Compact Mechanical Keyboards - Why Popular? Types and Best Top 10

By 2022, compact mechanical keyboards are gaining popularity. Compact keyboards are smaller and lighter than full-size keyboards, making them easier to carry. It can provide more space on your desktop for a mouse or other accessories. Popular compact keyboards include 60%, 65%, 75% and TKL keyboards.

Why Are Compact Keyboards so Popular?

Compact keyboards have been highly favored by casual users, keyboard enthusiasts, and even the gaming community.

Easy to Carry

The first reason for its popularity is that it is very portable. Because the compact mechanical keyboard is small, it can be easily stored in a bag, making it easier to carry on travel.

Efficient

The second reason is because of its efficiency. Compared to full-size keyboards, compact keyboards do not require a lot of movement from the user.

Cool

The third reason is because of the cool factor. Yes, many users have a soft spot for small keyboards. The compact layout makes the keyboard look more regular and full, and they feel that it is cooler than a full-size keyboard.

Affordable

The fourth reason is that compact keyboards are cheaper and more cost-effective than full-size keyboards, whether you have a lot fewer switches or keys than full-size ones, which will also save you some money.

Types of Compact Keyboards

Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard

The Tenkeyless Keyboard is commonly known as the TKL, 80%, and 87% keyboard. The TKL has no Numpad keys, which means that it only has 87or 88 keys. Usually, you only need to remove the rightmost part of the full-size keyboard, that is, the number keyboard part, which is the TKL keyboard.
The TKL also has a full-sized setup, and it has at least 80% of the width of a standard keyboard. The TKL is heavily favored by some users because it is simple to use and takes only a small space in the user’s table.
The size of the TKL also makes it very portable due to the smaller size compared to a full-sized keyboard. The TKL is also lighter than that a full-sized keyboard. Due to the TKL has fewer keys, which means that the TKL has fewer switches making it cheaper or cost-effective to produce. The TKL is also easy to find in the market.

75% Mechanical Keyboard

The 75% keyboard can be described as a keyboard with at least 75% of the girth of a standard or full-sized keyboard, and it has the F keys positioned at the very top. The 75% keyboard’s keys are tightly knit together to save more space than that of a TKL keyboard.
The 75% keyboard also positioned the enter, insert, and delete keys in one line or column. Due to the placements of these keys, the keycaps of a 75% keyboard have a different shape and size than that of a full-sized keyboard, making it sometimes difficult to find a replacement or substitute keycaps for the 75% keyboard.
75% layout mechanical keyboards are starting to become more popular. You can find them on WhatGeek.

65% Mechanical Keyboard

Just like the 75% keyboard, the 65% keyboard has all its keys closely positioned together. It’s a very compact keyboard that has its arrow keys mixed in with the rest of the other keys. Just like the TKL and the 75% keyboard, the 65% keyboard also saves a lot of desk space due to its smaller size.
Some of the keycaps of the 65% follow the standard shape of keycaps while some of its keycaps are quite unique, which means that some of its keycaps are fairly easy to find while some are hard to find. The 65% keyboard has no function keys, which makes it difficult for some users to use.

60% mechanical keyboard

The 60% keyboard is considered to be very common and easy to find and popular, just like the full-sized keyboard and the TKL keyboard. The 60% keyboard also has no Numpad and no F keys. However, unlike on the already mentioned compact keyboards, the arrow keys are no longer available on the 60% keyboard.
The functions of the missing keys in a 60% keyboard can be used, however, by using the function keys found on the compact keyboard’s lower right side. For example, the user can press the function key and the WASD keys to replicate the arrow key functions. Even though the 60% keyboard can perform the task of a full-sized keyboard, it can be very confusing for some users who are not used to it.
The 60% keyboard offers a lot of advantages like being super portable, only taking little desk space, and it has a very pleasing aesthetic. However, the user must learn all the functions of a 60% keyboard to utilize the compact keyboard fully.

40% Mechanical Keyboards

The 40% keyboard is said to be the most compact or smallest fully functioning compact keyboard. The 40% keyboard only has alphabet keys and modifiers. This keyboard has no number keys as well. The 40% keyboard is not produced by the big mech companies yet. It is usually custom-made by some keyboard other keyboard enthusiasts that offer service or the user himself.
Building your own 40% keyboard can be very expensive and hard to assemble. It is hard to assemble because the user needs to find and buy the parts himself. The user can also choose to hire someone to make the keyboard itself, but that can cost the user a fair amount of money.

Other Smaller Size Mechanical Keyboards

Some other compact keyboards are procured or adapted from some of these compact keyboards and have an odd size. The WhatGeek mechanical keyboard online store has many smaller mechanical keyboards, most of which support GMK/VIA, and you can define your favorite keys or frequently used keys to make them usable. Generally, smaller keyboards will be equipped with one knob or multiple knobs, and you can define your favorite function keys.

Top 10 Compact Mechanical Keyboard

1. FEKER Alice 80 Mechanical Keyboard 65% Layout - Garteron or Feker Swithes Choose

Two Types of Switches Available
Limited offer FEKER switch, At the same time, there are also Gateron Pro 2.0 yellow switch to choose from.

RGB Lights 
FEKER Alice has a south-facing LED RGB backlights with up to 21 lighting effects.

Wider Compatibility
FEKER Alice allows you to connect through multiple ways including Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C and through 2.4GHz wireless connection. You can use it with a great number of devices with ease.

Long-lasting Battery Life
FEKER Alice is equipped with an 8,000mAh battery providing long hours of uninterrupted performance.

Easy Customization
Built with gasket mounted top notch including sound absorbing foam. Hot-swappable sockets for easy customization including Cheery MX, Kailh, Gateron switches and other 3-pin/5-pin switches. Pre-lubed switches make it easier for customization providing smoother keystrokes.

Ergonomic Design
Angular design keys allow you to use the keyboard more comfortable and fit in any environment whether it be for home use or using it for work purposes in your office.

Support for NKRO with Removable USB Type-C Cable
NKRO allows multiple key inputs without errors. The 1.8m cable that it comes with is hand-braided with golden plated connectors.

Intuitive Controls
The knob control provides users with additional convenience for adjusting volume and plays/pause functionality.

2. Lofree 1% Dual Mode Transparent Keyboard - 65% Layout

Amazing Transparent Design
Lofree 1% is fully transparent so you can see right through it. It adopts a photoelectric plating bottom shell and a high-quality transparent PC cover so that you can clearly see all its working conditions and inside. And the transparent keyboard made of high light-emitting PC material has obtained a design patent.

68 Key Design
Featuring a 68-key layout, Lofree 1% keeps the complete keyboard functions and gives the desk more room.
With the NKRO feature, Lofree 1% is a good companion for officers and gamers.

Long Battery Life
The Lofree 1% carries a 2000 mAh battery. It is able to give a 60-day life to 1% keeb and only needs 3 hours to charging.
battery life calculated based on normal 8-hr daily use.

Multi-system Connection
Dual mode connections gives Lofree 1% more possiblities. Type-C mode and Bluetooth mode. You can connect it with your computer, your Macbook and your phone.

3. FirstBlood B67 Transparent Mechanical Keyboard - 65%

• Full Acrylic Aesthetic Design
• Silicone Gasket Mounted Design
• Hot-Swappable PCB
• South-facing RGB LEDs
• Kailh MX Jellyfish Switches
• 3 Layer Silica gel for Sound Absorption
• Proprietary Double-Sided Extra-Bright RGB
• Compatible with macOS and Windows
• Bluetooth 5.0, wireless 2.4G, Type-C connection

To maximally avoid hollow sound, adopts Three layers of Silica gel in total. These are placed respectively at the bottom of the case and between the PCB and PC plate. In this way, the typing sound is more solid, and the hollow sound is greatly eliminated.

4. Womier K87 TKL Mechanical Keyboard

Full Array of 16.8M RGB Lights
K87 supports programmable RGB array with 16.8M colors that allows user customization in unlimited ways. It is compatible with most of the switches that are available.

USB Type-C Connection
Supports USB Type-C for fast and stable connection.

Easy Customization
Built with gasket mounted top notch including sound absorbing foam. Hot-swappable sockets for easy customization 3-pin/5-pin switches.

Ergonomic Design
Angular design keys allow to use the keyboard more comfortably and fits in any environment whether it be for home use or using it for work purposes in your office.

5. Ajazz K870T Pro Mechanical Keyboard - TKL Layout

• ANSI layout, 87-key TKL Keyboard For Win/Mac/iOS/Andriod
• Refined Tuned Stabilizers EVA Foam
• Type-C Wired, Bluetooth 5.0 2.4GHz Wireless Modes Available
• NKRO is fully anti-ghosting
• Rotary Wheel for Sound Backlight Control 
• FN+\ = RGB lighting effect change. Music sport mode.

Triple Modes: Type-C Wired, Bluetooth 5.0 2.4GHz Available
The Ajazz K870T Pro supports connection via Bluetooth or 2.4GHz for wireless connectivity, or with the included Type-C USB cable. With Bluetooth 5.0, it easily connects seamlessly with your devices within 10 meters. The keyboard is also easily switched among the three modes by Fn+Q/W/E (Bluetooth) and Fn+R (2.4G) for efficient multitasking and speedy performance.

Refined Tuned Stabilizers EVA Foam
Being refined and tuned, the keyboard can reduce the rattle feeling and sounds. With an EVA foam between the PCB and the bottom case, the keyboard makes sure of a decent sound and presents a pleasing typing experience.

Colorful RGB Backlights NKRO
With RGB light shining on keyboards, it can be such a cool element while playing games. Furthermore, the K870T Pro is an N-key rollover, freely enjoy it without any conflict while pressing multiple keys.

Rotary Wheel for Sound Backlight Control
The keyboard is designed with a roller in between to control volume and lights to facilitate operation. 18 RGB light effects are classic and neat, freely adjusting the brightness and light speed.

6. Ajazz K840T Mechanical Keyboard - 75% Keyboard

Leather Craftsmanship
Choose excellent leather carefully, feel delicate.

Bluetooth / Wireless / Wired Three-mode Connection
Cell phones, tablets, computers, and other devices are compatible; and compatible with Windows, Mac, ios, Android, and other systems.

Clear White Light - Fall in the Flow of Light and Shadow
FN+Prtsc key combination can switch out a variety of white light effects, there are always bright (default), breathing, stars, snow, dripping water ripples, and other 16 kinds.

Ergonomic Design
Ease hand fatigue combined with ergonomic design principles, the 6° angle is more comfortable and healthy working conditions for users.

Full Keyless Punch No Latency and No Lag
The 84 keys can be hit at the same time and can be identified one by one without conflict, effectively reducing the problem of delay and lag when typing at high speed.

7. FEKER Ultra75 Gasket Mechanical Keyboard - 75% Keyboard

82 Keys Compact layout all keys programable

Gasket-mounted structure & Hot-swappable PCB

16.8 million RGB Lights with Gateron Pro Yellow Switches
FEKER Ultra75 gasket RGB backlights with up to 18 lighting effects to choose from complimented by the Gateron Pro Yellow Linear Switches.

3 Connection Ways

It allows you to connect in 3 ways including Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C, and 2.4GHz wireless connection.

Three different layers of  Pron foam and silicon Pad for absorbing sound & two different materials of plates.

Knob control for volume/play/pause function

8. SKYLOONG GK61 White Mechanical Keyboard - 60% Keyboard

Full Array of 16.8M RGB Lights
GK61 supports a programmable RGB array with 16.8M colors that allow user customization in unlimited ways. It is compatible with most of the switches that are available.

Wider Compatibility
GK61 allows you to connect in multiple ways including Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C, and through a 2.4GHz wireless connection. You can use it with a great number of devices with ease.

Superior Hardware Configuration
It is equipped with a 32-bit M3 master MCU 8 MB to flash onboard offline storage and 3 channels of 256-level professional RGB color management chip.

High Endurance Level
The key's life span is twice as long compared to the traditional mechanical keyboards with a button life of about 100 million keystrokes.

Programmable Keys
Supports full-key customization with a 3-layer setup of FN1/FN2/FN3 function keys. It also consists of game macros which can be configured to perform various functions.

Easy Customization
Built with gasket mounted top notch including sound absorbing foam. Hot-swappable sockets for easy customization including 3-pin/5-pin switches.

Ergonomic Design
Angular design keys allow to use of the keyboard more comfortable and fit in any environment whether it be for home use or using it for work purposes in your office.

IP68 Waterproof Rated
No worries if you accidentally spill water over your keyboard as it is IP68 waterproof rated.

9. Videyt AX-T1202 12 Keys Custom Keyboard - 10% Keyboard

USB interface, plug and play, no drive needed.
DIY customize keyboard, setting any definition.
Each button can be set to a different function mode without affecting each other.

10. CoolKiller CK181 Mini Gray DIY Mechanical Keyboard - 60% Keyboard

Customized DIY mechanical keyboard, switches and keycaps need to be assembled by yourself, full of playability.

Quiet Operation with Acoustic Cotton-padded Structure
Double-layer sound-absorbing cotton, sound-absorbing and shock-absorbing, unique design, sound-absorbing cotton is added in front of the PCB and positioning plate to reduce the noise generated when the switch is knocked, and ensure a purer sound.

Ergonomic Design
More comfortable ergonomics, ergonomic stepped keycaps, double magnetic feet, four keyboard heights, and the comfortable height can be adjusted freely.

No Collision of All Keys
The WIN key is locked, and pressing all keys at the same time will not cause key conflict. Connection skills are triggered quickly in the game, allowing you to win in seconds. The Win key lock feature prevents accidental switching to the desktop during gameplay. affect the gaming experience.

Two-color Injection Keycaps
The handwriting is clear and bright and does not fade, the surface has fine lines, wear-resistant, oil-proof and sweat-proof, and feels comfortable.

With Gateron Switch
Gateron custom satellite switch, crystal switch, high precision, factory adjusted.

Support System
Android/IOS/Mac/WindowsXP/Vista/Win7/Win8/Win10/Win11

Create Full Immersion with Multi-Color RGB Backlight
There are 18 lighting effect modes. Using custom software, users can also set the backlight effects to match the backlight to the musical beats.