The PC Journal

Buying Guide

The Best 60% Gaming Keyboards

Six 60% boards for maximum mouse room, from optical switches to adjustable magnetic ones.

By , PC Hardware Editor

12 min read6 products evaluated

A desk setup with a keyboard, mouse and headset beside a monitor
Illustrative image
Jump to
  1. Quick Picks
  2. Our Picks
  3. How We Chose
  4. What to Look For
  5. Comparison
  6. FAQ

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

Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

  1. Best Analog Pick

    Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini

    Rapid trigger and Snap Tap on analog optical switches.

    Best for: Competitive shooters.

    Check price for Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  2. Best Protection Mode

    SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3

    A mode that guards against accidental presses.

    Best for: High-stakes matches.

    Check price for SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  3. Best Wireless 60%

    Logitech G PRO X 60 Lightspeed

    Lightspeed, Bluetooth and a cable.

    Best for: Cable-free desks.

    Check price for Logitech G PRO X 60 Lightspeed on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  4. Best Optical Value

    SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini

    Swappable optical switches with zero debounce.

    Best for: Mid budgets.

    Check price for SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  5. Best Budget Magnetic

    AULA WIN60 HE PRO Magnetic Keyboard

    8000Hz polling and rapid trigger near $48.

    Best for: Tight budgets.

    Check price for AULA WIN60 HE PRO Magnetic Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  6. Best Fixed Optical

    Razer Huntsman Mini

    Linear optical switches with PBT caps.

    Best for: Simple setups.

    Check price for Razer Huntsman Mini on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Best Analog Pick1 of 6

Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini

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 row rules it out for your setup.
Check price on Amazon for Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini (opens in a new tab)
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini

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. You also get this: compact 60% layout. When we checked, only the PRO X 60 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 cost more.

Key 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
Check price on Amazon for Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini (opens in a new tab)

Best Protection Mode2 of 6

SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3

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 row is a problem.
Check price on Amazon for SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 (opens in a new tab)
SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3

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. You also get this: compact 60% layout. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini the nearest cheaper option.

Key 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
Check price on Amazon for SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 (opens in a new tab)

Best Wireless 60%3 of 6

Logitech G PRO X 60 Lightspeed

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.
Check price on Amazon for Logitech G PRO X 60 Lightspeed (opens in a new tab)
Logitech G PRO X 60 Lightspeed

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 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
Check price on Amazon for Logitech G PRO X 60 Lightspeed (opens in a new tab)

Best Optical Value4 of 6

SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini

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.
Check price on Amazon for SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini (opens in a new tab)
SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini

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 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
Check price on Amazon for SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini (opens in a new tab)

Best Budget Magnetic5 of 6

AULA WIN60 HE PRO Magnetic Keyboard

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.
Check price on Amazon for AULA WIN60 HE PRO Magnetic Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
AULA WIN60 HE PRO Magnetic Keyboard

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 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
Check price on Amazon for AULA WIN60 HE PRO Magnetic Keyboard (opens in a new tab)

Best Fixed Optical6 of 6

Razer Huntsman Mini

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 row is a problem.
Check price on Amazon for Razer Huntsman Mini (opens in a new tab)
Razer Huntsman Mini

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 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
Check price on Amazon for Razer Huntsman Mini (opens in a new tab)

How We Chose These 60% Gaming Keyboards

Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.

A compact keyboard and mouse in front of an ultrawide monitor
A compact keyboard and mouse in front of an ultrawide monitor
The figures behind the order
We set side by side six keyboards on layout, switches, connection and keycaps from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and keycaps is missing for at least one pick.
The shared baseline
All 6, from the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini to the Huntsman Mini, state layout, switches and connection and share 60% layout.
Where the specs have gaps
The Apex Pro Mini Gen 3, the PRO X 60 and the WIN60 HE PRO give no keycaps.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the WIN60 HE PRO (under $50) to the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 ($150 to $250).

What to Look for in a 60% Gaming Keyboard

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. Setup checks

    The Huntsman V3 Pro Mini needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Use the PRO X 60's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet.

  2. Features beyond the spec table

    The Apex 9 Mini: zero debounce. The WIN60 HE PRO: hot-swappable magnetic switches. The Huntsman Mini: Hypershift for a second layer of key functions.

    A close-up of a full-size keyboard with grey keycaps
    A close-up of a full-size keyboard with grey keycaps

  3. Budget

    Under $50 buys the WIN60 HE PRO; $50 to $100 buys the Huntsman Mini, the Apex 9 Mini and the PRO X 60; $100 to $150 buys the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini; $150 to $250 buys the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 at our last check.

  4. Match the pick to your priority

    Competitive shooters: the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini. High-stakes matches: the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3. Cable-free desks: the PRO X 60.

    A grey mechanical keyboard beside a mouse on a wooden desk
    A grey mechanical keyboard beside a mouse on a wooden desk

  5. 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.

How to Choose a 60% Gaming Keyboard

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Competitive shootersHuntsman V3 Pro MiniRapid trigger and Snap Tap on analog optical switches
High-stakes matchesApex Pro Mini Gen 3A mode that guards against accidental presses
Cable-free desksPRO X 60Lightspeed, Bluetooth and a cable
Mid budgetsApex 9 MiniSwappable optical switches with zero debounce
Tight budgetsWIN60 HE PRO8000Hz polling and rapid trigger near $48
Simple setupsHuntsman MiniLinear optical switches with PBT caps

Scroll sideways to see every column.

A mechanical keyboard with RGB-lit keycaps
A mechanical keyboard with RGB-lit keycaps

Key specs side by side

The Huntsman V3 Pro Mini, the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 and the rest, as their makers list them.

KeyboardLayoutSwitchesConnectionKeycaps
Huntsman V3 Pro Mini60%Analog optical Gen-2WiredDoubleshot PBT
Apex Pro Mini Gen 360%OmniPoint 3.0 Hall effectWiredNot listed
PRO X 6060%GX opticalLightspeed, Bluetooth, wiredNot listed
Apex 9 Mini60%OptiPoint opticalWiredDoubleshot PBT
WIN60 HE PRO60%Hall effect magneticWiredNot listed
Huntsman Mini60%Linear opticalWiredDoubleshot PBT

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

At our last check the cheapest pick, the WIN60 HE PRO, sat in the under $50 tier, 4 tiers in all up to the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.

Price tierKeyboards
Under $50WIN60 HE PRO
About $50 to $100Huntsman Mini, Apex 9 Mini, PRO X 60
About $100 to $150Huntsman V3 Pro Mini
About $150 to $250Apex Pro Mini Gen 3
A mechanical keyboard with white keycaps in front of an ultrawide monitor
A mechanical keyboard with white keycaps in front of an ultrawide monitor

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the PRO X 60 the Best Wireless 60%?

It carries the badge for lightspeed, Bluetooth and a cable. The WIN60 HE PRO, the cheapest pick, sat in the under $50 tier against $50 to $100 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for cable-free desks.

Do the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini and the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 differ on switches?

The Huntsman V3 Pro Mini uses Analog optical Gen-2; the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 uses OmniPoint 3.0 Hall effect; the PRO X 60 uses GX optical; the Apex 9 Mini uses OptiPoint optical; the WIN60 HE PRO uses hall effect magnetic; the Huntsman Mini uses linear optical.

What should I check before buying the Apex 9 Mini?

The Apex 9 Mini needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. In this guide it ranks fourth of 6, as our Best Optical Value pick.

Beyond the specs, what sets the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini and the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 apart?

The Huntsman V3 Pro Mini: rapid trigger and Snap Tap. The Apex Pro Mini Gen 3: Rapid Trigger and Rapid Tap. The PRO X 60: a choice of tactile or linear optical switches.

Who should choose the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini?

The Huntsman V3 Pro Mini carries our Best Analog Pick label for rapid trigger and Snap Tap on analog optical switches. It ranks first of 6 here and sat in the $100 to $150 tier at our last price check; it suits competitive shooters.

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.

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About the author

PC Hardware Editor

Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.

Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility

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