Are you thinking about switching to a more compact, higher-functioning keyboard that’s easy to carry and can maximize gaming or portability? A 60% Keyboard is the perfect fit for you.
To use a 60% Keyboard, hold down the Fn key and hit the “P” key for the up arrow, the “;” key for the down arrow, the “L” key to mimic the left arrow, and the ” ‘ ” key for the right arrow function. You can also download software for your 60% Keyboard model to utilize the missing keys or to use the keyboard like a standard one.
To make things easy for you, we have written a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on using a 60% Keyboard without hassle. We will also discuss some ways to troubleshoot the keyword connectivity to your PC.
What Is a 60% Keyboard?
The widely known 60% Keyboards are reduced keyboards that have only 61 keys. It’s normal to associate it with lower functioning when we hear about it; however, that is not the case. The 60% Keyboards are highly functional and may even be better than a standard-sized keyboard.
They may have a few missing keys but don’t be deceived by their appearance. They are mechanical keyboards and provide advantages such as taking up minimum space on the desk.
They are a perfect fit for gamers and travelers as they provide physical comfort despite long hours of gameplay and portability because of their compact size.
Which Keys Are Missing From a 60% Keyboard?
As the 60% Keyboard is reduced in size, there are a few keys that you might not be able to see. However, you must know that even though the keys are missing, the functionality is not.
Some of its missing keys include the arrow keys, the top function row, the number pad, and the home cluster. Their functionality is compensated by the Alt, Ctrl, Fn, and Shift keys. Certain combinations of these keys can be used to maximize functionality.
Additionally, there are a few software designed to modify the functioning of a 60% Keyboard.
Using a 60% Keyboard
If you’re struggling with how to use a 60% Keyboard, our 2 step-by-step methods will help you do this task easily.
Method #1: Using the Fn Key
To utilize your 60% Keyboard for maximum functioning, use these steps.
- Hold down the Fn key on the bottom right side of your keyboard.
- Simultaneously, use the “P” key as the upper arrow, the “;” key as the lower arrow, the “L” key as the left arrow, and the ” ‘ ” key as the right arrow.
To perform functions without the function row, the secret lies in the Fn key. Press the Fn key simultaneously with 9 to press “F9”. To make this work for the function row, you just have to hit Fn and press any number for the desired function.
Method #2: Using Software
You can also download software to use or modify a 60% Keyboard in the following way.
- Open a web browser on the device your keyboard is connected to, and open Google search.
- On their search bar, type the model of your 60% keyboard and its company, followed by “software download”, and press Enter.
For example, “K530 Redragon software download”. - Click on the first link and make sure it is authentic.
- Hit the “Download” button, connect it with your 60% Keyboard and set it up.
- After remapping the keys, you can now use a 60% Keyboard like a standard-sized keyboard!
Troubleshooting 60% Keyboards
If your 60% Keyboard is not turning on or connecting to your computer, you can troubleshoot it with the following methods.
Method #1: Removing the USB Dongle
To fix a malfunctioning wireless 60% Keyboard, follow these steps to troubleshoot it.
- Unplug the 2.4GHz USB dongle from your computer’s port.
- Clean it to remove dust particles on it.
- Replug the USB dongle in the port to switch on your keyboard.
Method #2: Switching the USB Cable
If you have a wired 60% Keyboard, do these steps to turn it on.
- Unplug the detachable USB cable from the computer and the keyboard.
- Replace the USB cable with a new one.
- Reconnect the cable to your 60% Keyboard and the PC and see if this fixes the connectivity issue.
If the methods mentioned above are not working for you, it is better to take your keyboard in for repair.
Summary
In this guide, we’ve discussed using a 60% Keyboard with the Fn key and specially designed software. We have also discussed the keys missing from the keyboard and explored a few quick troubleshooting methods for connectivity issues.
Hopefully, your question has been answered in this article, and now you can enjoy 100% functions on your reduced mechanical keyboard!
Frequently Asked Questions
Multiple factors weigh in to decide whether or not 60% Keyboards are worth it. They are suitable and comfortable for users who spend hours glued to the screen. However, if you’re someone who does not have time to waste learning about its keys, the 60% Keyboard is not for you.
The essential difference between the kinds of keyboards is the number of keys. A 100% keyboard has 107 keys, is pricey, and is suitable for data entry work. Whereas a 60% Keyboard has 61 keys, is compact, and is ideal for gaming and traveling. Lastly, the 40% keyboard has 41 keys and is complicated to use.
The Asus ROD Falchion Wireless Keyboard, Razer Huntsman Mini Analog, and the Cooler Master SK622 are part of the top 10 60% Keyboards.
