The Ultimate Guide to 60% Mechanical Keyboards

What are 60% mechanical keyboards?

The 60% mechanical keyboard is about 60% the size of a full-sized mechanical keyboard. 

What keys included: It abandons the top row of function keys. It also does not include the function row (F1–F12), arrow keys, navigation keys (like Home, End, and Insert), and the numeric keypad. Just keep only alphabetic and numeric characters.

How many keys: 60% mechanical keyboards usually have 61 keys, 64 keys or 68 keys.

5 advantages of 60% mechanical keyboards

1. Compact design, save desk space

When your workspace is limited, 60% keyboard is compact enough and does not take up too much space, leaving room for your mouse and other accessories. More space make your hands can be placed more freely at a comfortable angle and position, reducing wrist and forearm fatigue.

2. Portability, easy to carry

The 60% mechanical keyboard is lightweight and has a small size, it can be easily fit into backpacks or bags, it is perfect for users who need to move their setup or travel frequently.

3. Minimalistic, have aesthetic appeal

The streamlined layout gives it a clean, minimalistic look, which appeals to users who appreciate sleek and simple designs. It’s popular in minimalist and modern desk setups.

4. Customization, more convenience

Many 60% mechanical keyboards come with customizable features such as programmable keys, RGB lighting, and swappable keycaps. Players can customize the keys and various function keys. so that some more difficult skills or operating instructions can be triggered with one click, making the operation more convenient and accurate.

5. Ergonomics, enhanced comfort

The small layout minimizes the distance your hands must travel between keys by encouraging a more natural hand position. This makes it a healthier option for regular use because it can result in better posture and reduced strain during extended typing sessions.

Disadvantages of a 60% Keyboard

1. Limited functionality

One of the main drawbacks of a 60% keyboard is the absence of dedicated function keys, number pad, and navigation keys. This can be inconvenient for users who frequently rely on these functions, especially in tasks like data entry, programming, or certain gaming scenarios.

2. Learning curve

Users transitioning from full-size keyboards may face a learning curve when adapting to the compact layout. Memorizing key combinations for functions that were previously accessible via dedicated keys can take time and effort.

Is a 60% mechanical keyboard good for gaming?

Generally, gamers like to use 60% mechanical keyboard. Let's check the reason why they chose a 60% mechanical keyboard for gaming.

• Firstly, let's check FPS gaming. FPS players benefit the most from this keyboard layout since it includes all the keys typically needed for FPS games. These games primarily use alphanumeric keys like W, A, S, and D, along with others for tools and weapon switching. It’s pretty rare to need keys beyond the alphabet set in FPS games. So, a 60% keyboard is sufficient.
• Then, about MOBA games. Players generally use around 10 keys, just like WASD, QWER, and DF, along with keys like Alt and Ctrl. 60% mechanical keyboards are enough.
• And for games like DOTA, though, the default key assignments might fall short since some keys are assigned to the numpad. Of course, for most 60%, mechanical keyboards support customization. You can remap some functions to other available keys.

For most games, 60% mechanical keyboards are enough. And as we have listed the advantages above, we can know why 60% of mechanical keyboards are liked by players.

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Is a 60% mechanical keyboard good for programming?

Yes, some programmers choose 60% mechanical keybaords and give it a high feedback.

For programmers, the commonly used keys are often concentrated in the letter area and function key area. The compact layout of the 60% mechanical keyboard makes these commonly used keys more concentrated, reducing the distance that the fingers move, thereby improving the operation speed and efficiency.

And the compact design of the 60% mechanical keyboard can save valuable desktop space and make the work area more tidy and organized. This is especially important for programmers who need to place multiple monitors, documents or other devices at the same time.

How to choose the 60% mechanical keyboard that suits you?

1. Consider your budget

When you buy something, your budget is really important. You know, the keyboards of different prices may have different materials, functions, and performances. It is key to plan your budget reasonably and weigh various factors.

2. Choose the switche

If you are programmer or gamer, put more attention on the keyboard's response speed, maro programming. You's better choose the hall effect switches or linear switches.

And if you use the keyboards for daily office or study, comfort and noise control may be more important. In this way, choose the switches meets your needs.

3. Choose the keycaps

ABS keycaps are light and low-cost, but they are easy to wear out, PBT keycaps are more wear-resistant and feel better, but the price is relatively high. And Different keycap profile provide different typing experience, just choose the right keycap material and profile based on your budget and frequency of use.

4. Connection method

Wired keyboards are usually more responsive and have lower latency, suitable for users with higher performance requirements; while wireless keyboards provide greater flexibility and portability. Choose the appropriate connection method based on your usage environment and needs.

5. Brand and feedback

Well-known brands just like Akko can provide better quality assurance. Make sure the brand you choose is reaiable. And don't forget to check the product's reviews from the users. 

Conclusion

In summary, 60% mechanical keyboards have all the necessary keys for most game types and have always been the first choice of e-sports players and professional gamers. Their small size can provide more desktop space and better portability. They can be easily brought to offline environments and pick up a game at any time.