60% keyboards have become very popular among gamers, programmers, and common people in recent years. These small keyboards, which do not have any additional keys like the full-size models, have great benefits as they have better ergonomics, portability, and design.
But what is the difference in the 60% keyboard as compared to the rest? Here we will explain the advantages of moving small with a 60% keyboard and talk about some of the best options like the MelGeek MADE68 Pro and MelGeek MADE68 Ultra that offer performance as well as style in a small body.
What Is a 60% Keyboard?
A 60% keyboard is a variant of the keyboard that does not contain the number pad, the function key, and the navigation cluster of a standard-size keyboard. Even being smaller in size, it still possesses the keys to the basics: the alphabet, the number keys, and the spacebar, as well as the modifier keys: the Shift, the Ctrl, and the Alt keys. In order to compensate for the absence of keys, most 60% keyboards have combinations of keys that can be accessed using the Fn (function) key very easily to get functions such as arrow keys or F-keys. This layout will save you time on space that will not be used on your desk, and yet you will have a full working typing experience.
Related reading: Best 60% Mechanical Keyboards: Compact and Powerful
Key Benefits of Going 60%
The 60% keyboard has a number of benefits, and it is suitable for a large audience.
Compact Design
A 60% keyboard is much more compact than full-size models, with a size of approximately 11 inches by 5 inches, and it frees up more space to have your mouse and accessories. It is rather small and is suitable to be used by gamers or employees who need to work in a narrow area or on the move.
Ergonomics & Efficiency
The smaller size will cause a minimal amount of finger travel, which will decrease the burden on your hands and wrists. A typing environment with customizable key mappings is also quite efficient in typing since the keys can be placed in a comfortable and fast way.
Modern Simplicity
The 60% keyboards give the user a clean workspace with minimal keys, thus enabling them to be focused on their work and remain productive.
Individualization and Flexibility
60% keyboards can be easily customized with switch and keycap swaps, and are very portable, able to fit into travel bags, making them ideal for those who require a lot of flexibility and convenience in a smaller size.
How to Choose a High‑Quality 60% Keyboard
The thing is that when choosing a 60% keyboard, you should pay attention to some aspects to be sure that you receive the best experience it provides to you.
Choose the Right Switch
To begin with, you are to consider the type of switch. The mechanical keyboards also come in various forms of switch options, with the linear switches being smooth in their keystroke, all the way to tactile switches that give them a feeling each time the key is pressed. You may want to change to a clicky keyboard or a key feel keyboard, in case you are a person who likes to hear a click or feel a key. A linear switch may be preferable in order to have a quieter typing experience.
Check Build Quality
Focus on the quality of the building. A good quality 60 percent keyboard will be well assembled, which is normally of either aluminum or high-density plastic. The more the weight is built into it, the more comfortable and stable the keyboard will be, and this is very helpful when one is typing or playing a game for long hours.
Consider Customization Options
Numerous 60% keyboards will have customization options, with hot-swappable switches, RGB lighting, and key mapping adjustability so that you can customize them to your needs. Seek a keyboard that will allow such options, particularly when you would have wanted a more personalized experience.
Prioritize Ergonomics
There is the ergonomics of the keyboard. Although 60% keyboards are smaller, most of them are provided with the option of adjustable feet, wrist rests, or slanted types to make typing more comfortable.
Compact Alternative With Arrows: MelGeek MADE68 Pro
The MelGeek MADE68 Pro has a brilliant option in case you need a 60% keyboard that is more flexible and yet packs the same compact design. It integrates Hall Effect sensors and magnetic switches, which offer an ultra-low latency (0.125ms) and a polling rate of 8000Hz, and thus a high responsiveness. The keyboard is precise and fast-acting, whether you are typing or playing games.
The MelGeek MADE68 Pro also has a stylish 16-million color RGB backlight, which can be customized with other features like adjustable actuation. It further provides a random wooden desk accessory, which adds another flavor of style to your setup. The magnetic switch design is more durable and stable, thus making it reliable for typing.
To give people a slightly higher level of premium, the MelGeek MADE68 Ultra features an aluminum alloy base, which is crafted to a higher level and offers better performance. The MelGeek MADE68 Ultra uses the Fully Self-Developed HIVE Drive and Hall Effect switches with ultra-low latency and programmable RGB lighting, which produces a high-quality and aesthetically pleasing keyboard.
FAQs
What if I need a numpad occasionally?
In case you sometimes require a numpad, you may recreate it in key combos, or you can buy a 65% or 75% keyboard that has arrow keys and other features.
How to use the arrow keys on a 60% keyboard?
In most cases, the arrow keys are provided and they are activated by pressing the Fn key followed by other keys, i.e., W, A, S, D, or other assigned keys, according to the arrangement of the keyboard.
How to screenshot on a 60% keyboard?
You may assign the screenshot functionality to any key or even use a shortcut such as Fn + Print screen, or you can map your own shortcut keys using key mapping software.
Why do people like compact keyboards?
The fact that compact keyboards are preferred by people is because they give them a minimalist design, which saves space on the desk, improves ergonomics, and offers them more portability.
How to use F keys on a 60% keyboard?
When using F-keys with a 60% keyboard, you have to almost always press the Fn key, then press other keys (that is, 1-12) to access F-keys.
Final Thoughts
The 60% keyboard is a smaller and compact, highly customizable keyboard that also gives the user the option of a smaller keyboard to simplify the experience of typing or gaming. A 60% keyboard could be a perfect fit for you if you consider portability, simplicity, and performance as important factors.
Both keyboards have smooth styles and high functionality, but to differ. The MelGeek MADE68 Pro has more flexibility and performance. The MelGeek MADE68 Ultra has a high level of design and can be customized. See both models today to see the future of the smaller, high-performance keyboards.