Buying Guide
The Best Travel Mechanical Keyboard
Five keyboards compared, from the KN85 to the PRO X 60, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
A travel mechanical keyboard needs a small layout and a wireless connection. Every pick here is a 60% to 75% board that works without a cable.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: layout, switches and connection come from each maker's published specs; a missing switches is flagged, not filled in, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
PBT Keycaps
Kisnt KN85 WirelessPBT keycaps.
Best for: Buyers who want PBT keycaps.
Check price for Kisnt KN85 Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Redragon K673 PRO WirelessA gasket mount.
Best for: Buyers who want gasket mount.
Check price for Redragon K673 PRO Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AULA F75 Pro WirelessA 4000mAh battery.
Best for: Buyers who want 4000mAh battery.
Check price for AULA F75 Pro Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
AULA F75 HE WirelessA 4000mAh battery.
Best for: Buyers who want 4000mAh battery.
Check price for AULA F75 HE Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Logitech G PRO X 60 LightspeedA choice of tactile or linear optical switches at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the KN85 costs less.
Check price for Logitech G PRO X 60 Lightspeed on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| PBT keycaps. | Buyers who want PBT keycaps. | Check price for Kisnt KN85 Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A gasket mount. | Buyers who want gasket mount. | Check price for Redragon K673 PRO Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A 4000mAh battery. | Buyers who want 4000mAh battery. | Check price for AULA F75 Pro Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A 4000mAh battery. | Buyers who want 4000mAh battery. | Check price for AULA F75 HE Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A choice of tactile or linear optical switches at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the KN85 costs less. | Check price for Logitech G PRO X 60 Lightspeed on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
PBT Keycaps1 of 5
Kisnt KN85 Wireless
Kisnt's KN85 is a tri-mode 75% board with pre-lubed linears, PBT caps and a 4000mAh battery.
Best for
- Buyers who want PBT keycaps.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It switches between Windows and Mac modes. Its 75% layout keeps the F-row and arrows in 85 keys, and it connects over USB-C, 2.4GHz or Bluetooth to three devices. The gasket mount softens typing noise.
It uses pre-lubed Bsun linear switches at 45-50gf, and the hot-swap sockets take 3-pin and 5-pin switches. PBT keycaps resist shine. Warm RGB lighting glows around the keys and case edges, and every key is programmable.
Use the KN85's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. You also get this: compact 75% layout.
Key specs
- Layout
- 75%
- Switches
- Bsun linear, pre-lubed
- Connection
- 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
- Keycaps
- PBT
Pros
- Compact 75% layout
- Bsun linear, pre-lubed switches
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- PBT keycaps resist shine
Also Consider2 of 5
Redragon K673 PRO Wireless
Redragon's K673 PRO is a gasket-mounted tri-mode 75% board with a scroll knob.
Best for
- Buyers who want gasket mount.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
The sockets take 3-pin and 5-pin switches. A single knob handles volume and backlight brightness, and it switches between USB-C, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz without re-pairing. Five layers of dampening give a quieter, cushioned feel.
Redragon's software lets you design lighting effects and program macros with custom keybinds. Adjustable RGB brightness suits a dark room. The socket accepts common switches, so you can change the feel later without buying a new board.
No other pick in this guide offers a 75% (81 keys) layout; compare the F75 HE, which has a 75% (80 keys) layout. Use the K673 PRO's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet.
Key specs
- Layout
- 75% (81 keys)
- Connection
- 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
Pros
- Compact 75% (81 keys) layout
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- Gasket mount
- Scroll knob
Strong Alternative3 of 5
AULA F75 Pro Wireless
AULA's F75 Pro is a tri-mode 75% board with pre-lubed switches, a 4000mAh battery and hot-swap sockets.
Best for
- Buyers who want 4000mAh battery.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the KN85 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
The maker specifies PlayStation and Xbox support. It connects over Bluetooth, 2.4GHz or USB to up to five devices, and hot-swap sockets take 3-pin or 5-pin switches. Beginners can change switches without soldering.
Its side-printed PBT keycaps use double-shot moulding, and 16 lighting presets cover most looks. Like the KN85, it has a 75% layout, while the F75 HE uses a 75% (80 keys) layout. It is the only pick here with LEOBOG Reaper pre-lubed switches; the F75 HE has hall effect magnetic switches instead.
Use the F75 Pro's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper K673 PRO and the pricier F75 HE, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Layout
- 75%
- Switches
- LEOBOG Reaper pre-lubed
- Connection
- 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
Pros
- Compact 75% layout
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- 4000mAh battery
- Hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches
Cons
- Costs more than the KN85 at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
AULA F75 HE Wireless
AULA's F75 HE brings Hall effect switches to a tri-mode 75% board with a 4000mAh battery and a knob.
Best for
- Buyers who want 4000mAh battery.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the KN85 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The switches are hot-swappable. You get a 75% (80 keys) layout here, which sets it apart from the PRO X 60 and its a 60% layout. Hall effect magnetic switches is unique to it among these picks, while the PRO X 60 uses GX optical switches.
Use the F75 HE's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the KN85 at the time of writing. When we checked, only the F75 Pro and cheaper picks cost less, and the PRO X 60 cost more.
Key specs
- Layout
- 75% (80 keys)
- Switches
- Hall effect magnetic
- Connection
- 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
Pros
- Compact 75% (80 keys) layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- 4000mAh battery
Cons
- Costs more than the KN85 at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
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
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the KN85 costs less.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Why we like it
A volume roller sits on top. It is the only pick here with a 60% layout; the KN85 has a 75% layout instead. No other pick in this guide offers GX optical switches; compare the F75 Pro, which has LEOBOG Reaper pre-lubed 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 KN85 at the time of writing. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the F75 HE.
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 KN85 at the time of writing
How We Chose
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 set side by side five keyboards on layout, switches and connection from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and switches is missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the KN85 to the PRO X 60, state layout and connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The K673 PRO gives no switches.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the KN85 (under $50) to the PRO X 60 ($50 to $100).
What to Look for in a Travel Mechanical Keyboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Fit and compatibility
Use the KN85's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet.
Features beyond the spec table
The K673 PRO: a scroll knob. The F75 HE: a control knob. The PRO X 60: a volume roller.
A mechanical keyboard with white keycaps in front of an ultrawide monitor Where your budget lands
Under $50 buys the KN85 and the K673 PRO; $50 to $100 buys the F75 Pro, the F75 HE and the PRO X 60 at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Buyers who want PBT keycaps: the KN85. Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the KN85 costs less: the PRO X 60.
A compact keyboard and mouse in front of an ultrawide monitor 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 Travel Mechanical Keyboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want PBT keycaps | KN85 | PBT keycaps |
| Buyers who want gasket mount | K673 PRO | A gasket mount |
| Buyers who want 4000mAh battery | F75 Pro | A 4000mAh battery |
| Buyers who want 4000mAh battery | F75 HE | A 4000mAh battery |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the KN85 costs less | PRO X 60 | A choice of tactile or linear optical switches at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The KN85, the K673 PRO and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| KN85 | 75% | Bsun linear, pre-lubed | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired |
| K673 PRO | 75% (81 keys) | Not listed | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired |
| F75 Pro | 75% | LEOBOG Reaper pre-lubed | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired |
| F75 HE | 75% (80 keys) | Hall effect magnetic | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired |
| PRO X 60 | 60% | GX optical | Lightspeed, Bluetooth, wired |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the KN85, sat in the under $50 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the PRO X 60 at $50 to $100; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | KN85, K673 PRO |
| About $50 to $100 | F75 Pro, F75 HE, PRO X 60 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the KN85 the PBT Keycaps?
The label rests on PBT keycaps. It is aimed at anyone who wants PBT keycaps.
Do the KN85 and the K673 PRO differ on layout?
The KN85 and the F75 Pro use 75%; the K673 PRO uses 75% (81 keys); the F75 HE uses 75% (80 keys); the PRO X 60 uses 60%.
What should I check before buying the F75 Pro?
Use the F75 Pro's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. In this guide it ranks third of 5.
Beyond the specs, what sets the KN85 and the K673 PRO apart?
The KN85: a 4000mAh battery. The K673 PRO: a gasket mount. The F75 Pro: a 4000mAh battery.
Should I pick the KN85 or the PRO X 60?
The KN85 suits buyers who want PBT keycaps; the PRO X 60 suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the KN85 costs less.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the KN85, chosen for PBT keycaps. Look at the K673 PRO for a gasket mount, the F75 Pro for a 4000mAh battery and the F75 HE for a 4000mAh battery if those matter more to you.
Bluetooth pairing with several devices helps when you move between a laptop and a tablet.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Keyboards Right Now
- Related guideThe Best Quiet Gaming Keyboards
- Related guideThe Best TKL Keyboards
- Lower budgetThe Best Cheap Mechanical Keyboards
- Similar guideThe Best Mechanical Keyboard
- 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 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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