By Robin Owens 2 days ago, Keyboards
Compact gaming keyboards at any price.
Looking for the best small gaming keyboard may be a challenging task. But do not get desperate, as I picked 10 mini peripheral devices, tested them and would like to share the results with you!
Whether you are already familiar with this type of accessory or are new to these gadgets, my article will give you the necessary info for choosing the best compact gaming keyboard that will fit your requirements. Here, you will find detailed descriptions of their advantages and disadvantages as well. Study them carefully and you’ll manage to choose the perfect model for your gaming needs.
Interface: Bluetooth / Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes / No
⊕ Mechanical
⊕ Comes with a mouse
⊕ Value for money
⊖ Low DPI
Featuring a non-slip, spill-resistant compact design, the Redragon S113 is a must-have accessory for your gaming needs. It incorporates 87 keys that are conflict-free and equipped with dust-resistant switches. The Redragon S113 features a rust-proof USB connector that ensures a stable connection.
The keyboard comes with an RGB Backlit mouse for the ultimate gaming experience. This small keyboard is very responsive, medium resistant, virtually noiseless and delivers quality typing or gaming performance.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ Durable design
⊕ Equipped with Cherry MX Blue/Brown keys
⊕ Adjustable RGB lighting
⊕ Convenient leather wrist rest
⊖ Finicky palm rest
⊖ Caps Lock LED is difficult to see
The Fnatic miniSTREAK is a portable small gaming keyboard that is popular because of its lightweight design and durable construction. The characteristics of this keyboard allow you to use it for typing and gaming needs. This is a TKL keyboard that doesn’t require much space so you can use it even on small surfaces.
The good thing is that the miniSTREAK is quite affordable and much cheaper than its famous competitors. Its leather wrist rest and effective keys organization make this gaming accessory comfortable to handle in every scenario.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ Long-lasting construction
⊕ Convenient to handle
⊕ Mechanical keys of a premium quality
⊕ Comes with a second USB port
⊖ RGB lighting-customization isn’t good
⊖ A short cord
This compact gaming keyboard has a stylish design and is made from durable quality materials. The layout of this keyboard is very convenient both for typing and gaming needs. Its high-quality mechanical keys make this model perfect for professional gamers. Equipped with blue switchers of premium quality, the keyboard ensures short response time and perfect attenuation.
The second USB port allows you to connect some extra accessories that will broaden your gaming opportunities. The ergonomic design of the keyboard makes it easy to carry around and suitable even for small desk spaces. Such a set of features makes the RedThunder the best compact gaming keyboard in its price range.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: No
⊕ Stylish design in white color
⊕ Compact construction
⊕ Long-lasting
⊖ Lack of backlight
⊖ Gets sticky quickly
Designed in a rare for a keyboard white color, this PC accessory attracts the attention of many gamers and average users. Coupled with an ergonomic construction, the Redragon K552-N small keyboard is the best solution for your gaming needs. It does not only look very stylish and elegant but is also made of durable materials that ensure its long-lasting trouble-free performance.
The only noticeable drawback of this compact gaming keyboard is the absence of backlight. However, all its advantages will make you forget about its minor shortcomings.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ Internal frame made of steel
⊕ A USB cable can be detached
⊕ Affordable
⊖ Without frills because of the design peculiarities
Usually, switches with lower actuation force and actuation point deliver better gaming experience. The HyperX Alloy equipped with the Cherry MX Red switches incorporates these two features. The shape of the keycap stems of this mini gaming keyboard doesn’t interfere with switches.
The problem is that there are no macro recordings, and it could be the decisive aspect while choosing the best small gaming keyboard. I used Switch Hitter to examine key actuation and to eliminate bouncing, as well as other key-related issues. This helpful software also shows whether numerous presses are recorded by the switches.
All in all, I haven’t detected any of these problems, including ghosting, in the HyperX Alloy. So be sure this model won’t cause you any unexpected problems.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ Numerous switch styles available
⊕ Solid construction
⊕ A variety of premium features
⊖ A taste specific tap option
⊖ Caps Lock indicator is not clearly visible
⊖ Hera Compiler is just okay
Nowadays, the majority of manufacturers incorporate features that were once considered premium into affordable mechanical keyboards thus elevating their quality and popularity. Many consumers do not even expect that the keyboards from an average price range can perform such a variety of functions.
The Durgod HK Venus is the best compact gaming keyboard that features solid construction and a range of high-quality characteristics, such as aluminum chassis, Doubleshot PBT caps and various switch styles. Another advantage of this option is its affordable price.
However, this mini gaming keyboard has some drawbacks as well. Its Hera Compiler is not as good as some of the more modern engines. The position of Caps Lock in not advantageous as this key is not clearly visible.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ Modular switches can be replaced without soldering
⊕ Standard bottom row
⊕ Compact small-footprint design
⊕ Great RGB backlight
⊖ Feather-light
⊖ Not noiseless
⊖ Positioning of function keys cannot be changed
The Glorious Modular is the best compact gaming keyboard from the mid-price range. This is a good starting point for enhancing your gaming experience. It is great that the switches and keycaps can be configured without any problems.
Moreover, you can replace the old switches with the new ones in several clicks, without moldering. This model can be equipped with different types of switches, so you can test out and use any combination you want. Its affordable price of about $100 makes the Glorious Modular a perfect choice for both professional gamers and beginners.
This mini gaming keyboard has great customization features that are very helpful for taking your gaming experience to the next level. There are several modes of RGB LED backlighting. Quality keycaps contribute to the great performance of this keyboard.
Although it features many advantages, there are some drawbacks as well. It is very light and the feet do not prevent the keyboard from sliding. It can cause some inconveniences, but its numerous advantages do prevail.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ Backlit RGB lighting
⊕ Solid construction
⊕ Colors can be switched according to your preferences
⊖ Lack of wrist rest
⊖ Software is absent
The STOGA Mechanical has a compact design and is comfortable to use for typing or gaming purposes. This model is equipped with a TKL layout and backlit RGB lighting that enables its perfect functioning even in darker environments. Whether you look for clicky switches or crave dedicated media control, this small keyboard is the accessory that will meet all your requirements.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ Premium quality
⊕ Affordable
⊕ Compatible with various platforms
⊖ Poor quality of LED
The Rii Primer features soft LED backlighting that lets you see and use the keyboard in the dark environment. Some consumers consider the low brightness of the LED to be a drawback, but actually, such soft light protects your eyes and enables comfortable, fatigue-free usage.
The Rii Primer is the best compact gaming keyboard for office work or extended gaming sessions. Its ergonomic design saves your space and the high-quality ABS keycaps do not fade over time. By purchasing this small gaming keyboard, you’ll receive more than you expect.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ Premium quality at an affordable price
⊕ Compact and ergonomic design
⊕ Cutting-edge RGB backlighting
⊖ Keys wobble a little bit
⊖ Difficult to clean
The Dierya DK63 is the best small gaming keyboard that incorporates such great features as an ergonomic design, innovative RGB lighting, details of premium quality, and more. Because of its compact size, this model is ideal for usage at home, at the company and on the travel. It is very convenient to carry around.
Image | Name | Features | |
---|---|---|---|
Redragon S113
Our choice |
CHECK PRICE → | ||
Fnatic miniSTREAK
Professional |
CHECK PRICE → | ||
RedThunder
One-Handed |
CHECK PRICE → |
If you are looking for the best small gaming keyboard, you need to consider different factors for making the right choice. One of the most important is a keyboard switch type that can be a mechanical one or a membrane one. Mechanical switches are better for gaming needs, so most gaming enthusiasts decide on this type.
Macro keys add much versatility to the game. They will allow you to perform many actions by pressing only one button. Most mini gaming keyboards produced by premium brands have from six to eighteen macros. These are, for example, the Blackwidow X Tournament and the Logitech G Pro keyboards that are versatile but quite expensive. So if macro keys are your priority, be ready to pay more.
The ability to reprogram the functioning of a key is simply necessary for an enthusiastic gamer. These extra keys will make your gaming more efficient by placing the keys with necessary functions close to each other and within your fingers’ reach. So customizable keys are a must for the best small gaming keyboard.
Many people prefer playing games at night to relax after a long busy day. That is why backlighting is one of the most essential features to look for in a compact gaming keyboard. It will illuminate the keys to make them visible in dark environments and let you play games without disturbing other people in the room. The keyboards with advanced lighting-customization options can elevate your gaming experience and make it as enjoyable as it could be.
A short or cluttered cable is one of the problems that many gamers often experience. That is why wireless mini gaming keyboards are gaining more and more popularity nowadays. These peripherals not only eliminate many inconveniences but also provide a user with greater mobility. A wireless keyboard does not restrict your positioning while playing games and rewards you with much freedom. Moreover, it offers the advantage of reduced clutter.
Although you cannot do much with the size of your other accessories, like a headset or a mouse, a good compact keyboard can save your desk space and make your gaming experience more convenient. A mini gaming keyboard offers many other advantages so the users often prefer compact models to bigger ones.
Gaming enthusiasts do prefer mechanical keyboards, but their size is also an important factor. A small keyboard is more convenient in usage; it rewards you with greater portability, small footprint and saves you much space. Therefore, it is not a surprise that gamers opt for compact peripherals.
Of course, a keyboard can affect your gaming experience greatly. Many consumers decide on mechanical keyboards that are usually more durable, tactile and offer faster performance.
Most gamers claim that mechanical keyboards are more appropriate for gaming purposes. They are more durable, faster and allow a user to double-tap quicker with black or even brown switches. However, some gamers do not consider mechanical peripherals to be a perfect choice and opt for other keyboard types.