10 Best Compact Keyboards 2025 in the United States

The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless is a compact 60% keyboard designed especially for gamers who want high performance in a small package. Its standout feature is the OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable switches, which let you customize how sensitive each key is—perfect if you want super fast key presses for movement keys and firmer presses for others to avoid mistakes. This makes it one of the fastest keyboards available, with very little input delay thanks to its Quantum 2.0 wireless technology that supports both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth 5.0 connections. The keyboard also offers full RGB backlighting, adding a nice visual touch that’s common in gaming gear.

Build quality is solid with a premium aluminum top plate and durable double shot PBT keycaps, which feel comfortable and are resistant to wear over time. Being a 60% keyboard, it’s very compact and easy to fit on a desk or carry around, though it lacks a number pad and some dedicated function keys, which might not suit users who rely on those. It has a detachable USB-C cable for wired use and charging, giving flexibility in how you connect it.

It’s great for gamers or anyone who values customization and wireless freedom in a small keyboard, although those new to mechanical keyboards might find the many customization options a bit overwhelming at first. This is a high-quality, feature-packed compact keyboard that balances portability with powerful performance.

The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini is a compact 60% esports gaming keyboard designed for competitive FPS gamers. It features Analog Optical Switches Gen-2 with adjustable actuation ranging from 0.1 to 4.0 mm, which ensures high precision and rapid response. The Rapid Trigger feature, which resets keys at the slightest lift of a finger, offers a significant advantage in speed and movement, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming.

Additionally, the Razer Snap Tap allows for more responsive directional changes without releasing the previous key, which can be particularly useful in intense gameplay scenarios. The keyboard is built with Doubleshot PBT Keycaps for durability and has customizable RGB backlighting to suit personal preferences and gaming setups. Connectivity is through a USB-C cord, ensuring a stable and reliable connection.

The ability to make on-the-fly adjustments to the actuation height and sensitivity with an onboard LED array without software is a convenient feature for gamers who prefer quick and easy customization. However, the keyboard is limited to wired connectivity, which might be less desirable for those who seek wireless options. It is also relatively expensive, reflecting its high-end features and build quality. This keyboard is best suited for dedicated gamers looking to enhance their gaming performance, particularly in FPS games, but might be overkill for casual users or those looking for a more versatile everyday keyboard.

The SteelSeries New Apex 9 TKL is a compact tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard designed especially for esports and fast-paced gaming. Its small size frees up desk space, giving you more room for mouse movements, which is great if you prefer a tidy setup or play games that need quick reflexes. The keyboard uses custom OptiPoint optical switches that react extremely fast, about 33% quicker than typical optical keyboards, with a lightning-fast 0.2ms response time—this means your key presses register almost instantly. You can also adjust the actuation point between 1mm and 1.5mm, letting you choose between a lighter or more deliberate key press based on your gaming style. Another cool feature is the hot-swappable switches, allowing you to easily change or upgrade the switches without soldering, so you can customize the feel or replace faulty ones.

The build quality is solid, with a sturdy aluminum alloy frame and durable double-shot PBT keycaps that resist fading and provide a nice texture for comfortable typing and better accuracy. RGB backlighting adds customizable colors and effects, which gamers often enjoy for aesthetics or visibility in low light. Connectivity is via USB-C, ensuring a stable wired connection preferred for gaming. On the downside, as a wired-only keyboard, it lacks wireless options, which might be less convenient if you want a clutter-free desk. Also, at 2.3 pounds, it's a bit heavier than some other compact keyboards, so it’s less ideal if you need something very portable.

Focused on esports, this keyboard offers many features tailored toward competitive gaming that may be more than what casual users require. For those seeking a responsive, durable, and customizable compact keyboard aimed at serious gamers, the SteelSeries Apex 9 TKL presents a compelling option.