Low-profile mechanical keyboards

Low-profile mechanical keyboards use shorter switches and flatter keycaps, so the whole board sits much closer to the desk. The keys travel less than on a standard mechanical board, and the feel is closer to a good laptop keyboard while still having a proper switch underneath.

They suit people moving from a laptop or a slim office keyboard who find full-height boards too tall, and anyone who wants a keyboard to carry. Many people also find they can type comfortably without a wrist rest.

The catch is parts. Low-profile switches come in a few incompatible standards, and they don't fit full-height MX sockets, so if the board is hot-swappable check which switches it takes before buying spares. Keycap choice is far narrower than for full-height boards too, so pick a board whose stock keycaps you like.

Prices include VAT. Sound tags are our summary of what owners and reviewers report, not measurements.