Joybuy Insights

60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboards: How to Choose the Right One

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I'm here to help you navigate the options. A 60% mechanical gaming keyboard is a popular choice for gamers and users who value a clean, minimalist desk setup. By omitting the number pad and other keys, it creates more space for sweeping mouse movements—a critical factor in many games. But what features are important when making your choice? This guide explains the key characteristics and introduces several models from the MageGee Keyboard brand to help you make an informed decision.

What to Look For in a Compact Mechanical Keyboard

Choosing the right keyboard depends on your personal preferences and intended use. Here are two crucial criteria you should consider.

1. Choosing Your Switch: Blue vs. Red Switches

Mechanical keyboards are defined by the individual switches under each key. These significantly influence the typing feel and acoustics.

  • Keyboards with Blue Switches: These switches are tactile and "clicky." With every keystroke, you feel and hear a distinct click point. This feedback is often appreciated by heavy typists as it provides clear confirmation of key activation. For gaming, however, the clicking sound can be distracting in quiet environments or when using a microphone.
  • Keyboards with Red Switches: Red switches are linear. They offer a smooth, resistance-free keystroke without a noticeable click point. The result is very quiet and rapid key actuation. This characteristic makes them a preferred choice for fast, repetitive keystrokes in competitive games.

2. Layout and Functionality: 60 Percent and QWERTY US

A 60 percent keyboard is an extremely compact mechanical keyboard. Compared to a standard keyboard, it lacks the number pad, the F-key row (F1-F12), and the navigation cluster (arrow keys, Insert, Delete, etc.). These functions are still accessible via a key combination with the "FN" key. This design makes it an ideal mini gaming keyboard.

Many of these models, including the ones featured here, use a QWERTY US layout. This means the keycap legends correspond to the American standard. However, the functionality is controlled by your computer's operating system. If your system is set to German, for example, you can type umlauts (?, ?, ü) as usual, even if they aren't printed on the keycaps.

Our Selection of 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboards

Here is a selection of wired models that stand out for their compact design and specific features. A wired gaming keyboard offers a stable and latency-free connection, which is a major advantage for gaming.

MageGee STAR 61 with Blue Switches (Black & Grey)

MageGee STAR 61 60% Wired Gaming Keyboard, Blue Switch

Why It Stands Out: This model combines the classic 61-key layout with the tactile and audible feedback of blue switches, popular among typists. The detachable USB-C cable enhances portability and makes it easy to transport.

Features:

  • Layout: 61 keys, 60% form factor
  • Switches:OUTEMU Blue Switches (tactile and clicky)
  • Lighting: Blue LED backlighting with 19 modes
  • Connection: Detachable USB Type-C cable
  • Special Features: N-Key Rollover (anti-ghosting for all keys), Double-shot keycaps

Who It's For: Users who both game and type extensively and prefer clear, audible feedback with every keystroke. Ideal for a setup where acoustics are a key consideration.

MageGee MK-Box with Blue Switches (Grey & Black)

MageGee MK-Box 60% Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Blue Switch

Why It Stands Out: The MK-Box expands the 60% concept to 68 keys, integrating dedicated arrow keys. This is a practical compromise for users who don't want to give up direct access to arrow keys but still want a small gaming keyboard with a compact footprint.

Features:

  • Layout: 68 keys, compact layout with arrow keys
  • Switches:Blue Switches (tactile and clicky)
  • Lighting: Blue LED backlighting
  • Connection: Detachable USB Type-C cable
  • Special Features: Full N-Key Rollover, floating key design

Who It's For: Gamers and programmers who frequently use arrow keys and appreciate the space-saving benefits of a compact keyboard without sacrificing these essential keys.

MageGee STAR 61 with Red Switches (Grey & Black)

MageGee STAR 61 60% Wired Gaming Keyboard, Red Switch

Why It Stands Out: This model is identical in build to the first recommendation but is equipped with red switches. The focus here is clearly on fast, quiet keystrokes optimized for responsive gaming.

Features:

  • Layout: 61 keys, 60% form factor
  • Switches:OUTEMU Red Switches (linear and quiet)
  • Lighting: Blue LED backlighting with 19 modes
  • Connection: Detachable USB Type-C cable
  • Special Features: N-Key Rollover, ergonomic keycap profile

Who It's For: PC gamers looking for a fast and quiet keyboard for competitive games. Also suitable for users in offices or shared living spaces where loud clicking noises should be avoided.

Looking for a Different Style?

If you prefer a setup with a different aesthetic, a keyboard in eye-catching colours could be an interesting alternative. Discover our selection of cute pastel keyboards for a custom desk design.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the advantage of a 60% keyboard?

The main advantage is its small footprint. The compact design leaves more desk space for the mouse, which is particularly useful in games that use low mouse sensitivity (low DPI). They are also lighter and more portable than full-size keyboards.

Are mechanical keyboards better for gaming?

Mechanical keyboards often offer features valued by gamers. These include N-Key Rollover, which ensures multiple simultaneous keystrokes are registered, as well as greater durability and more precise actuation compared to traditional rubber dome keyboards. The choice between different switch types also allows for customisation to suit your personal playstyle.

Can I easily use a keyboard with a QWERTY US layout in Germany?

Yes, this is possible. The characters that appear when you type are determined by the operating system (e.g., Windows or macOS) and its language settings, not by the keycap legends. If your system is set to "German (Germany)," you can type as usual, including umlauts and the "?." You just need to know where these keys are located on a German layout (e.g., Y and Z are swapped).