Small mechanical keyboards are a growing trend in the world of computer peripherals. They are often smaller than normal models and do not take up desk space. The most common types of small keyboards are 40% and 60% in size. They achieve this size by eliminating standard keys, such as the arrow keys, function keys, and Numpad, and turning them into macros.
Unlike the regular mechanical keyboard, smaller models offer a variety of customization options. Each option comes with a different key profile. Small and compact keyboards help you to save plenty of desk space and are perfect for traveling.
One of the many benefits of using a small mechanical keyboard is the reduced physical fatigue it causes. Traditional keyboards have rubber domes that can take a while to return to their original shape. Pressing a key can result in the letter not registering on the screen. By contrast, mechanical keyboards have keys that return almost instantly. If you’re constantly typing, you’ll be much less likely to experience this kind of inconvenience.
One of the biggest advantages of using a small mechanical keyboard is that it allows you to type in a more natural position. When you’re typing on a small keyboard, your arms will stay more relaxed, and you’ll spend less time bending over. While some people don’t like the sound of mechanical keyboards, others love the noise and prefer them for their typing experience. As you can see, there are many benefits of using small mechanical keyboards.
In a hurry? Here are our top 3 favorite picks when it comes to the smallest mechanical keyboards in 2023!
![Vortexgear Core 40% - Dark Grey CNC Case - PBT DSA Keycaps - Cherry Mx [CNC Aluminium Casing] (Mx-Blue)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Ix0RyNMgL._SL160_.jpg)
Best Overall
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Advantages of Mini Mechanical Keyboards
There are a number of advantages to using a mechanical keyboard, including portability, durability, and comfort. Although a full-size mechanical keyboard is the most popular choice, mini versions are smaller and easier to carry. They don’t take up much desk space and offer the same quality of typing feedback as larger models. These minis are ideal for traveling and other situations where a full-sized keyboard may not be practical.
Another advantage of a mini mechanical keyboard is its durability. As opposed to membrane keyboards, mechanical keyboards are more stable. They don’t slip when pressed, and they don’t wear out easily. The size is an additional advantage, though. If you work from home or are not a writer, consider getting a mini mechanical keyboard. It’s much more convenient than a standard keyboard for many tasks.
The biggest benefit of a small mechanical keyboard is the lack of clutter. Unlike a large, full-sized keyboard, a small, portable mechanical keyboard does not have a top surface to collect dust. Its compact size also provides an easy-to-use platform for programming and text editing.
Tiny keyboards are also a good option for people who want to develop their creative skills. Their limited space and a limited number of keys force them to use every single key. The tiny size allows users to create more interesting key spellings than those on larger keyboards.
Are Small Mechanical Keyboards Worth It?
There are many different reasons why you should invest in a small mechanical keyboard. You may be a person who relies heavily on a computer for work, or you may just want a smaller, more comfortable keyboard that you can use in the comfort of your home.
Whatever your reason, mechanical keyboards can make typing much easier and more pleasurable. And you may even find yourself pushing yourself to the limit in competitive games because you can type more accurately.
The first major reason to invest in a mechanical keyboard is the promise of increased speed and accuracy. While a mechanical keyboard will give you the best typing experience, you must keep in mind that they are bulky and expensive and may not fit your lifestyle. However, a mini mechanical keyboard is small and compact with the benefits of custom switches.
Another reason to invest in a mechanical keyboard is the fact that they’re customizable. Most mechanical keyboards allow you to change the default behavior of keys and key actions. If you want to change the layout or customize key actions, a mechanical keyboard is a way to go. You can also save up a large chunk of money by buying several mechanical products. This way, you can buy one that is perfect for your personal needs. All these reasons make a small mechanical keyboard worth it.
If you are looking for a new compact keyboard, here are the top 7 smallest mechanical keyboards in 2023.
1. Vortexgear Core 40% Mechanical Keyboard – Best Overall
The Vortexgear Core 40% mechanical keyboard is one of the smallest mechanical keyboards in the market. This is a very compact, lightweight, and highly customizable mechanical keyboard that uses an advanced layering system.
While its layout is small, the keys are large and responsive. While the default layer cannot be programmed, the keycaps are thick and durable PBT. Its Cherry MX switches are one of the best on the market, and its CNC-machined aluminum case offers a comfortable grip.
The Vortexgear Core 40% mechanical keyboard is a good choice for most gamers. It offers a customizable layout with customizable shortcuts, and it has a textured black box. The logo is discreetly printed and positioned on the black box. The arrow keys are large and easy to find. The space bar is split and offers great convenience. Despite its small size, the keyboard feels very solid and is made of top-quality materials.
This mechanical keyboard is a great choice for gamers who are looking for a smaller keyboard with the same premium features. Its 47-key compact layout makes it a great choice for a smaller laptop, and it features a DSA height PBT sublimation keycap and a German-made CHERRY MX shaft.
The Vortex CORE has four layers and four rows of keys. Each layer is accessible via a special function key. The key base is layered on the ASD row, with the middle layer being the most standard. The keyboard has a color-coded key base and is programmable in the three major areas. Its user interface is intuitive and easy to use, but it is not for everyone.
Why Is This The Best Small Mechanical Keyboard in 2023?
The Vortexgear Core 40% mechanical keyboard is a great little device to add to your gaming keyboard collection. It is a reprogrammable mechanical keyboard with four distinct layers, each with its own programmable key configuration. The keys are also detachable for easy access. In addition to being detachable, the keys can be programmed individually to customize your experience.
It is a small mechanical keyboard that’s about 40% the size of a regular keyboard. It achieves this by removing standard keys and letting you use the Fn keys for modifiers. It is less expensive than competitors like the Qisan Magicforce 49 and Planck EZ but still costs much less than most of the other models in the same price range.
The Vortexgear Core 40% mechanical keyboard has a sturdy design and feels good in the hand. It uses Cherry MX Blue switches to improve the overall typing experience. In addition to that, this product is strong and sturdy with CNC Aluminum Frame.
This is one of the best small mechanical keyboards because it features four layers and is customizable. Unlike the 40%, the users can reassign the symbols and switch between them. And with a unique ergonomic design and a battery that can last for years, the Vortexgear Core 40 is a smart choice for any desktop computer.
2. Motospeed Wired/Wireless 3.0 Mechanical Keyboard – Runner Up
Motospeed Wired/Wireless 3.0-is the best compact mechanical keyboard in the market. This model is designed to be small and has a 60-percent layout, meaning that the function row and navigation cluster are gone. That results in a surprisingly small keyboard that is the width of most 13-inch laptops. It is also quite lightweight and comes with a one-year warranty.
The Motospeed is a high-end mechanical keyboard with 61 programmable keys. The keycaps are backlit for extra visibility. Its backlit features include RGB lighting with 19 backlit effects and customizable software. It also comes with a battery life of 10 hours. The keycaps are comfortable and durable, and it is designed to accommodate large hands. The programmable switches allow you to change the look of the keyboard to suit your personal style. The keyboard is tested for 50 million keystrokes.
The Motospeed keyboard is very easy to use and offers plenty of functions. It has a USB Type-C port and Bluetooth 3.0 support. The keycaps are a nice touch as they allow you to customize the keyboard and even add your favorite color combinations. With its slim design, it doesn’t take up much space on your desk. It can fit inside a backpack or drawer.
The Motospeed is a good mechanical keyboard for most people. It has an ergonomic design and is well balanced for office use, gaming, and typing. The compact design of the Motospeed Ck62 allows for easy customization and offers 19 lighting modes. The RGB illumination is adjustable, and the keys are individually lit.
3. Snpurdiri 60% Wired Gaming Keyboard – Budget Pick
The Snpurdiri 60% Wired Gaming keyboard is one of the best affordable mini mechanical keyboards. It is made of high-quality material and comes with various features and advantages. The keyboard has a solid design that is ergonomic and comfortable to use.
The 60 percent RGB gaming keyboard is comfortable to use, and it lacks the Numpad. It has a fully mechanical feel that is good for all-round use, and it features six backlight effects and eight color-changing keys. The keycaps are UV-coated and laser-carved. Whether you are using it for gaming or for general typing, it will be a great investment.
The Snpurdiri 60-percent keyboard is a great choice for gaming. It has a small and comfortable shape that is ideal for all-around use. The Type C wired connection offers stable performance.
This 60% gaming keyboard has the perfect size for all-around use. It has a mechanical feel and ergonomic design. The keyboard also boasts eight backlight colors and a transparent backlight. Its keycaps are UV-coated and injection laser-carved to ensure durability and longevity.
Besides being compatible with most game consoles, the 60% gaming keyboard is also compatible with the Xbox One, PS4, and PS3 games. It comes in classic black and white keys for custom design. This gaming keyboard comes with a brushed metal finish and a matte black frame. It is suitable for all uses and has a great mechanical feel.
4. Keychron K2 Gaming Mechanical Keyboard – Premium Pick
The K2 features a 75% layout with an RGB backlight and retains the arrow keys and shortcut keys. Its aluminum frame is made from brushed aluminum and features a black, non-slip surface. It can connect up to 3 devices via Bluetooth 5.1 and supports switching between them. The Broadcom Bluetooth chipset makes it easy to pair with multiple devices. It’s best for home use and light gaming and offers both a wired and a wireless mode.
The K2’s sleek aluminum frame is available in 18 different colors. It can connect to three different devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones. It weighs 794 grams and measures 317 x 129 mm, which makes it easy to transport around the house or office. The wireless Bluetooth/USB connectivity is a great feature. The keyboard can be used in either corded or cable mode and features two USB ports.
The K2 comes with a USB-C cable. You can connect it to your computer and switch it from Bluetooth mode to cable mode. The keyboard features a battery-level indicator that flashes rapidly when the battery level is below 15 percent. The LED stays solid when charging. The low battery indicator is adequate for charging the K2 but could have been a little more elaborate. It comes with a 4000 mAh battery that lasts for 72 hours.
5. Fiodio 61 Keys RGB Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
The Fiodio 61 Keys RS RGB Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a highly customizable mechanical gaming keyboard with a stepped design for ergonomic typing comfort. Its blue switches are anti-ghosting with 19 effects and RGB lights. Despite the high price tag, it comes with a warranty and free replacement parts for life.
The Fiodio 61-key mechanical gaming keyboard comes with a metal superstructure for durability. It features double-shot PBT keycaps with side printing and is spill-resistant. Its LED backlight is adjustable and is designed to last a long time. There are 20 lighting modes in this device. It offers a 2.0mm distance to actuation, 50 million keystrokes lifespan, and 55±20gf key force.
The Fiodio 61-Key RGB Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard has an anti-ghosting feature that does typing in low-light conditions easy and comfortable. It is made of a metal superstructure that’s spill-resistant and has been tested for more than 50 million keystrokes.
This mechanical gaming keyboard comes with a unique 61-key design. The slanted-key layout provides ergonomically designed keys for optimal comfort and reduces wrist fatigue. The RGB illumination provides a pleasantly bright white glow for the keyboard. It is perfect for gamers.
6. Qisan Mini Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
If you’re looking for a cheap mechanical gaming keyboard, you can’t go wrong with the Qisan Mini. This 49-key design makes it extremely compact. It has an ergonomic keycap and an alternate action switch. It also has a USB connection so you can plug and play without the need for a driver. The USB cable is removable, and it has a floating-key design.
The Qisan mechanical gaming keyboard is easy to set up and use. The keys have a floating design and can be easily swapped. This keyboard comes with GATERON blue switch. It has a small 40% layout and is relatively cheap. You will get a snow-white or icy blue backlight with this keyboard.
The Qisan Mini Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a great keyboard for gaming. It has a Gateron blue switch and floating key design. It has an ergonomic design and comes with adjustable lighting options.
7. HUO JI 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
If you’re looking for an affordable and space-saving board, check out the HUO JI 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboarding. With its solid construction, it offers nine different lighting modes, an L-shaped USB-C connector, and a 1-year warranty. This keyboard is a good choice.
The backlight on this keyboard is extremely adjustable with nine modes. You can choose the model that’s best for you. The RGB backlight is perfect for nighttime gaming. It comes with 81 anti-ghosting compact keys. It is a high-speed keyboard with rainbow lighting effects.
The keyboard is durable, and the ergonomic design makes it perfect for gaming. Aside from the RGB lighting, this keyboard has a high-quality mechanical switch. Its blue switch is capable of clicking up to million times, which is impressive for its price. The backlight has automatic breathing modes, allowing you to change the brightness, and it supports full-key anti-ghosting. If you’re looking for an affordable mechanical gaming keyboard, consider the HUO JI 60.
How to Choose the Best Small Mechanical Keyboard in 2023?
There are many different types of compact mechanical keyboards on the market. If you are looking for the smallest model, here are some factors you need to consider. It will help you to choose the best mechanical keyboard.
Size
When purchasing a mechanical keyboard, consider the size. Choosing a smaller model requires a learning curve. There are no shortcuts on a small keyboard, and there will be a noticeable difference in typing speed. If you plan to use the keyboard for gaming, you can easily adapt to a small model. So make sure you check the size and dimensions of the keyboard.
Switches
There are many factors to consider when buying a small mechanical keyboard, but the most important one is the switches. There are two types of switches, tactile and linear. Tactile switches provide a slight bump when you press a key. Linear switches do not produce this bump, but they are best suited for gaming. While you’ll never want to forgo a tactile keyboard, some gamers find it essential to have a speed switch for gaming purposes.
Wired/ Wireless
One of the most common questions when buying a small mechanical keyboard is whether it should be wireless or wired. Wireless keyboards are generally more expensive than wired keyboards, but they offer more stability and are easier to use. Some small mechanical keyboards are also available with USB dongles, which makes them more mobile-friendly.
Ergonomics
Before purchasing a small mechanical keyboard, it’s important to consider the ergonomics. The small keyboard should have an ergonomic design so that you can use it for a long-time without any fatigue. There should be wrist support, and keys should be smooth functioning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Mechanical Keyboards
What Is The Smallest Mechanical Keyboard?
There are several ways to find the smallest mechanical keyboard. Firstly, look at the size. There are many brands offering tiny keyboards. A smaller keyboard may only be 40% the size of a normal one. In order to achieve that size, manufacturers remove standard keys and convert them into macros.
These include the Numpad, arrow keys, and number keys. This helps to make the keyboard much smaller. Also, mechanical keyboards offer excellent durability and strength. Those looking for the smallest mechanical keyboard can consider. Vortexgear Core is the smallest mechanical keyboard with only 40% size.
Are Small Mechanical Keyboards Good for Gaming?
Small mechanical keyboards are often a great choice for gamers who don’t have a lot of space on their desks. They’re incredibly convenient. Most gamers prefer small mechanical gaming keyboards for easy transition between keys and responsiveness.
These keyboards have customization options and special switches, which helps competitive gamers. However, you cannot play all types of games on these keyboards. If you are a beginner, it is better to stick with the standard size before you get used to the shortcut keys.
What Is The Size of Small Mechanical Keyboards?
There are many different types of small mechanical keyboards. There are the 40 percent boards and the 60 percent boards. Each size has its own benefits, but the major benefit of a smaller keyboard is the space you’ll have for your mouse and keyboard. This allows you to use your arm muscles more naturally, which helps prevent fatigue and health problems. If you’re looking for a smaller keyboard, the 40 percent board is an excellent choice. There are only 40 to 49 keys on the keyboard.
Final Thoughts
If you want more desk space to accommodate a mouse and keyboard, it is best to go with small mechanical keyboards. This type of keyboard is smaller, i.e., 40% or 60% size. There are fewer keys with customization options. You can easily customize this type of keyboard as per your gaming needs.
If you are looking for a small mechanical keyboard, follow this guide. We have reviewed the top 7 smallest mechanical keyboards in 2023. You can buy any of these devices for gaming, coding, or editing purpose. We plan to update this page regularly as better models launch. If you want to suggest something or need additional details, write to us in the comments below.
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