Building or customizing a 60% mechanical keyboard can be exciting but also overwhelming, especially when it comes to deciding how many switches to buy. Mechanical switches are the heart of your keyboard, affecting typing feel, noise, and overall performance. Whether you are a first-time builder or upgrading your setup, knowing the right number of switches is essential to ensure a smooth build and avoid extra costs.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how many switches you need for a 60% keyboard, explore scenarios where you might need extra switches, and discuss considerations for hot-swappable and custom builds. We’ll also provide practical tips and link to trusted sources so you can make informed decisions.

What Is a 60% Keyboard and How Many Keys Does It Have?

A 60% keyboard is a compact keyboard layout that removes the number pad, function row, and navigation cluster, while retaining the essential alphanumeric keys. This design is popular among gamers, programmers, and minimalists because it saves desk space and improves ergonomics.

Typically, a standard 60% keyboard has 61 keys. These include alphanumeric keys, modifiers, arrow keys integrated via function layers, and essential keys like Escape, Tab, Caps Lock, and Enter.

This count may vary slightly depending on the keyboard brand and layout. Some 60% keyboards might include additional function keys or specialized media keys, which can increase the switch count. For example, some compact keyboards by Keychron or UniKeyboards offer optional macro keys or different layouts, affecting the total number of switches needed.

Exactly How Many Switches Do I Need for a 60% Keyboard?

For a standard 60% keyboard, you need one switch per key, which usually totals 61 switches. This is the minimum required to fill all key positions.

Calculating Your Switches

• Standard 60% Keyboard: 61 switches
• Optional Extra Keys: +1 to +5 switches (for non-standard layouts)
• Keycap Compatibility: Make sure switches match your keycaps; most Cherry MX-compatible switches fit standard 60% layouts.

While the base calculation is simple, a few practical factors can affect how many switches you actually purchase:

• Typographical Errors During Assembly: Even experienced builders sometimes install a switch incorrectly or damage it during soldering.
• Switch Lubing and Testing: Some users like to test a few switches first to check tactile feel or sound before installing all of them.
• Specialty Switches: Linear, tactile, and clicky switches (as explained by Kinetic Labs) may wear differently, so having spares can prevent future headaches.

Tip: Many builders recommend buying 5–10% more switches than your keyboard’s key count, which for a 60% keyboard means around 3–6 extra switches.

Why Might You Need More Switches Than the Number of Keys?

Even if a 60% keyboard has 61 keys, several reasons justify buying extra switches:

• Accidents During Assembly: Switches are small and delicate. Mistakes can happen, especially if soldering manually.
• Customization & Tuning: Some enthusiasts swap switches for a different typing feel or experiment with sound dampening. Extra switches make testing easier without sacrificing your primary build.
• Future Maintenance: Switches can fail or degrade over time. Having spares allows for quick replacements without disassembling your keyboard.

Do Hot-Swappable and Custom 60% Keyboards Change the Switch Count?

Hot-swappable keyboards allow you to install and replace switches without soldering. While the required number of switches remains the same (61 for a standard 60% board), hot-swappable designs offer flexibility:

• Easy experimentation with different switch types
• Quick replacement if a switch fails

Custom PCBs can also affect switch count slightly. Some custom 60% boards may add or remove a few keys for macro purposes or layout preferences. Always check your PCB specification before buying switches.

Practical Example: A Keychron K6 hot-swappable 65% keyboard has 68 switch sockets, even though it’s considered compact. If you were building a similar 60% custom keyboard, verify the PCB to avoid underbuying switches.

Should You Buy Extra Switches for a 60% Keyboard Build?

Buying extra switches is a small upfront cost that provides long-term peace of mind. Recommended practices include:

• Purchase 5–10% extra switches beyond your key count. For 61 keys, this means 3–6 spares.
• Choose the same batch and type to maintain uniform feel and sound.
• Store properly to prevent dust or damage.

Extra switches also allow you to test different switch types on your keyboard before committing to a full build. Popular switch types include:

• Linear: Smooth keystrokes, minimal sound
• Tactile: Noticeable bump at actuation
• Clicky: Audible click with each press 

Internal Resource: You can browse a variety of 60% keyboards suitable for your build at UniKeyboards 60% collection.

Conclusion

For a standard 60% keyboard, 61 switches are required. However, due to assembly risks, customization, and maintenance, it’s wise to purchase a few extra switches—generally 3–6 spares. Whether building a hot-swappable keyboard or a custom PCB, understanding your exact switch needs ensures a smoother, more enjoyable build experience. By planning ahead, testing different switches, and keeping spares, you can optimize your typing experience without unnecessary stress.

For more 60% keyboard options, visit UniKeyboards 60% collection.

FAQs

How many switches are needed for a standard 60% mechanical keyboard?

A standard 60% keyboard requires 61 switches. Always verify your PCB layout, as some keyboards may slightly vary.

Do stabilizers affect how many switches I need to buy?

Stabilizers do not change the total number of switches, but they are needed for larger keys like Space, Enter, and Shift. Extra switches for testing or mistakes are still recommended.

Is it better to buy extra switches when building a 60% keyboard?

Yes. Purchasing 5–10% more switches than your keyboard’s key count helps account for mistakes, experimentation, and future replacements, making the building process easier and more flexible.