The best mini keyboards are much smaller than traditional full-size gaming keyboards. That means you can fit them in a more compact setup, as well as take them with you when you’re traveling. Among the best gaming keyboards, there are several compact sizes, 75%, 65%, and 60%, making it easy for you to find the perfect balance between controls and size.
A 75% keyboard like the premium Asus ROG Azoth has three-quarters the number of keys as a full-sized, and will typically offer you keys for media controls and programmable macro keys with the function key rows.
65% keyboards like the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed generally do away with the function row making an “Fn” key a necessity. Most laptops have a 65% layout, so if you use one regularly you will be very familiar with this layout and it’s about as small as we would recommend for word processing.
Most 60% keyboards (but not all) will go a step further and remove the arrow keys, so they’re best suited to games with a minimal set of controls such as esports titles like Counter-Strike 2. However, the Mountain Everest 60 bucks this trend by offering arrow keys and an optional numpad.
There’s a lot to like in this space-saving category, and many of these mini gaming keyboards also fit into our best RGB keyboards and best wireless mechanical keyboard guides. If size is a priority, these are the best mini keyboards for gaming that we’ve tried and tested.
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Best mini keyboards 2024
How we chose the best mini gaming keyboards
Harnessing our collective experience as gamers who have used a broad range of mini keyboards, we know exactly what to look for in all ends of the market, be it the budget, midrange, or premium tier. We have our usual go-to big-name brands such as Razer and Asus who reliably put out quality products but we also draw upon our knowledge of smaller manufacturers who offer a lot for your money, such as Royal Kludge and Epomaker.
Durability is extremely important when it comes to a keyboard as well as It should be able to endure millions of your most frantic keystrokes as you type, code, or frag away in games. Given how much you use a keyboard, you’ll want it to be comfortable. If a cheaper keyboard offers great features and build quality but isn’t quite as ergonomic, you may want to get an additional palm rest.
Is a mini keyboard good for gaming?
It absolutely can be if you play games that don’t require many controls and complicated macros such as strategy games, simulation games, and MOBAs. FPS and esports titles such as Call of Duty and Counter-Strike 2 don’t need gigantic keyboards to accommodate their controls so if this is what you mostly play you can save a lot of desk space by opting for a mini keyboard.
Is a mini keyboard worth it?
It depends on how small you want to go. If you do word processing or coding, we would not recommend anything smaller than a 65% keyboard. But given that smaller keyboards require fewer materials, they are often cheaper which may be the deciding factor in whether or not you purchase one. If you have a small desk, a complementing mini keyboard could make your work or gaming space feel a lot less cluttered.
Why do PC gamers love mini keyboards?
Desktop keyboards were traditionally hefty, but with the rapid adoption of the best gaming laptops it’s become clear you can get just as much done with less, paving the way for smaller keyboards. Those only using their PCs for gaming don’t have much need for a numpad or a function row and having more space on your desk means more room to move your mouse, something crucial for shooters requiring precision.