Low-profile keyboards offer two major advantages. First, their slimmer design makes them much more portable, so they're fairly easy to carry under your arm, while some with more compact form factors are designed to be easily slipped into bags or laptop cases. Second, low-profile models offer comfort and ergonomic benefits since you can rest your palms comfortably on your desk and don't need to angle your wrists sharply upwards to reach all the keys as you often do with taller, conventional keyboards. These advantages make low-profile keyboards popular with students, on-the-go professionals, and gamers.
Should you trust us? We test each keyboard in the same way, on the same standardized test bench, to produce fair, comparable reviews. We also buy each one ourselves, ensuring complete independence from manufacturers. See how we test keyboards and judge for yourself.
We've tested more than 265 keyboards. Below, we've listed our picks for the best low-profile mechanical keyboards and the best low-profile models. This list features a mix of recommendations, including mechanical and non-mechanical picks designed for everyday use, productivity, and gaming. For more focused recommendations, see our picks for the best mechanical keyboards, the best office keyboards, or the best gaming keyboards.
We test dozens of keyboards each year, and to maintain independence, we buy every unit ourselves. Our reviews go beyond subjective typing impressions or quick gaming sessions. Each keyboard is put through the same standardized test bench, so you can directly compare our results. We use specialized tools like a Mecmesin force tester to measure switch force curves and a Beagle 480 USB analyzer to capture input data for latency testing. Multiple teams contribute to each review in a process that can take days or even weeks from start to finish.
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Best Low-Profile Keyboard
Gaming8.3Office7.7Mobile/Tablet8.4Programming7.8Entertainment / HTPC5.7Raw Performance8.3Connectivity:WirelessBluetooth:YesBluetooth Multi-Device Pairing:3Switch Type:MechanicalSee all our test resultsBattery Type:RechargeableThe NuPhy Air75 V2 is the best low-profile option we've tested. It comes in several mechanical switch options and offers excellent build quality, impressive portability, and flexible connectivity options. It supports Windows and macOS compatibility modes. You can also toggle between wireless connection types. Its Bluetooth connection is more battery efficient and supports multi-device pairing, while its higher-performance 2.4GHz USB connection provides more than enough raw performance for casual or competitive gaming.
This keyboard has flattened, tile-like keycaps with an unusual profile that may take some getting used to initially. However, their design leaves plenty of surface area and standard spacing between neighboring keys, intended to minimize typos. They're made of high-quality PBT plastic and have a pleasant, slightly textured finish. These keycaps don't have shine-through legends, so even though the keyboard has full RGB backlighting, you can't read the key legends in darker environments.
To top it off, NuPhy sells two additional variants of these keyboards. Apart from their size, each variant is the same, but we recommend checking out the more compact NuPhy Air60 V2 if you have a smaller desk or if portability is your top priority. Alternatively, if you prefer a larger model with a numpad, check out the NuPhy Air96 V2 instead.
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Best Mid-Range Low-Profile Keyboard
Gaming7.1Office8.1Mobile/Tablet7.2Programming8.1Entertainment / HTPC6.2Raw Performance6.4Connectivity:WirelessBluetooth:YesBluetooth Multi-Device Pairing:3Switch Type:ScissorSee all our test resultsBattery Type:RechargeableWe recommend the Logitech MX Keys S if you have a mid-range budget. While our top pick above uses mechanical switches, this is a non-mechanical keyboard that uses scissor switches. If you often use a laptop keyboard, it provides a similar-feeling typing experience. But that's not selling it short, as the experience has a snappy, premium-feeling tactility that's missing on cheaper keyboards. It's also considerably quieter than most mechanical options. All build materials also feel high quality, and the keycaps have spherical dish-shaped tops that keep your fingers centered on the keys.
Unlike the NuPhy above, this model has white-only backlighting. It has very legible shine-through keycaps, so you can easily read the legends in all lighting conditions. You can also set it to adjust dynamically to the lighting conditions of your room and to turn on automatically when you approach your keyboard. However, the other major difference that sets it apart from the NuPhy Air75 V2 is that it doesn't pack the same raw performance, so it isn't as suitable if you're primarily interested in gaming. Instead, it's an outstanding choice for everyday desktop browsing and office work.
Additionally, while this keyboard is very slim and comfortable to type on without a wrist rest as part of a desktop setup, its full-size form factor means it isn't a great candidate for stowing in your bag and taking with you on the go. If you don't need a numpad or want something easier to carry around, a smaller version of this keyboard, the Logitech MX Keys Mini, is available and much more portable.
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Best Budget Low-Profile Keyboard
Gaming5.8Office8.0Mobile/Tablet7.7Programming7.5Entertainment / HTPC5.0Raw Performance6.4Connectivity:WirelessBluetooth:YesBluetooth Multi-Device Pairing:3Switch Type:ScissorSee all our test resultsBattery Type:RechargeableIf you're looking for a budget-friendly, low-profile option, consider the Keychron B6 Pro. Design-wise, this keyboard resembles our mid-range pick, the Logitech MX Keys S, as it features an almost identical layout, making it comfortable to type on without a wrist rest. It also supports multi-device pairing over Bluetooth. That said, the Logitech offers better build quality, using more premium-feeling plastic and a stiffer key deck. The Keychron's typing quality also falls a bit short, as its flatter keycaps don't hold your fingertips as securely in the center, and there's a bit more key wobble while typing.
While this keyboard lacks backlighting, this may be an advantage, depending on your preferences, as it significantly extends battery life—up to 1,200 hours or approximately eight months with five hours of daily use. Another nice touch is that the B6 Pro has support for VIA software, so you don't need to run programs in the background. Overall, it's a solid choice if you're less concerned with premium build quality and backlighting and more interested in extended battery life and greater customization options for key bindings. If you prioritize portability, you may be interested in the smaller variant of this keyboard, the Keychron B1 Pro.
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Best Cheap Low-Profile Keyboard
Gaming5.5Office7.6Mobile/Tablet9.1Programming7.1Entertainment / HTPC4.7Raw Performance5.8Connectivity:WirelessBluetooth:YesBluetooth Multi-Device Pairing:3Switch Type:ScissorSee all our test resultsBattery Type:2x AAAIf you want a cheap option, we recommend the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s. This keyboard is a standout favorite for students and on-the-go professionals. Its compact form makes it easy to slip into backpacks or laptop cases, and it fits snugly into even cramped work or study spaces. It also uses AAA batteries for power and connects wirelessly via Bluetooth, allowing you to use multiple devices simultaneously.
Altogether, this extremely versatile pick has long been unbeatable in this price category. Its circular-shaped keycaps are slightly unusual, and it has a somewhat cramped key layout. These elements may take some time to get used to, but most people will be typing at their normal pace before long. Also, it's worth pointing out that due to this keyboard's portability-focused form factor, it's missing a numpad, which can be an issue if you often work with numbers. If you need a numpad or specifically want a keyboard with a built-in tray for propping up small devices like phones or tablets, and don't mind sacrificing portability and battery life, check out the Logitech K585, which is typically around the same price.
If you don't want to bother with charging or batteries or don't need wireless connectivity, consider the Dell KB216. It has a very similar, straightforward design, but it's a wired-only model that's typically even cheaper.
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Best Low-Profile Keyboard For Gaming
Gaming8.4Office8.2Mobile/Tablet7.4Programming8.1Entertainment / HTPC5.8Raw Performance8.5Connectivity:WirelessBluetooth:YesBluetooth Multi-Device Pairing:3Switch Type:MechanicalSee all our test resultsBattery Type:RechargeableThe Keychron K5 Max is a full-size, wireless mechanical keyboard that is very well suited for gaming. It's part of Keychron's broader K Max lineup that offers a variety of different layouts like the Keychron K1 Max (TKL) or the Keychron K3 Max (compact 75%) models, which allows you to choose the size that better suits your needs. These keyboards deliver excellent performance for both casual and competitive gaming. With exceptional single-key and multi-key latency, they ensure a responsive gaming experience. Whether you're using it wired or via the included 2.4GHz dongle, you get a consistent 1000Hz polling rate that isn't limited by other latency factors. The build quality is excellent, featuring a sturdy aluminum frame with minimal deck flex. Typing feels smooth and satisfying, thanks to pre-lubed, well-stabilized switches and multiple layers of foam for sound and impact dampening. Like our top pick, the K Max series is available with Gateron Low Profile 2.0 mechanical switches, including tactile Browns and linear Reds. That said, the stock keycaps are hard to read in dim environments since they don't have shine-through legends.
If you're looking for an even more advanced gaming experience, the NuPhy Air75 HE is worth considering. This keyboard uses Hall effect switches. HE switches stand out for their customizability; they allow you to adjust the actuation distance or sensitivity to your preference. This makes it possible to have really tight actuation and reset points for a very sensitive and quick response. However, unlike the K5 Max, it's limited to wired use only.
Notable Mentions
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Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad:
With its iconic, ultra-slim design, the Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad is a great non-mechanical alternative to the NuPhy Air75 V2 if you exclusively work in a macOS environment and want a full-size model with a separate arrow key cluster and numpad. It also adds a unique layer of biometric security to unlock your computer with its touch ID feature. Unfortunately, it lacks backlighting and is more expensive than the NuPhy.
See our review -
Keychron K3 (Version 2):
The Keychron K3 (Version 2) is a straightforward and portable wireless keyboard typically a bit cheaper than the Logitech MX Keys S. It's a standout alternative if you prefer typing with mechanical switches. It has full RGB backlighting compared to the white-only backlighting on the Logitech. It also has a more portable compact (75%) size, which means it's missing a numpad. It also lacks customization software for reprogramming keys or creating macros.
See our review -
Corsair K100 AIR:
The Corsair K100 AIR is a great alternative to the Keychron K5 MAX, which performs slightly better overall, but is much more expensive. It has much brighter backlighting and delivers amazing performance that's even better than the Keychron, thanks to its very responsive switches and a very low overall latency, though the differences may not be worth the much higher price tag.
See our review
Recent Updates
Jul 15, 2025:
Replaced the Corsair K100 AIR with the Keychron K5 Max as the gaming keyboard pick, thanks to the Keychron's lower price and very competitive performance. The Corsair is now a Notable Mention.
Mar 18, 2025:
We've replaced the Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard with the Keychron B1/B6 as our 'Best Budget Low-Profile Keyboard' recommendation due to availability. We also added the Dell KB216 as a wired alternative to the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s in our 'Best Cheap Low-Profile Keyboard' recommendation.
Dec 18, 2024:
Our recommendations remain unchanged with this update, but we've verified the price, continued relevance, and current availability of all our picks.
Sep 18, 2024: We've added the Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL to our list of Notable Mentions and confirmed the price and stock availability of all other picks.
Jun 21, 2024: We've confirmed the price and availability of all our picks; no changes to our recommendations.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best low-profile mechanical keyboards and the overall best low-profile options for most people. We factor in the price (a cheaper product wins over a pricier one if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no keyboard that is difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you would like to do the work of choosing yourself, here is the list of all relevant keyboard reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no product is perfect for every use, most keyboards are great enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them. Be sure to know your key switch preferences before choosing.