Are 60% Keyboards More Ergonomic?

Did you know that 60% of keyboards are more ergonomic than others due to their small size and compactness, which offers less stress on hands? Do you know that less space for keyboards means more space available for other devices, including the mouse? Anyone who works in an environment that involves typing for a long duration is usually more prone to different issues, such as repetitive stress injury (RSI), and must consider these questions when buying a keyboard.

In recent years, 60% of keyboards have been popular in computers. This article will show you what precisely 60% keyboards are, their functionality, design, and the reason for their popularity.

What Are 60% Keyboards?

60% of layout keyboards have only 60 % of the total keys by removing the numpad and navigator cluster. The pic below shows the size difference between the full-size keyboard and the gray portion, which is 60% keyboard.

The arrangement leaves about 15 cm of free space to adjust your mouse. It also lets you keep your hands together, which is ergonomic and more comfortable.

Most users may find the 60% and 65% keyboards confusing. While both share a compact design philosophy, a 65% keyboard is a 60% keyboard with arrow keys, slightly increasing in size. Here is a picture of a 65% keyboard.

You can see separate arrow keys on it. These keys are also unimportant for many keyboard users because the same functions are achievable with a mouse. In terms of space efficiency, a 60% keyboard is still ahead.

Ergonomic Benefits of 60% Keyboards

● Compact size

As the name suggests, 60% keyboards are 40% smaller than the full-size keyboard, which makes them easy to carry anywhere. The small size is also easy to handle and takes less space and weight in the bag, which is essential for portability. These factors contribute to the ergonomics of the user.

Reduced hand movement means fewer wrist movements. Compared with full keyboards, 60% allow less hand stretching and movement for the same working speed. In other words, the user can work long with considerably less stress on the wrist, which can significantly improve work efficiency.

● Minimalist Aesthetics

Your desk is the center of your workspace and is an essential factor in your productivity. To accomplish more and more tasks, many users prefer a clean and uncluttered workspace and ensure everything on the desk has a purpose. 60% keyboards like the Ducky One 2 Mini and MEETION MK005, support the aesthetics of these users. They also help users who have limited or small workspaces.

● Efficiency for Certain Tasks

Many users perform tasks that involve typing and frequent mouse movement. To compensate for this, the user can precisely adjust the mouse with a 60% keyboard instead of the numpad in the full-scale keyboard. These users also have less hand movement and good ergonomics during work.

How 60% Keyboards Improve Posture?

While it depends on shoulder length, the average person needs to bend his hands outwards from their neutral resting position when using a full-size keyboard. A 60% keyboard is a more natural position by keeping your arms closer. Thus, you will not have to stretch as much with your arms closer to your body. The benefit of increased comfort is undeniable.

Traditional flat keyboards force you to type with your wrists facing the desktop. This pronated posture causes your ulna and radius bones to rotate, increasing pressure on the forearm muscles and reducing circulation. However, 60% % of keyboards come with split forms, which don’t cause these posture issues.

Gaming and 60% Keyboard

A 60% keyboard is the best solution for any FPS gamer. If you have ever played Call of Duty, you know that it is more important to have a gaming mouse. Considering this, you’ll want to have enough capacity for it.

Full-size keyboards force gamers to reach around the keyboard to grip the mouse, which puts excessive strain on the wrist, elbow, and shoulder. According to a study, the distance between the key “WASD” section on the keyboard and the mouse should be approximately 12 cm for better gaming ergonomics. Therefore, 60% keyboards are more user-friendly for many gamers.

User Testimonials and Reviews

Many users worldwide use 60% keyboards, which they find very convenient. Below are some of their experiences.

“I still use a 60 for the times I play games, but other than that, I’ve been on a Plank for a while now. Going back to a larger board is a nightmare, especially with modifiers on pinkies rather than thumbs/pointer fingers. Being forced to use the weakest finger to hold down the most awkward keys is baffling. Having everything where it makes sense ergonomically is a blessing for as much typing as I do.”

“60% is probably as big as I’ll go. Anything bigger is kind of a waste of space and money.”

“With one or two layers, the 60% provides F-keys, arrow keys, numbers, and media controls at your fingertips. It is a bulletproof layout that is easy to learn and live with.”

“As soon as I reprogrammed the lower right cluster to be permanent arrow keys, I never needed to return to anything bigger than 60%.”

“I have also used full-size and TKL keyboards in the past. About 3 months back, I got myself a 60%, and I found it too good. The placement of the arrow keys was a bit of an issue initially, but I have gotten used to it.”

Potential Downsides of 60% Keyboards

As for everything that has advantages, it also has some disadvantages. The same is the case with the 60% Keyboards. Have a look at some of them below:

● Learning curves regarding the keyboards

The problem with this keyboard is that many users struggle to transition from full scale to 60%. Users must also face challenges using the FN key for F and arrow keys, which are readily available on a full scale without any layers. All of this involves finger acrobatics.

● Limited key functions for some tasks

What if someone needs to use the numpad very often? Or does someone frequently use arrow or function keys? The FN key doesn't support it. While 60% keyboards may be excellent regarding space or ergonomics, for some tasks involving the other 40% of keys, many users could not afford the lack of efficiency just to have a good space.

● High Price

These types of keyboards often come with high prices compared to conventional keyboards.

Final Thoughts on 60% Keyboards

The world of 60% keyboards offers compact solutions with a minimally functional typing experience, great layouts, and good ergonomics.

Ultimately, the user's choice depends upon personal preference and specific use. If the numpad, Function keys, and user utilize the arrow keys 5% of the time, 60% keyboards offer ease of use and ergonomics. However, many people often need to use these keys, changing their choice to a ten-keyless or full-scale keyboard. We hope you found value in our article!

If you want premium, high-end, and budget-friendly options in 60% and 65% layout keyboards, visit the MEETION website. Their line-up of mechanical keyboards enhances ergonomics and provides a comfortable interface through high-quality mechanical switches. Users can choose blue, red, or brown switches based on preference. They also offer hot-swappable options and double-shot PBT keycaps that top gaming keyboards provide.