Among gamers, fans of mechanical keyboards, and supporters of custom keyboards, the 60% vs. 65% keyboard debate frequently arises. The 65% keyboard has a design that is 65% of that of a normal keyboard, whereas the 60% keyboard has 60% of that normal keyboard’s design.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re trying to determine which choice is best for your gaming setup. Please continue reading to learn how to select the best keyboard for your gaming setup from our experts’ explanations of the differences between the two types of keyboards.
60% vs 65% Keyboard-Quick Comparison
| Features | 60% Keyboard | 65% Keyboard |
| Number of Keys | 61 Keys | Between 66 and 68 Keys |
| Function Keys | No | No |
| Home Keys | No | No |
| Arrow Keys | No | Yes |
| Work Rating | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Gaming Rating | 8/10 | 10/10 |
| “General Use Rating” | 7/10 | 7/10 |
What Makes a 65% Keyboard Different From a 60% Keyboard?
The primary distinction between a 60 percent and 65 percent keyboard is that a 60 percent keyboard lacks programmable buttons, whereas a 65 percent keyboard has one. Additionally, compared to its 60 percent counterpart, the 65 percent keyboard has a larger form factor. Users who require dedicated arrow keys and three to four additional navigation keys will benefit from 60% of keyboards, while those who prefer a smaller footprint will benefit from 65%.
A 60% Keyboard: Is It Worth It?
A 60 percent keyboard comes in a design that denotes 60 percent of a typical full-sized keyboard. It features all the keys you normally find on a keyboard except for the function, navigation, arrow, deletes, insert, the Numpad, and scroll lock keys.
For gamers with limited space on their desk, the minimalist 60 percent keyboard layout is ideal. Due to their portability and lightweight, they make a great supplemental item for gaming competitions. You can still access the functions of the listed dedicated keys even if they aren’t present. You must use a different key or key combination to achieve the same result. Unlike a typical keyboard, which has 105 keys, the majority of keyboards have up to 61 keys.
Pros of 60% Keyboard
People love keyboards that are 60% of the way up for various reasons.
These motives consist of
Gaming
60% of keyboards are insurmountable in terms of gaming. They allow for the widest range of mouse movements among all the available keyboard options. Since it is extremely unlikely to hit the side of the keyboard case, these keyboards can be used without being angled.
You don’t need to slant yourself in any way when using a keyboard that is 60% larger. You can sit comfortably and use both controls efficiently while playing because the small form factor already makes room for your mouse.
Typing
The 60% keyboard is smaller and more comfortable to type than a chiclet keyboard. It also takes up less room in your bag.
Configuration
The size of the 60% keyboard is one of its primary appeals, according to many users. With a sized keyboard, you’ll have plenty of room on your work surface, gaming console, or desk. Reaching your mouse while keeping it close does not require excessive arm extension.
Programming
Since so many buttons had to be sacrificed on 60% of the keyboard to maintain its minimalist design, there had to be a way for users to utilize the keys that were removed. A programming layout was the manufacturer’s response in the form of a fix.
The “PN Key” or “FN Key,” which acts as the programming layer, can hold down one key while pressing another to perform various functions.
Light Weight
In 60% of keyboards, the chassis is made of aluminum, and the weight of brass is still much lower than that of larger custom keyboards. The 60% keyboard market also offers a wide range of options. Due to their portability, you can easily take them to LAN competitions or your place of employment.
Cons of 60% Keyboard
There are still a few drawbacks to 60% keyboards that you need to consider despite all of their advantages.
Absence of Important Keys
One of their biggest drawbacks is that many necessary physical keys are absent from 60% of keyboards. Through various layers, you can still access them. In any case, you’ll have to work on your muscle memory to be able to access them.
Requires an Adjustment Period
The best way to use the number keys is to preset the symbol/number row at the top while holding down the PN or FN keys. There are numerous dedicated keys with their key combinations, such as the function and arrow keys. Using a 60% keyboard will require some getting used to if you are not accustomed to using your fingers on a keyboard.
Popular 60% Prebuilt and Custom Keyboards
- Royal Kludge RK61
- Ducky One 2 Mini
- KBDFans Tofu60
- Cannonkeys Brutal 60
- Cannonkeys Bakeneko
65% Keyboard: Is It Good For Everyday Use?
The 65% keyboard is simply a 60% keyboard with more buttons. Although the 60% keyboard has 61 keys, it typically has 68. It might not mean much to you if you’ve never used a small-form-factor keyboard. With these extra keys, the usable space on the keyboard rises by 65% for those used to TKL keyboards. These extra keys may be arrow keys, numeric pads, or other unique keys. The 60% keyboard is thought to have been modified by this. Most of the characteristics are comparable.
Finally, you can access all the necessary and dedicated keys with a 65% keyboard. 60% of keyboards use an odd layout to achieve their small form factor, but 65% of keyboards do not. All of these are enjoyed while maintaining the advantages of a 60% keyboard. Still portable and lightweight, 65% of keyboards are.
Pros of 65% Keyboard
Most of the 60% keyboard benefits also apply to the 65% version. The benefits of using the 65% keyboard layout are briefly discussed below.
Additional Keys
Because the 65% keyboard has dedicated arrow keys, many prefer it to the 60% keyboard. You don’t need to use key combinations to move around in your game. However, getting used to having the arrow keys so close to the alphanumeric keys might take some time.
Form Factor
The 65% keyboard’s physical dimensions are similar to the 60% version. As a result, you enjoy the same features, such as uniformity, ergonomics, and sufficient space for your mouse. It also has the advantage of having a navigation key, which makes it more compatible with laptops than the 60% version.
Cons of 65% Keyboard
65% of the keyboard still does not fix some of the shortcomings.
Missing Essential Keys
F and other keys that might be necessary for professionals are still absent in 65% of devices. It implies that you will still need to access them via layers, which some people might find annoying.
Designs are confidential
The majority of case designs—65%—are secret. 65% of PCBs cannot be dropped into a brand-new case, in contrast to 60% of keyboards, without encountering problems. Everything is different on 65% of keyboards, from the right arrow blocker to the USB placement. Getting the personalized case for a 65% keyboard will also take some time. Although some manufacturers offer optional aluminum or brass cases with their keyboards, many don’t, leaving customers with plastic cases.
Longer in Size
Compared to 60% of keyboards, 65% of keyboards are larger overall. You can teach yourself to avoid accidentally hitting the edge of your keyboard with your mouse. Some gamers, particularly those accustomed to 605 keyboards, might find it bothersome.
65% Custom and Prebuilt Keyboards
- KBDFans Tofu65
- Novelkeys NK65 Entry Edition
- Cannonkeys Savage65
- Ducky One 2 SF
- Epomaker GK64X
Which one is preferable?
Whichever keyboard best satisfies your individual needs will ultimately win out. A 60% keyboard would be more appropriate if you are unfamiliar with mechanical keyboards and want to experiment with various case materials and layouts. A 60% keyboard is the undisputed winner if you’re a low DPI gamer seeking the most space possible.
However, the extra keys on 65% of keyboards will come in handy if your priorities are productivity and productivity rather than gaming. Additionally, 65% will suit you better if you already have an established preference for the design and material of your keyboard’s case.
Conclusion
Keyboards with a 60 or 65% slope save much room. You won’t have to compromise on comfort or how you sit to work or play games because you’ll have enough room for your mouse. Which keyboard is better is a question without an answer at the global level. Both are transportable, and their sizes are noticeably closer to one another.
It largely depends on your preferences, because you can’t go wrong with either choice.
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