Ryan 60: A Deep Dive Into This Popular Keyboard

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the world of the Ryan 60 keyboard. If you're a keyboard enthusiast, or even just starting to explore the custom keyboard scene, you've probably heard of it. This compact little board has garnered a lot of attention, and for good reason. We’re going to explore what makes the Ryan 60 so special, covering everything from its design and features to its pros and cons. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's get started!

What is the Ryan 60?

The Ryan 60 is a custom mechanical keyboard known for its 60% layout. This means it ditches the function row, number pad, and navigation cluster in favor of a compact design. This makes it incredibly portable and saves valuable desk space. But don't let the size fool you, the Ryan 60 is packed with features and offers a highly customizable experience. Its popularity stems from its high-quality construction, thoughtful design, and the vibrant community surrounding it. These keyboards are not mass-produced, rather they are produced in group buys or small runs which makes acquiring one that much more satisfying.

Why Choose a 60% Keyboard?

Before we delve deeper into the Ryan 60, let's address the elephant in the room: Why even go for a 60% keyboard in the first place? Well, there are several compelling reasons. First and foremost, space-saving is a major advantage. A 60% keyboard frees up a significant amount of desk space, allowing for more ergonomic mouse placement and a cleaner overall setup. This is particularly beneficial for gamers and anyone with a small desk. Secondly, the minimalist design appeals to many users. By removing unnecessary keys, a 60% keyboard presents a streamlined and aesthetically pleasing look. Finally, once you get used to the layout and learn the function layers (more on that later), you can achieve the same functionality as a full-size keyboard, but in a much more compact form factor. The biggest reason for most people looking at a 60% keyboard is the ergonimics, the smaller form factor allows you to keep your hands closer together which reduces strain on your wrists and shoulders.

Key Features of the Ryan 60

Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of what makes the Ryan 60 stand out from the crowd. This keyboard boasts a range of features that cater to both beginners and experienced keyboard enthusiasts. The build quality of the Ryan 60 is excellent, typically featuring a sturdy aluminum case that provides a premium feel and ensures durability. The keyboard also supports a variety of layouts. Some popular layouts include the standard ANSI layout, as well as more unique layouts like HHKB. This allows users to choose a layout that best suits their typing style and preferences. A big thing to note with custom keyboards is that you have to build them yourself, soldering the switches to the PCB to make them functional.

Customization Options

One of the biggest draws of the Ryan 60 is its extensive customization options. From switches and keycaps to stabilizers and cables, almost every aspect of the keyboard can be personalized to your liking. This allows you to create a truly unique keyboard that reflects your individual style and preferences. You can start by choosing your preferred switches. The Ryan 60 is compatible with a wide range of Cherry MX-style switches, as well as other popular options like Gateron, ZealPC, and Kailh. Whether you prefer linear, tactile, or clicky switches, you'll find plenty of options to choose from. Next up are keycaps. With countless materials, profiles, and colors available, keycaps offer a fantastic opportunity to add a personal touch to your keyboard. You can choose from classic ABS keycaps, durable PBT keycaps, or even artisan keycaps crafted from unique materials. Don't underestimate the importance of stabilizers. These small components help to reduce wobble and noise on larger keys like the spacebar, Shift, and Enter keys. Investing in high-quality stabilizers can significantly improve the typing experience on your Ryan 60. While it might seem unimportant, a custom cable can make a big difference in the look and feel of your keyboard setup. Choose a cable with a color and material that complements your keycaps and case, and you'll have a keyboard that truly stands out.

Pros and Cons of the Ryan 60

Like any product, the Ryan 60 has its pros and cons. Understanding these advantages and disadvantages will help you make an informed decision about whether this keyboard is right for you. Let's start with the pros. The Ryan 60's compact size makes it incredibly portable and saves valuable desk space. Its extensive customization options allow you to create a unique keyboard that reflects your individual style. The build quality is generally very high, ensuring durability and a premium feel. With its clean lines and minimalist design, the Ryan 60 is a visually appealing keyboard that can complement any desk setup. Now, let's discuss the cons. The 60% layout can take some getting used to, especially if you're coming from a full-size keyboard. It requires learning function layers to access keys like the arrow keys and function row. The Ryan 60 is not always readily available, as it's often produced in group buys or limited runs. This can make it difficult to acquire one. Building a custom keyboard like the Ryan 60 can be more expensive than buying a pre-built keyboard. The cost of the case, PCB, switches, keycaps, and other components can add up quickly.

Setting Up Your Ryan 60

So, you've finally got your hands on a Ryan 60 kit, congratulations! Now comes the fun part: building and setting it up. Don't worry, it's not as daunting as it might seem. I recommend watching some videos of people building custom keyboards so you understand the whole process. First, you'll need to gather all the necessary components. This typically includes the case, PCB (printed circuit board), switches, keycaps, stabilizers, and a USB cable. You'll also need some basic tools, such as a switch puller, keycap puller, screwdriver, and soldering iron (if your PCB requires soldering). Soldering is a skill that takes a bit of practice to learn, so don't be discouraged if you mess up a few times. Start by installing the stabilizers on the PCB. These are typically installed on the larger keys, such as the spacebar, Shift keys, and Enter key. Make sure to properly lubricate the stabilizers to reduce wobble and noise. Next, insert the switches into the PCB. If your PCB requires soldering, you'll need to solder the switches to the PCB to ensure a secure connection. Be careful not to overheat the solder, as this can damage the PCB or the switches. With the switches installed, it's time to mount the PCB into the case. This usually involves screwing the PCB into the case using standoffs or other mounting mechanisms. Once the PCB is securely mounted, you can install the keycaps. Simply press the keycaps onto the switches until they click into place. Finally, connect the USB cable to the keyboard and your computer. You may need to install drivers or configure the keyboard layout in your operating system. There are many great resources online that can help you with this process, including tutorials, guides, and community forums. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck! The community is always willing to lend a hand.

Alternatives to the Ryan 60

If the Ryan 60 isn't quite what you're looking for, or if you're having trouble finding one, don't worry! There are plenty of other excellent 60% keyboards on the market. These keyboards offer a similar experience to the Ryan 60, with a focus on customization, quality, and design. The Ducky One 2 Mini is a popular pre-built 60% keyboard that offers a great typing experience and a wide range of customization options. It's a great option for those who don't want to build their own keyboard. The GK61 is another popular pre-built 60% keyboard that offers excellent value for money. It features a hot-swappable PCB, which means you can easily swap out the switches without soldering. The Anne Pro 2 is a wireless 60% keyboard that offers a clean design and a comfortable typing experience. It's a great option for those who want a minimalist and portable keyboard. The Drop ALT is a high-quality 60% keyboard that features an aluminum case and a hot-swappable PCB. It's a great option for those who want a premium keyboard with a wide range of customization options. The KBParadise V60 is a tenkeyless keyboard, meaning it retains the arrow keys and a small navigation cluster. While it's a larger form factor than the 60%, it still offers a compact and ergonomic design. All of these alternatives will offer similar functionality to the Ryan 60, so if you can't get your hands on a Ryan 60, there are plenty of other options.

Final Thoughts

The Ryan 60 is a fantastic keyboard that offers a unique and customizable typing experience. Whether you're a seasoned keyboard enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of custom mechanical keyboards, the Ryan 60 is definitely worth considering. While it may not be for everyone, its compact size, extensive customization options, and high-quality construction make it a standout choice in the 60% keyboard market. If you're looking for a keyboard that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, the Ryan 60 is definitely worth checking out. I hope this deep dive into the Ryan 60 has been helpful. Happy typing, everyone! Consider joining some keyboard enthusiast groups online. These groups can offer help if you are stuck, or can provide inspiration for your next build!