Is a smaller keyboard better for gaming?

As an avid gamer and content creator focused on the latest in gaming gear, this is a question I‘ve spent a lot of time researching and testing. In my experience, a smaller keyboard around 60-65% absolutely can provide some tangible benefits for gaming.

However, keyboard size comes down personal preference and gaming style. In this in-depth guide, I‘ll break down the pros and cons of compact keyboards compared to full-size options to help you decide what‘s best for your needs.

Why Size Matters for Gaming Keyboards

Keyboard size plays an outsized role (pun intended) in the gaming experience. Unlike typical typing and office work, gaming requires extensive use of your mouse hand to aim, flick, and react quickly in games.

Having ample mouse room for large sweeping motions translates into greater precision and accuracy. Plus hours of daily gaming can fatigue shoulders over time, so an optimized keyboard position is vital.

This is why many esports pros and streamers now use 60% and 65% keyboards instead of bulkier full-size decks.

More Mouse Maneuverability

By ditching the numpad and excess functions keys, a 60% keyboard can take up over 5 inches/13cm less horizontal desk space than a typical 104-key keyboard. For competitive titles like CS:GO or Valorant demanding pixel-perfect aim, this extra room is invaluable.

With a 65% keyboard for example, your mouse hand has a good 4 extra horizontal inches to make broad arm aiming movements compared to a deck with full number pad.

Ergonomic Positioning

Closely tied with mouse space is ergonomics. Hunching over a faraday keyboard strains shoulders and wrists over time. A more central, closer keyboard layout promotes a healthier posture for marathon gaming sessions.

With minimal excess keys, 60% boards can be positioned for optimal comfort to relieve joint stress. Your hands can stay closer by your sides in a natural position rather than overextending forward with a distant full-size model.

Highly Portable

If you game on the go such as at tournaments or LAN parties, a compact 60% keyboard takes up a fraction of the bag space while still retaining essential gaming keys. Their durable, rigid chassis also handles transport well.

Downsides to Consider

However, no keyboard is one-size-fits all. Smaller isn‘t necessarily better for all gamers. Some potential downsides to weigh:

• Key feature sacrifices – Losing dedicated arrow keys can be a tough adjust for some. Numpads also see infrequent gaming use.
• Learning curve – 60% models have a higher initial learning curve. Getting used to compact layers and accessing keys like arrows via function layers takes time.
• Desk space – Those with very spacious desks may prefer larger keyboards that don‘t constrain mouse room.

If you rely on a 10-key for MMO macros, do extensive data entry, or prefer resting palms on a wrist rest, a more spacious keyboard may suit your needs better. But for most gamers, 60-65% form factors offer the ideal balance of size and function.

What Keyboard Size Should You Choose for Gaming?

So what‘s the verdict? Is a smaller keyboard actually better for gaming?

For most gamers, my recommendation would be to opt for a 60-65% compact keyboard to maximize mouse maneuverability while retaining essential functions.

60% models are best suited if you don‘t mind accessing arrow keys via a function layer. 65% offers dedicated arrows while still saving generous horizontal space versus TKL and full sizes.

However, keyboard needs can also depend heavily on gaming genre and habits:

• MOBAs: TKL (80%) balances compact design with retain macros/media keys
• MMOs: Full-size if you‘ll heavily use a 10-keypad for binds
• FPS: 60-65% ideal for sufficient desktop space for aiming
• Battle Royale: 60% leaves ample room for constructing/editing

I would advise most gamers to start with a 65% or 60% deck to experience the benefits first-hand unless you know you require a full set of function keys. Top-performing compact models like the Keychron K6 or Royal Kludge RK68 are very affordable low-risk options to trial smaller sizes.

You can always revert to a larger keyboard down the road or keep a separate number pad on hand. But once acclimated to 60% models, many gamers find it hard to go back to anything bulkier!

Best 60% and 65% Keyboards for Gaming

If you‘ve decided to take the plunge on a more compact keyboard, here are my top recommendations after extensively testing 60% and 65% models specifically for gaming:

Overall Best 60% Gaming Keyboard: Ducky One 3 Mini

Ducky makes the best small-format keyboards hands down. The One 3 Mini nails all aspects from impressive build quality to long feature list.

With PBT doubleshot keycaps, solid aluminum case, and your choice of smooth linear or tactile mechanical switches, it offers a premium typing and gaming experience. Extensive RGB effects let you customize lighting down to individual keys.

At just 298mm (11.7 inches) across, it clears substantial desktop space for maneuvering a mouse while keeping vital gaming keys easily accessible. If I had to crown a single 60% keyboard king, the exceptional Ducky One 3 Mini takes the prize.

Best Budget 65% for Gaming: Royal Kludge RK68

The RK68 offers ridiculous value with impressive gaming performance at a very wallet-friendly price point.

It shares the compact 65% layout as more premium options while retaining essential directional arrow keys. Smooth linear red switches allow for rapid key presses while RGB backlighting pumps up gaming immersion.

Pair the RK68 with some aftermarket PBT keycaps and switches down the road for a high-performance compact gaming deck that won‘t break the bank.

Most Customizable: Glorious GMMK Compact

For those wanting extensive personalization, Glorious PC Gaming Race‘s keyboards are a modder‘s dream. The GMMK Compact bundles excellent build quality with hot-swap sockets to freely tinker with switches and keycaps.

Stock Gateron Brown tactile switches provide defined bump feedback for gaming. But you can easily hot swap the entire board with linear, clicky, or other tactile switches to match your preferences.

With exposed LEDs along each switch, you can craft intricate RGB lighting patterns not possible on most pre-built keyboards as well. The GMMK Compact is a compact keyboard designed for customization from the ground up.

Do Smaller Keyboards Ultimately Improve Gaming Performance?

At the end of the day, no single keyboard shape inherently boosts skill or reaction times. Gaming prowess comes down to practice, mechanics, and innate talent far more than gear.

However, the right keyboard can provide subtle advantages by allowing a more comfortable, ergonomic position and freeing up desktop space. This reduces joint strain for injury prevention and gives your mouse hand room to make micro adjustments.

I advise most gamers to try out a 60% or 65% deck. Allow yourself time to adjust to more compact layers and arrow keys accessed via modifiers. The benefits often become abundantly clear after a few weeks of use.

Yet if you still find yourself missing dedicated macro keys or media controls, larger TKL, 96%, and full-size keyboards still have merits too. Comfort and usability should trump size alone when deciding the best platform for your needs.

At the end of the day, no definitive "best" keyboard size exits for all gamers. While 60-65% models offer outstanding benefits, go with what feels most intuitive for your setup, grip style, and genre preferences. But thereduced dimensions unlocked by ditching excess keys may surprise you with their comfort!

Let me know if you have any other questions about compact vs full-size gaming keyboards! I‘m happy to provide additional guidance or gear recommendations for improving your battlestation. Game on!