Buying Guide
The Best 60 Percent Gaming Keyboards Under $90
Six budget-to-mid 60 percent boards, four with magnetic or analog switches.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
Magnetic 60 percent boards now start under $40. These six stay under $90 at the time of writing.
We compared switch type, polling and hot-swap support from each listing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Value Magnetic
AULA WIN60 HE Magnetic KeyboardRapid trigger and 8000Hz near $40.
Best for: Budget shooters.
Check price for AULA WIN60 HE Magnetic Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Analog Step-Up
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini (Analog)On-the-fly actuation changes.
Best for: Tuning actuation.
Check price for Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini (Analog) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Calibration Tools
Redragon K617 HE Magnetic KeyboardDesktop and web-based calibration.
Best for: Tinkerers.
Check price for Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best for macOS
DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic KeyboardA web driver that supports macOS.
Best for: Mac and PC desks.
Check price for DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Mechanical Pick
Redragon K617 Fizz 60% Keyboard3-pin and 5-pin hot-swap sockets.
Best for: Switch swapping.
Check price for Redragon K617 Fizz 60% Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price
Geeky GK61 60% KeyboardHot-swap sockets near $22.
Best for: The smallest budgets.
Check price for Geeky GK61 60% Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Value Magnetic1 of 6
AULA WIN60 HE Magnetic Keyboard
AULA's WIN60 HE puts Hall effect switches, rapid trigger and 8000Hz polling in a wired 60% board.
Best for
- Budget shooters.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Why we like it
It is one of the cheapest ways into magnetic switches. Rapid Trigger works at a 0.02mm step, and a web-based driver configures it from any device. Lighting shines through PBT keycaps.
On polling rate it ties with the K617 HE and the EK60 HE at 8,000Hz. Like the K617 HE and EK60 HE, it has hall effect magnetic switches, while the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog uses analog optical Gen-2 switches. It also comes with rapid trigger with adjustable actuation.
The WIN60 HE 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. Its price falls between the K617 HE and the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog, based on our last check.
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
- Costs more than the GK61 at the time of writing
Best Analog Step-Up2 of 6
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini (Analog)
This analog Huntsman V3 Pro Mini listing offers rapid trigger and on-the-fly actuation changes.
Best for
- Tuning actuation.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Why we like it
It is rated for less than the Esports edition. It is the only pick here with analog optical Gen-2 switches; the WIN60 HE has hall effect magnetic switches instead. You also get an onboard visual guide for adjustments.
The Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog 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 the highest-priced of the 6 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the WIN60 HE and the rest. The maker doesn't give its polling rate; if that figure matters, the WIN60 HE offers 8,000Hz.
Key specs
- Layout
- 60%
- Switches
- Analog optical Gen-2
- Connection
- Wired
- Keycaps
- Doubleshot PBT
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- Rapid trigger with on-the-fly actuation changes
- Onboard visual guide for adjustments
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- No published polling rate
Best Calibration Tools3 of 6
Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard
The K617 HE brings Hall effect switches, rapid trigger and 8000Hz polling to Redragon's 60% frame.
Best for
- Tinkerers.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Why we like it
Calibration runs in a desktop or web app. It matches the WIN60 HE and the EK60 HE on polling rate (8,000Hz). It shares hall effect magnetic switches with the WIN60 HE and EK60 HE; the K617 goes with red linear switches.
You also get the lowest price among the 8000Hz boards here. The K617 HE 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. When we checked, only the EK60 HE and cheaper picks cost less, and the WIN60 HE cost more.
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
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- Costs more than the GK61 at the time of writing
Best for macOS4 of 6
DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic Keyboard
DAREU's EK60 HE pairs Hall effect switches with 8000Hz polling and a web driver that supports macOS.
Best for
- Mac and PC desks.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no dedicated arrow keys or function row is a problem.
Why we like it
It is priced near $35 at the time of writing. It matches the WIN60 HE and the K617 HE on polling rate (8,000Hz). It shares hall effect magnetic switches with the WIN60 HE and K617 HE; the K617 goes with red linear switches.
It also offers adjustable rapid trigger. The EK60 HE 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 priced above the K617 and below the K617 HE at the time of writing.
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
- Adjustable rapid trigger
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- Costs more than the GK61 at the time of writing
Best Mechanical Pick5 of 6
Redragon K617 Fizz 60% Keyboard
Redragon's K617 Fizz is a wired 60% board with red linear switches and hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
Best for
- Switch swapping.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Why we like it
It is one of the lowest-priced hot-swap boards here. Its 60% layout frees desk space for wide mouse swipes, and 20 lighting presets adjust in brightness and speed. The software programs macros.
Its switches are rated for 50 million presses, in a white and grey colourway. Red linear switches is unique to it among these picks, while the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog uses analog optical Gen-2 switches. The K617 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 GK61 cost less, and the EK60 HE cost more.
Key specs
- Layout
- 60%
- Switches
- Red linear
- Connection
- Wired
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- Red linear switches
- Hot-swap sockets for 3-pin and 5-pin switches
- Switches rated for 50 million keypresses
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- No published polling rate
The catch
If you want a confirmed polling rate, look to the WIN60 HE instead: it offers 8,000Hz, while this one gives no figure.
Lowest Price6 of 6
Geeky GK61 60% Keyboard
Geeky's GK61 is a hot-swappable 60% board with macro software and Mac support.
Best for
- The smallest budgets.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Why we like it
It sits near $22 at the time of writing. Hot-swap sockets let you change switches without soldering, using the tools in the box. The detachable USB-C cable and 60% layout make it easy to pack for LAN events.
Its 1,000Hz polling rate is the slowest in this group; the WIN60 HE leads at 8,000Hz. A 60% (61 keys) layout is unique to it among these picks, while the K617 HE uses a 60% layout. The GK61 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 cost the least of the 6 picks at the time of writing, with the K617 the next step up.
Key specs
- Layout
- 60% (61 keys)
- Switches
- Mechanical, hot-swappable
- Connection
- Wired
- Polling rate
- 1,000Hz
Pros
- Compact 60% (61 keys) layout
- Mechanical, hot-swappable switches
- Hot-swap sockets
- Macro and remapping software
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- Polling rate trails the WIN60 HE (8,000Hz)
The catch
It gives ground on polling rate, where the WIN60 HE offers 8,000Hz.
How We Chose These 60 Percent 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.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared six keyboards on layout, switches, connection and polling rate as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 3 of the 4 fields compared are stated for every pick, while polling rate has gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 6, from the WIN60 HE to the GK61, state layout, switches and connection and share Wired connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog and the K617 give no polling rate.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the GK61 (under $50) to the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog ($50 to $100).
What to Look for in a 60 Percent Gaming Keyboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Polling rate
The WIN60 HE tops polling rate at 8,000Hz and the GK61 sits lowest at 1,000Hz; 3 picks share the top figure. For less, the K617 HE is the runner-up at 8,000Hz. The Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog and the K617 give no polling rate figure, so 4 of 6 picks are compared here.
What to check at home
The WIN60 HE needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
A close-up of a full-size keyboard with grey keycaps Features beyond the spec table
The EK60 HE: a web driver that supports macOS. The K617: switches rated for 50 million keypresses. The GK61: macro and remapping software.
Where your budget lands
Under $50 buys the GK61, the K617, the EK60 HE, the K617 HE and the WIN60 HE; $50 to $100 buys the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog at our last check.
A grey mechanical keyboard beside a mouse on a wooden desk Match the pick to your priority
Budget shooters: the WIN60 HE. Tuning actuation: the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog. Tinkerers: the K617 HE.
How to Choose a 60 Percent Gaming Keyboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget shooters | WIN60 HE | Rapid trigger and 8000Hz near $40 |
| Tuning actuation | Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog | On-the-fly actuation changes |
| Tinkerers | K617 HE | Desktop and web-based calibration |
| Mac and PC desks | EK60 HE | A web driver that supports macOS |
| Switch swapping | K617 | 3-pin and 5-pin hot-swap sockets |
| The smallest budgets | GK61 | Hot-swap sockets near $22 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The WIN60 HE leads on polling rate at 8,000Hz, ahead of the K617 HE at 8,000Hz. "Not listed" marks polling rate where the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog and the K617 leave the figure out.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection | Polling rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WIN60 HE | 60% | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog | 60% | Analog optical Gen-2 | Wired | Not listed |
| K617 HE | 60% | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| EK60 HE | 60% | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| K617 | 60% | Red linear | Wired | Not listed |
| GK61 | 60% (61 keys) | Mechanical, hot-swappable | Wired | 1,000Hz |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the GK61, sat in the under $50 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog at $50 to $100; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | GK61, K617, EK60 HE, K617 HE, WIN60 HE |
| About $50 to $100 | Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the K617 HE the Best Calibration Tools?
The label rests on desktop and web-based calibration. It is aimed at tinkerers.
Do the WIN60 HE and the GK61 differ on layout?
The WIN60 HE, the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog, the K617 HE, the EK60 HE and the K617 use 60%; the GK61 uses 60% (61 keys).
What should I check before buying the GK61?
The GK61 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. In this guide it ranks sixth of 6, as our Lowest Price pick, and fourth of 4 on polling rate (1,000Hz).
Beyond the specs, what sets the WIN60 HE and the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog apart?
The WIN60 HE: rapid trigger with adjustable actuation. The Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog: rapid trigger with on-the-fly actuation changes. The K617 HE: rapid trigger.
Who should choose the WIN60 HE?
The WIN60 HE carries our Best Value Magnetic label for rapid trigger and 8000Hz near $40. It ranks first of 6 here and sat in the under $50 tier at our last price check; it suits budget shooters.
Bottom Line
AULA's WIN60 HE is the pick for a low-cost magnetic board. Razer's analog Huntsman V3 Pro Mini is the step up, and the GK61 is the cheapest hot-swap choice.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Budget Mechanical Keyboards
- Related guideThe Best Keyboards for PC
- Related guideThe Best TKL Keyboards
- Lower budgetThe Best Cheap Gaming Keyboards
- Similar guideThe Best 60% Gaming Keyboards
- ExplainerHow to Choose a Mechanical Keyboard
- ExplainerKeyboard layouts compared: full-size, TKL, 75%, 65% and 60%
- Also see: miceGaming Mouse Features Explained: What Is Worth Paying For?
- Similar guideThe Best 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboards
- Topic hubAll keyboards guides
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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