The Best 60 Percent Gaming Keyboard
It’s no longer enough for companies to build a decent mechanical keyboard, slap in some RGB lights and the word “gaming,” and call it good. They’re now up against a whole pile of cheap OEM models with hot- swappable switches, and custom enthusiast designs that offer better switch performance and sound profiles. Large peripheral makers have learnt many lessons studying the market, and are now stepping into the burgeoning mini-keyboard world.
Tiny keyboards are popular with gamers because they allow more space for mouse movement, and also often look better on a desk — especially if that desk is crowded with gaming stuff. I like them because they fit better on the ridiculous keyboard tray I refuse to get rid of, and they’re also portable thanks to their bag-friendly shapes.
The HyperX Alloy Origins 60 is the best mainstream small keyboard I’ve used so far. It’s built to the same incredible standard as other HyperX keyboards, comes with PBT keycaps, and has an impressive design flair that helps it stand out from the many generic boards on the market. It doesn’t sound quite as good as some of the more popular enthusiast models, but it also comes in under a hundred bucks.
Note: I bought this keyboard at retail with my own funds. I don’t use affiliate links or receive any money or other incentive if you buy one. My full reviews policy is here.
The HyperX Alloy Origins 60 (official site here) sells for a standard retail price of $99. In the box, you get the keyboard, a nice braided detachable USB-C to USB-A cable, a keycap puller, and two extra ABS keycaps. One has the HyperX logo on it and is meant to replace the ESC key, and the other is a fancy space bar with topographic map-style light holes in it. Unlike many other gaming keyboards I’ve tried, the space bar has three LEDs under it, which enhances the look of the lighting effects if you decide to use the alternate space bar.
I popped on the alternate keys right away because I prefer their look, and it took just a few seconds of fiddling.
