By Robin Owens 10 days ago, Keyboards
Our choice of the best low-profile mechanical keyboards.
A low profile mechanical keyboard has a portable design and is easy to transport. It has convenient switches that are perfect for work-related tasks.
Cherry and Kailh are global giants that manufacture low-profile switches. They produce clickable, linear and tactile switches that account for a short actuation travel distance. Thanks to it, low-profile models are generally faster and thinner than standard ones.
If these features are what you need, then a low profile keyboard is a worthy choice. I have reviewed 8 low-profile mechanical keyboards to tell you about their advantages and disadvantages. Since there are so many options on the market now, I hope that this review will help you make the right choice.
Interface: Wired / USB | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ Innovative low-profile Cherry MX keys
⊕ Great design
⊕ Programmable macros keys
⊕ AlienFX 16.8 million color per-key
⊖ High-priced
The Alienware AW510K is a low profile mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Red mechanical switches. The keys are easy to press. The AW510K uses an Alienware’s app for configuration of general settings and the Alienware Command Center for key remapping, macros creation and adjusting RGB lighting.
The keyboard is built to withstand up to 50 million clicks, which is comparable to 8 years of active use. It is quite durable and will serve you for many years to come. Despite being overpriced, this Cherry MX low profile keyboard is a great value for the money. If you decide to buy it, you will greatly enjoy the purchase.
Interface: Wired / USB | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ Great RGB backlight
⊕ Solid build
⊕ Dragon Center for settings adjustment
⊕ Compact
⊖ Noisy buttons
The MSI Vigor GK50 is a low profile gaming keyboard that features great RGB lighting, a user-friendly design and durable switches. Due to low-profile mechanical switches, the keyboard is quite durable and delivers fast, accurate performance.
This keyboard has a stylish minimalist design and solid build. Due to its ergonomic features, you can use it for a long time without experiencing any signs of muscle strain.
The backlight system perfectly reproduces all colors. Regardless of the lighting conditions in your room, its RGB backlight effects remain perfectly visible.
Interface: Wired / USB | Keyboard backlighting: No
⊕ Small-sized
⊕ Plug and Play
⊕ Low-cost
⊖ For regular use only
The Perixx PERIBOARD-426 is the best low profile mechanical keyboard due to its compactness and small weight. This model will not take up much space on your desktop. If you travel a lot, the Perixx PERIBOARD-426 is a great option to get your job done on time.
The keyboard is made of a high-end ABS plastic. It has diaphragm switches and is easy to set up. To use it, you just need to connect it to your PC.
Interface: Wired / USB | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ RGB backlight
⊕ Operates without software
⊕ Brushed aluminum top plate
⊕ Sophisticated design
⊖ Non-adjustable height
The Cooler Master SK650 is an excellent low profile gaming keyboard that features a thin and light body with the latest Cherry MX switches and a stylish key design. The keyboard has a minimalist construction and is clad in a classic black Skeleton case.
The keyboard will last for a long time as mechanical switches withstand tens of millions of clicks. You can connect the model to your computer via the USB port. The SK650 has the best RGB lighting with individually backlit keys.
The SK650 is the best low profile mechanical keyboard for those who are looking for a functional and visually pleasing device.
Interface: Wired / USB | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ Solid case
⊕ Various gaming options
⊕ For FPS and MOBA games
⊖ RGB backlighting
⊖ Costly
The K70 is a low profile mechanical keyboard made by Corsair. The model combines a full-size format, various features and high-quality details. The keyboard has low-profile ABS keycaps and RGB backlighting. While this premium model is quite expensive, it will enhance your gaming experience.
What makes this keyboard great for gaming is a wide array of features, such as the N-Key Rollover with 100% anti-ghosting, macros, profiles, FPS and MOBA keysets. It also has additional textured MOBA / FPS keycaps, such as WASD, the space bar, Q and E. You will have a great gaming experience thanks to convenient multimedia keys and textured gaming keycaps.
Interface: Wired / USB | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ Strong construction
⊕ RGB backlighting
⊕ Convenient design
⊕ The wire is not removable
⊖ Due to the matte cover, buttons get dirty
The Redragon K509 is a low profile RGB keyboard with a robust design and 104 keys. It is great for gaming and delivers an enjoyable experience with quiet, low-profile keys. RGB backlighting comes with 6 different modes and 4 adjustable brightness levels.
This low profile keyboard is ergonomically designed. You can adjust its height. As the model is waterproof, it’s protected from accidental water or tea spills. The K509 is a great device suitable for both office work and gaming sessions.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Alienware AW510K
Our choice |
CHECK PRICE → | |
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MSI Vigor GK50
Gaming |
CHECK PRICE → | |
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Perixx PERIBOARD-426
for Travel |
CHECK PRICE → |
The first thing you look at when choosing the best low profile mechanical keyboard is its price. I recommend setting a budget in advance to consider models from the price range that you need.
The second step is to determine what you need a low profile mechanical keyboard for. If you want to buy a model for office work and ordinary use, the Alienware AW510K or the LTC Nimbleback will suit you perfectly. If you travel frequently, opt for compact models like the Perixx PERIBOARD-426. For gaming sessions, I recommend considering the MSI Vigor GK50, Cooler Master SK650, CORSAIR K70 or EagleTec KG050-BR.
RGB lighting makes your keyboard unique, improves visibility in the dark and creates a pleasant atmosphere. It also complements the backlighting of other devices. Almost all models from this article come with RGB backlighting, while the LTC Nimbleback features white backlighting.
All of these features are described in this review to help you choose the best low profile mechanical keyboard.
This is a keyboard that features low-profile switches. Although they come in the same types as conventional ones, linear, clicky and tactile, they attract attention with their compactness and design.
One reason why you should choose low-profile keyboards is ergonomics. You don’t need to use a wrist rest to get into a comfortable position. Besides, it prevents wrist strain.
If you type a lot or perform office tasks, I recommend buying a mechanical keyboard. As it offers a great tactile feel and audible keystroke confirmation, typing becomes more comfortable and requires less effort.
The majority of gamers choose mechanical keyboards because of their tactility, durability and speed. However, some prefer the compactness and portability of membrane keyboards, which are cheaper. You can also purchase a hybrid model.
