Embraced a compact 60% keyboard over a conventional one - discovering the reasons for my newfound affection!

Getting to the Core of Compact Keyboards: Embracing the 60% Form Factor

Cutting back on keys might seem unconventional, but switching to a 60% keyboard, a chipped-down version retaining 60% of the keys found on regular keyboards, has been a game-changer for me. Unlike other form factors, this one feels like a major shift.

RK Royal Kludge 60% Wired Keyboard: $59.99 at AmazonThe RK Royal Kludge wired gaming keyboard is a 60% size keyboard that's loaded with features like hot swappable cream switches and RGB backlighting. It's compact, efficient, and screams style. Plus, it comes with a USB-C charger, so say goodbye to tangled cords!

Putting size aside, why the 60% form factor? Well, it turns out there's a lot more to it than meets the eye.

Yes, It Takes Up Less Desk Space, But That's Just the Beginning

If you're deep into competitive gaming, you'll appreciate the extra desk space a 60% keyboard provides. For example, in fast-paced games like Counter-Strike, lower mouse DPI (Dots per Inch) is a must for accurate shots - but a full-sized keyboard leaves you with barely any room for your mousepad.

With a 60% keyboard, you won't need to shift your keyboard further, keeping your setup ergonomic and comfortable.

Travel Rewards, Well-Deserved

60% keyboards' portability outshines most other form factors. While TKL (TenKeyLess) and 75% keyboards offer reasonable portability, the lightweight design and missing top row of keys on 60% keyboards make them as travel-friendly as some low-profile keyboards.

Bottom line: I can work and game with an equally feature-packed keyboard whether I'm at home or on-the-go.

Adapting to a Smaller Keyboard – It Might Be Tough, but It's Worth It!

Switching to a smaller keyboard isn't easy – I missed the arrow keys like crazy! However, one function button changed the game for me. This isn't your average function switch; it provides access to five more operations. On a 60% keyboard, the function button activates seldom-used functions, which are typically found on dedicated keys on full-sized keyboards.

Since the top row of keys for function keys is missing on 60% keyboards, you access these functions through the numeric key row – pretty handy, huh?

The missing direction or arrow keys on 60% keyboards can initially be challenging, especially during gaming sessions. But, I got used to it (although I still prefer 65% and 75% keyboards for gaming).

Customizability – The Untapped Potential of 60% Keyboards

Customizability is one area where 60% keyboards truly shine – albeit this varies from keyboard to keyboard. My Redragon K617 keyboard, for instance, offers excellent app support, allowing me to assign various functions to each key and configure the combinations and macros as needed.

60% keyboards also typically boast configurable RGB lighting, which can be tweaked right from key combos. Some models even offer dedicated software support, allowing for greater control over lighting effects.

Performance-Driven Ergonomics

Thanks to the reduced size and strategically placed keys, you'll never have to stretch your arms to reach the far left or right keys. This setup boosts productivity and makes typing more efficient.

Making the Switch – The Right Choice for Many

With some trade-offs compared to larger keyboards, the 60% keyboard doesn't feel like a downgrade. While it's not ideal for everyone, it's difficult to deny that it offers an excellent balance of compactness, portability, and customizability.

Embraced a compact 60% keyboard over a conventional one - discovering the reasons for my newfound affection!