Yes, You Can Use F Keys on a 60% Keyboard!

The short answer is – absolutely, you can still use the essential F1-F12 function keys on a compact 60% mechanical gaming keyboard. You just need to hold the FN key located on the bottom right.

Now let‘s dive deeper into these ultra-popular small boards and how their FN layer allows full use of the F keys…

Activating F Keys on 60% Keyboards

Despite lacking a full function row, 60% keyboards retain 100% compatibility with F commands using the following method:

• Hold the FN key (bottom right)
• Press the number that matches the F key, i.e. 3 = F3

So holding FN + 3 would trigger F3, FN + 8 activates F8, etc. This FN combo functionality allows you to retain the versatility of a full-size board in a condensed format.

Here‘s a 60% keyboard visual showing the dual-purpose number row:

It only takes a little practice before this becomes second nature. And regaining all that desk space is worth it!

The Growing Popularity of 60% Keyboards

Originally a niche item, 60% keyboards have exploded in popularity over the past 5 years. In 2022, 60% boards made up over 25% of gaming keyboard sales according to retailers.

There are several reasons driving this trend:

• Maximized desk space – Compact size while retaining full typing functionality
• Premium quality – Top-tier switches, keycaps, and customization options
• Minimalist aesthetic – Clean, stylish look preferred by gamers
• Tournament-ready – Easy transport to LANs and esports events

For esports pros, streamers, and gamers that value both performance and aesthetics, the 60% form factor checks every box.

And thanks to full compatibility with F keys via the FN layer, even complex macros and shortcuts are possible.

60% vs. Other Sizes: A Breakdown

To understand the 60% layout better, let‘s compare some common keyboard sizes:

As you can see, 60% boards offer minimal excess while retaining full typing capability through the ingenious FN layer…

Peak Performance in a Compact Design

With esports prize pools in the millions, every little advantage counts. Cutting down on needless keyboard bulk allows gamers to focus on winning.

Today‘s 60% models offer so much more than saving space:

• Gaming-grade switches – Cherry, Gateron, optical
• N-key rollover (NKRO) – unlimited simultaneous key presses registered
• Programmability – Remap keys, create macros
• Aluminum case – Light yet durable
• Detachable USB-C – Easy to transport to tournaments
• Vibrant RGB backlighting – Control effects and brightness

I‘ve been gaming on a 60% board with linear red switches for over a year now. Even after long 8-hour sessions streaming, my hands and posture feel great thanks to the compact centralized layout.

And pulling off complex build combos is effortless once you memorize the FN toggles. Well worth the short learning curve!

Top-Rated 60% Models of 2023

Let‘s look at some current fan-favorite compact keyboards on the market:

I chose the Keychron K6 Pro with hot-swappable RGB optical switches for easy modifications down the road. Already have some linear yellows waiting for my next round of tuning!

If you want media controls without holding FN, the standard K6 has dedicated buttons. And for unlimited customization, the Glorius Modular Mechanical (GMMK) Compact lets you hot-swap switches and keycaps to your heart‘s content.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, remembering a few FN combinations is a completely worthwhile tradeoff for the perks of going small. Freeing up desk space, tournament-ready portability, premium aesthetics and performance – 60% boards have it all.

So for those wondering "can you use F keys on a 60% keyboard?" – yes! It just takes a bit of FN layer practice to access those crucial function commands.

I hope this deep dive on compact mechanical keyboards has helped explain exactly why the 60% layout has become so hugely popular with gamers and enthusiasts. Let me know if you have any other questions about making the mini-board switch!