Best Mini/Small Gaming Keyboards [Our Top Picks for 2023 & Ultimate Guide]

When people think of a gaming setup, then one imagines a backlit keyboard, surrounded by CPUs, monitors, headphones, and such. This keyboard generally tends to be standard-sized and occupies a lot of space. But not everyone can afford to buy a huge standard keyboard. After all not everyone will have the space needed to devote to such a huge component. The solution in such a situation is to get a mini keyboard. 

But is the mini keyboard enough to game with? Won’t it lack in some of the things which a standard keyboard gives? These are very common questions. But the answer is no. A mini keyboard will contain all the keys and all other features which a normal keyboard tends to have. The only difference will be its size. This size will give you more flexibility when it comes to using it. 

You will find that most of the time, long keyboards are not liked by many since the number pad portion of it is the least used and yet takes up a lot of space. So mini keyboards eliminate that part and make everything more compact. This makes the entire keyboard more accessible and you will be able to reach the keys faster. What’s more, is that mini keyboards solve the entire problem of not having enough space. These small keyboards are small and lightweight as well. As such you will be able to carry them with you if you travel as well. There you can use it to work. 

But there are many mini keyboards which are just made for gaming. How will you know which one is right for you? More importantly, with the rapidly changing landscape of gaming, you need a mini keyboard that will allow you to future-proof your gaming system. After all, no one likes buying keyboards again and again. To help you out, here’s a list of the very best mini keyboards which are perfect for gaming: 

Best Mini/Small Gaming Keyboards in 2023

Mini keyboards are small, lightweight, and easy to use. As such they are very popular among gamers. Here’s a list of the very best small keyboards available in the market: 

Image	Product	Features	Price
	HUO JI Z88 Z-88 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard	Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 4.84 x 1.4 inches Item Weight: 1 pound Keys: 81	Check Price on Amazon
	MOTO SPEED CK61 60% Mechanical Keyboard	Product Dimensions: 11.42 x 3.94 x 1.77 inches Item Weight: 2.4 pounds Keys: 61	Check Price on Amazon
	RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Wireless 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard	Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 4.02 x 1.54 inches Item Weight: 1.7 pounds Keys: 61	Check Price on Amazon
	Drop ALT Mechanical Keyboard — 65% (67 Key) Gaming Keyboard	Item Weight: 1.53 pounds Product Dimensions: 12.7 x 4.4 x 1.25 inches Key: 67	Check Price on Amazon
	Keychain K2 Wireless Bluetooth/USB Wired Gaming Mechanical Keyboard	Package Dimensions: 14 x 6.8 x 2.2 inches Item Weight: 2.17 pounds Keys: 84	Check Price on Amazon
	BOYI 60% Mechanical Keyboard, BOYI 61 Key Mini RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard	Package Dimensions: 13.3 x 6.1 x 2 inches Item Weight: 1.85 pounds Keys: 61	Check Price on Amazon
	RK61 60% RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard	Package Dimensions: 13.1 x 6 x 1.9 inches Item Weight: 1.7 pounds	Check Price on Amazon
	E-Element Z-88 RGB LED Backlit Water-Proof Mechanical Gaming Keyboard	Product Dimensions: 30.99 x 12.29 x 3.56 cm Weight: 725.75 Grams Keys: 81	Check Price on Amazon
	DIERYA RGB Mechanical Keyboard	Product Dimensions: 33.8 x 14 x 4.6 cm Weight: 700 Grams Keys: 63	Check Price on Amazon
	Redragon Kumara K552-RGB LED Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Without Numlock Key	Product Dimensions: 35.4 x 12.35 x 3.7 cm Weight: 900 Grams Keys: 87	Check Price on Amazon
	RedThunder K62 60% Gaming Keyboard	Product dimensions – 11.42 x 3.94 x 1.57 inches Item weight – 0.91 lbs Keys – 61	Check Price on Amazon

1. HUO JI Z88 Z-88 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 4.84 x 1.4 inches
• Item Weight: 1 pound
• Keys: 81

This mini keyboard is compact and lightweight. You will be able to carry it with you for gaming and working needs both. Now there’s no need to worry about how you are going to fit a huge standard keyboard in your backpack. Also, it is very durable so it will last for a long time. Know that this product has a metal base that won’t scratch or break easily at all. The entire keyboard is splash-proof as well. This means that you will be able to enjoy your drinks while gaming. 

The product comes with a keycap puller which will make it easier for you to clean the keyboard. Due to this, you will be able to reach even the hard-to-reach areas and clear it of dust and other remains. After all, we all crunch on chips and other snacks which gaming. 

It’s very easy to use as well since all you need to do is plug it. There is no need for any drive at all. So the installation is easier. The device comes with ten backlight modes. So when you will be switching it on then the keyboard will look stunning on your desk. 

The function keys ranging from F1 to F12 will work as shortcuts to a web browser, calculators, email, media, volume, and even more functions. To activate these you will have to press FN with the function buttons. You will be able to use this keyboard with a wide variety of operating systems. For example, you will be able to use it with Windows 8, Windows 10x Windows XP, Mac OS X, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and way more. This will give you a whole lot to work with. 

There are 81 keys and all of them come with the anti-ghosting feature. This just means that each of the keys is controlled using an independent switch. In the heat of gaming if you press multiple keys quickly, even then there won’t be an issue. The response you will get will be accurate according to your hits. This is a feature which will be helpful for not just gamers, but typists as well

2. MOTO SPEED CK61 60% Mechanical Keyboard

• Product Dimensions: 11.42 x 3.94 x 1.77 inches
• Item Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Keys: 61

This mini keyboard will surely be loved by hardcore gamers. After all, it is rustproof as well as waterproof. This means that you will be able to use it while you are enjoying drinks amid gaming. No need to fear about your keyboard getting damaged if you accidentally spill something over it. Also, since it is rustproof, so it will last longer. That’s not all. It is lightweight as well as compact. You will find that it occupies 60% lesser space so your desk will have more free space as well. 

It comes with a heft clicking lifespan of 50 million. So click away during your intense gaming session without any fear at all. Since it comes with a blue-switch design so your hand won’t hurt while you are playing games. This feature will be useful for those gamers who game continuously. 

This product comes loaded with the RGB function that will give you a whopping 16.8 million colours to play with. With this, you will be able to configure the backlight however you want. After all, you will have 14 effects to choose from. This will certainly spice up your gaming sessions. 

Since it comes with mechanical keys so you will get better resistance as well as durability. What’s more, is that you get to experience exact tactile feedback coupled with an audible and crisp click sound. This will make your gaming experience better. As for keys, you will 61 of them to work with. No matter how fast you press them, the response will be accurate so that you can always engage in exciting gaming sessions. 

The product comes with double-shot-molded keycaps which are very easy to clean. This ensures that your keyboard will always be clean without any hidden line of dirt getting the space to grow. These removable keycaps also ensure that the characters don’t fade away.

3. RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Wireless 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 4.02 x 1.54 inches
• Item Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Keys: 61

With this mini keyboard, you are going to get two modes. It comes with an advanced inbuilt chip that will give you low latency if there’s an absence of or low signal interference. This chip will also make your keystroke registrations faster. You will find that 3 devices are switchable using the FN switch with the W/Q/E in the wireless node. This will let you maximize your gaming output. 

This keyboard is compact. It occupies just 60% space of a standard keyboard. The device comes loaded with 61 keys for you to work on. Since it is very compact, so you will be able to keep your desk clean and also have more space to keep other things. Due to this, you might even have more space to move your mouse. 

This mini keyboard comes with blue switches which will give you a fresh feel and tactile feedback unlike anything else. The device has a battery of RK61. This 1450mAh battery will ensure that you can use it at a stretch for 10 hours at least. The recharging time for such a long duration is also relatively less at 3 hours. As for standby time, you will get 360 hours on this. This is perfect for hardcore gamers. 

You won’t get multicolored RGB here. All you will get is one LED-backlit but 17 modes of such will keep it from feeling too monotonous and boring. To choose your mode, click on FN and \ button. The device comes with a type-C 1.5m cable that is compatible with a variety of PC devices. So you will get flexibility as well as convenient charging. 

4. Drop ALT Mechanical Keyboard — 65% (67 Key) Gaming Keyboard

• Item Weight: 1.53 pounds
• Product Dimensions: 12.7 x 4.4 x 1.25 inches
• Key: 67

This mini keyboard has a very compact layout. You will find that it comes with 67 keys and no space is wasted on the board. Also, you don’t need to worry, the set comes full with numerals and arrows. It has an aluminum frame that has magnetic legs and an inbuilt switch plate. This ensures that the keyboard can work with any setup. 

This model has been equipped with blue switches. Know that these switches have a very specific “click” sound right when it gets pressed. Thus these are very tactile as well as loud switches. Know that the keyboard comes with 2 type-C USB connectors. So you will be able to use the other connector to charge other devices or even transfer data. This will simplify a lot of things for sure. 

The keyboard comes with hot-swappable switches that you will be able to switch within mere seconds. Also, there’s no need for any soldering or anything else. This will allow you to customize your small keyboard just how you like it. The keyboard here will lit up with backlit RGB that is customizable. You will find that you will be able to set your LEDs to patterns and single colours. 

What’s more, is that there’s an inbuilt LED translucent diffuser that helps minimize the hotspots in the keyboard. Also, there’s no need to worry about flickering. The LEDs work at 100Hz frequency so there isn’t any visible flickering. You will find that it’s very easy to clean the keyboard thanks to the keycap puller. 

If you use the QMK firmware then you will be able to customize as well as modify the keyboard. You will have full control over every key. Know that the configurator will even let you program the macros as well as engage in customized keymapping. This will let you tune your for a keyboard for a variety of tasks like working, gaming, or such. 

5. Keychain K2 Wireless Bluetooth/USB Wired Gaming Mechanical Keyboard

• Package Dimensions: 14 x 6.8 x 2.2 inches
• Item Weight: 2.17 pounds
• Keys: 84

You will find that this keyboard comes with a processed aluminum panel that keeps the entire board durable and gives it the needed longevity. This keyboard is very compact and has a 75% layout. You will get arrow keys and shortcut keys easily with this. A great advantage is that the keyboard comes loaded with a screen capture button. 

With this keyboard, you will get a li-polymer battery of 4000mAh. Know that with this you will be able to get a working time of till 72 hours. So you will be able to get gaming without any interruptions at all. Such a long battery life is a boon for hardcore gamers. 

In this keyboard, you will get 84 keys to game with and worth with. Each of them will give you 50 million keystrokes. As such this keyboard will last you for years easily. The keyboard comes with an N-key rollover. You will be able to type smoother and faster with this. As such your speed will also increase while gaming. You will get 15 types of RGB options with this. Now there’s one which will match your moods. 

Each key press will get individually detected no matter how many times you hold down the key/keys simultaneously. The keyboard comes with curved keycaps that will give you a typing angle of 9 degrees along with ensuring that you will get a finger-touch feeling. Overall it will be a very comfortable typing or gaming experience for you. 

This keyboard works with Mac the best but it can be used with Windows as well. It’s also very easy to use. All you have to do is plug it, there’s no need for any driver. In case there’s a shortage you will get extra keycaps for use with both Mac and Windows operating systems. Using the keyboard you will be able to connect 3 other devices using Bluetooth. It comes with USB type-C wiring so that you get a constant supply of power.

6. BOYI 60% Mechanical Keyboard, BOYI 61 Key Mini RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

• Package Dimensions: 13.3 x 6.1 x 2 inches
• Item Weight: 1.85 pounds
• Keys: 61

This keyboard comes with Cherry switches. These switches are an assurance of quality. Also know that you will be getting type-C USB connectors that will give you a stable connection for charging. The product is compatible with Mac, Windows10, Windows 8, Windows 7, XP, Vista, and Windows 2000. 

The product comes with a natural 4° tilt which will give you maximum comfort since your hands will rest at the right elevation and in a very natural state. Due to this, you will be able to game comfortably for hours. 

It comes with keycaps that have PBT thermal-sublimation. This makes it durable as well as abrasion-resistant. As a result, it will last for a long time. What’s more, is that it is also dustproof as well as waterproof. So you don’t have to worry about the keyboard not working if you don’t clean it for some time. Also now you will be able to enjoy drinks at the table while you are gaming. 

You will get three modes to work with here. It is the FNX layer3, Mac OS, as well as user mode. With this, you will be able to choose the one which is the most comfortable for you to work with. Also, the keyboard comes with strong housing that’s certainly better than the rubber-dome keyboards. 

The keys have an anti-ghosting feature on them which ensures that you will be able to type fast without worrying about which keys will get registered first. Whichever you press first will get registered first. This feature will help typists and gamers both. There are 16.8 million RGB colours for you to work with which can all be customized. This will give you more immersive gaming experience.

7. RK61 60% RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

• Package Dimensions: 13.1 x 6 x 1.9 inches
• Item Weight: 1.7 pounds

This keyboard will let you connect three devices and you will be able to switch between them as well. It is compatible with Mac, Vista, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows10, XP, and Windows 2000. If you put the mini keyboard on the Bluetooth-wireless mode then you will find that it is indeed compatible with the IOS and Android devices too. So you will get a lot of flexibility to work with here. 

The keycaps have a scientific stair-up design which will give you maximum comfort while using it. Your hand will be in a very natural state and due to this hand fatigue will also be less. So with this, you will be able to continue gaming for a long while. 

This product comes with 61 keys. Due to this, the keyboard is tiny and it will fit into small desks and bags as well. You will be able to carry it with you easily too. You will get to work with 18-RGB backlight-modes here. Know that you will get one full-colour backlight along with 8 monochrome-backlight options. This will make gaming more immersive for you. Also, you will find it easier to type at night. 

You will get the brown switch with this device. This switch is easier-to-trigger compares to the blue ones and it’s quieter than that as well. This will greatly help typists too, because it also has a good tactile-feedback. Yet when compared to the blue switch the audio-feedback isn’t that good. 

8. E-Element Z-88 RGB LED Backlit Water-Proof Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

• Product Dimensions: 30.99 x 12.29 x 3.56 cm
• Weight: 725.75 Grams
• Keys: 81

This mechanical keyboard is compact as well as lightweight. You will be able to carry it with you easily. It will fit in a bag too. This mini keyboard will give you a lot more desk space to keep other things as well. You will be able to move your mouse better too. 

You will get to work with 88 LED-RGB backlights here. This will spice up your gaming sessions and ensure that you will be able to type and game easily at night too. It comes with blue switches which will give you a good tactile-feedback as well as that satisfactory “click” sound. 

This product is also waterproof so you can enjoy your drinks while gaming. Now there’s no need to worry about damage caused due to spills. You will be able to use water to get rid of stains too.

Here you will get 81 keys to work with. These keys come with the anti-ghosting feature. This means that you will be able to type fast and yet the keypress will get registered according to what you pressed first. Gamers and typists will find it very useful. 

9. DIERYA RGB Mechanical Keyboard

• Product Dimensions: 33.8 x 14 x 4.6 cm
• Weight: 700 Grams
• Keys: 63

This mini keyboard comes loaded with Bluetooth 4.0. Due to this, you will get a fast connection and your device will consume less power as well. This is the formula that will give you a longer service life to work with. 

This keyboard comes with semi-matte or matte keycaps. This ensures that you will get a very smooth and delicate surface to put your fingers on and type. You will feel better while typing and it will prevent your fingers from getting fatigued too. 

This product comes with 7 RGB light effects. These colours are purple, yellow, blue, green, white, light green, and red. With this, you will be able to create various patterns and modes like the Wave mode, reactive mode, ripple mode, and way more.

This product will give you wide compatibility to work with. You will be able to work with Windows 7, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 2000, and XP. What’s more is that you will also be able to use this small keyboard with Android 4.4, IOS, as well as MAC.

10. Redragon Kumara K552-RGB LED Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Without Numlock Key

• Product Dimensions: 35.4 x 12.35 x 3.7 cm
• Weight: 900 Grams
• Keys: 87

This keyboard will give you 87 keys to work with. The keyboard itself has been made of ABS and metal alloy. This makes the board itself very durable which ensures that you will be able to work with it for years. This durability comes with greater responsiveness of the keys. The board is also splashproof, so you will be clean it with water or use it without worries. You will get to pick multiple RGB backlights to work with and 5 lighting modes too. 

The keycaps have been molded with Double-shot-molded injection that ensures that the lettering doesn’t come off after repeated use. Know that this coating also ensures that you will get uniform and crystal clear backlighting thanks to the LED RGB effects. 

The 87 keys come with an N-key rollover to give you the ultimate gaming experience. You will find that due to this every keystroke will get recorded no matter how many keys you press simultaneously. You won’t have to deal with ghosting due to this. Since the keycaps can be removed so you will be able to clean the product easily. Also, this will allow you to switch them out and add a more personal touch if you want. 

This product comes with a USB cable which will give you a high-speed connection. It comes with gold-plated connectors too, that will ensure that you can engage in hardcore gaming. These connectors are corrosion resistant as well, which means that it will last longer her.

11. RedThunder K62 60% Gaming Keyboard

• Product dimensions – 11.42 x 3.94 x 1.57 inches
• Item weight – 0.91 lbs
• Keys – 61

Gaming keyboards, like the standard gaming laptops, are pretty on the expensive end. Compared to the other available options, the RedThunder K62 60% Gaming Keyboard is your staple 60% compact layout keyboard that keeps your work organized with ease.

The tiny practical design of this gaming keyboard is unlike anything else, especially if you don’t have a lot of desk space to work with. The number pad in this keyboard is an FPS gamer’s choice option, which goes to show that you aren’t investing in a bad option around.

The keyboard comes with UV-coated keycaps and injection laser carving with an ABS keycap design that ensures enhanced durability without any issues. Also, the printing of the letters doesn’t come off easily from the keyboard, which is always a benefit.

The RGB illuminated keyboard supports a variety of light colors and light modes that a user can choose from. Also, you can manage and adjust the brightness and the breathing speed of the keyboard according to the user’s needs.

This professional keyboard is one of a kind, and comes with core water resistance, enabling you to make the most use out of this device while you brave through some of your favorite online and offline games.

Aside from the gold plate interface, the keyboard also features stunning waterproof braid USB cables with an anti-interference magnet ring for superior functionality. Moreover, the keyboard is extremely easy to operate, which again is a reason why this has gained the kind of popularity that it has. It is also compatible with Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8, and even Mac OS.

Ultimate Buying Guide To Choose the right Mini/Small Gaming Keyboards in 2023

Mini keyboards are now all the rage since these compact devices give the same performance as a standard large keyboard but occupy less space. Apart from this these keyboards are lightweight too so it can be easily carried.

You will find that this demand has made multiple manufacturers make mini keyboards. But how will you know which one is best for you? After all, there are hundreds of small keyboard models available in the market. Some may very well be a ploy to give you a subpar product and get more money from you. To avoid such pitfalls, here are the features which will help you decide which mini keyboard is worth your time and money: 

1. Keys

It’s not always the more keys the better because sometimes you will be able to accomplish the same with a combination of different keys. But if you have trouble remembering such combinations, then go for those keyboards which have 80+ keys. Otherwise, anything in the 60-70 keys range will work for you. Just make sure that the function keys are there as those are very important. 

2. Anti-ghosting

The anti-ghosting feature ensures that all your keystroke responses get recorded even if you press a bunch of keys simultaneously. This will allow you to type fast without worrying if a keystroke is getting registered twice or not at all. If you are a typist then this feature will be very useful for you. If you can’t find a mini keyboard with this feature then you can go for one which gives you an N-key rollover feature. Both features work the same way and ensure that all your keystrokes get registered. 

3. Compatibility

The more compatibility the better. While buying make sure that your small keyboard is compatible with a variety of OS. Windows and Mac are the two OS that every keyboard should be compatible with. If you work on your tab or phone too, then make sure that the keyboard is compatible with Android and iOS as well. 

4. Connector

The connector will ensure how good your connection will be. This will then influence how fast your product will get charged. So get a keyboard with a type-C USB cable that comes with gold-plated connectors for a better connection. It’s better if its corrosion resistant as well since then it will last longer. If you connect more devices then get a small keyboard that comes with two or more USB Type-C connectors. Using these extra ports you will be able to charge your other devices. 

5. Waterproof

When buying a keyboard make sure that it is made up of aluminum or metal alloy to get the desired durability. Along with this ensure that the product is waterproof as well. This will future proof your mini-board and ensure that will be able to drink anything while playing a game. Such a feature will reduce your worries and also prevent you from buying another keyboard due to water damage. 

6. Removable keycaps

Get those keyboards that come with removable keycaps since this will make it easier for you to clean. Also, this will allow you to customize the small keyboard, however, you want with other keys. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Best Mini/Small Gaming Keyboards in 2023

1. What is the battery that you should get?

Get a mini keyboard that comes with a large battery like 4000mAh. The more the better because then you will get more hours to play games uninterrupted. But also make sure that the charging time isn’t too long. If you are getting a keyboard that gives you ten hours of uninterrupted use them 3 hours of charging time is fine. 

2. What colour keys should the mini keyboard have?

Get a keyboard that comes with blue keys. Blue keys will give you better tactile feedback and you will get to hear the “click” sound as well. But if not that then you can get cherry ones or red ones as well. These keys give good tactile-feedback and additionally, they are quiet too. So if you want peace and freedom from the click sound, then go for the latter ones. 

3. What is the number of RGB lighting you should get?

It depends on you and what you would like. If you like more colours and patterns, then the more the better. If you love solid colours more, then less number of RGB lights will work well for you. But 15 or such RGB LED lighting is a good middle point to work with. 

4. Should you get keyboards with matte keys?

Know that matter keys are very smooth to the touch. If you want your fingers to touch something smooth instead of the harsh key covering then going for matter keys will work well. Overall, it’s something that you can get. 

5. Are mini keyboards better?

A mini or compact keyboard can be a good choice for you if you think about the experience it will provide you if you buy one of these. With the help of a mini keyboard, you need to reach less with your arms. A small sized keyboard will allow you to stretch your arms and fingers less than usual, as you can easily reach every key to the mouse on your device without putting strains on your hands, arms, shoulders and wrists. 

A full-sized keyboard requires you to stretch your hands and fingers from one point to another as you need to reach too many keys. However, you don’t need to do that; you can efficiently work on your projects without putting extra pressure on your hands, so definitely, a mini keyboard is better.

6. Do gamers use a number pad?

Most results will show keyboards with a number pad if you search the gaming keyboard. Do you know why gaming keyboards come with the size of 100%, which means a number pad will definitely come in it. Still, you can buy a space-saving keyboard which is a size of 80%. 

It doesn’t matter if gamers use a number pad on their keyboard or not, because if you don’t need a number pad, then don’t buy one. Opting for a mini keyboard will save you money and give you a more compact experience in typing and other stuff, so choose a keyboard depending upon your requirement.

7. Why do gamers use small keyboards?

A mini keyboard will give you a compact and easy-to-use experience. It doesn’t matter if you are playing a game while using it or doing something else. A smaller keyboard gives you the comfortability to type in without stretching your hands, fingers or wrists. 

With the help of a mini keyboard, you can easily reach any key on your keyboard and get more mousing space. It’s not just gamers who love compact keyboards. Many professionals use these keyboards because these mini keyboards will make their working and gaming experience much better and smoother than before.

Conclusion

Mini keyboards are beloved by gamers because they are compact and can fit anywhere. On a desk, it leaves a lot of space to put your other equipment. If not, at least you will get more space to move the mouse around. These small boards are so lightweight that you will be able to carry them easily too. When buying these mini keyboards make sure that you get a durable one, comes with an anti-ghosting feature, and also has a large battery. These are the main features which you should keep in mind.