Buying Guide
The Best 60% Gaming Keyboards
Six 60% boards for maximum mouse room, from optical switches to adjustable magnetic ones.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
A 60% board drops the number pad, F-row and arrows to a function layer, which frees the most desk space for low-sensitivity aiming.
We compared switch type, rapid trigger and connection from each listing.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Analog Pick
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini
Rapid trigger and Snap Tap on analog optical switches.
Best for: Competitive shooters.
Our take Check price for Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini (opens in a new tab)
Best Protection Mode
SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3
A mode that guards against accidental presses.
Best for: High-stakes matches.
Our take Check price for SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 (opens in a new tab)
Best Wireless 60%
Logitech G PRO X 60 Lightspeed
Lightspeed, Bluetooth and a cable.
Best for: Cable-free desks.
Our take Check price for Logitech G PRO X 60 Lightspeed (opens in a new tab)
Best Optical Value
SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini
Swappable optical switches with zero debounce.
Best for: Mid budgets.
Our take Check price for SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Magnetic
AULA WIN60 HE PRO Magnetic Keyboard
8000Hz polling and rapid trigger near $48.
Best for: Tight budgets.
Our take Check price for AULA WIN60 HE PRO Magnetic Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Best Fixed Optical
Razer Huntsman Mini
Linear optical switches with PBT caps.
Best for: Simple setups.
Our take Check price for Razer Huntsman Mini (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Analog Pick1 of 6
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Razer's Huntsman V3 Pro Mini uses analog optical switches with rapid trigger and Snap Tap.
Best for
- Competitive shooters.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no dedicated arrow keys or function ro rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
The switches are rated for 100 million keystrokes. Analog optical Gen-2 switches is unique to it among these picks, while the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 uses OmniPoint 3.0 Hall effect switches. It also comes with dual-purpose modifier keys.
The Huntsman V3 Pro Mini needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. It also brings PBT keycaps resist shine. When we checked, only the PRO X 60 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 60%
- Switches: Analog optical Gen-2
- Connection: Wired
- Keycaps: Doubleshot PBT
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- Rapid trigger and Snap Tap
- Switches rated for 100 million keystrokes
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- Costs more than the WIN60 HE PRO at the time of writing
Best Protection Mode2 of 6
SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
SteelSeries's Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 uses OmniPoint 3.0 Hall effect switches with Rapid Trigger and Rapid Tap.
Best for
- High-stakes matches.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no dedicated arrow keys or function ro is a problem.
Why we like it
A Protection Mode guards against accidental presses. OmniPoint 3.0 Hall effect switches is unique to it among these picks, while the Huntsman Mini uses linear optical switches. The Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. Worth noting too: compact 60% layout. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 60%
- Switches: OmniPoint 3.0 Hall effect
- Connection: Wired
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- Rapid Trigger and Rapid Tap
- Protection Mode against accidental presses
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- Costs more than the WIN60 HE PRO at the time of writing
Best Wireless 60%3 of 6
Logitech G PRO X 60 Lightspeed on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Logitech's PRO X 60 is a 60% board with Lightspeed, Bluetooth and a cable, plus a choice of tactile or linear optical switches.
Best for
- Cable-free desks.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Why we like it
A volume roller sits on top. No other pick in this guide offers GX optical switches; compare the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3, which has OmniPoint 3.0 Hall effect switches. You also get Lightsync RGB.
Use the PRO X 60's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the WIN60 HE PRO at the time of writing. Its price falls between the Apex 9 Mini and the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 60%
- Switches: GX optical
- Connection: Lightspeed, Bluetooth, wired
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- Choice of tactile or linear optical switches
- Volume roller
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Costs more than the WIN60 HE PRO at the time of writing
Best Optical Value4 of 6
SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
SteelSeries's Apex 9 Mini uses swappable OptiPoint optical switches with zero debounce.
Best for
- Mid budgets.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Why we like it
It costs less than the Apex Pro Mini. Two-point actuation switches between a light 1mm press and a deliberate 1.5mm press, and double-shot PBT keycaps resist shine. You get OptiPoint optical switches here, which sets it apart from the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini and its analog optical Gen-2 switches.
The Apex 9 Mini needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. It was priced above the Huntsman Mini and below the PRO X 60 at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 60%
- Switches: OptiPoint optical
- Connection: Wired
- Keycaps: Doubleshot PBT
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- Swappable OptiPoint switches
- Zero debounce
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- Costs more than the WIN60 HE PRO at the time of writing
Best Budget Magnetic5 of 6
AULA WIN60 HE PRO Magnetic Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The WIN60 HE PRO keeps the WIN60 HE's magnetic switches and 8000Hz polling and adds under-LED lighting.
Best for
- Tight budgets.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Why we like it
The switches are hot-swappable. No other pick in this guide offers hall effect magnetic switches; compare the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3, which has OmniPoint 3.0 Hall effect switches. It also comes with rapid trigger with adjustable actuation.
The WIN60 HE PRO needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. High polling rates use more CPU time; drop to 1,000Hz if an older system stutters. Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys.
Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Huntsman Mini was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 60%
- Switches: Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- 8,000Hz polling
- Rapid trigger with adjustable actuation
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
Best Fixed Optical6 of 6
Razer Huntsman Mini on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Razer's Huntsman Mini uses linear optical switches and doubleshot PBT keycaps in a 60% frame.
Best for
- Simple setups.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no dedicated arrow keys or function ro is a problem.
Why we like it
Hypershift adds a second layer of functions. Snap Tap prioritises the latest of two keys, and Chroma RGB syncs with games and Philips Hue. Linear optical switches is unique to it among these picks, while the WIN60 HE PRO uses hall effect magnetic switches.
You also get optical switches with a shorter actuation distance than standard linears, per Razer. The Huntsman Mini needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. When we checked, only the WIN60 HE PRO cost less, and the Apex 9 Mini cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 60%
- Switches: Linear optical
- Connection: Wired
- Keycaps: Doubleshot PBT
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- Linear optical switches
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- Optical switches with a shorter actuation distance than standard linears, per Razer
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- Costs more than the WIN60 HE PRO at the time of writing
How We Chose These 60% Gaming Keyboards
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Polling rate
- We recorded polling rates where listings state them.
- Layout and switches
- We recorded the layout, the switch type and whether the switches are mechanical, magnetic or membrane.
- Connection
- We checked wired, dongle and Bluetooth options and rated battery life.
- Build
- We noted keycap material, frame material and extra controls such as knobs or screens.
What to Look for in a 60% Gaming Keyboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Choose the layout before the switch
Full-size boards keep the number pad; tenkeyless drops it and gives the mouse more room. 75% and 65% boards keep arrows in a tighter frame, while 60% boards move arrows and F-keys to a function layer.
Linear, tactile or magnetic
Linear switches travel smoothly, tactile switches have a bump, and clicky switches add a click. Hall effect switches read a magnet, so actuation can be adjusted and rapid trigger resets a key as soon as it rises.
Wired, dongle or Bluetooth
A 2.4GHz dongle is fine for games; Bluetooth adds latency and suits typing on other devices. Wired boards never need charging.
Polling rate is a small factor
1,000Hz is enough for most players. 8,000Hz cuts reporting delay further, but the gain is small and uses more CPU time.
Keycap material lasts longer than lighting
PBT keycaps resist the shine that ABS caps develop. Double-shot legends do not wear off.
Hot-swap sockets allow switch changes
Hot-swappable boards let you pull and replace switches without soldering. Check whether the sockets take 3-pin or 5-pin switches.
How to Choose a 60% Gaming Keyboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive shooters | Huntsman V3 Pro Mini | Rapid trigger and Snap Tap on analog optical switches |
| High-stakes matches | Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 | A mode that guards against accidental presses |
| Cable-free desks | PRO X 60 | Lightspeed, Bluetooth and a cable |
| Mid budgets | Apex 9 Mini | Swappable optical switches with zero debounce |
| Tight budgets | WIN60 HE PRO | 8000Hz polling and rapid trigger near $48 |
| Simple setups | Huntsman Mini | Linear optical switches with PBT caps |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection | Keycaps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huntsman V3 Pro Mini | 60% | Analog optical Gen-2 | Wired | Doubleshot PBT |
| Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 | 60% | OmniPoint 3.0 Hall effect | Wired | Not listed |
| PRO X 60 | 60% | GX optical | Lightspeed, Bluetooth, wired | Not listed |
| Apex 9 Mini | 60% | OptiPoint optical | Wired | Doubleshot PBT |
| WIN60 HE PRO | 60% | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | Not listed |
| Huntsman Mini | 60% | Linear optical | Wired | Doubleshot PBT |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | WIN60 HE PRO |
| About $50 to $100 | Huntsman Mini, Apex 9 Mini |
| About $100 to $150 | PRO X 60, Huntsman V3 Pro Mini |
| About $150 to $250 | Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these keyboards need software?
They work without it, but lighting, macros and actuation settings usually need the maker's app.
Is a wireless keyboard slower?
Not over a 2.4GHz dongle for most players. Bluetooth adds more latency and is better kept for other devices.
Should I pick tenkeyless or full-size?
Tenkeyless if you want more mouse room and rarely type numbers; full-size if you enter numbers often.
Is a membrane keyboard bad for gaming?
No. It is quieter and cheaper, but it feels softer and usually lacks per-key rollover guarantees beyond what the listing states.
Do I need 8,000Hz polling?
No. It is a marginal gain on top of 1,000Hz and can cost battery life and CPU time.
Do Hall effect switches help in games?
Adjustable actuation and rapid trigger help most in fast strafing games. In slower games the difference is small.
Bottom Line
Razer's Huntsman V3 Pro Mini is the pick for analog switches with Snap Tap. SteelSeries's Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 adds Protection Mode, and Logitech's PRO X 60 is the wireless one.