A 60% keyboard is a compact keyboard layout that contains 60% of the keys found on a standard full-size keyboard. 60% keyboards have become increasingly popular due to their minimal and space-saving design. But with the reduced size comes the question – how many switches are actually on a 60% keyboard?
What is a 60% Keyboard?
A 60% keyboard gets its name from having approximately 60% of the keys of a standard 104-key keyboard. It accomplishes this reduction in size by removing the numeric keypad, navigation cluster, function keys, and some other keys like caps lock and print screen. What remains is a highly compact keyboard centered around the alpha keys.
The key layout of a 60% keyboard usually consists of:
- Alpha keys (A-Z)
- Modifiers (Shift, Ctrl, Alt, etc.)
- Arrow keys
- Number row (1-0)
- Fn key for accessing function keys
- Caps lock, if included
By retaining only the most essential keys, 60% keyboards free up a significant amount of desk space compared to full-size boards. They provide a minimalist typing experience focused on portability and functionality.
Standard 60% Keyboard Layout
While there are some variations between models, most 60% keyboards follow a standard layout. Here are the different sections of keys found on a typical 60% board:
Alphanumeric Section
The main block of letter and number keys takes up the center of the 60% keyboard. This includes:
- Letters A-Z
- Numbers 1-0
- Common symbols like period, comma, semicolon, etc.
The alphanumeric section will have around 40-45 total keys depending on the inclusion of certain symbols.
Modifier Keys
Modifier keys like Shift, Control, Alt, and sometimes Windows/Command keys are located on the bottom left and right edges of the keyboard.
Arrow Keys
Arrow keys for navigation are compacted into a single block typically located on the bottom right. The up, down, left, and right arrows keys are arranged in an inverted-T layout.
Function Row
Since 60% keyboards lack a full function row, the F1-F12 function keys are accessed by pressing the Fn key in combination with the number row. For example, Fn+1 would activate F1.
Other Keys
Some 60% keyboards may also include dedicated keys for Escape, Caps Lock, Delete, or Menu. But the total number of additional keys is kept minimal.
How Many Switches are on a 60% Keyboard?
Now that we’ve looked at the layout of a standard 60% keyboard, how many individual key switches are contained in that compact frame?
61-70 Switches
Most 60% keyboards contain between 61-70 mechanical key switches. Here is a breakdown of the estimated number of switches on a typical 60% board:
| Key Section | Estimated # of Switches |
|---|---|
| Alphanumeric Section | 40-45 switches |
| Modifier Keys | 8-10 switches |
| Arrow Keys | 4 switches |
| Fn Key | 1 switch |
| Extra Keys (Esc, Caps, etc.) | Up to 5 switches |
| Total | 61-70 switches |
As you can see, the alphanumeric keys take up the majority of switches on a 60% board. When you add the modifier keys, arrows, function key, and any extras, the total number of mechanical switches comes out to between 61-70 depending on the exact layout.
Fewer Than a Full-Size Keyboard
To put that number into perspective, a full-size 104-key keyboard will have around 104-110 switches. So a 60% keyboard contains 45-50% fewer total switches by eliminating the numeric keypad, navigation cluster, and extra keys.
This reduction in the number of switches is a major factor in how 60% keyboards achieve such a compact footprint. While retaining just the most useful keys, they trim off anything deemed unnecessary or redundant.
Switch Types
Now that we know how many switches are on a 60% keyboard, what types of switch can you expect to find? Here are some of the most common:
Cherry MX
Cherry MX mechanical switches are the most popular choice for 60% keyboards. Within the Cherry family, common options include:
- MX Reds – Light linear switches good for gaming
- MX Browns – Light tactile switches ideal for typing
- MX Blues – Clicky tactile switches providing auditory feedback
Gateron
Gateron manufactures Cherry MX-style switches as a budget-friendly alternative. Their linear red, tactile brown, and clicky blue options mimic the feel of Cherry MX.
Kailh
Kailh also produces a wide selection of mechanical-style switches compatible with 60% keyboards. These include Box switches with transparent housings and improved durability.
Topre
Electrostatic capacitive switches made by Topre offer a smooth, tactile feel. They are a pricier but unique option for premium 60% keyboards.
Optical
Optical keyboard switches use infrared light beams for actuation. They promise enhanced speed and durability. Major optical switch brands include Razer, Flaretech, and Wooting.
Others
Beyond the most common, 60% keyboards may also utilize specialty switches like Zealios, Halo, NovelKeys, or Otemu. The compact size makes it easy to swap and customize switches.
RGB Lighting
Backlighting and RGB lighting have also become very popular on 60% keyboards. This allows for visibility in low-light conditions and keyboard customization.
Per-key RGB refers to individual key switches having their own built-in LEDs capable of producing the full spectrum of colors. This allows for intricate lighting effects and patterns.
For RGB lighting, the LEDs themselves are not counted as switches. The 61-70 mechanical switches on a 60% board power the key presses themselves. The internal LEDs function separately to enable backlighting.
60% Keyboard Benefits
Now that you know the details on the number and types of switches, let’s recap some of the benefits that make 60% keyboards so popular despite their small size:
- Compact, space-saving design
- Portability for travel and transport
- Minimal, clean aesthetic
- Desk space to spare for mouse movements
- Standard key layout centers around essentials
- Arrow cluster provides quick navigation
- Satisfying typing experience
- Compatibility with all major switch types
- Zero numpad eliminates redundancies
- Fn layer provides access to function and media keys
- Easy customization of switches and keycaps
By retaining only 61-70 carefully chosen switches, 60% keyboards offer an unmatched blend of form and function for users who value productivity, performance, and portability.
Conclusion
A 60% keyboard will contain somewhere between 61-70 mechanical key switches, depending on the specific brand and layout. This is around 45-50% fewer than a standard full-size keyboard. But by compacting the most essential keys into a 60% footprint, these small keyboards provide an excellent typing experience and maximize portability.
60% boards achieve a highly efficient design by eliminating any extraneous keys and locating vital functions like arrows and Fn layer in intuitive positions. The result is a keyboard that saves space without sacrificing usability or performance.
So for those looking for a minimalist keyboard focused on the essentials, a 60% board with its carefully designed layout of 61-70 switches hits the sweet spot.
