The Best Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard (7)

So, you’re in search of the best low-profile mechanical keyboard? Well, you’re in luck! My husband and I are tech enthusiasts, always searching for that perfect piece of gear to upgrade our workspace.

We’ve discovered the beauty of low-profile mechanical keyboards through trial and error. Offering a fusion of comfort, performance, and sleek design, these keyboards are a game-changer.

Join us on this digital quest as we delve into the top contenders. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer, a prolific writer, or a digital nomad, this guide promises to bring you closer to your next keyboard conquest.

Let’s dive in – it’s time to make each keystroke count!

Best Low Profile Mechanical Keyboards

Ready for a deep dive into the world of low-profile mechanical keyboards? We’ve done the heavy lifting, researching and testing the best options on the market. Now, we’re here to share our findings.

This section’ll walk you through the top picks, their unique features, and what makes them stand out. Let’s discover your perfect keyboard together!

1. Logitech G915 TKL

Overview

The Logitech G915 TKL is a low-profile mechanical keyboard that offers style, functionality, and performance, providing a worthwhile upgrade to any gaming or workspace.

This wireless gaming keyboard stands out with its sleek, tenkeyless design, premium brushed metal top plate, and robust build.

It features GL low-profile mechanical switches, and LIGHTSPEED wireless technology, all contributing to the ultimate typing experience, whether for gaming or professional tasks.

Key Features

• Design: Compact, tenkeyless layout maximizes desk space and portability.
• Switches: Choice of Linear, Tactile, and Clicky GL low-profile mechanical switches for personalized typing feel.
• Technology: LIGHTSPEED wireless tech enables an ultra-fast 1ms report rate.
• Customization: Full RGB lighting control via Logitech’s G HUB software.
• Build: Durable with a premium brushed metal top plate.

Pricing

The Logitech G915 TKL Tenkeyless LIGHTSPEED Wireless RGB Keyboard is $229.99.

Pros

• Battery Life: Offers extended use thanks to its impressive battery life.
• Controls: Features intuitive media controls for enhanced multimedia interaction.
• Aesthetics: Minimalist design that complements any workspace.
• Typing: Comfortable, precise typing facilitated by well-designed keycaps.
• Speed: Provides high-speed response times, a great advantage for gamers.

Cons

• Price: The high-end features come with a premium price tag.
• USB Pass-through: The absence of this feature may disappoint some users.
• Software: Customization via Logitech’s G HUB software may be complex for first-time users.

Bottom Line

The Logitech G915 TKL is an excellent low-profile mechanical keyboard with exceptional design, performance, and customization.

It may require considerable investment, but the high-quality features and robust build make it a deserving choice in the competitive world of mechanical keyboards.

2. Redragon K618

Overview

Delivering performance and value in an affordable package, the Redragon K618 is a robust, full-featured mechanical keyboard that appeals to gamers and professionals.

Its sleek design, solid construction, and customizable options provide a reliable, budget-friendly choice.

Encased in a durable ABS plastic frame, the K618 withstands intense gaming or extended typing, offering Outemu Blue mechanical switches for a tactile, clicky experience.

Among its standout features is the full RGB backlighting, boasting 18 lighting modes and numerous customization options, adding personality to your desk. With dedicated media keys, control your audio and video playback seamlessly.

Compatible with Windows and macOS, it ensures smooth integration across devices, and its N-key rollover and anti-ghosting abilities ensure accurate input during high-speed gaming.

Key Features

• Design: Sleek and robust with a durable ABS plastic frame.
• Switches: Outemu Blue mechanical switches offer a tactile, clicky typing experience.
• Backlighting: Full RGB with 18 modes and a range of customizations.
• Media Keys: Dedicated keys for convenient multimedia control.
• Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Windows and macOS.

Pricing

The Redragon K618 is an affordable option in the mechanical keyboard market at $69.99.

Pros

• Price: Highly accessible due to its budget-friendly price point.
• Durability: Sturdy ABS plastic frame enhances longevity.
• Typing: Outemu Blue switches for a tactile, clicky typing experience.
• Lighting: Full RGB backlighting with multiple customization options.
• Convenience: Dedicated multimedia keys for easy audio/video control.

Cons

• Noise: Clicky switches might be loud for some users or shared workspaces.
• Connectivity: Lacks wireless options.
• Comfort: The absence of wrist rest might impact long-term comfort during extended use.

Bottom Line

To wrap up, the Redragon K618 is a value-for-money mechanical keyboard offering strong performance. Its sturdy build, customizable RGB lighting, and tactile switches make it a great pick for gamers and productivity users.

While it might miss a few premium features, this full-size keyboard offers exceptional value, making it a worthwhile consideration in the low-profile mechanical keyboard market.

3. Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard

Overview

The Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard showcases a seamless blend of performance, comfort, and style.

This low-profile keyboard is a fantastic option for gaming enthusiasts and professionals, thanks to its durable construction and customizable features. Housed in a robust brushed aluminum frame, the K70 RGB MK.2 provides durability and an elegant aesthetic.

It features Cherry MX Low Profile RGB switches and guarantees a smooth, quick, and comfortable typing experience, perfect for users who appreciate the mechanical feel at a reduced key height.

This keyboard shines with its vibrant, per-key dynamic RGB backlighting, supplemented by Corsair’s iCUE software that offers extensive customization.

The K70 RGB MK.2 includes dedicated multimedia controls, a volume wheel, and a detachable, soft-touch wrist rest, enhancing the user experience. Equipped with full N-key rollover and 100% anti-ghosting, it ensures accurate key presses even during intense gaming sessions.

Key Features

• Build: Robust and stylish, with a brushed aluminum frame.
• Switches: Cherry MX Low Profile RGB switches for comfortable typing.
• Backlighting: Vibrant, per-key dynamic RGB with extensive customization via iCUE software.
• Controls: Dedicated multimedia controls and volume wheel.
• Comfort: Detachable, soft-touch wrist rest.

Pricing

The Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard retails at $169.99.

Pros

• Build Quality: Durable and elegant brushed aluminum frame.
• Switches: Cherry MX Low Profile RGB switches ensure comfort and speed.
• Customization: Vibrant RGB backlighting with advanced customization options.
• Control: Dedicated multimedia controls and volume wheel enhance usability.
• Comfort: Includes a detachable, soft-touch wrist rest.

Cons

• Price: The premium features come at a higher price point.
• Software: iCUE software can be complex for beginners.
• Connectivity: Lacks wireless options.

Bottom Line

The Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard is a top-notch pick for users who demand a blend of comfort, aesthetics, and performance.

Despite a steep price, its features, durable construction, and advanced customization make it a compelling choice in the premium low-profile keyboard market.

4. Keychron K1

Overview

The Keychron K1 is a stylish, ultra-thin, low-profile mechanical keyboard that cleverly integrates style, functionality, and convenience.

Ideal for gamers or those seeking a productivity tool, it doesn’t compromise on the mechanical typing experience while offering a minimalist aesthetic.

Housed in an anodized aluminum body, the K1 provides a premium feel and delivers durability and stability during use. It boasts low-profile Gateron mechanical switches, available in both Blue and Red variants, offering a satisfying typing experience while maintaining the keyboard’s slim profile.

The Keychron K1’s customizable RGB backlighting stands out, offering a range of preset lighting effects or the option to create personal configurations.

This keyboard also impresses with its wired and wireless connectivity options, supporting USB Type-C and Bluetooth 5.1 compatibility with Windows, macOS, and iOS.

Key Features

• Design: Ultra-thin, low-profile design with a sturdy anodized aluminum body.
• Switches: Equipped with Gateron low-profile switches available in both Blue and Red variants.
• Backlighting: Customizable RGB backlighting allows for personalization.
• Connectivity: Offers wired and wireless connectivity options, supporting USB Type-C and Bluetooth 5.1.
• Compatibility: Cross-platform compatibility with Windows, macOS, and iOS.
• Pricing: The Keychron K1 is priced competitively, reflecting its quality and feature set.

Pricing

The Keychron K1 is priced competitively at $89.00.

Pros

• Sleek Design: The ultra-thin, low-profile design with a premium anodized aluminum body makes it attractive and durable.
• Switch Quality: Gateron low-profile switches provide a satisfying typing experience.
• Customization: RGB backlighting is fully customizable, allowing for added personalization.
• Versatility: Wired and wireless connectivity options (USB Type-C and Bluetooth 5.1) offer flexibility in use.
• Compatibility: The keyboard integrates seamlessly with Windows, macOS, and iOS platforms.

Cons

• Keycaps: Some users might find the keycaps to feel flimsy.
• Media Controls: The keyboard lacks dedicated multimedia controls.
• Wrist Rest: There’s no wrist rest included, which might affect comfort during prolonged use.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Keychron K1 is an excellent choice for those seeking a sleek, ultra-thin mechanical keyboard without compromising performance or functionality.

Its versatile connectivity options, customizable RGB backlighting, and low-profile design make it an excellent fit for various users and setups.

Although it might lack some features in other low-profile keyboards, the Keychron K1 presents an excellent blend of style and functionality.

5. Razer Huntsman V2 Analog

Overview

The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog, a low-profile keyboard, combines innovation and performance to set a new standard in the mechanical keyboard industry.

It is designed to cater to gamers and professionals looking for a high-end low-profile mechanical keyboard, providing advanced technology, a robust build, and a wide range of customizable features.

Built within a sleek, sturdy aluminum frame, the Huntsman V2 Analog gives a premium feel. It uses Razer’s groundbreaking Analog Optical switches, which mix mechanical and analog input benefits, offering adjustable actuation points for a highly personalized, fine-tuned typing experience.

The Chroma RGB backlighting is one of the Huntsman V2 Analog’s essential features, offering many customization options through Razer’s Synapse software.

Users can create intricate lighting effects to match their aesthetic preferences. Beyond performance and aesthetics, the Huntsman V2 Analog is designed with user comfort in mind, featuring a plush leatherette wrist rest for optimal comfort during long gaming or typing sessions.

It also offers versatile connectivity options with both USB-C and USB 3.0 compatibility.

Key Features

• Design: Sleek, sturdy aluminum frame with a low-profile design.
• Switches: Razer’s innovative Analog Optical low-profile switches.
• Backlighting: Chroma RGB backlighting with extensive customization options.
• Comfort: Plush leatherette wrist rest.
• Connectivity: Versatile connectivity options (USB-C and USB 3.0).

Pricing

The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is positioned in the high-end price range at $249.99, reflecting its premium features.

Pros

• Design: Sleek, low-profile design with a robust aluminum frame.
• Switches: Innovative Analog Optical low-profile switches for a customizable typing experience.
• Lighting: Chroma RGB backlighting offers a wide range of customization.
• Comfort: Comes with a plush leatherette wrist rest.
• Connectivity: Versatile connectivity options (USB-C and USB 3.0).

Cons

• Price: High price tag due to premium features.
• Software: Synapse software might be complex for beginners.
• Wireless: Lacks wireless connectivity options.

Bottom Line

The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is a premium low-profile keyboard with unparalleled performance and customization options.

While it may require a substantial investment, its innovative features and solid build quality make it a worthwhile choice for gamers and professionals.

6. Akko ACR PRO Alice

Overview

The Akko ACR PRO Alice is a distinctive low-profile mechanical keyboard that blends functionality, ergonomics, and style.

Ideal for gamers, typists, and professionals alike, this keyboard is designed for users seeking a unique and comfortable typing experience.

The ACR PRO Alice boasts an unconventional ergonomic design aimed at reducing hand and wrist strain during extended periods of use.

Despite its unique shape, it maintains functionality with all standard keys in a compact layout. This split-layout design promotes a more natural hand, wrist, and forearm positioning, optimizing the typing experience.

Equipped with Akko CS low-profile switches, the ACR PRO Alice ensures a smooth and responsive typing experience. These switches are available in Linear, Tactile, and Clicky variants and cater to a broad spectrum of user preferences.

One of the keyboard’s main highlights is its striking aesthetic appeal, available in various vibrant color schemes and featuring customizable RGB backlighting, enabling users to personalize their setup.

Key Features

• Ergonomic Design: The keyboard features a unique ergonomic design that helps reduce wrist and hand strain during prolonged use.
• Switches: The Akko ACR PRO Alice has low-profile Akko CS mechanical switches that deliver a smooth and responsive typing experience.
• Color Options: The keyboard is available in various vibrant color schemes.
• Backlighting: Customizable RGB backlighting allows users to personalize their keyboards and create an aesthetic that stands out on any desk.

Pricing

The Akko ACR PRO Alice is competitively priced at $129.99.

Pros

• Comfort: Its unique ergonomic design promotes a comfortable typing posture.
• Typing Experience: The Akko CS low-profile switches offer a smooth and responsive typing experience.
• Aesthetics: The keyboard is available in a variety of vibrant color schemes.
• Customization: The keyboard offers customizable RGB backlighting for added personalization.

Cons

• Learning Curve: Its unconventional layout may require an adjustment period for some users.
• Media Keys: The keyboard lacks dedicated media keys for media control.
• Connectivity: The keyboard does not offer wireless connectivity options, which may be a drawback for some users.

Bottom Line

To sum up, the Akko ACR PRO Alice is a stylish, ergonomic low-profile keyboard providing a unique typing experience.

Its unique design, quality switches, and customizable lighting make it an outstanding choice for users seeking something different from conventional keyboard designs.

Despite lacking some features found in other low-profile mechanical keyboards, its focus on comfort and aesthetics makes it a worthy option.

7. Keychron K3

Overview

The Keychron K3 is a standout choice in the realm of low-profile mechanical keyboards. With its sleek, compact design expertly balancing portability, functionality, and style, the K3 makes an exceptional choice for both professional and gaming setups.

The K3 features an ultra-slim, visually appealing design that also offers high portability. I

ts durable aluminum frame imparts sophistication while ensuring the keyboard’s longevity. At its core are Keychron’s low-profile switches, available in optical and mechanical versions, which deliver a comfortable, smooth, and fast typing experience sans the bulkiness of traditional mechanical keyboards.

A standout feature of the Keychron K3 is its wireless connectivity, courtesy of Bluetooth 5.1.

This allows users to connect and effortlessly switch between up to three devices simultaneously, making it an ideal keyboard for on-the-go professionals and minimalists. Additionally, the K3 offers customizable RGB backlighting, allowing users to add a personal touch to their keyboard and workspace.

Key Features

• Slim Design: The ultra-slim and compact form factor adds to its visual appeal and enhances its portability.
• Build Quality: The durable aluminum frame ensures the longevity of the keyboard.
• Switch Options: The keyboard uses Keychron’s low-profile switches, available in both optical and mechanical variants, delivering a comfortable, smooth, and fast typing experience.
• Connectivity: The keyboard provides wireless connectivity through Bluetooth 5.1, enabling users to pair with up to three devices simultaneously.
• RGB Backlighting: Customizable RGB backlighting offers an array of preset lighting effects and the capability to create personalized configurations.

Pricing

The Keychron K3 is competitively priced at $84.99.

Pros

• Portability: Thanks to its ultra-slim design, the Keychron K3 is easy to carry around.
• Durability: The keyboard’s aluminum frame offers enhanced durability.
• Typing Comfort: The low-profile switches deliver a fast and smooth typing experience.
• Multi-device Pairing: Bluetooth 5.1 allows for seamless switching between multiple devices.
• Personalization: The customizable RGB backlighting lets you tailor your keyboard’s aesthetic to your preferences.

Cons

• Layout Adjustment: Due to its compact layout, users might need some time to adjust.
• Lack of Dedicated Media Keys: The keyboard does not have dedicated media keys.
• Battery Life: The battery life could be improved for heavy wireless use.

Bottom Line

To sum up, the Keychron K3 is a top contender in the low-profile keyboard market. Its slim design, quality low-profile switches, and customizable features make it a versatile and attractive choice for a wide array of users.

Although it might lack some features found in larger low-profile keyboards, its focus on portability and personalized aesthetics make it a worthy option.

What Is a Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard?

A low profile mechanical keyboard is a variant of the conventional mechanical keyboard, engineered to be slimmer and more streamlined.

This is achieved by using specially designed low-profile switches and keycaps, which significantly reduce the keyboard’s overall height. Despite the reduced size, these keyboards retain the tactile feedback and quick actuation that traditional mechanical keyboards are known for.

While aesthetics and space-saving are definite advantages, these keyboards also offer improved ergonomics, reducing the angle of the wrists and potentially alleviating strain during prolonged typing sessions.

In recent years, these keyboards have been gaining popularity among gamers, programmers, and professionals who appreciate the blend of functionality, style, and comfort.

How Can Low Profile Mechanical Keyboards Benefit You?

Low profile mechanical keyboards can provide a comfortable and responsive typing experience, benefiting both gaming and productivity tasks.

Their reduced height can alleviate wrist strain during long typing or gaming sessions, potentially improving your comfort and reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries.

Beyond the ergonomics, these keyboards often sport a sleek and modern design, perfect for minimalist setups or users who prefer a less bulky aesthetic. Also, many low-profile keyboards feature customizable backlighting, further allowing you to personalize your workspace.

Their compact design also makes them more portable, which can be a significant advantage for mobile professionals or those with limited desk space.

Buyers Guide: How We Conducted Our Research

We employed a systematic approach to find the best low-profile mechanical keyboards. Here’s how we conducted our research:

• Pricing: We considered the cost of each keyboard, keeping in mind that price often reflects quality but also aiming for a range of options to suit different budgets.
• Features: We looked closely at the features of each product, such as design, switches, backlighting, connectivity options, and cross-platform compatibility.
• User Reviews: We evaluated user reviews and ratings to gauge customer satisfaction and understand any potential issues or advantages from the end-user perspective.
• Brand Reputation: We took into account the reputation of each brand and their history in manufacturing reliable and high-quality keyboards.
• Negatives: We pointed out what was missing with each product, highlighting any drawbacks that might affect a potential buyer’s decision.
• Ergonomics: Given the nature of low-profile keyboards, we also considered how each keyboard would impact the user’s comfort during prolonged use.

By systematically evaluating each product across these dimensions, we aimed to provide an accurate and balanced overview of the best low-profile mechanical keyboards available on the market.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, low profile mechanical keyboards provide an excellent blend of comfort, aesthetics, and performance.

Our comprehensive guide has highlighted some of the best options available on the market, each with unique strengths to cater to different user preferences.

Leveraging our expertise and thorough research, we believe this guide will help you make an informed decision, enhancing your typing or gaming experience.

Low Profile Mechanical Keyboards (FAQs)

Are low profile mechanical keyboards worth it?

Yes, low profile mechanical keyboards are worth it for their blend of compact design, improved ergonomics, and the tactile feedback of traditional mechanical keyboards.

Are low profile mechanical keyboards good for typing?

Yes, low profile mechanical keyboards are excellent for typing, offering a comfortable and responsive typing experience.

What is a low profile mechanical keyboard?

A low profile mechanical keyboard is a slim and compact variant of the traditional mechanical keyboard, using specially designed low-profile switches and keycaps.

Are low profile mechanical switches good?

Yes, low profile mechanical switches provide the tactile feedback and quick actuation of regular switches, while being contained in a slimmer design.