keyboard with all the keys easily accessible.
It can take some time to get used to the smaller keyboard and learn where all the keys are located. Moreover, some keys such as the Function keys or Navigation keys may be harder to access on a 60 keyboard.
This can be frustrating, especially if you are using these keys often.
Limited Customization
Another disadvantage of 60 percent keyboards is that they have limited customization options. This is because there are fewer keys and less space to work with when it comes to customizing the keyboard.
As a result, you may not be able to add all the features or macros that you want on your keyboard.
Best 60 Percent Keyboards
There are many 60 Keyboards available in the market right now, but we have narrowed down the best keyboards into three great choices as follows:
Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Gaming Keyboard
Razer Huntsman Mini is one of the best 60 percent keyboards with outstanding features without the f-keys including Oil-Resistant Doubleshot PBT Keycaps, Razer Optical switches, and Fully Programmable Macros.
Razer Huntsman Mini supports 16.8 million colors for its individually backlit keys with onboard memory for its lighting presets and comes from one of the manufacturers of the most trusted peripherals.
Corsair K65 RGB MINI 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Corsair K65 RGB MINI 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard features 100% Cherry Mx speed silver mechanical switches. The Cherry Mx switches deliver a lightning-fast response. This keyboard also has other excellent features including PBT double-shot keycaps and dynamic per-key RGB backlighting.
ANNE PRO 2, 60% Wired/Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
ANNE PRO 2, 60% Wired/Wireless Mechanical Keyboard features Bluetooth wireless connectivity for its 60 keyboard layout that allows up to 4 devices. This keyboard also has a simplified way when it comes to setting up your key layout, lighting, and macros. This 60 percent keyboard also supports full n-key rollover.
Conclusion: Should You Get a 60 Keyboard?
Now that you know what a 60 keyboard is, you might be wondering if you should get one for yourself.
The answer to this question depends on your needs and preferences. If you are someone who values a clean and minimalistic setup, then a 60 percent keyboard would be a great choice for you.
Moreover, if you are a gamer or someone who likes to type fast, then a 60 percent keyboard can also be a great option. This is because the smaller form factor of the keyboard can give you more room to move your mouse around and the compact size makes it easier to take with you to gaming events.
However, if you are someone who is used to a full-size keyboard or someone who needs all the keys easily accessible, then a 60 percent keyboard may not be the best choice for you.
This is because these keyboards have fewer keys and some keys can be harder to access. Moreover, the customization options are also more limited on these keyboards.
Nonetheless, 60 percent of keyboards offer a great balance of features and compactness, making them a great choice for many users.
