The Benefits and Drawbacks of 60% Keyboard

60% keyboards get rid of number pads, function rows, arrow keys, and navigation groups to make the design very small. Their small size is becoming more popular among gamers and people who like to set up desks. Do you like this simple layout? This piece talks about the pros and cons of 60% keyboards so that you can make an informed choice.

Benefits of 60% Keyboards

The small 60% form has real benefits besides just looking different. When users move to this layout, they often report a number of useful benefits that make their computing experience better in ways they didn't expect.

Saves 40% More Desk Space

On a 60% keyboard, the number pad, the function row (F1–F12), the arrow keys, and the control keys (Home, End, Page Up/Down, Delete, and Insert) are gone. When compared to full-size or TKL layouts, this smaller footprint frees up desk room, making the workspace cleaner. The extra space lets you move the mouse more freely, which is good for gamers who use low sensitivity settings and anyone else who wants more room. You can also make room on your desk for things like microphones, drawing tablets, or notes.

Improves Wrist and Shoulder Positioning

Because a 60% keyboard isn't very wide, you can put the mouse closer to the middle of your body. People who use bigger computers often tilt their mouse arm outward to get it to fit around the keyboard. When you move the mouse closer, your shoulders and arms are in a more balanced position. This can help your shoulder, elbow, and wrist feel less stressed during long work or gaming sessions. This may lower your chance of getting repetitive strain injuries.

Fits Easily in Bags and Backpacks

Most keyboards are bigger and heavier than 60% keyboards, so it's easy to carry them in a backpack or laptop bag. This small size is great for people who are always on the go, like people who commute to work, travel, go to class, or go to game events. It fits well next to a laptop and doesn't add a lot of weight or bulk.

Clean, Minimal Design

60% keyboards have a clean look that goes well with simple desk setups because of their small, simple shape. Since these computers don't have any extra keys, they look simple, which many people like. Because of this focus on design, 60% layouts are popular in the custom keyboard community. This has led to a lot of stylish case styles, materials, and colors.

More Parts and Customization Options

One of the most common shapes in the custom keyboard market is the 60% form factor. This means you can find a lot of parts that work with it, like case materials like metal, plastic, wood, and acrylic, mounting plates made of brass, carbon fiber, and polycarbonate, circuit boards with different features like hotswap sockets and RGB lighting, and keycap sets made just for 60% layouts. The 60% market has a lot of choices if you want to make your own keyboard.

Costs Less for Custom Builds

When you make your own keyboard, the 60% shape needs fewer parts than bigger boards. You will only need 61–64 switches instead of 87 for TKL or 104+ for full-size, and you will not need any extra keycap kits for number pads or control clusters. This may lower the general cost of basic parts, but high-end cases, circuit boards, and keycaps that are only available in small numbers may still be pricey. Brand, features, and quality can also make a big difference in the price of pre-built 60% keyboards.

Drawbacks of 60% Keyboards

The smaller size of 60% keyboards creates real challenges for many users. The missing keys and different operation method require significant adaptations that might not work for everyone's needs or preferences.

Missing Keys Require New Typing Habits

The 60% design removes dedicated function keys, arrow keys, navigation keys (Home, End, Page Up/Down, Delete, Insert), and the number pad. This forces you to completely change how you interact with your keyboard. Actions that used to be a single keypress now require multiple key combinations.

Function Layers Replace Dedicated Keys

To access missing keys, 60% keyboards use "layers" activated by holding modifier keys (usually labeled 'Fn' or 'Pn'). Common examples include:
Fn + 1 to get F1
Fn + 2 to get F2
Fn + WASD or IJKL for arrow keys
Fn + other keys for Delete, Page Up, and Page Down
While most 60% keyboards let you customize these combinations, they take time to learn and remember. Complex shortcuts like Ctrl + Shift + Home become more difficult as Ctrl + Shift + Fn + (assigned Home key).

Slows Down Specific Work Tasks

The missing keys create real problems for certain activities:

• Data Entry: Working with numbers is much slower without a number pad. Using the top row or function layer for numerical input takes longer and feels less natural.
• Programming: Developers need function keys for debugging (F5, F9, F10, F11) and navigation keys to move through code efficiently. Using layers interrupts coding flow and reduces speed.
• Specific Games: While WASD works for most games, MMOs, simulation games, and older titles often rely on F-keys and arrow keys. Gamers need to remap controls or learn layer combinations to play effectively.
• Video/Audio Editing: Media professionals use navigation keys constantly for timeline control, frame adjustments, and marker navigation. The extra keystrokes slow down the editing workflow.

Takes Weeks to Build New Muscle Memory

People used to standard keyboards need several weeks to adjust to a 60% layout. Building muscle memory for layer combinations takes consistent practice and initially leads to typing mistakes and frustration. Non-enthusiasts often find the adaptation period too demanding compared to the space-saving benefits.

Occasional BIOS Access Problems

Some computer motherboards have trouble recognizing function layer combinations during startup before the operating system loads. This can make accessing BIOS/UEFI settings difficult. While most modern systems and 60% keyboards have improved compatibility (with preset mappings that work without special drivers), this issue can still occur with certain hardware combinations.

5 Questions to Ask Before Buying a 60% Keyboard

Before spending money on a 60% keyboard, take time to honestly evaluate whether it matches your specific needs. These questions will help determine if the compact size benefits outweigh the functional limitations.

What Tasks Do You Perform Daily on Your Computer?

Identify exactly what you do most on your computer. Spreadsheet work, programming, video editing, and database management all heavily rely on the keys missing from a 60% layout. The fewer specialized tasks you perform, the more suitable a 60% keyboard becomes. Basic typing, web browsing, and many games work well with 60% layouts.

How Often Do You Actually Use Function and Arrow Keys?

For 2-3 days, pay attention to how frequently you press F-keys, arrow keys, Home/End keys, and the number pad. Many users discover they press arrow keys 50+ times daily without realizing it. Keep a tally on paper or in a note app to get an accurate picture of your actual keyboard usage patterns.

Are You Willing to Spend 2-3 Weeks Learning New Key Combinations?

A 60% keyboard typically requires 2-3 weeks of consistent use before the new key combinations become natural. During this period, your typing speed may drop by 20-30%, and you'll make frequent mistakes reaching for missing keys. Consider whether this adjustment period fits your work deadlines and patience level.

How Important Are Desk Space and Portability to Your Setup?

If your desk is smaller than 40 inches wide or you frequently carry your keyboard between locations, the compact size offers significant benefits. Measure your current keyboard and visualize how much extra space you'd gain with a board that's approximately 40% smaller. For frequent travelers, the reduced weight (typically 1-2 pounds versus 2-3 pounds) makes a noticeable difference.

Have You Considered 65%, 75%, and TKL Alternatives?

Several middle-ground options exist between full-size and 60% keyboards:

•  65% Keyboards: Include dedicated arrow keys and usually Delete, while remaining only slightly larger than 60% models. Examples: Ducky One 2 SF, Keychron K6.
•  75% Keyboards: Provide function row, arrow keys, and several navigation keys in a compressed layout. Examples: GMMK Pro, Keychron Q1.
•  TKL (Tenkeyless): Offer everything except the number pad, maintaining standard key spacing. Examples: Ducky One 2 TKL, Filco Majestouch 2. These alternatives often provide better functionality while still saving significant space compared to full-size keyboards.
  

Weigh Your Needs Before Buying a 60% Keyboard!

There are clear trade-offs with the 60% keyboard: you get more desk room and portability, but you also lose some dedicated keys and have to learn how to use it. Your computer habits are the most important thing in this case. The small size is great for gamers with limited space and tourists. The lack of function and navigation keys could be a problem for programmers, data analysts, and media producers. Take a look at what you do every day, how you normally use keys, and whether you'll be able to get used to combination keypresses. You can find a middle ground between 65% and 75% layouts if you need more usefulness while still saving space.