The 7 Best Low-Profile Mechanical Keyboards
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The 7 Best Low-Profile Mechanical Keyboards
Low-profile keyboards are thin, compact peripherals that are easy on your wrists. Their small form makes them easy to type on, even if you don't have a wrist rest.
However, they lack the tactile feedback of mechanical keyboards. Some of them even feel too soft to use comfortably.
But if you want to get the best of both worlds, go for a low-profile mechanical keyboard. These keyboards are thin and compact, making them easy on the hands. However, they still give you excellent feedback so that you won't tire of typing.
These keyboards are also usually designed for gamers too. That way, you're sure that they will last longer and avoid wrong key presses.
Here are the best low-profile mechanical keyboards available today.
The Logitech G brand is a well-respected brand for gaming and premium peripherals. The G915 wireless keyboard is proof the company deserves this hard-earned respect. This wireless keyboard offers a premium finish with excellent keystrokes, courtesy of its switches.
You have the option to install GL Clicky, GL Tactile, or GL Linear keys on the keyboard, ensuring the keyboard will perform to your taste. The keyboard has five programmable G-keys, allowing you to create macros to simplify both work and play.
It connects via the proprietary Lightspeed wireless connector, Bluetooth, or the included micro-USB cable, allowing you to use it on almost any device you own. For gamers, the keys respond instantly, allowing you to keep on top of your game. It boasts RGB, an attractive design, and a volume wheel, making it a great choice for low-profile, wireless gaming.
- Dual wireless connectivity via Lightspeed Technology or Bluetooth
- Comes with five programmable macro keys
- With three onboard memory profiles
- Brand: Logitech
- Wireless: Wireless, Bluetooth
- Backlight: RGB
- Media Controls: Yes
- Battery: Rechargeable
- Num Pad: Yes
- Switch Type: GL Linear, GL Tactile, GL Clicky
- Replaceable Keys: Yes
- Charge and play simultaneously via USB
- Fully charges in three hours
- Choice between audible, tactile, and smooth key switches
- Mushy media controls
This low-profile mechanical keyboard from Corsair allows you to choose between four Cherry MX switch types, letting you pick just the right switch for your taste. It also offers dedicated media keys, meaning you can control music and volume without pressing additional function keys.
The keyboard itself features a USB pass-through port, allowing you to connect your mouse, headset, or other peripherals. This way, you can reduce cable clutter on your desk or ensure your mouse's high-speed wireless receiver is within easy its easy reach. And to further enhance your typing comfort, it comes with a detachable wrist rest.
You can also customize the keyboard to have up to three onboard profiles or unlimited profiles via the iCUE software. In addition, you can also use the app to personalize its per-key individual RGB lighting to your taste. It's a great choice for gamers who prefer a wired low-profile mechanical keyboard.
- Fully-customizable keys via iCue software
- USB pass-through port for your mouse, headset, and other peripherals
- Store up to three profiles on keyboard
- Brand: Corsair
- Wireless: No
- Backlight: RGB
- Media Controls: Yes
- Battery: N/A
- Num Pad: Yes
- Switch Type: Cherry MX Blue, Brown, Red, Speed
- Replaceable Keys: Yes
- Per-key individual RGB lighting
- Included detachable wrist rest
- Choice of four different Cherry MX switches
- No wireless option
Even if you're on a budget, you can still enjoy a low-profile mechanical keyboard courtesy of Havit. The HV-KB395L ultra-thin design features keycaps that are 7mm thinner than traditional mechanical keyboards, allowing it to have a slim and compact form.
It comes with reliable Kailh Blue switches with quick response and also features a full 104-key rollover. So whether you're working or gaming, you're sure to find this keyboard performing as you need.
It also comes with a detachable micro-USB cable, allowing you to store and transport it easily. You can replace it with any custom micro-USB cable to fit your desk aesthetic. Finally, this keyboard works straight out of the box. You don't have to install any driver or software to control its RGB lighting.
- Detachable micro-USB for easy transport and cable replacement
- Full 104-key rollover with windows key lock for gaming
- Up to 7mm thinner keycaps compared to traditional mechanical keyboards
- Brand: HAVIT
- Wireless: No
- Backlight: RGB
- Media Controls: Via Fn Keys
- Battery: N/A
- Num Pad: Yes
- Switch Type: Kailh Blue
- Replaceable Keys: Yes
- Affordable
- Comes with Kailh Blue switches
- Works straight out of the box, no driver needed
- No dedicated media controls
Cooler Master offers a slim, low-profile keyboard with the SK650. It's a full-size design that lets you choose between modern flat or traditional contoured keycaps. You can also pick between a full-size or tenkeyless design and a Gunmetal or Silver White finish. The keyboard features per-key RGB lighting and side lightbars, allowing you to enjoy your RGB lighting better.
You can adjust this RGB lighting and macro keys without having to download any software via its on-the-fly controls. But if you want maximum control, its easy-to-use downloadable app will give that to you.
The Cherry MX RGB Low Profile keys will give you excellent typing performance while offering extended durability. The brushed aluminum top plate also ensures rigidity and strength, giving you confidence that it will last throughout the years. Whether you're a gamer or typist, the Cooler Master SK650 will meet your needs, while looking stylish.
- Choice of modern flat or traditional, slight contoured keycaps
- Available full-sized or TKL models
- Downloadable easy-to-use software for customization
- Brand: Cooler Master
- Wireless: No
- Backlight: RGB
- Media Controls: Via Fn Keys
- Battery: N/A
- Num Pad: Yes
- Switch Type: Cherry MX RGB Low Profile
- Replaceable Keys: Yes
- Comes in either Gunmetal or Silver White
- Rigid brushed aluminum top plate
- Per-key RGB and side lightbars for enhanced immersion
- No dedicated media keys
The Fnatic STREAK65 is a compact and lightweight 65 percent keyboard. Its small form is perfect for small desks or those who move around constantly. It connects via a removable USB-C cable, making it easy to store. You can also easily replace its cord to fit your preferred style and color.
This keyboard can store up to four onboard profiles, allowing you to switch modes no matter what computer you're using. It also has a Competition Mode, allowing you to disable unnecessary keys. This way, you won't get accidental key presses that can throw you off your game.
If you need to have more custom macros and keys, you can remap the entire keyboard using Fnatic's OP Software. That way, you can use your keyboard exactly the way you need it.
- Stores up to four onboard memory profiles
- Uses low-profile Fnatic speed switches perfect for professional eSports players
- Full key remapping via OP Software
- Brand: Fnatic
- Wireless: No
- Backlight: RGB
- Media Controls: No
- Battery: N/A
- Num Pad: No
- Switch Type: Fnatic Speed
- Replaceable Keys: No
- Connects via a removable USB-C cable
- Weighs in at just 14.8oz
- Competition Mode disables unnecessary keys
- No other key switch option available
The ROCCAT Vulcan 100 AIMO is a full 104-key keyboard that features their home-grown Titan switches. These keys are designed to be swift and precise while remaining tactile to the user. They also feature less chatter due to the high craftsmanship Roccat put into these new switches.
You will get individual per-key RGB lighting with the Vulcan 100. This is further enhanced by the transparent switch house, allowing you to maximize your enjoyment of your keyboard's lighting effects.
The keyboard has fully remappable keys, allowing you to customize it as you please with the Roccat Swarm software. And when you need to control music and game audio, this keyboard features a sophisticated mixer-style media control setup. This way, you can quickly adjust your volume without losing focus on your game.
- Features swift, precise, and tactile ROCCAT-designed Titan switches
- Fully-remappable keys
- Debounced switch reduces chatter for accuracy
- Brand: ROCCAT
- Wireless: No
- Backlight: RGB
- Media Controls: Yes
- Battery: N/A
- Num Pad: Yes
- Switch Type: ROCCAT Titan
- Replaceable Keys: No
- Individual per-key RGB lighting
- Sophisticated mixer style media controls
- Transparent switch housing for increased illumination
- No optional wrist rest
Keychron's K1 Wireless lets you have a low-profile wireless keyboard that's designed for both Mac and PC. It even comes with extra keycaps so that you can customize it depending on your preferred system. You can pick between Gateron Blue, Brown, or Red switches. This ensures that you will enjoy typing with the K1, no matter what your key preference is.
It connects via Bluetooth 5.1, meaning you can pair up to three devices at once. You can also use it in wired mode for maximum reliability. The K1 features more than 15 RGB lighting modes, allowing you to pick a style or effect that suits your taste. And when you're gaming, it offers full-key rollover when connected via USB.
For gaming, the Keychron K1 Wireless doesn't require much force. It boasts a great build quality, but the latency isn't excellent, which means it may not be ideal for competitive gaming.
- Choice between Gateron Blue, Brown, or Red switches
- Included keycaps for both Windows and Mac
- Full-key rollover on wired more, six-key rollover on Bluetooth
- Brand: Keychron
- Wireless: Bluetooth 5.1
- Backlight: RGB
- Media Controls: Via Fn Keys
- Battery: 2,000 mAh Rechargeable Li-Po
- Num Pad: No
- Switch Type: Gateron Blue, Brown, Red
- Replaceable Keys: Yes
- Can be used wired or wirelessly
- Pairs up to three devices via Bluetooth
- With 15+ RGB lighting modes
- Only connects wirelessly via Bluetooth, no dedicated 2.4GHz wireless connection
Q: What Are Mechanical Keyboards?
Mechanical keyboards use physical switches instead of rubber membranes to activate key presses. These switches give a better feel than the latter, as the user gets tactile feedback with every button press. It makes for better precision and accuracy when it comes to typing.
Q: Are Low-Profile Mechanical Keyboards Better for Gaming?
Yes, they are. Because of their lower travel distances, they're faster to actuate because your finger doesn't have to travel as far to activate it. They're also a bit more ergonomic to use since your wrists are in a more relaxed position when you're typing.
Q: Is a Mechanical Keyboard Worth It?
It varies between users, but generally, yes. The better tactility and feedback offered by a mechanical keyboard make it a joy to use, especially if you're spending hours using it. Nevertheless, there are great non-mechanical keyboard options out there as well.
We hope you like the items we recommend and discuss! MUO has affiliate and sponsored partnerships, so we receive a share of the revenue from some of your purchases. This won’t affect the price you pay and helps us offer the best product recommendations.
About The Author
Jowi Morales (84 Articles Published)
Jowi is a writer, a career coach, and a pilot. He developed a love for anything PC ever since his father bought a desktop computer when he was 5 years old. From then on, he has been using and maximizing technology in every aspect of his life.
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