The 7 Best Small Gaming Keyboards Reviewed
It’s well-known that most gamers want a mechanical keyboard, but what do gamers do when they need a small gaming keyboard? If this is you and you need a smaller keyboard due to lack of space or preference, then you want a high-quality option without a hefty price tag. Moreover, you probably don’t need a number pad for gaming, especially if you don’t want to use the same gaming keyboard for work as well.
Save on space by getting a tenkeyless keyboard that’s free of the keys you won’t use. In turn, this takes up less space leaving more room for your mouse and coffee mug. You can still get all the fun options like RGB lighting and even presets if you find the right keyboard for your needs.
We found the seven best options and put them all in one list. Find the right option for your need and budget right here. After, read the buyers guide to get helpful information to consider along with answers to your questions.
Best Small Gaming Keyboards
1. GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
HK Gaming provides an excellent small keyboard with the GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. Not only is it a very compact but reduces even more unnecessary keys than standard small keyboards. With only 61 keys, you get what you need without any of the other stuff clogging up your style.
The mid-range prices allow this keyboard to fit in most budgets, and you get options too. Pick from several switch styles all from Gateron to get the exact click you want from silent to linear or even clicky or tactile. Also, pick from a black or white base too. No matter what you get, the keyboard comes with RGB backlighting, including 16.8 million color combinations.
If you want, you can hot-swap the switches. Also, the keyboard includes a full anti-ghosting mode for more flexibility. The keyboard works with both Mac and Windows-based computers. You also get advanced customizing features, personalized function keys, and even a key puller too. It’s capable of being used for regular computing needs but definitely functions best for gaming.
Choose this keyboard not just for all of the features but because it’s about three inches shorter than other keyboards on the width and about two inches shorter on the length. No matter how small your desk is, you can add in this highly functional gaming keyboard with room to spare for your mouse and coffee too. Lastly, it includes a 60 inch USB type C to type A cable, so no need to charge or add batteries to your keyboard.
- ✅ PREMIUM OPTICAL SWITCHES: The GK61 comes equipped with Optical mechanical switches that deliver ultimate performance and reliability, designed for enduring and intense usage.
- ✅ CUSTOMIZABLE RGB LIGHTING: Experience a vivid spectrum of 16.8 million colors with twenty adjustable backlight patterns using the included software, letting you tailor the multicolor RGB system to your preference.
- ✅ LINEAR: Designed for swift and responsive gaming; favored by some of the world's top gamers for seamless play.
- ✅ REMOVABLE TYPE-C CABLE: Features a 5FT/1.5M Type-C to Type-A USB cable that can be detached for your convenience, providing a consistent connection with your devices.
- ✅ SMOOTH STABILIZERS: With pre-lubricated stabilizers, enjoy solid gaming without wire rattle, for a seamless experience.
2. E-Yooso 60 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
The E-Yooso 60 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard gives you just the keys you need as its a tenkeyless board. Even better, it’s a mechanical board made for gamers with built-in RGB backlight. Add in two color options of either black and white for an exceptional keyboard at a reasonable price.
Get the audible click sound you crave and tactile feedback for the right feel from this well-loved keyboard. Next, you can replace the mechanical switches with brown, red, or silver switches or even change to ten different light modes. All this from a keyboard designed for responsiveness and durability.
The 81 anti-ghosting keys are individually controlled by their own switches, which reduces input error to improve your gaming experience. You still get all of the function keys and letter keys without the excessive number pad that takes up so much space. Also, the keyboard works with both Windows and Mac.
As the keyboard is made of ABS and a metal base, it’s both sturdy and durable. With the matte finish and gold plated USB connectors, it’s functional and beautiful too. You also get shortcut keys that will help if you want to use the keyboard for regular computing needs too. Finally, the keyboard is water-resistant with three drain holes to prevent water damage if you spill your drink.
- Mechanical Typing Feel: E-YOOSO Mechanical Keyboard original equipped with high-quality Brown Switch, 50 million keystrokes lifespan, 2.8mm Distance to actuation, 65g actuation force, offers a quicker and springier response, crisp click sound for spring typing enjoyment. Adopt the high-quality 1:1 PBT and ABS keycaps, which have an excellent touch experience.
- 18 Mode Blue Backlight & Both Sides RGB Lights: E-YOOSO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard key light has 18 adjustable backlight modes. 8 dynamic backlight modes(Fn+Ins), 8 built-in gaming backlight modes(FN+(1-8)), 2 customizable backlight modes(FN+(9,0)). 4 RGB side lighting Modes(Fn+Pause). Privide you the perfect gaming immersion.
- Ergonomic Design : The foldable back kickstands and stepped key design, choose the height you need, which can reducing finger fatigue.
- Double Injection Keycap: The keyboard comes with extra two beautiful orange keycaps (ESC and space bar), the unique double-shot injection molded keycaps
- Classic 87-key Keyboard & Full Keys Anti-ghosting: With compact 87-key design, the gaming keyboard provides faster game response while freeing up your desk space so as to leave a bigger room for other work. Advanced anti-ghosting technology allows all 87 keys to work simultaneously to provide a fast typing response. The keyboard supports plug & play without any software.
3. Razer BlackWidow V3 Tenkeyless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Get the Razer BlackWidow V3 Tenkeyless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard if you want a bit of space made just for your wrists. Although this keyboard comes with a significant price, it does offer exactly what you need from a brand known for quality gaming accessories.
With the Black Widow, you get all the performance in a more compact size, leaving you more room on the computer desk for your other items. It comes with RGB backlighting for an impressive array of color options. Also, the green mechanical switches with an audible clicking sound with satisfying feedback. Moreover, the keys provide precision and performance too.
Next, the aluminum construction can stand the time and durability test no matter how many hours a day you play. The keyboard actually has a lifespan of 80 million keystrokes for reliability that far outweighs the cost. It also features a clean matte finish with just enough spacing between the keys to not fat-finger the wrong key and mess up your play.
Add in multiple cable routing options so you can get the cord out of your way for extra value. With the cord, you also don’t have to worry about charging or buying extra batteries. Lastly, you can remap all of the keys to make executing complex commands with ease. You also get a two-year warranty to back up your purchase.
- Signature Mechanical Switch for Gaming: Razer Green switch technology provides a satisfying clicky sound with 50 G of actuation force, ideal for typing and gaming requiring the highest accuracy
- Ultimate Personalization & Gaming Immersion with Razer Chroma: Fully syncs with popular games, Razer hardware, Philips Hue, and gear from 30+ partners; supports 16.8 million colors on individually backlit keys
- Compact form factor: The tenkeyless design allows for easier positioning to get your setup just right, and is ideal for gamers who prefer a minimalist desktop
- Fully Programmable Macros: Razer Hypershift allows for all keys and keypress combinations to be remapped to execute complex commands
- Durable Construction: Supports up to 80 million clicks; made of military-grade metal top plate
4. Durgod Taurus K320 TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Although the Durgod Taurus K320 TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is on the pricy side, it’s an excellent choice with tons of options. It’s also an excellent option for those looking for a more low-key keyboard without the modern lights. However, it’s not the smallest keyboard on our list, but it is tenkeyless, removing the unnecessary number pad.
The 80 percent keyboard design offers a simple and compact size ready to save space on your desk. Moreover, the keyboard is 100 percent anti-ghosting with an N-key rollover, and it’s great for both work and play. Program all of the keys except for the FN key. The keyboard also includes both macro and profile independent editors, and you can lock the windows key during gameplay.
Pick from several fun options, too, including the cherry switch that works from you from nine different options. Find a color that works with your desk from gray to black that’s backlit, blue, white, and even white backlit. All of the function keys are in a different color to make them easier to see so you can game better and faster.
The keyboard also features a case and adjustable feet to angle the item to a better spot for your wrists. It also includes two different cables to work with your needs. Use the keyboard on Mac or Windows-based computers. It’s a great option if you need to switch back and forth between work and gaming unless you are an accountant!
- 87 Keys Double Shot PBT Keycaps ; Ansi US International Layout ; Cherry MX Switches
- Durgod K320 Features a Sturdy case with adjustable feets so you can prop the keyboard up at an angle to relieve your wrists. (2 positions)
- Supports DURGOD Zeus Engine software : ( Upgrade your keyboard firmware on the go and set up complex macros or rebind keys as you wish)
- Two Different Cables : Type C To Type C USB Cable-3.3FT (1M) and Type-C to type-A USB cable 5.9FT/ (1.8M) ; Logo Sticker and keypuller included.
- Compatibility with Mac and Windows: Compatible with Windows 10, Win 8, Win 7, Win Vista, Windows XP and Mac OS (Might need to remap some key through the software) ; The keyboard is adapted for all environment, Home & Office use.
5. DIERYA DK61E 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
The DIERYA DK61E 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard offers a classic and compact 60 percent size ready to leave you tons of room on your desk. It’s a great option for someone who needs more space or needs to take their gaming keyboard on the go. Also, you get options as you can pick from several switch options, including blue, black, red, silver, or yellow.
Next, the keyboard includes RGB backlighting with 16 million color options for a custom appearance. With just 61 keys, you get fully customizable keys to define your keyboard to your specifications. Use the powerful software to edit the features and functions and customize to your exact preferences.
Furthermore, the keyboard’s circuit board is waterproof so you can eat and drink freely without worry about a tiny spill. You can hot-swap the key functions as well, all with Gateron optical switches without desoldering or extra keyboard purchases. The keys even include a dust cover too.
The keyboard is ready to give you a lifespan of 50 million keystrokes to last for years. If you aren’t a fan of Cherry switches and prefer Gateron switches, then this keyboard needs to be on your shortlist. Now you can save space without compromising on function. A few people found the software difficult to use.
- ✅【61-Key ANSI Layout】 This compact layout saves desk space while still providing the full functionality of 104 keys through the use of Fn combination keys or key remapping through drivers. It supports full key rollover and is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux systems.
- ✅【Gateron Optical Switches】 These switches operate on optical principles, eliminating the need for contact and providing faster response times, lower latency, virtually zero wear and tear, higher stability, and a lifespan of up to 100 million keystrokes.
- ✅【Double-Shot PBT Keycaps】These OEM-profile keycaps are made from PBT, a material that is stronger and more resistant to wear and sweat corrosion compared to ABS. They are also harder to grease up after long typing periods. The keys feature translucent legends that become clearly visible when the backlight is activated, making typing in dimly lit environments a breeze.
- ✅【Gaming Atmosphere RGB Backlight】Enjoy 16.8 million colors of RGB lighting, with 19 preset lighting effects. You can customize the color, brightness, and breathing speed of the LED beads. If you prefer, you can also turn off the RGB backlight.
- ✅【Fully Programmable Keys】 With the use of drivers, you can remap keys, record macros, and customize RGB lighting effects to your preference, and it also features 4 memory slots to store your custom profiles.
6. RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Wireless 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Choose the RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Wireless 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard for a simplified design and modest options for a mid-range price. Pick between blue, brown, or red switches to get the clicks or tactile feel of your choice. Also, decide if you want a black, white, or red LED keyboard. However, most people will love the tiny size you can hold easily in one hand.
Not only can you hold this tiny keyboard on your lap, but it also comes with dual modes and reliable connection. An advanced built-in chip allows for instant keystroke registration and extremely low latency or interference. Switch between three modes to get exactly what you need when you need it, all with just the 61 keys you need for gaming in a compact design.
The minimalist layout keeps your desk organized and makes moving between keys faster and easier. Also, it comes with a long-lasting battery. If you don’t want to be tethered to a cord, then this is the choice for you because it can last for 10 hours on one charge. It recharges in three hours, but honestly, you are going to have to charge this option every night.
While you don’t get all the color options with this keyboard, it does come backlit with a single color and multiple modes although, this can reduce battery life. Also, it’s Bluetooth for easy connecting and has an auto-sleep mode to reduce battery recharging. Now you can get tactile, quiet keys without being tied to a cord.
- First Generation of Triple Mode Keyboards - Wireless mode with stable BT 5.0 chipset, hassle-free 2.4Ghz dongle plus USB-C wired mode set no limits about your keyboard connection. The RK61 is best to fit smartphone, laptop and tablet.
- 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - The Compact mechanical keyboard with 61 Keys brings you a neat desktop. Tips you might want to know is that 60% gaming keyboard without numpad is most FPS gamers’ choice, more spaces left for mouse movements.
- Hot-swappable - Hot-swap PCB allows you to replace 3 pins/5 pins switches freely without soldering issue. Enjoy the fun of making your own unique keyboard.
- High-capacity Battery - RK61 60 Percent mechanical keyboard Allows you to use continuously about 13 hours with lightest backlit, up to 360 hours standby time.
- Single Color Backlit But Not Dull- Even if RK61 has no multicolored RGB but only single LED backlit, the 17 dynamic backlit modes keep the plain effect away.
7. SK64 Grey Bluetooth 5.1 60% Keys Gaming Keyboard
If you want less than 87 keys but more than 61, try the SK64 Grey Bluetooth 5.1 60% Keys Gaming Keyboard that comes with 64 keys. It’s still a compact keyboard, but the price is a little high, which is why it’s at the bottom of the list. However, those extra keys give you more options and functions.
The keyboard does offer a lot of detail with the price tag, including RGB backlighting and Gateron switches. Also, you can customize the three function keys to get them to do exactly what you want. Next, you can change the colors to your preference, with 16.8 million choices.
Furthermore, the keyboard is very compatible as it works Windows, Android, or Mac OS. Pick your switches too from red, brown, or blue. The keyboard also comes with an ergonomic design so you can play longer on this mechanical keyboard. It’s 100 percent full anti-ghosting without conflict to avoid obstacles.
Finally, you can hot-swap the switches without soldering. The keyboard comes in a very simple color combo with the number and letter keys in white and the function keys in gray, making them easier to see. Also, the escape key is in a blunt red, so you will never accidentally click it and leave your game. Enjoy three layers of programming and a full-key rollover with a wireless compact keyboard.
- Customized Three FN and backlight: 3-layer editable download function, FN1/FN2/FN3 user-defined. Approximately 16.8 million color RGB effects, with the driver can be configured with massive lighting effects. (Driver download web in the product description part and manual.)
- Strong compatibility and Type-C dual modes: Work well with Windows /Android/Mac OS and so on. Extra keycaps for Mac operating system are provided.
- Compact and Portable: Fits right in backpack. Minimalistic design doing more with less. Requires less hand movement while still being able to access all the functionalists. Driver can be configured with massive lighting effects. (Driver download web in the product description part and manual.)
- Ergonomic and NKRO: Ergonomic design, no feel fatigue after long term use and 100% full anti-ghosting without conflict, enjoy the process without any obstacles.
- Optical Axis switch : 85% pbt keycaps. Hot-swap switches allows you to change switches without soldering.
Buying Guide for Small Gaming Keyboards
Before you buy a compact keyboard, take a look at some important features to consider.
Keyboard Size
Standard keyboards with a number pad measure around 21 inches by 5 inches by 1.5 inches. Tenkeyless keyboards are significantly smaller, around 14 inches by 6 inches by 1.5 inches. With a more compact 61 key keyboard, you can move down to 11.5 inches by 4 inches by 1.5 inches.
The best bet is to measure your desk and the space available to decide which works for you. A 61 key keyboard is by far the smallest and most compact option similar in size to the Apple standard keyboard that saves on space and gives you more room on your desk.
Switches
Switches are the part of the key that moves. Honestly, most people will not notice the difference between Cherry or Gateron switches, but those who do it is more a company preference than a quality issue. What you need to decide is if you want a loud key click or prefer quiet. Also, pick between a more tactile movement or linear. All options are acceptable and personal; you will just need to play around with each to see which you prefer.
Extra Features
One of the main advantages of gaming computers is the ability to program keys to your specific needs. Not all keyboards can do this, but for some people, this isn’t optional, but a necessity, and it will cost more. If you just want a compact keyboard without lots of functions, then you can save money.
Also, decide if you want a backlit keyboard to improve the aesthetics of your game room. Some of the keyboards give you over 16 million color options, while others have none at all. It’s not a mandatory option, but as so many people like to enjoy the screen in the dark, the extra lighting on the keys lets you see what you are typing without turning on the lights. Not to mention, the backlit keyboards are epic and one of the benefits of technology. You can even pair them with a backlit mouse for extra color.
Questions About Small Gaming Keyboards
Should I pick a corded keyboard or wireless?
Both styles of keyboard have advantages. Some people want to move around while gaming, and they don’t want to be tied to a cord. Others don’t want to mess with batteries or charging a keyboard, and they will do better with a corded computer. Which is right for you depends on your preferences.
Will a small keyboard still allow me to do everything I need to do?
Absolutely. Most gamers don’t need the number pads on their computer, and that’s essentially what you are getting rid of with a compact computer. Other people don’t even need the extra function buttons or arrow keys as they rely on their mouse for most of the movement and only use the keyboard for communication. Pay attention to what keys you use the next time you game to decide which keyboard you need.
Do I need a gaming mouse too?
You don’t need a gaming mouse, but it sure is a nice addition to your new keyboard. It’s another way to customize your game and get better ergonomics. Also, gaming mice allow you to program keys for targeted movements and faster response.
Conclusion
If you still cannot decide which compact gaming keyboard to buy, we suggest the GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. The high-end keyboard offers tons of switch options, RGB backlighting, 61 keys, and extremely small size. It’s a great option with programmable keys, and it works on both Mac or Windows. Now you can save up all your space for your mouse, which needs so much more space!