Low Profile Keyboard Recommendations?
A list of low profile mechanical keyboards
I know of a few that aren't listed. I suggest that you put links on the existing ones you have though.
Motospeed GK81
Cherry G84
Roccat Vulcan series
Also, check out this website: https://www.gboards.ca/ They like low profile there :)
More on reddit.comUltra Low Profile, Silent Keyboard requests : MechanicalKeyboards
Mistel - Air One Cherry Ultra Low Profile (ULP)
Videos
I've been in the market for a new low profile mechanical keyboard. Years back I had the Logitech G815 and liked it for what it was. Switches were okay, keycaps were meh. I ended up selling it as I wanted something smaller from a full keyboard.
I recently bought the Logitech G515 in tactile and have been using it for 2 weeks now. I like the form factor, the switches, the updated keycaps to PBT. However, there has already been a double clicking problem that has developed on the space bar. I believe I read about that issue before buying it too unfortunately. It happens both in the wireless adapter mode and bluetooth. While it doesn't happen all the time. it's annoying enough that I'm considering returning it and searching for something else.
It was tough for me to choose between the Logitech G915X, Razer Deathstalker v2 pro, or the one I ended up going with the Logitech G515. While I do like the TKL format, some other keyboards I was considering is the NuPhy Air75 v2 and the Lofree Flow 84.
I currently also have a Logitech MX Mini and Keychron Q1 that I was looking to sell to consolidate into one keyboard to use for gaming (windows) and work (mac).
Anyone have any recommendations or advice on how to best proceed?
Edit: I went with the Iquinix mq80 and have really enjoyed it thus far!
Google doc for easy viewing and custom sorting: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Y62AuStZCQQXOMM5keUN2KYDh1IoifZkrnJV-tLFKH4/edit?usp=sharing
Height comparison between low profile mechanical keyboards that you can buy (or cant): https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/irt8yt/height_comparison_between_low_profile_mechanical/
I compiled this list of all low profile mech keyboards that I'm aware of at the time of this post because I didn't find one while I was shopping for one and information was scattered. They are categorized by size first then sorted by price. TKL in this case is 80%.
I don't have plans right now to add kits, keycaps, switches, cases, etc, only fully assembled keyboards.
If you know of any other LP keyboards feel free to let me know and I'll add it to the list. Hopefully this helps anyone interested.
For anyone new to mechanical keyboards be aware that low profile keyboards, while slim, they lack customizability and there is a overall lack of options compared to standard high profile keycap keyboards. This is because no one is selling standardized keycaps, switches and other parts that would be interchangeable with each other. You will find it difficult to find coloured keycaps. In many prebuilts manufacturers make unique switches meaning you can't change out the switches with something else or find keycaps with stems that will fit the switches.
Edit: [group buy ended on 31/7/20]Current limited time group buy available - MorgRie RKB68 blue and white colourway with Kailh choc red, brown or white for $129
Edit 2: Added Vortex Pok3r V2, Filco Ninja Majestouch Stingray, Klim Dash, MorgRie RKB68 Blue. Added 'coloured keycaps' to notes.
Edit 3: Added Cherry G84-5500, G84-4400, G84-4100, G84-5400, G84-5200, G84-4700, Sharkoon full size, Drevo Joyeuse V1, Gamdias P3, MorgRie 17.
Edit 4: Added Keychron K3, new 75% keyboard available to pre-order.
Edit 5: Having used the Keychron K1 V4 for over a year I can't say I'd personally recommend it long term. Worked well for a year then started breaking in 10 different places.
| Name | Switch Type (low profile) | Switch Colour | Size | Backlight | Software | Wireless Hybrid | Layout | Price (Approx) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech G915 TKL | GL | Red, Brown, White | TKL | RGB | Yes | Bluetooth, USB Receiver | US, UK, DE, RU, ES, EU | $230 | |
| Filco Ninja Majestouch Stingray | Cherry MX | Red | TKL, Full | None | No | No | US | $165-$170 | |
| MorgRie RKB 68 Pink-Blue | Kailh | Red, Brown, White | 65% | None | Upcoming | Bluetooth 4.0 | US | $145 (limited time group buy) | Coloured keycaps |
| MorgRie RKB 68/60 | Kailh | Red, Brown, White | 65%, 60% | None | No | Bluetooth | US | $130-$145 | Matching numpad sold seperately |
| Vinpok Taptek | Vinpok | Blue | 70% | Rainbow LED | No | Bluetooth | US | $125-$130 | Chiclet keys, mac compatible/layout |
| Cherry G84-5500 XS Touchpad | Cherry ML | Black | 75% | None | No | No | US, UK, DE, FR, ES, IT, EU | $105-$160 | Touchpad, Matching numpad sold seperately |
| Cooler Master SK630 | Cherry MX | Red | TKL | RGB | Yes | No | US | $100-$125 | Chiclet keys |
| Tesoro Gram Spectrum | Tesoro Agile | Blue, Red | TKL | RGB | Yes | No | US | $100 | |
| Vortex Pok3r V2 | Cherry MX | Red | 60% | None | No | No | US | $99 | Coloured keycaps |
| iKBC Typemaster X400 | Cherry MX | Red | TKL | White | No | No | US | $97 | Volume Wheel |
| Cooler Master SK631/SK621 | Cherry MX | Red | TKL, 60% | RGB | Yes | Bluetooth 4.0 | US | $95-$150 | Chiclet keys |
| Cherry G84-4400 Compact | Cherry ML | Black | 75% | None | No | No | US, UK, DE, FR, ES, IT, EU | $90-$190 | Trackball, Matching numpad sold seperately |
| Gamdias Hermes M3 | Gamdias | Blue, Red, Brown, Black | TKL | RGB | Yes | No | US | $80-$100 | |
| Havit HV-KB390L | Kailh (PG1350) | Blue, Red | TKL | Blue | Yes | No | US, UK, DE, RU | $70-$85 | |
| Keychron K1 Version 4 | Gateron | Blue, Red, Brown | TKL, Full | RBG, White | Upcoming | Bluetooth 5.1 | US | $70-$80 | Chiclet keys, coloured keycaps, mac compatible/layout |
| Hitsan Rapoo MT500 | Unknown | Red | TKL | White | No | No | US | $70-$80 | Mac compatible/layout |
| Klim Dash | Unknown | Red | TKL, Full | RGB | No | No | DE, FR | $70-$115 | |
| Sharkoon PureWriter TKL | Kailh | Blue, Red | TKL | RGB, Blue | No | No | US, DE, FR, IT, RU (RGB model), PT (RGB model) | $70-$100 | |
| DareU EK820 | Kailh | Blue, Red | TKL, 65% | Blue | No | Bluetooth 3.0/4.0 | US | $65 | |
| Keychron K3 | Gateron, Keychron Optical | Blue, Red, Brown (Both Brands) / White, Orange, Black (Keychron Optical) | 75% | RBG, White | Upcoming | Bluetooth 5.1 | US | $64-$74 | Chiclet keys, coloured keycaps, mac compatible/layout, hot-swappable |
| Cherry G84-4100 | Cherry ML | Black | 75% | None | No | No | US, UK, DE, FR, ES, IT, EU | $55 | Cover, Matching numpad sold seperately |
| Anidees Prismatic TKL | Fraly | Blue | TKL, 65% | RGB | No | Bluetooth | US | $50-$90 | Chiclet keys, battery required, choc keycap |
| Tecware Phantom L | Outemu | Blue, Red, Brown | TKL | RGB | Yes | No | US | $50 | Hotswappable with Outemu |
| EagleTec KG060-BR | Custom | Cherry Brown Equivalent | TKL | RGB, Blue | No | No | US | $40-$55 | |
| Stoga Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | Unknown | Blue | TKL | Rainbow LED | No | No | US | $35-$40 | |
| Cherry G84-5400 XS Trackball | Cherry ML | Black | 75% | None | No | No | US, UK, DE, FR, ES, IT, EU | $25-$145 | Trackball, Matching numpad sold seperately |
| Hexgears X-1/K950 | Kailh | Red, Brown, White | 96% | RGB | No | Bluetooth 4.0 | US | $120 | Chiclet keys, carry case |
| Drevo Joyeuse Version 1 | Kailh, Drevo | Red, White, Brown (Kailh) / Blue, Red, Black (Drevo) | 96% | White | No | Bluetooth 3.0 | US | $80 | Chiclet keys |
| Drevo Joyeuse Version 2 | Content | Red, White | 96% | White | No | No | US | $70 | Chiclet keys |
| Hitsan Royal Kludge RK929 | Kailh | Blue, Black, Brown | 96% | White and coloured sides | No | Bluetooth | US | $55-$90 | Chiclet keys |
| Logitech G915/G815 | GL | Red, Brown, White | Full | RGB | Yes | Bluetooth, USB Receiver (G915 model) | US, UK, DE, RU, ES, EU | $200-$250 | G1-G5 keys |
| Hexgears Venture | Kailh | Red, Brown, White | Full | RGB | No | Bluetooth 4.0 | US | $160 | Chiclet keys |
| Roccat Vulcan 100/120/121/122 | Roccat Titan | Red (121 model), Brown | Full | RGB | Yes | No | US | $150-$165 | Chiclet keys, Volume Wheel, Detachable wrist rest (120+ models) |
| Corsair K70 MK.2 Rapidfire | Cherry MX | Red, Speed | Full | RGB | Yes | No | US, UK | $140-$185 | Detachable wrist rest, USB passthrough |
| Alienware AW510K | Cherry MX | Red | Full | RGB | Yes | No | US | $140-$180 | USB passthrough |
| Gamdias Hermes P3 | Gamdias | Blue, Red, Brown, Black | Full | RGB | Yes | No | US | $130-$150 | |
| Anidees Prismatic 104 | Fraly | Blue | Full | RGB | No | Bluetooth | US | $115 | Chiclet keys, battery required, choc keycap |
| MSI Vigor GK50 | Kailh (PG1350) | Unknown | Full | RGB | Yes | No | US | $105-130 | |
| Tesoro Gram XS | Tesoro Ultra Slim | Blue, Red | Full | RGB | Yes | No | US | $100-120 | Chiclet keys |
| Cooler Master SK650/SK651 | Cherry MX | Red | Full | RGB | Yes | Bluetooth 4.0 (SK651 model) | US | $100-$150 | Chiclet keys |
| iKBC Typemaster X410 | Cherry MX | Red | Full | White | No | No | US | $100 | Volume Wheel |
| Roccat Vulcan 80 | Roccat Titan | Brown | Full | Blue | Yes | No | US, UK, DE, FR | $90-120 | Chiclet keys |
| Genesis Thor 420 | Unknown | Blue | Full | RGB | Yes | No | US | $90-$95 | Chiclet keys |
| Havit HV-KB395L | Kailh (PG1350) | Blue, Red | Full | RGB | Yes | No | US, UK, DE, JP | $85-$100 | |
| Motospeed GK81 | Unknown | Blue, Red | Full | RGB | No | 2.4Ghz USB Receiver | US | $80-$110 | Volume Wheel |
| Sharkoon PureWriter | Kailh | Blue, Red | Full | RGB, Blue | No | No | US, DE, FR, IT, RU (RGB model), PT (RGB model) | $70-115 | |
| Cherry G84-5200 | Cherry ML | Black | Full | None | No | No | US, DE, FR, BE, CH | $70-$150 | |
| Redragon K589 Shrapnel | Outemu | Red, Blue (upcoming) | Full | RGB | Yes | No | US | $60-$70 | |
| EagleTec KG050-BR | Custom | Cherry Brown Equivalent | Full | RGB, Blue | No | No | US | $45-$60 | |
| Gergo: Heavy | Kailh | 12g Choc, 20g gChoc, 35g Pro Red, 35g Crystal Red | Ergo Split | None | No | No | $240 (prebuilt) | High profile MX compatible, blank keycaps | |
| GergoPlex: Heavy | Kailh | 12g Choc, 20g gChoc, 35g Pro Red, 35g Crystal Red | Ergo Split 36 Keys | None | No | No | $230 (prebuilt) | High profile MX compatible, blank keycaps | |
| Corne LP | Kailh | Red, Brown, White | Ergo Split 42 Keys | RGB (Comfort Edition) | No | No | $215-$285 (limited time group buy) | Hotswappable with Kailh Choc, Two OLED displays available | |
| Gergo | Kailh | 12g Choc, 20g gChoc, 35g Pro Red, 35g Crystal Red | Ergo Split | None | No | No | $195 (prebuilt) | High profile MX compatible, blank keycaps | |
| 5x12 Ortho LP | Kailh | Blue, Red, Teal | Ortholinear 60 Keys | None | No | No | $170 (prebuilt) | Hotswappable with Kailh Choc | |
| GergoPlex | Kailh | 12g Choc, 20g gChoc, 35g Pro Red, 35g Crystal Red | Ergo Split 36 Keys | None | No | No | $160 (prebuilt) | High profile MX compatible, blank keycaps | |
| Mistel MD650L Barocco | Cherry ML (ML1A) | Tactile, Silent | Split 65% | None | No | No | US | $159-$219 | |
| 4x12 Ortho LP | Kailh | Blue, Red, Teal | Ortholinear 48 Keys | None | No | No | $145 (prebuilt) | Hotswappable with Kailh Choc | |
| Planck Light | Kailh (PG1350) | Clicky, Linear, Tactile | Ortholinear 40% | RGB | No | No | $130-$150+ (limited time drop) | ||
| MorgRie RKB 17 | Kailh | Red, Brown, White | Numpad | None | No | Bluetooth | US | $75 | Matches MorgRie RKB 68/60 |
| Cherry G84-4700 | Cherry ML | Black | Numpad | None | No | No | $40-$95 | Matches Cherry G84 Series keyboards | |
| Hitsan Royal Kludge RK965/RK925 | Shown in catalog | ||||||||
| Plum Ortholinear Redux | Lack of info | ||||||||
| Cooler Master SK851 | Upcoming | ||||||||
| Ducky Blade Air | Cancelled |
I know of a few that aren't listed. I suggest that you put links on the existing ones you have though.
Motospeed GK81
Cherry G84
Roccat Vulcan series
Also, check out this website: https://www.gboards.ca/ They like low profile there :)
Thanks a lot for this list, super helpful!