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Best Low Profile Mechanical Keyboards – 2021

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We have already covered a few different types of switches and have learned a lot about linear, tactile and clicky switches. We have also found how each of these switch types come with different options and feedback. However, another type of switches have been of recent origin and have helped develop the more compact mechanical keyboards – the Low Profile Switches


What Are Low Profile Switches?


The low profile switches came into being with the focus on the right combination of scissor or chiclet type keyboards that can offer you a shorter travel distance and the best possible feedback offered by the mechanical keyboard. 

Sensing the ease with which users enjoyed the very short travel offered by the scissors and chiclet switches, Cherry MX and Kailh developed the low profile keyboards. They offer the same type of feedback offered by the standard mechanical key switches, but this is offered to you in a compact design. Cherry refers to these switches like Cherry MX Low Profile switches, while Kailh simply calls them Kailh Low Profile Switches. 


What is a Low Profile Keyboards?


Low profile keyboards refer to the compact-sized keyboards, and they come with the shorter switches. In fact, the low profile keyboards come with the shorter body with the regular switches or may use the low profile switches. These keyboards are ideally similar to the keyboards used on the laptops and Macbooks. 

These keyboards come with a shorter travel distance. While you may need to get used to the feeling when using these keyboards, once you get used to the experience – you will love the awesomeness offered by the low profile keyboards. 


Top 10 Best Low Profile Mechanical Keyboards – 2021


Now that you are aware of the best low profile keyboards and key switches, you would definitely want to look for the best affordable, compact and portable keyboards. Here are a few of the best options for the low profile keyboards you can go with. 

MSI VIGOR GK40 US Backlit RGB Keyboard 

An affordable pricing is what makes the MSI VIGOR GK40 US Backlit RGB keyboard the best low profile mechanical keyboard ever. The build quality of the keyboard is just awesome, and the c on the product further make it a prime choice. 

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The keyboard comes with a  special membrane for the mechanical feel of the keyboard. One of the prime factors that would make it a great choice is the six region RGB illumination that offers you 8 different light effects. The keyboard also features an anti-ghosting property along with a specific gaming mode. 

The water-resistant property on the keyboard can be yet another factor that should help you enjoy your drinks and snacks while you are at that intensive gaming session. The ergonomically designed wrist rest can further make it a perfect option. 

Pros
  • A great build quality.
  • Amazing light effects.
  • Water-resistant and spill-proof.
Cons
  • Wired connectivity that stays fixed.
  • No media keys.

 Logitech G915 Lightspeed Keyboard 

The Logitech G915 Lightspeed keyboard is quite high priced, but the features offered by the keyboard are quite impressive that justify the price. The advanced Wireless and Bluetooth support along with the Tactile switch options, would make it a reliable option for ideally all your needs. 

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The wireless compatibility with a high-grade performance with a high-end flexibility provides you with a complete freedom from the unwanted cord. The personalisation of the keys through Logitech G HUB software is what would enhance your experience of working with a low profile keyboard. 

A high-end customisation with access to different profile adjustments, macro keys, and lighting keys is one of the strongest factors in its favour. The extremely thin construction is yet another thoughtful feature. The keyboard offers you access to three key options that include GL Tactile, GL Linear or GL Clicky. 

Pros
  • An amazing build quality.
  • Accurate and pleasant key presses.
  • Outstanding battery life.
  • Options for macros and other commands.
Cons
  • No lighting for secondary keys.
  • Expensive price tag.

Cooler Master SK-621

The Cooler Master SK series comes with the best features for an enhanced experience in terms of the best low profile keyboard ever. The low profile keyboard comes with a compact build. The brushed aluminium top layer further provides you access to an enhanced experience among the low profile keyboards. 

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The keyboard comes equipped with the Cherry MX low profile switches. The portable 60 per cent keyboard layout and wireless keyboard compatibility provide you with a very high degree of efficiency. The customisation options through the software and on the fly controls make it a professional level low profile mechanical keyboard. 

You can use it either with wired or wireless connectivity with the detachable USB Type C power cord. Two keycaps set and a slim top plate is a good ergonomic feature that would further simplify your experience. Ability to make real-time adjustments can be one of the thoughtful inclusions. 

Pros
  • Low weight performance.
  • The top slim plate provides you with an easier typing experience.
  • Pre key backlighting.
  • Multiple colour options. 
Cons
  • No height adjustment.
  • Spacebar comes with a metal rattling sound. 

Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

If you are looking for the best low profile mechanical keyboard for gaming, the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is one of the best options. The keyboard is one of the excellent options, but the price may be a little on the expensive side. 

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You can be assured of an excellent low profile typing experience with a smoother level of enhanced typing. The keyboard is made of an anodised brushed aluminium frame that should provide a very high degree of durability. Equipped with the Cherry MX Speed switches, the keyboard provides you with a rapid typing performance. 

The CORSAIR iCUE software is yet another thoughtful inclusion and ensures a vivid dynamic lighting control, sophisticated macro programming and full-system lighting synchronization. This low profile keyboard can fit well into any sort of desktop setup with ease. 

Pros
  • Offers you a high-end macro programming functionality.
  • A powerful software compatibility.
  • Sturdy and well-built keycaps.
  • Efficient working of media buttons and volume control.
Cons
  • A little heavy.
  • No batteries that form part of the package. 

Redragon K589 Shrapnel RGB Low Profile Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

The keyboard provides you with the much needed low profile functionality along with a very smoother and efficient typing. The keyboard also provides you access to a very quick and ultra-quick typing performance ever.  

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A 30 per cent lower key height and Redragon Red switches provide you with the much needed precise typing on your low profile keyboard. The anti-ghosting feature on the 104 key keyboard provides you access to a high degree of ultimate skill combo. 

The keyboard will provide you access to a very dynamic degree of RGB backlight customisation. The endless lighting effects and modes provide you with a very high degree of efficiency in customising your experience. The ergonomic design and adjustable stand are the two factors that further provide you access to a very great degree of performance ever. 

Pros
  • An increased key height can be a good option for low profile keyboard.
  • No annoying noise.
  • Reduced actuation point. 
Cons
  • Not extremely lightweight.

Cooler Plus USB Wired Keyboard

The Cooler Master USB wired keyboard provides you access to a very high degree of efficiency when it comes to an ultra-thin low profile design. The wired membrane key switches can be one of the best options for the perfect degree of smoother typing.  

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The keyboard is built for a high degree of durability and strength. By every standard that you can think of, the Cooler Master USB keyboard is definitely the best low profile mechanical keyboard you can think of. 

The keystrokes are extremely responsive, and the long cord that forms part of the package further makes it one of the reliable choices ever. The simple plug and play compatibility is what would further add up more value to your typing and gaming efficiency. The 12 multimedia keys along with 4 function keys can help you get the new age functionality to your keyboard. 

Pros
  • The thin design offers you a very sleek build.
  • Easy control with the function keys. 
  • An enthusiastic typing experience.
  • An excellent layout and design compatibility.
Cons
  • Keys may appear to be too close together. 

Keychron K1

Are you checking out the best wireless low profile keyboard? The Keychron K1 should definitely meet your individual needs – whether for typing or gaming. The keyboard is indeed specifically designed for the mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, and the layout of the keyboard specifically meets those requirements. 

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The keyboard comes with differential pricing based on what features you are looking ahead to. You can either pick a keyboard with the 87 or 104 key keyboards. As for the switches, you will have access to either a Gateron Low Profile Blue or Red switches, and you can pick the one that rightly meets your needs. 

The keyboard can be used with either for wired and wireless connectivity options. The ultra-thin body and a USB type C cord and the media keys that provide you with a high-end media functionality. The Gateron low profile switch provides you access to around 48 per cent slimmer appearance.

Pros
  • More than 15 RGB lighting options.
  • N key rollover functionality. 
  • Aluminium chassis and plastic build provides a decent construction.
Cons
  • Cheaper keycaps.

Cooler Master SK-650 keyboard

One of the best low profile keyboards, the Cooler Master Sk-650 keyboard comes with a really perfect design that should ideally meet most of the requirements you may have among the best low profile mechanical keyboards. The low travel distance and lower actuation point are a few of the factors that would ensure a decent typing experience. 

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The keyboard makes use of the Cherry MX low profile switches. The brushed aluminium design, coupled with a black layout, can provide you access to a new degree of aesthetics that can prove to be quite cool in any sort of décor. Per key RGB backlighting and side, lightbars are a few of the factors that further enhance your experience. 

The software customisation on the keyboard and real-time adjustments offered by the software have been rated to be one of the enhanced features. The keyboard also offers you access to an on the fly control options. 

Pros
  • Real adjustments for lighting.
  • Minimalistic, yet aesthetic build.
  • Quieter switches.
  • Huge customisation options through software.
Cons
  • No height adjustment observed.

HAVIT RGB Backlit Wired Gaming Keyboard

The keyboard comes with the ultra-thin and light RGB mechanical functionality. You will find Kailh Low Profile Blue switches. The keyboard offers you access to an extraordinarily thin and light design for the mechanical keyboards. The 7 mm shorter key switch compared to the traditional keyboards is what would make it one of the thoughtful inclusions. 

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The keyboard comes with 104 keys and an N key rollover functionality. The ultra-thin and light construction provides your keyboard with a compact design for your keyboard. The multiple RGB custom backlit mode provides an easy typing experience even in the dark. 

The driver free installation provides you with the plug and play compatibility. The detachable USB cord can further make it one of the thoughtful inclusions. User-friendly design, along with a convenient and portable design, finally makes it one of the thoughtful inclusions. 

Pros
  • Lower travel space.
  • Driver free installation.
  • An excellent feel on the keys.
  • Full RGB and easy customisation option.
Cons
  • The sound may be quite clicky.
  • Typography needs to be a little more polished.

Tecware Phantom L Low profile mechanical keyboard 

One of the best low profile Mechanical keyboard, the Tecware Phantom L mechanical keyboard can be one of the excellent choices for almost all your easy typing experiences. A very compact design can be one of the most positive aspects that would make it a great choice for almost all your requirements. 

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The reduced travel and actuation distances provide you with a high degree of responsiveness. This can be what would provide you with a truly high degree of performance enhancement. You can be assured of an aesthetic look with a very small footprint. 

The dual injection moulded keycaps provide you with a high resistance against the wear. This can prove to be a great option in providing you with a high-end durability. The full N key rollover and a 1000 Hz polling rate provide you with a very high degree of speed and responsive behaviour. The dedicated software can be useful in assigning and recording macros, customising individual LEDs, and custom configuration. 

Pros
  • Excellent RGB for every price A nice set of features.
  • The switches are quite tactical in nature.
  • Cheaper keyboard options. 
Cons
  • Removing the switches may be a tough task.
  • The keys may make a metal sound experience. 

The Concluding Thoughts 

Well, low profile keyboards have been one of the best options for those of you who may be looking for an enhanced experience in terms of a great experience in terms of a chiclet keyboard and mechanical keyboard. In case you are looking for a feel of a mechanical keyboard, but have been comfortable with the typing ease with chiclet keyboards, the low profile keyboard would definitely prove to be a great choice. 

Check out the best low profile keyboards and get access to an enhanced experience in a smoother typing ever.