Finding the ideal compact gaming keyboard involves personal choice and budget considerations. We have included tried and true models with dedicated media controls, wrist rest, and affordable options suitable for gamers on a tight budget.
If you want to skip the reviews, we say get the SteelSeries USB Apex Pro TKL Mechanical.
Best Compact Keyboard For Gaming Reviews
Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Gaming Keyboard
- Faster Than Legacy Mechanical Switches: Razer Optical switches use light-based actuation, registering key...
- Ultimate Personalization and Gaming Immersion with Razer Chroma: Fully syncs with popular games, Razer...
- Quality, Aluminum Construction: Covered with a matte, aluminum top frame for increased structural...
- Oil-Resistant Doubleshot PBT Keycaps: Made of textured, high-grade PBT for a more durable and textured...
- Fully Programmable Macros: Razer Hypershift allows for all keys and keypress combinations to be remapped...
Razer’s Huntsman Mini gaming keyboard is one of the best 60% keyboards on the market, featuring individual RGB backlighting with individually illuminated keys, excellent build quality, and double-shot PBT keycaps that feel great while typing. Furthermore, unlike some 60% of keyboards, it supports n-key rollover.
It offers features designed to enhance gaming, including a built-in “gaming mode” activated by pressing FN+U that disables the Windows key and increases the anti-ghosting abilities of the keyboard.
Customization settings of gaming mode can be found through the Synapse interface of the keyboard; additionally, you can use it for macro settings, key rebinds, profile creation, Chroma integration profiles launch with games as well as more.
This keyboard stands out from its peers by offering multiple switching options.
Choose from clicky Razer purple switches with their satisfying loud clicking sensation or opt for linear red switches which provide quieter typing experiences at $10 less – both will offer faster and more responsive typing experiences than typical PC keyboards.
To help gamers who prefer RAM-light software, the Mini has side-printed functions that enable you to access pre-made RGB effects, adjust brightness levels, and perform on-the-fly macro recording without opening the Synapse app.
In addition, its internal memory can store five profile shortcuts; Fn+Z also enables keyboard sleep mode.
Reviewers applauded the Mini’s compact size and wide array of customization options, as well as its comfortable feel when typing.
Reviewers especially noted how stable its keys were compared with accidental presses; one downside, however, is its absence of a wrist rest; but you could always purchase one from an accessories shop to make typing even more relaxing.
DROP ALT Mechanical Keyboard 65%
- A COMPACT LAYOUT: The ALT mechanical keyboard is a smaller take on Drop’s CTRL model. It features 67...
- A SOLID BUILD: Constructed with a solid aluminum frame with a built-in switch plate and magnetic legs,...
- HALO CLEAR SWITCHES: This ALT model comes equipped with Halo Clear switches which have a slight preload...
- HOT-SWAPPABLE SWITCH FUNCTIONALITY: Want to switch your switches? Customize the ALT with ease thanks to...
- OPTIMIZED PER-KEY LIGHTING WITH MILLIONS OF COLORS: The ALT is illuminated with fully customizable RGB...
The ALT keyboard is something of an underdog in the gaming keyboard market, although not as flashy or well-known as its rivals like Ducky One 2 Mini or Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini.
But this 65% keyboard offers impressive features nonetheless; starting with its high profile keys for a natural feel and more space on top for navigation and arrow buttons, not to mention not being as tall as full-sized layouts allowing it to easily fit in backpacks or be kept on desks.
The keyboard features a solid aluminum frame that feels robust and sturdy. While slightly heavier than its Ducky One 2 Mini counterpart, this extra weight helps create a more stable experience when typing.
Furthermore, the ALT also comes equipped with two USB Type-C ports which make charging and data transfer possible simultaneously while its intelligent passthrough feature automatically negotiates voltage needs up to 4 watts for seamless device connectivity.
One great feature is the ALT’s ability to program every key with macros and functions, thanks to programmable RGB lighting and built-in light pipes that illuminate switches.
Furthermore, it’s compatible with all operating systems including macOS. Furthermore, upgrading switch types is a straightforward process without soldering necessary!
While the DROP ALT may be pricey for gamers, its premium components make this keyboard worth every cent spent.
Plus, with hot-swappable switch sockets, dual USB-C connection cords, QMK support, hot-swappable switch sockets, and QMK compatibility; the only thing missing from its impressive list of features is dedicated software for customization or macro programming.
Otherwise, this mechanical keyboard offers quality craftsmanship in its stunning design! If you want an incredible gaming experience at an incredible value DROP ALT is worth every cent spent.
Ducky One 2 Mini RGB
- Brand new bezel design and Dual layer PCB
- Brand new bezel design and Dual layer PCB,PBT double - shot seamless keycaps
- To stand out in the crowd we chose to use PBT seamless double-shot keycaps; It is designed and engineered...
- To stand out in the crowd we chose to use PBT seamless double-shot keycaps; It is designed and engineered...
Ducky is a brand well-known among keyboard enthusiasts; Overwatch star SoOn from team Dignitas uses them and their products have long been revered as reliable gaming keyboards – and the One 2 Mini RGB stands up to that reputation by offering everything a gamer could ask for in an affordable and compact form factor.
This keyboard comes in both black-and-white as well as an all-white case design to meet any decor preference.
Crafted with premium PBT material for a superior key feel and look, you also receive 10 random-colored keycaps as an extra set and a lunar year spacebar to add some flair.
Cherry MX Brown switches are used on this keyboard and provide an excellent tactile feeling and minimal actuation force so that typing or playing games feels smooth.
In comparison to similar switches found on other keyboards, they sound very pleasant with minimal rattling noises and provide superior rattling noise reduction.
One of the key selling points of the One 2 Mini is its n-key rollover functionality, enabling you to press any number of keys simultaneously without fearing ghosting or performance-killing issues. Unfortunately, however, its absence may present difficulties for some users.
The One 2 Mini features an extremely sleek and simple design, and its switches cannot be seen from the side – an effective measure to prevent dust or hair from getting trapped between its crevices, something which other keyboards with this layout often struggle with.
One potential downside of this keyboard is the absence of a rubberized wrist rest, which may make using it uncomfortable for some users.
Still, this compact RGB lighting keyboard remains an excellent option. I put this product through rigorous tests in games like Overwatch, Battlefield V, and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and found that it performed flawlessly.
You can record macros using its dedicated key and toggle between different modes using its dip switch; additionally, it comes equipped with a standard USB port so it can easily connect with PCs.
HyperX Alloy Elite RGB
- Unique radiant light bar and dynamic RGB lighting effects
- HyperX NGenuity software provides advanced customization
- Store up to three favorite lighting & macro profile settings with the on-board memory
- Solid steel frame provides durability and stability, CHERRY MX mechanical keys for reliability
- Comfortable, detachable wrist rest with soft-touch coating
The HyperX Alloy Elite RGB keyboard is another fantastic mechanical gaming keyboard from HyperX, boasting premium design and features such as high-quality Cherry MX switches and an eye-catching backlit light bar.
Furthermore, this product comes with an excellent warranty at an extremely reasonable price point.
The keyboard comes packaged in an attractive box that protects it from being scratched and features an attractive graphic depicting its colors, switches, specs, and dimensions on its front cover.
On the back, there are four more images that provide details about the features of the keyboard. Since Alloy Elite utilizes Cherry MX Blue switches, one of these images shows them.
Within the box is a manual providing detailed information about how to use and care for this keyboard, along with a keycap puller and wrist rest (though its thickness might not suit everyone).
There’s also an included keycap puller and keycap remover. Finally, this keyboard comes equipped with keycap pullers and full wrist rests (albeit thinner ones may be uncomfortable for some).
There are three buttons located at the top edge of my keyboard which can be used to adjust lighting levels, switch profiles, and activate Game Mode on demand while gaming.
I find these useful, particularly as they’re easier to use than regular buttons! In addition to that, a dedicated media button makes controlling my music and games much simpler, while finally, the sound volume wheel adds another useful touch that is much simpler to manage than standard buttons.
The Alloy Elite RGB’s keycaps may not compare with some of the other products I have reviewed, but they still look and feel solid. Its backlight adds a nice touch and can be adjusted according to your own tastes with its software included with it.
The Alloy Elite RGB keyboard is ideal for gamers looking for something that stands out in a crowd. Constructed with durable materials that will last over time, its LED lights add even more oomph to your gaming setup!
SteelSeries USB Apex Pro TKL Mechanical
- FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE & STUPIDLY FAST with OmniPoint 2.0 Adjustable HyperMagnetic switches
- WORLD’S FASTEST KEYBOARD – 20x faster actuation, 11x faster response than traditional mechanical...
- RAPID TRIGGER - Eradicate latency arising from the physical movement of the switch through dynamic...
- ULTIMATE CONTROL – 40 levels of per-key actuation (0.1 – 4.0mm) – set WASD for light, ultra-fast...
- 2-IN-1 ACTION KEYS – Program two different actions to the same key, such as walking with a light touch...
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless keyboard is one of the highest quality keyboards on the market, boasting excellent build quality, customization options, and innovative new ideas.
However, it may be more costly than expected but if it’s something within your budget it would make for a worthwhile investment.
SteelSeries OmniPoint switches offer a quick 0.7ms response time and adjustable actuation points to meet your personal play style.
Plus, each key can have individual trigger point adjustments from 0.2mm to 3.8mm for optimal gaming experiences! Overall this makes this keyboard an excellent option for gamers!
You can assign multiple actions to one key depending on how hard or softly you press it, which can be particularly useful when playing FPS games – for instance using the G key to equip a grenade before throwing it if desired.
Arrow keys can also be programmed this way allowing light presses for forward progress while harder presses enable sprinting forward progress.
This keyboard is extremely well made with its solid aircraft-grade aluminum alloy case and fadeproof Double Shot PBT keycaps which can withstand 100 million keystrokes.
The wrist rest is covered with soft-touch moisture-resistant material for added comfort even during long gaming sessions. Plus, its USB passthrough port means devices needing quick access can be quickly connected without taking your keyboard away from your PC!
SteelSeries Engine software stands out as being one of the easiest and clearest solutions in its field, featuring intuitive options for configuring each key and macros that perform complex commands with just a few button presses.
Furthermore, its app on mobile devices enables users to personalize their keyboard by customizing colors and effects for added customization.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro keyboard offers impressive levels of performance and is well suited for competitive gaming, although some casual gamers may be put off by its learning curve.
CORSAIR K70 RGB TKL – CHAMPION SERIES
- CORSAIR CHAMPION SERIES products are designed for and tested by top esports professionals – helping to...
- CORSAIR AXON hyper-processing technology transmits your inputs to your PC up to 8x faster than...
- Take on the competition in style with a durable aluminum frame illuminated by fully programmable dynamic...
- Flip the tournament switch and focus on winning those critical games, automatically swapping to...
- Precision-molded PBT double-shot keycaps with a standard bottom row layout resist wear, fading, and...
The Corsair K70 RGB TKL keyboard is designed specifically with gaming in mind and comes equipped with plenty of features that cater to this niche market.
These include low input latency, dedicated tournament switches for esports use, and customizable LED lighting on every key – in contrast to its rival Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed which lacks these. Our unit uses linear Cherry MX Speed switches while there are also clicky Red versions available if desired.
Like its SteelSeries Apex 7 counterpart, the Corsair K70 RGB TKL offers an exceptional typing experience and is built well.
Each key is constructed of hard-wearing PBT plastic keys with double-shot legends to prevent wear-and-tear or fade over time; furthermore, they come equipped with a sleek matte finish that does not show fingerprints or smudges easily.
It has a boxy design, yet doesn’t feel too bulky when sitting on your desk. Rubber feet keep it stable while its keycaps are secured by a strong plastic frame to avoid falling off during use.
This Corsair keyboard comes equipped with a USB passthrough port to connect additional devices, as well as a wrist rest that promotes posture while gaming.
Although smaller than its full-sized counterpart, the K100 RGB, this miniature version still includes a numeric keypad and dedicated mouse pad for your convenience.
This keyboard stands out from others with its impressive 8,000 Hz polling rate, making it much faster at both detecting and transmitting keystrokes than competing models – that’s an incredible increase from its usual 1,000 Hz polling rate and can definitely enhance gaming performance.
Corsair’s K70 keyboard comes equipped with sleek black PBT keycaps that will look great on any desktop, plus an eight-foot braided USB-C cable that provides enough length between PC and mouse, plus an elastic carrying pouch to protect and transport it safely.
Redragon K552 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- Tenkeyless compact mechanical gaming keyboard Redragon k552 tkl small compact with dust proof mechanical...
- Rainbow LED RGB backlit mechanical USB gaming keyboard 19 different lighting effects and game modes 2...
- Ergonomic designed steel series mechanical game keyboards high-quality durable metal-abs construction...
- Anti ghosting all 87 keys are conflict free nkey rollover featuring 12 multimedia keyboard keys and a...
- Compatible with windows 10, windows 8, windows 7, windows vista, or windows xp, limited mac os keyboard...
Redragon K552 is an ideal gaming keyboard for budget-minded gamers. Its tenkeyless design frees up space on your desk while the clicky Outema Blue switches allow for a natural typing and gaming experience.
While lacking extra features compared to similar keyboards twice its price point, Redragon still outshines many competing models at once!
This mouse boasts a robust aluminum plate construction for heavy usage. Additionally, its ample key travel makes long gaming sessions comfortable; and its curved base offers added stability when pressing buttons frantically during intense games.
Unfortunately, some keys may be loosely attached which could result in some lag when gaming.
This keyboard features a USB port for use when using an external mouse, though its connector may require you to get an adapter or new cable. Furthermore, its cord can’t be detached while playing; therefore leaving no space for plugging other devices while you play.
Although priced reasonably, the K552 stands out with excellent build quality and feels sturdy. Although its rattly stabilizers and the cheap-feeling case may put off some users, its construction remains stellar for gaming sessions that last up to eight hours straight without issue.
The Redragon K552 mechanical keyboard is an excellent choice for beginners looking to explore mechanical gaming keyboards.
Featuring an aluminum plate design and selection of colors, set-up is relatively straightforward and it comes equipped with all the necessary features needed for an excellent gaming experience.
However, its poor keycaps and lack of software may prevent users from finding suitable budget models elsewhere.
Logitech G715 Wireless Mechanical
- Cloud-soft Comfort: Float away with G715’s dreamy white design and comfy, cloud-shaped palm rest;...
- Play On: Play freely with rechargeable 25 gaming-hour battery life (with full lighting), Logitech...
- Power of LIGHTSPEED: Play your best with ultra-responsive LIGHTSPEED wireless; save a USB port and dual...
- Lovely Lighting: Per key and perimeter Logitech LIGHTSYNC RGB with preloaded Play Mood animations, the...
- Gaming-grade Tech: Good games only on this Logitech mechanical keyboard with the satisfying feel of your...
Logitech’s Aurora series keyboard boasts advanced and cutting-edge features.
This particular option, the Ten Key Less (TKL), does without a numeric keypad on its right side but still provides all of the function keys you’d expect, full navigation buttons, and dedicated media controls including volume dial.
Furthermore, its build quality is amazing while its ergonomic design fits comfortably in your hand.
Logitech’s G715 keyboard boasts individually lit RGB keys that can be customized via Logitech’s G Hub software, with preset options that provide for customizable RGB lighting effects. It is usable wirelessly via a USB-C cable or its Lightspeed 2.4GHz technology.
Additionally, it comes equipped with removable face plates in pastel hues to further customize its appearance; plus its backside has legs to prop it up at four and eight degrees as well as a slot to store its dongle if required.
One of the greatest draws of this keyboard is its programmable keys, making it incredibly useful for gamers who require macros or complex commands quickly and efficiently.
Programming them through software provided or via a dedicated FN+F3 key combo makes this keyboard highly flexible and perfect for gamers of any level.
It features a number pad on the left for use with calculators or programs requiring numerical input and has an integrated palm rest that keeps hands comfortable during long gaming sessions.
While not designed specifically to appeal to hardcore gamers, this keyboard remains an excellent option for anyone wanting to enjoy PC gaming. It is responsive and feels great while playing Twitch-based titles and contains all of the features necessary to remain competitive.
This keyboard is another fantastic addition to the TKL mechanical keyboard family and is ideal for gamers who desire a durable keyboard with attractive design features and advanced functions. Its keys are smooth and easy to press while its lighting can be changed to suit your mood or gaming setup.
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