1800 Compact Mechanical Keyboard 2024: The Future of Efficient Typing

Large full-size keyboards are often difficult to manage especially if you travel on a regular basis. However, with the 1800 compact mechanical keyboard, you can easily travel around without worrying about missing keys or large size. These specialized products are integrated with main keys along with a Numpad and are generally compact in size as compared to traditional keyboards.

This enables you to use them for gaming as well as writing purposes without any difficulty. In addition to this, the hot-swappable keys and quiet typing experience act as icing on top of the cake and further improve the performance of the product. To find out more about these keyboards, follow our review and buying guide on the seven best 1800 compact mechanical keyboards based on swappable keys, durability, versatility, and performance efficiency.

7 Best 1800 Compact 96% Mechanical Keyboards

1. Drop Shift – Durable Compact Keyboard

Drop Shift Mechanical Keyboard is our top-notch recommendation to all those that prefer short and lightweight keyboards as opposed to traditional full-size keyboards. Despite the inclusion of a numeric keypad, the keyboard is compact in terms of design and, therefore, can be easily carried around from one place to another. Thus, making a perfect traveling partner for the majority of the users.

In addition to this, its sturdy aluminum frame protects it from getting damaged due to a wide variety of external factors. It extends the keyboard’s overall life, making it the most durable keyboard. We also appreciate the low-profile design, which enables you to press each key comfortably without putting in the extra effort. This relieves you from overstraining yourself when typing for long hours. Furthermore, professional gamers might find it really helpful because of its intricate design and appropriately spaced keys that enable them to type comfortably throughout the day.

In addition to this, the switches possess a tactile bump that requires medium actuation force, as mentioned earlier, and therefore are extremely quiet in nature. This makes the keyboard ideal for nighttime use, especially for those that use it on a regular basis. Moreover, the ability to swap the switches easily without any hassle is attributed to the hot-swappable switch functionality that contributes to remarkable time efficiency and reduces the effort required in this regard to a great extent.

Besides the above-mentioned attributes, we also admire the RGB backlighting feature offered by this version of the 1800 compact mechanical keyboard, which allows us to work efficiently even in dim lighting conditions. This creates a beautiful rainbow light pattern because of the underlighting, thereby increasing the aesthetic appeal of the product along with its industrial demand.

Drop Shift Mechanical Keyboard features 99 different keys that are low profile in nature and support your finger movement. This prevents you from straining your wrist in long gaming sessions. Furthermore, the product is versatile in nature and can be easily connected with different operating systems such as Linux, Mac, and Windows with the help of type C USB.

2. Keychron K4 – 96% Layout Gaming Keyboard

If you are one of those that prefer quality over price, then this version of the Keychron K4 Gaming Mechanical Keyboard is a perfect option for you. This is because of its unrivaled design and thoughtful construction that makes it extremely easier to operate as compared to other mechanical keyboards available in the market. Furthermore, the RGB lighting under each key enhances its suitability for nighttime use and allows you to achieve the highest productivity without compromising on any aspect.

However, what makes us appreciate this product is its compact size despite the inclusion of a numeric pad. The compact size contributes to its lightweight, which in turn increases its portability in the long term. Another reason for the enhanced portability of the system is its wireless nature which allows you to connect it with multiple devices over wi-fi and Bluetooth services.

Furthermore, you can also go the traditional way and use a Type C USB cable to connect the keyboard with any compatible device. It is compatible with a wide variety of operating software such as Windows and Mac Operating systems and enables you to game effectively without any disturbance. Along with this, we also observed that the keyboard is integrated with an outstanding battery that possesses exceptional power retention abilities. Thus, you can use it for up to 72 hours for typing purposes.

Various users also report that they were able to use the keyboard for seven days on a single charge when operated for around 8 hours per day. This way, you can be relieved from the concerns of recharging the product over and over again. Finally, the switches are highly responsive in nature and will easily register the keystroke on a gentle press. This prevents you from putting in additional effort while gaming and also increases the average lifespan of the keys.

Keychron K4 Gaming Mechanical Keyboard is one of the best 1800 compact mechanical keyboards available in the market. The layout switch integrated into the system can be used to switch between wired and wireless connectivity and increases the suitability of the product or a diverse range of users.

3. RK ROYAL KLUDGE – Mechanical Compact 1800 Keyboard

RK ROYAL KLUDGE Mechanical Keyboard, similar to its previously mentioned competitor, is a wireless mechanical keyboard that can be connected to various devices using Bluetooth and Wi-fi functionality. This eliminates the need for managing all those wires and allows you to easily carry the keyboard on your trips and other traveling adventures. In addition to this, the product is compact in size and is relatively easier to manage.

Furthermore, the numeric keypad incorporated into the system increases its versatility and makes it suitable for different gaming activities that might not be possible with standard mechanical gaming keyboards. We also observed that there are hot-swappable switches included in this version of RK keyboards that allow you to efficiently swap various switches without engaging in complex steps to achieve the task.

The keys are also renowned for their backlighting that increases their suitability for nighttime use and enables you to view each and every key clearly, even in dim lighting conditions. Similarly, the ABS plastic contributes to increased durability and prevents the keyboard from getting damaged as a result of accidental falls and other related factors. To our surprise, power change is regularly notified by the system, thanks to the inclusion of the LED indicators at the back.

These indicators change colors and notify the users whenever recharge is required. Hence, relieving you from the worries of running out of power at crucial moments. As mentioned earlier, the keyboard is wireless in nature. This allows you to connect it with up to three devices at a time. Moreover, there are three different wireless modes, among which Bluetooth mode is highly preferred by users because of its exceptional connectivity and noticeably smoother response and gaming experience.

RK ROYAL KLUDGE Mechanical Keyboard is integrated with a 750mAh battery which is capable of retaining power for long hours on a single charge. You can use the keyboard for up to nine days, along with backlighting with little regard to power issues or running out of battery power during crucial moments.

4. Redragon K556 – Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Redragon K556 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is my personal favorite when it comes to purchasing the best 1800 compact mechanical keyboard. It features a modern layout with a compact design, which makes it an ideal option for daily use and is characterized by increased portability. Along with this, the numeric pad embedded in the keyboard eliminates all the negative space and increases its versatility for a variety of other tasks.

This, coupled with the inclusion of spare switches in the system, increases its popularity among users of diverse backgrounds and is a major reason for the increased industrial demand for the product. What we loved the most is the adjustable RGB backlighting which makes it easier to type in dim lighting conditions. You can also enable the specific 9-color single backlighting mode for this version of the Redragon keyboard, depending on the requirement.

Furthermore, the ergonomic design facilitates all your needs and offers a comfortable typing and gaming experience. This is because of the appropriate spacing between keys and their increased responsiveness which registers a stroke immediately on a gentle press and reduces the stress on your fingers and wrist while gaming and typing. Besides this, the metal used in the construction process prevents the keyboard from scratching or getting damaged in case of accidental falls or other harsh conditions.

The keys are also tactile in nature, and multiple keys can be registered at the same time thanks to the high speed and responsive nature of the keyboard, which contributes to time efficiency and improved overall performance throughout the day. The keycaps are also short in height which requires less effort to press them while gaming and reduces the amount of effort required on the user’s part. This functionality also decreases the chance of potential hand injuries often incurred to players because of excessive pressure around the wrist.

Redragon K556 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is highly versatile in nature and can be easily connected with different operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and Mac Operating systems via Bluetooth or wi-fi, depending on the requirement. This allows you to work efficiently without the need to manage all the wires and cables.

5. Havit – Sleek Design

Havit Mechanical Keyboard is a user and budget-friendly option recommended for all those that want to purchase a high-quality keyboard at reasonable rates. The compact keyboard features 89 keys, including a numeric keypad that allows you to perform a variety of gaming tasks and calculations depending on the use and preference. Despite the inclusion of all this, the keyboard itself is smaller in size and can be easily carried around from one place to another.

The keys are low profile in nature and are generally easier to type as compared to other mechanical keyboards available in the market. This enables you to register each keystroke with utmost accuracy and reduces the chance of typing errors and other performance issues. Moreover, the backlighting allows you to type clearly during dim lighting conditions and decreases the stress on your eyes. Thus, preventing you from worsening eyesight over the years.

The keycaps are colorful and, therefore, increase the vibrancy of the keyboard. Apart from all this, the keys are highly durable in nature and are not prone to damage due to external factors. They are also scratch-resistant in nature and are perfect for those with long nails. The short key height also produces low sound while enabling you to work efficiently during the nighttime.

This functionality of the keyboard makes it perfect for office use and improves its overall abilities to a great extent. Last but not least, the spacing between keys facilitates a comfortable typing experience and reduces the stress on the fingers and wrist area. Thus, making it perfect for more than eight hours of use per day, especially if you are a professional gamer or need to write on a constant basis.

Havit Mechanical Keyboard is embedded with a powerful battery that possesses exceptional power retention abilities. This enables you to use the keyboard for long hours on a single charge and reduces the need for regular recharging. Furthermore, the product is compatible with a diverse range of operating systems and can easily connect with them via multiple sources. So, you can use it on a regular basis with little regard for compatibility issues.

6. E-YOOSO – Wired Mechanical Keyboard

E-YOOSO Wired Mechanical Keyboard is one of the best 1800 compact mechanical keyboards available in the market these days. The keyboard is famous because of its tactile switches, which are highly responsive in nature and can easily register a keystroke on a single press. Moreover, the keys are low profile in nature and shorter in height as compared to the traditional keyboard. So, you do not need to exert additional effort while pressing the keys in order to register them efficiently.

In addition to this, the proper key spacing decreases the typing errors significantly and enables you to achieve increased precision and accuracy even if you are a beginner. The backlighting is also adjustable in nature and can be selected depending on the requirement. The backlighting allows you to type comfortably even in dim lighting conditions and prevents you from over-straining your eyes while typing and gaming.

The wide majority of the users also appreciate the multi-color keycap design, which increases the visual appeal of the product and can easily attract your attention from far. However, what we admire the most is the compact design of the keyboard despite the inclusion of 87 keys, which enables you to take it around without any difficulty or management issues.

The keyboard also supports anti-ghosting technology that enables you to register multiple keys at the same time without any error or speed issues. Similarly, you will not miss any keystroke while pressing them simultaneously because of the improved responsiveness of the product. Finally, there are four different lighting modes that can be selected from the options available on the keyboard and allow you to work efficiently throughout the day.

E-YOOSO Wired Mechanical Keyboard stands out among the other competitors included in the list in terms of price and performance. We highly recommend it to all those that have financial difficulties and do not want to invest in high-priced options since it does not lag behind others because of its low price and is integrated with some of the top-notch attributes.

7. RK100 2.4G – RGB Compact Keyboard

RK100 2.4G RGB Mechanical Keyboard is yet another unrivaled product developed by the Royal KLUDGE trademark. Similar to its other counterparts, this version is also highly versatile in nature and can be connected to up to three devices using Bluetooth and wi-fi services. Similarly, a type C USB cable can also be used to connect the keyboard to any device in the traditional manner.

This tri-mode connectivity increases the suitability of the product for a diverse range of activities and improves its overall performance to a great extent. There is a numeric keypad integrated into the keyboard, which enables you to perform a variety of gaming moves. Overall the keyboard is slim and compact and is a perfect traveling partner for most users. Thus, if you are looking for a travel-friendly option, we highly suggest trying this out.

Apart from the above-mentioned attributes, another outstanding feature of the system is the hot-swappable key switches that support the key switching without engaging in complex steps or processes. The keys also feature tactile feedback and can easily register a stroke on a gentle press. This is attributed to the enhanced responsiveness and well-constructed layout of the keyboard, which is admired by the majority.

The keys are also oil and scratch resistant in nature and will not get damaged easily due to harsh treatment or other external factors. Thus, you can be relieved from the concerns of damaging the keys over time due to negligible maintenance and other careless activities that might damage traditional ordinary mechanical keyboards.

RK100 2.4G RGB Mechanical Keyboard features a large and powerful battery that is capable of retaining the power for upto 72 hours without any performance issue or problem. Similarly, you can use the keyboard for typing along with backlighting for up to 8 days on a single charge without worrying about running out of power in the meantime.

Factors to Consider While Purchasing the 1800 Compact Mechanical Keyboard

Quality and durability

Build quality and durability shall be given due consideration while planning on purchasing a suitable mechanical keyboard for yourself. We strongly suggest going for metal and ABS plastic-based products because of their increased sturdiness and improved strength, which prevents them from getting damaged easily.

In addition to this, you should also search whether the keys are scratch-resistant in nature, especially if you have long nails. This will help you use it for the long term, even with negligible maintenance. Some common examples of such products include those manufactured by Leopard or Keychron because of their high durability and long-lasting nature, which makes them shine out among their other competitors.

Hot Swappable

Another thing worth noticing while making a decision is whether the key switches are hot-swappable in nature or not. Hot-swappable key switches allow you to switch the keys without going through complex processes to achieve the task. Thus, if you want to reduce the hassle for yourself and are looking for a user-friendly ergonomic option, then we suggest going for keyboards that are integrated with hot-swappable key switches.

Key Design and Profile

Next up on the list is the key design and profile. Low-profile keys with short height are usually preferred by users because of their ergonomics. These keys do not require extra effort or force while pressing them and therefore reduce the stress on your fingers and wrist area. In addition to this, you should also look for the distance between various keys.

An appropriate key distance will contribute to a comfortable typing experience and will reduce the chance of typing errors and other inaccuracies. Furthermore, the responsiveness of the keys also matters a lot and should be given importance in the decision-making process. A responsive keyboard will register each stroke on a gentle press without missing out on anything. Thus, leading to a precise and accurate outcome.

Price

Finally, the price of the keyboard is another factor that can significantly impact your decision to select a particular product. You might prefer to invest in an expensive option or want to save some money by investing in a more cost-efficient product. The final decision is yours and, therefore, must be carefully made to avoid future troubles.

We have seen consumers neglect this very important aspect of the decision-making process and end up investing in the wrong option. To avoid such issues, it is always advised to search for the required details beforehand for the best outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping Up

We have witnessed a major surge in the popularity of the 1800 compact mechanical keyboards in recent years. These keyboards are incorporated with a numeric keypad along with the inclusion of main keys and are suitable for both typing and gaming purposes. The article provided a detailed review of the seven best 1800 compact mechanical keyboards based on durability, key design, price, and performance. After careful consideration of the above-mentioned products, here are some of our recommendations.

• Drop Shift Mechanical Keyboard for its exceptional LED lights, versatile compatibility, durable construction, RGB backlighting, and hot-swappable keys.
• Keychron K4 Gaming Mechanical Keyboard because of its multi-device compatibility, outstanding battery life, quiet typing experience, and compact design.
• RK ROYAL KLUDGE Mechanical Keyboard due to its hot-swappable switches, multiple USB ports, tri-mode connectivity, and excellent battery life.

Thus, they are perfect for those searching for performance-oriented options for daily use.