The PC Journal

Buying Guide

The Best Compact Keyboards for a Numpad Setup

We weighed five keyboards on polling rate and layout, and the GEODMAER 65% costs the least.

By , PC Hardware Editor

12 min read5 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 compact board plus a standalone numpad gives mouse room when gaming and a numpad when working. Every pick is TKL or smaller and cost $100 or less.

We ranked these keyboards on layout, switches and connection using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these keyboards ourselves, and where a maker leaves out polling rate, we say so.

Quick Picks

Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

  1. Lowest Price Here

    GEODMAER 65% Wired Gaming Keyboard

    A lower price than the Maxfit61 and the rest when we checked.

    Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the Maxfit61 the next step up.

    Check price for GEODMAER 65% Wired Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  2. Also Consider

    FANTECH Maxfit61

    Hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches from any brand.

    Best for: Buyers who want hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches from any brand.

    Check price for FANTECH Maxfit61 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  3. Strong Alternative

    DIERYA DK68E 60% Keyboard

    Hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.

    Best for: Buyers who want hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.

    Check price for DIERYA DK68E 60% Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  4. Worth a Look

    Redragon K552 Kumara Mechanical Keyboard

    Anti-ghosting across all keys.

    Best for: Buyers who want anti-ghosting across all keys.

    Check price for Redragon K552 Kumara Mechanical Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

  5. Fastest Polling

    Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard

    The fastest polling rate here (8,000Hz).

    Best for: Competitive players who want the quickest listed report rate.

    Check price for Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Lowest Price Here1 of 5

GEODMAER 65% Wired Gaming Keyboard

GEODMAER's 65% board uses membrane keys with separate arrows and 26-key rollover.

Best for

Spending as little as possible, with the Maxfit61 the next step up.

Skip if

Worth skipping when membrane switches, not mechanical is a problem.
Check price on Amazon for GEODMAER 65% Wired Gaming Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
GEODMAER 65% Wired Gaming Keyboard

Why we like it

It is the cheapest keyboard here. Its 65% layout keeps separate arrow keys, and a detachable USB-C cable gives a steady wired connection. It saves desk space for wide mouse movements.

You get a 65% (68 keys) layout here, which sets it apart from the K617 HE and its a 60% layout. Membrane switches is unique to it among these picks, while the DK68E uses pre-lubed linear switches. It also comes with a lockable Windows key.

The GEODMAER 65% 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Maxfit61 was closest.

Key specs

Layout
65% (68 keys)
Switches
Membrane
Connection
Wired

Pros

  • Compact 65% (68 keys) layout
  • Separate arrow keys
  • 26-key rollover
  • Lockable Windows key

Cons

  • Membrane switches, not mechanical
  • Wired only

The catch

If you want a confirmed polling rate, look to the K617 HE instead: it offers 8,000Hz, while this one gives no figure.

Check price on Amazon for GEODMAER 65% Wired Gaming Keyboard (opens in a new tab)

Also Consider2 of 5

FANTECH Maxfit61

FANTECH's Maxfit61 is a wired 60% board with blue clicky switches and hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.

Best for

Buyers who want hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches from any brand.

Skip if

Pass on it if no dedicated arrow keys or function row rules it out for your setup.
Check price on Amazon for FANTECH Maxfit61 (opens in a new tab)
FANTECH Maxfit61

Why we like it

Pullers ship in the box. Pre-lubed stabilizers smooth the Enter, Backspace and Shift keys, which often rattle on budget 60% boards. It shares a 60% layout with the DK68E and K617 HE; the K552 goes with a TKL (87 keys) layout.

You get blue clicky switches here, which sets it apart from the K617 HE and its hall effect magnetic switches. It also comes with switch and keycap pullers in the box and a detachable USB-C cable. The Maxfit61 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 GEODMAER 65% and below the DK68E at the time of writing.

Key specs

Layout
60%
Switches
Blue clicky
Connection
Wired

Pros

  • Compact 60% layout
  • Blue clicky switches
  • Hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches from any brand
  • Switch and keycap pullers in the box

Cons

  • No dedicated arrow keys or function row
  • Wired only
  • Costs more than the GEODMAER 65% at the time of writing

The catch

There is no published polling rate figure, whereas the K617 HE offers 8,000Hz.

Check price on Amazon for FANTECH Maxfit61 (opens in a new tab)

Strong Alternative3 of 5

DIERYA DK68E 60% Keyboard

DIERYA's DK68E uses pre-lubed linear switches and dampening foam in a 60% frame.

Best for

Buyers who want hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.

Skip if

Look at the others if this bothers you: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Check price on Amazon for DIERYA DK68E 60% Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
DIERYA DK68E 60% Keyboard

Why we like it

Remapping runs in a browser on Windows, macOS or Linux. It shares a 60% layout with the Maxfit61 and K617 HE; the K552 goes with a TKL (87 keys) layout. You get pre-lubed linear switches here, which sets it apart from the K617 HE and its hall effect magnetic switches.

The DK68E 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. Worth noting: hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches. It was priced above the Maxfit61 and below the K552 at the time of writing.

Key specs

Layout
60%
Switches
Pre-lubed linear
Connection
Wired
Polling rate
1,000Hz

Pros

  • Compact 60% layout
  • Pre-lubed linear switches
  • Hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches
  • Browser-based remapping on Windows, macOS or Linux

Cons

  • No dedicated arrow keys or function row
  • Wired only
  • Costs more than the GEODMAER 65% at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for DIERYA DK68E 60% Keyboard (opens in a new tab)

Worth a Look4 of 5

Redragon K552 Kumara Mechanical Keyboard

The K552 has been a starter mechanical board for years.

Best for

Buyers who want anti-ghosting across all keys.

Skip if

Look at the others if this bothers you: wired only.
Check price on Amazon for Redragon K552 Kumara Mechanical Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Redragon K552 Kumara Mechanical Keyboard

Why we like it

It is simple, wired and tenkeyless, with a choice of linear or tactile switches. A TKL (87 keys) layout is unique to it among these picks, while the Maxfit61 uses a 60% layout. You get red linear or brown tactile switches here, which sets it apart from the K617 HE and its hall effect magnetic switches.

You also get anti-ghosting across all keys. The K552 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. It was priced above the DK68E and below the K617 HE at the time of writing. There is no published polling rate figure, whereas the K617 HE offers 8,000Hz.

Key specs

Layout
TKL (87 keys)
Switches
Red linear or brown tactile
Connection
Wired

Pros

  • Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
  • Red linear or brown tactile switches
  • Anti-ghosting across all keys
  • Choice of red or brown switches

Cons

  • Wired only
  • Costs more than the GEODMAER 65% at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for Redragon K552 Kumara Mechanical Keyboard (opens in a new tab)

Fastest Polling5 of 5

Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard

The K617 HE brings Hall effect switches, rapid trigger and 8000Hz polling to Redragon's 60% frame.

Best for

Competitive players who want the quickest listed report rate.

Skip if

Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Check price on Amazon for Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard

Why we like it

Calibration runs in a desktop or web app. Like the Maxfit61 and DK68E, it has a 60% layout, while the GEODMAER 65% uses a 65% (68 keys) layout. No other pick in this guide offers hall effect magnetic switches; compare the DK68E, which has pre-lubed linear switches.

It also offers 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. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the K552.

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 GEODMAER 65% at the time of writing
Check price on Amazon for Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard (opens in a new tab)

How We Chose These Compact Keyboards for a Numpad Setup

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 close-up of a full-size keyboard with grey keycaps
A close-up of a full-size keyboard with grey keycaps
The figures behind the order
We lined up five keyboards on layout, switches, connection and polling rate as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 3 of 5 picks leave out polling rate.
What every pick has in common
All 5, from the GEODMAER 65% to the K617 HE, state layout, switches and connection and share Wired connection.
Where the specs have gaps
The GEODMAER 65%, the Maxfit61 and the K552 give no polling rate.
Price range
From the GEODMAER 65% to the K617 HE, all sat in the under $50 tier when we checked.

What to Look for in a Compact Keyboard for a Numpad Setup

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

  1. How much polling rate you need

    The K617 HE tops polling rate at 8,000Hz and the DK68E sits lowest at 1,000Hz. If polling rate is your first filter, the K617 HE sets the ceiling at 8,000Hz. The GEODMAER 65%, the Maxfit61 and the K552 give no polling rate figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.

  2. Switches

    The GEODMAER 65% lists membrane; the Maxfit61 lists blue clicky; the DK68E lists Pre-lubed linear; the K552 lists Red linear or brown tactile; the K617 HE lists hall effect magnetic.

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

  3. Setup checks

    The GEODMAER 65% needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.

  4. Extras that separate them

    The DK68E: browser-based remapping on Windows, macOS or Linux. The K552: a choice of red or brown switches. The K617 HE: desktop and web-based calibration.

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

  5. How much to spend

    All 5 sat in the under $50 tier when we checked, from the GEODMAER 65% at the low end to the K617 HE at the top, so decide on features first.

How to Choose a Compact Keyboard for a Numpad Setup

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Spending as little as possible, with the Maxfit61 the next step upGEODMAER 65%A lower price than the Maxfit61 and the rest when we checked
Buyers who want hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches from any brandMaxfit61Hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches from any brand
Buyers who want hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switchesDK68EHot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches
Buyers who want anti-ghosting across all keysK552Anti-ghosting across all keys
Competitive players who want the quickest listed report rateK617 HEThe fastest polling rate here (8,000Hz)

Scroll sideways to see every column.

A mechanical keyboard with white keycaps in front of an ultrawide monitor
A mechanical keyboard with white keycaps in front of an ultrawide monitor

Key specs side by side

The K617 HE leads on polling rate at 8,000Hz, ahead of the DK68E at 1,000Hz. "Not listed" marks polling rate where the GEODMAER 65%, the Maxfit61 and the K552 leave the figure out.

KeyboardLayoutSwitchesConnectionPolling rate
GEODMAER 65%65% (68 keys)MembraneWiredNot listed
Maxfit6160%Blue clickyWiredNot listed
DK68E60%Pre-lubed linearWired1,000Hz
K552TKL (87 keys)Red linear or brown tactileWiredNot listed
K617 HE60%Hall effect magneticWired8,000Hz

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the DK68E compare with the K617 HE on polling rate?

The K617 HE leads at 8,000Hz, with the DK68E at 1,000Hz. The GEODMAER 65%, the Maxfit61 and the K552 don't state a polling rate figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.

Why is the K617 HE our Fastest Polling pick?

The label rests on the fastest polling rate here (8,000Hz). On polling rate it leads the DK68E, 8,000Hz against 1,000Hz, a 700% margin. It makes sense for competitive players who want the quickest listed report rate.

Do the GEODMAER 65% and the Maxfit61 differ on layout?

The GEODMAER 65% uses 65% (68 keys); the Maxfit61, the DK68E and the K617 HE use 60%; the K552 uses TKL (87 keys).

Will the K552 work with my setup?

The K552 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. In this guide it ranks fourth of 5.

What extras do the GEODMAER 65% and the Maxfit61 include?

The GEODMAER 65%: separate arrow keys. The Maxfit61: hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches from any brand. The DK68E: hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.

Bottom Line

Our first pick is the GEODMAER 65%, chosen for a lower price than the Maxfit61 and the rest when we checked. Look at the Maxfit61 for hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches from any brand, the DK68E for hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches and the K552 for anti-ghosting across all keys if those matter more to you.

Place the standalone numpad on the left to keep mouse room.

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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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