Full-size gaming keyboards are good for everyday use, but mini keyboards have become the weapon of choice for gamers. From competitive to casual gaming, mini keyboards are a crucial part of most gaming setups.
Smaller keyboards that don’t have unnecessary keys are easier to navigate and they give gamers more space for mouse movements.
In this guide, we’ll cover some of the most popular keyboard sizes, the pros and cons of each, and some Logitech G options for your setup—including the Logitech G PRO X TKL LIGHTSPEED, Logitech G715, and Logitech G915 TKL.
A mini gaming keyboard is a keyboard that doesn’t have all the keys a traditional keyboard has, such as the number keys or arrow keys.
There are gaming keyboard sizes, with each size varying a bit in terms of which keys it has. Sizes include 60%, 65%, 75%, and TKL.
Smaller keyboards like the 60% size are popular for gaming because they save space, they’re portable, and it’s easier to reach all the keys you need to press during a match.
These are the smallest gaming keyboards on the market, designed to maximize the amount of space you have in your gaming setup. 60% keyboards don’t have arrow keys or the function row, which means they’re not exactly ideal for everyday tasks like spreadsheets and writing. For gaming-only setups, 60% keyboards are hard to beat.
60% keyboards are more common in setups where space is an issue, which includes streamer and minimalist setups. FPS gamers also like small keyboard because it gives them more room to move the mouse to aim.
65% keyboards are similar to 60% keyboards, but they have arrow keys and some of the navigation buttons added. These slightly larger keyboards are a good option if you want a compact keyboard but you’re not willing to give up the arrow keys.
While 60% keyboards are more popular among people who use their PCs strictly for gaming, gamers who need a more versatile keyboard often turn to 65% keyboards.
75% keyboards are slightly larger than 65% keyboards, which means they have function keys. These function keys can be a huge help when it comes to productivity tasks, which is why 75% keyboards are more common in hybrid work setups. Some people even use 75% keyboards for things like video editing, coding, and writing.
People who need the full functionality of a standard keyboard usually go with a tenkeyless (TKL) model. TKL keyboards have everything but the number pad, which means you have access to the arrow keys and function keys. These keyboards are still more compact than a full-size keyboard, but they’re small enough to save you some space on your desk.
Keyboard switches play a huge role in how a keyboard sounds and feels. Some switches are loud and clicky while others are smooth and silent. Clicky or tactile switches are a more popular choice for typing because they provide clear feedback, while linear switches are more popular for gaming because they’re smooth and fast.
Different types of switches also have different actuation points, which is how far you have to press a key down for it to register. Lower actuation points are better for fast keypresses.
You don’t want your keyboard to die in the middle of a match, so it’s important to look for a mini gaming keyboard that offers minimal latency. Wired keyboards are typically the best in terms of latency, but mini gaming keyboards with LIGHTSPEED wireless technology have almost zero latency.
If you want the best mini gaming keyboard, you can’t overlook build quality. Keyboards that are made from durable materials like steel and aluminum are designed to stand up to intense gaming. You can extend the life of your mini gaming keyboard by choosing a keyboard with replaceable keycaps. When the keycaps get too worn out or break, you can replace them individually or as a whole set.
RGB lighting isn’t necessarily the most important gaming keyboard feature, but it’s something a lot of gamers love. If you spend a lot of time gaming at night or in a dark room, RGB lighting makes it easier to see which keys you’re pressing. Ideally, RGB lighting should be customizable with software like G HUB.
Software customization in general is an important feature to look for. Some keyboards allow you to remap buttons, create macros, and swap between profiles so you’re always ready for the game you’re playing.
Using a mini keyboard for gaming is a great way to save space if you’ve got a smaller gaming setup. Even if you have plenty of room on your desk, a compact keyboard gives you more room for mouse movements so you can accurately track your target.
If you like to game on the go, a mini gaming keyboard is a smart investment. Mini keyboards weigh significantly less, and they’re more versatile in terms of where you can set them up.
Smaller keyboards can even help encourage better posture and hand alignment since there are no unnecessary keys to rest your fingers on.
If you use your function keys or numpad regularly, you might miss those keys if you switch to a mini keyboard. While plenty of compact keyboards have function keys built in, they’re more difficult to use so there’s a steep learning curve.
Mini gaming keyboards also don’t have as much space for macro keys, so that’s something to consider if you use macros for gaming or productivity.
Logitech G has a range of compact and tenkeyless keyboards, whether you’re looking for a mini keyboard on a budget or top-notch gaming gear with all the bells and whistles.
The Logitech G PRO X TKL LIGHTSPEED has everything you need in a TKL keyboard, including RGB lighting, dedicated media and lighting controls, and your choice of clicky, linear, or tactile switches. LIGHTSPEED wireless minimizes latency so you can enjoy an almost lag-free gaming experience.
The Logitech G715 Wireless Gaming Keyboard is part of the Aurora Collection, featuring gaming-grade LIGHTSPEED wireless, RGB lighting, and a cloud-soft palm rest. You can choose between clicky, tactile, and linear switches to customize your gaming experience. The G715 also has dedicated media and lighting controls at the top of the keyboard, so you can quickly turn down your brightness or play or pause your music without interrupting your game.
The Logitech G915 TKL LIGHTSPEED isn’t just a compact keyboard in terms of its footprint—it’s also got a sleek low-profile design. The G915 TKL LIGHTSPEED is just 22 mm tall, but it still has all the features you’d expect from a mini gaming keyboard. LIGHTSPEED wireless minimizes latency and LIGHTSYNC RGB gives you full control over lighting effects and colors.
The Logitech G PRO X 60 is the smallest keyboard on our list, but it’s one of the best mini gaming keyboards if you’re looking to maximize space. This 60% keyboard only has the keys you need for gaming, with LIGHTSPEED wireless for lag-free gaming. LIGHTSYNC RGB allows you to create custom lighting profiles, while KEYCONTROL gives you complete control over how your keys are mapped. Optical switches inside the G PRO X 60 are designed to respond quickly to give you a competitive advantage.
When you’re choosing a mini gaming keyboard, you should start by figuring out which layout you like. Once you’ve narrowed your search down a bit, you can start to compare different types of switches and connectivity options. Wired keyboards are simple and reliable, but keyboards with LIGHTSPEED wireless are also a solid choice.
If you’re playing FPS games and you want maximum space for mouse movements, go with a 60% keyboard like the G PRO X 60. If you game and work on your PC, a bigger keyboard like the G PRO X TKL LIGHTSPEED might be a better option.
If you’re not sure which gaming keyboard size is best for you, you can always measure your desk to see how much space you have and choose a keyboard that fits your setup.
Choosing the best mini gaming keyboard depends on your play style and gaming setup. Logitech G has a wide range of gaming keyboards in mini sizes, ranging from 60% keyboards all the way up to TKL sizes—all with pro-grade features and durable designs.
If you’re in the market for a mini gaming keyboard, Logitech is a good place to start. Find your ideal mini gaming keyboard at Logitech G.
