Why choose a compact keyboard
A full-size keyboard is about a third number pad. Leave that off and the keyboard is shorter, so the mouse comes in closer to your body. The Health and Safety Executive says the mouse should sit right beside the keyboard, in line with your elbow, and a compact board is the simplest way to get it there. It also fits a small desk, a shelf under a monitor or a laptop bag.
What is in the range
- 60% keyboards with about 61 keys: no number pad, no arrow keys and no function row. The missing keys sit behind Fn. Many are mechanical, with red or blue switches, and some have coloured lighting.
- 65% and 68-key keyboards, which keep separate arrow keys at the corner.
- Slim 78-key keyboards with low keys like a laptop's, wired by USB, and a Bluetooth mini keyboard for a laptop, a tablet or a phone.
- Membrane boards with quieter, softer keys, and a magnetic switch gaming board.
Most here are wired; a few connect by receiver and Bluetooth as well.
How to choose
How small. A 60% board is the smallest, but the arrows and function keys need two fingers. If you edit long documents or spreadsheets, a 65% or a 78-key board keeps the arrows. If you need the number pad now and then, add a separate number pad and put it away after.
Mechanical or membrane. A mechanical board has a switch under every key: red switches are smooth and quieter, blue switches click. A membrane board is quieter still and lighter to carry. Larger mechanical boards are in mechanical keyboards.
Wired or wireless. A wired board needs no charging and works the moment it is plugged in. Check whether the cable ends in USB-A or USB-C for your laptop.
The layout. A UK keyboard has a tall Enter key; a US keyboard has a long flat one. Check the options, then set the same layout on the laptop.
Questions people ask about compact keyboards
How do I type an arrow or F5 on a 60% keyboard?
Hold Fn and press the key with that symbol printed on its side or front. The product page lists the combinations.
Is a compact keyboard good for travel?
Yes: a 60% or slim 78-key board fits most laptop bags. For a pocket, look at the folding Bluetooth keyboards.
Is a compact keyboard quieter?
Not because of its size. The noise comes from the keys: a membrane or red-switch board is quiet, a blue-switch board clicks.
Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door.
More to look at