6 best 60% keyboards for gaming in 2023: Mechanical, budget, wireless & more
Picking up the best 60% keyboard for gaming can transform your desk setup, giving you far more space and a much cleaner look too. While full-size boards have historically been the standard, there has been a desire for minimalist hardware in recent years that has seen the demand for 60% configurations soar.
After all, you don't really need all of those extra keys for gaming, so why not keep things streamlined? Let's check out the list below to find out what the best 60% keyboard for gaming in 2023 really is.
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What is a 60% keyboard?
Click to enlarge60% keyboards are, as the name suggests, sixty percent of the size of a 'full size' standard keyboard. 60% boards typically negate the function row, number pad, and more, leaving little more than the letters and the number row.
While traditional 60% layouts forgo the arrow keys and auxiliary actions like delete, home, end, and so on, some 65% layouts can squeeze them into the same small frame if you feel like you'd miss them.
So, carry on reading below to see our picks for the best 60% keyboard for gaming.
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What is the best 60% keyboard in 2023?
Click to enlargeThe best 60% keyboard in 2023 is definitely the Keychron K6 Pro, which combines excellent build quality and a wonderful typing experience to be the overall best package. We are technically cheating here, as the K6 is a 65% design instead of a 60%, but it remains still the small form factor but with the convenience of a couple extra keys.
It comes complete with double-shot PBT keycaps that have the signature Keychron colourway, and you have a choice between Keychron's own Red, Blue, or Brown switches. However, if they aren't quite to your taste then this board is fully hot-swappable, allowing you to input whatever you want with ease.
There is also both wireless and Bluetooth connectivity on offer here to suit whatever you'd prefer. Both your typing and gaming experience will sound and feel delightful when using the K6, with sound-absorbing foam, a silicone bottom pad, and a heavy metal frame and plate to get that ideal mechanical feel for just $104.
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Best 60% keyboard with RGB: ASUS ROG Falchion
Click to enlargeIf you're looking for something to light up your desk though, then the ASUS ROG Falchion mechanical keyboard will be perfect for you. Not only does it come with a wide array of colours and lighting modes, but there is also an LED strip at the side that can serve as a battery indicator, volume dial, or pretty much anything you want which at $135 is a great feature to have.
It also has the Aura Sync technology built in, ensuring that the lighting syncs up with all other compatible ASUS devices. If you're looking for a perfectly orchestrated desk set-up while you're gaming, then you can't get much better than this.
Outside of the lighting however you've still got an excellent keyboard within this small form factor. You aren't going to get quite the same build quality as the more enthusiast boards, and there is unfortunately no hot-swappable PCB here, but your inputs will still be as fast as they need to be for intense gaming sessions.
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Best 60% mechanical keyboard: Ducky One 3 Mini
Click to enlargeWhile you'll be hard-pressed to find a small form factor keyboard that's not mechanical, the Ducky One 3 Mini is the best at applying those mechanical features outside of the Keychron. This board has a true 60% design, ensuring that it keeps as low of a profile as possible on your desk.
Furthermore, Ducky has taken feedback from the already fantastic One 2 Mini and applied it to the third iteration, adding in a hot-swappable PCB and improving the overall acoustics to only improve the typing and gaming experience.
For $129 you're not only getting an excellent keyboard out of the box, but you also have the freedom to expand and customise it to whatever degree you want. Some of you might want to as well with the rather loud yellow colourway, but it is certainly more interesting than your standard black or white design.
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Best budget 60% keyboard: MOTOSPEED 60%
Click to enlargeIf you're looking for a 60% keyboard that doesn't break the bank, then this MOTOSPEED device will certainly be the one for you at just $35.99. There are of course quite a lot of corners that have to be cut to get a price this low, but it is still an excellent option for the price that will save you tonnes of space.
There's plenty of RGB here, and the board is lightweight and portable - making it perfect if you're on the go a lot or want to transport it between home and the office. The keycaps are unfortunately ABS instead of the preferred PBT, and there's no wireless functionality here, but for the relatively low price point, you're still getting a small design with the hallmarks of a mechanical board.
This is ideal for anyone looking to make the switch to mechanical boards but doesn't want to pay the higher prices or compromise on space.
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Best customisable 60% keyboard: Anne Pro 2
Click to enlargeIf you're wanting a 60% keyboard to really make your own, then the Anne Pro 2 is the perfect bouncing-off point. It has served as a popular choice for a couple of years now, providing a great base for players who want to do their own modding and inputting their own customisation features while still within the small 60% form factor.
However, that doesn't mean it's not a great keyboard from the offset though, with all of the features you'd expect from a mechanical board around the $100 mark these days. PBT keycaps, wireless functionality, hot-swappable PCB, and even some nice RGB are thrown in too.
If you've got your eyes on some auxiliary keycaps or switches that you really want to try, then picking up the Anne Pro 2 as a base will be the perfect choice for you.
- If you want to explore the options further, then why not have a read of this guide to find out what the best budget mechanical keyboard is overall.
Best colourful 60% keyboard: Akko 3061S
Click to enlargeIf all of the plain colourways are getting you down, then the bright, Japan-themed Akko 3061S might be perfect for you. This compact 60% design certainly doesn't compromise on flair, as its PBT keycaps are emblazoned with lovely pink graphics that will add flavour to any setup.
Furthermore, Akko boards are generally considered some of the best you can get for the price, and at $75.99 you're certainly getting a steal here. A fully hot-swappable PCB will let you put in any switches you like - and you might want to go for some super smooth Akko ones here too - but the in-built Gateron selection might suit you wonderfully too.
There is unfortunately no wireless functionality included here, but you could use that as an excuse to get a matching pink coiled cable and really go in on the theming here. While this won't be to everyone's taste, it will be the ideal solution for anyone hankering for an injection of colour.
So, that wraps up this guide on the best 60% keyboard in 2023, giving you plenty of options depending on what you want in your board. If you're looking for more hardware guides and news though, make sure to check out our dedicated page for all of the latest details.
