Different Keyboard Sizes

 

Let's go through the various Keyboard Sizes, including the 60 percent, 65 percent, 75 percent, TKL, and full-size keyboards. Look at the most popular keyboard sizes and their differences to see which one is best for you.

The following are the most common Keyboard Sizes

 

In this post will go through the many sizes of keyboard available and why they're beneficial or useless. This page offers a keyboard size chart to assist you in selecting your new mechanical keyboard.

Let’s start with the first keyboard on our list ⤵️

  

FULL-SIZE (100%) KEYBOARD

 

Let's start with a full-size keyboard, often known as the 100% keyboard or a full-size keyboard. It has all the standard keys, the home cluster F keys, and so on. The versatility of the full-size keyboard is its primary selling point; it has undoubtedly been by far the most popular keyboard size.

Unique Features and Advantages

The Numpad is excellent for entering data; most full-sized keyboards come with a Numpad on the right side. This full-size design has many options. And If you're searching for unique features and exciting plans, most full-size keyboards would be your first choice. Some components may include digital dials or detachable micro clusters with insanely high polling rates, USB and audio pass-through proximity sensors for illumination, and every switch you can imagine is most likely available.

Full-size keyboards are popular amongst those who prefer a complete keyboard layout. Many individuals who want a gaming keyboard with macro columns on the left side use them.

Drawbacks of a Full-Size Keyboard

Would want to see a wrist rest for full-sized keyboards, as they are available on many keyboards, but I've yet to find a full-size keyboard with a detachable wrist rest. So, for the most part, they're used on smaller and more compact keyboards unless you purchase a wrist rest separately, but it won't be magnetic. Let's assume that your first mechanical keyboard will be a full size. You might consider it for various factors; for one purchasing a smaller keyboard might feel like a compromise because there are missing keys. Right? However, a compact keyboard makes more sense if your gaming space is restricted. But If you want to buy a full-size keyboard, don't worry; you can still get a practical slant with one. So, even if your mouse is limited in movement, it's not impossible to move it around during in-game.

All Comes Down to Preference and Requirements

Unless you prefer a bigger keyboard for typing, programming, or other purposes, full-size keyboards may not be suitable for everyone. Keep in mind that a full-size keyboard layout may be unpleasant when gaming because of the restricted space for mouse movement.

 

We are moving on to the next size on our list ⤵️

 

 

1800 COMPACT KEYBOARD (96% Keyboard)

 

The 1800 compact keyboard is a reduced-size variant of a full-sized keyboard with nearly the same amount of keys and no separating spaces, making it more compact. The 1800 compact design is comparable to a regular full-size keyboard, except it has a somewhat smaller frame.

This keyboard style is also known as a 96% keyboard because all keys are in one row, and the layout has a distinct appearance.

Advantages of a Compact Full-Sized Keyboard

The benefit of the 1800 compact form factor is that this style has lower-positioned arrow keys and a somewhat closer Numpad. You get all the benefits of a regular full-size keyboard, yet in a more compact form.

Compact keyboards have grown in popularity among individuals who want to save space on their desks while still being able to transport their keyboards readily. 

 

Moving along to the next size down ⤵️

 

     

TKL TENKEYLESS KEYBOARD

 

One of the more popular keyboard sizes is the TenKeyless Keyboard Layout (TKL), which stands for 10-keyless but is essentially 17 keyless. Visualize if you could remove the Numpad from a full-size keyboard; all that would be left is 80% of the layout. A TKL keyboard is compact but has dedicated F keys and a convenient home cluster. There's enough variation in this form factor, both from well-known brands and various entry-level options that cater to TKL.

TKL keyboards have been extremely popular with gaming companies. They provide the ideal mix of comfort and usability while providing enough space for mouse movement after properly angling your keyboard. The most important advantage of a TKL keyboard over a full-size one is the reduced profile.

Benefits of an 80% Layout

The alphanumeric keys appear more centered when the keyboard and mouse are positioned before you, making them more suited for typing than a typical keyboard. The distance between your hands is closer on a smaller keyboard, reducing arm strain and providing better ergonomics while working at the computer for lengthy periods. The TKL size keyboard is lighter and easier to transport, taking up less desk space.

Overall, smaller keyboards save space and allow for better mouse positioning.

What To Keep In Mind

The TKL keyboard layout is one of the most popular, accounting for a high number of mechanical keyboard sales. The only drawback with the TKL design is that it is usually more expensive than a full-sized keyboard. And if you modify your keyboard with custom keycaps, switches, or other components, the price will rise exponentially.

The following section, which talks about compact keyboard sizes, no longer uses specific names. Instead, they are referred to by a percentage.

 

 

     

75% KEYBOARDS

 

The popularity of 75 keyboards is rising, especially in light of the GK84S, which is essentially a smaller version of TKL with fewer gaps between the fn and home slash arrow cluster.

Seventy-five keyboards are great for individuals who need the flexibility of more keys like Tenkeyless offers but still have plenty of desk space with a smaller layout. The functions are all intended to be compact without losing the home cluster or arrow keys.

UNIQUE COMPACT LAYOUT

Because the keycaps are so close to each other, the 75% keyboard may or may not be your preference aesthetically. You could find the TKL more valuable since it has all the same keys and a very similar design, with one exception being that the TKL function row is kept separate from the numbers row.

Can Be a Productivity Keyboard

The compact Tenkeyless is a cross between a TKL and a 65% keyboard, although they appear distinctive and are available in unique colorway designs. The 75% may be a keyboard you purchase as your primary desktop productivity keyboard.

This keyboard size is sleek and compact, making it perfect for work or travel. So if you're searching for a keyboard that will fit in your bag and take up minimal space on your desk, the 75% keyboard is well worth considering.

The smaller the percentage, the more compact the keyboard. 

The last three keyboard sizes on our list are the smaller, more compact mechanical keyboards. These particular sizes have been getting a lot of attention lately. 

       

65% KEYBOARDS

 

The next keyboard size is a 65% keyboard, almost the same layout as the 75% but without dedicated function rows, making the keyboard even smaller in-depth, combining the functions row into the numbers row utilizing the Fn key for this command. For some people, a 65% keyboard is the smallest size they'll use since it still features dedicated arrows keys as well as a single column home cluster to the right.

Advantages of a smaller compact keyboard

The primary benefit of a 65% keyboard is that it works well with your laptop. You may take it with you on the go when traveling and keep plenty of space on your desk for better mouse movement in an FPS scenario.

Worth Noting

The most significant drawback is activating secondary keys like your F row, the tilde key, and your home cluster, which are one FN click away. Changing the keycaps on most 65 keyboards might become difficult because the secondary controls are not the same for every 65% layout. In particular, the right side of the spacebar on most models is unusual because it is non-standard.

It's more challenging to find replacement keycaps for a non-standard layout.

Unless you find a keyboard with a shorter spacebar, like the GK68S, which has essentially a standard bottom row owing to a shorter spacebar. With a standard-bottom row, you can choose from many different keycaps.

However, if all you care about is a keyboard for gaming, it's possible to go even smaller. 

 

This leads us to the last two keyboard sizes on our list ⤵️

       

60% KEYBOARDS

 

60 keyboards are a popular choice since the keycap layout is relatively standard across this category, so you'll have plenty of colorway choices. The 60 keycap arrangement is comparable to that of a full-sized keyboard's center keycaps because a sixty percent is essentially a tiny version of the full-size.

The functions row like on a 65 merge into the numbers row keys. The home cluster is generally scattered throughout the keyboard and used as secondary functions. They become easier to identify and learn overtime. However, going from a larger keyboard to a smaller one is a significant adjustment. It will take some time to adapt.

ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES

The most excellent part is the reduced size of the keyboard. 60% keyboards allow for better angles and maximum mouse movement, which is fantastic for FPS gaming. However, it may be difficult for some individuals to use a 60% keyboard in any productivity situation because even the delete key has to connect with the backspace, and the fn key activates any of the function keys.

If you're comparing a 65% keyboard next to a 60% keyboard, the difference in size is one column of keys; this is quite significant from a usability standpoint. 

TAKEAWAYS

Compact 60% keyboards are perfect for gaming, especially the GK61, which may be completely customized. Gaming companies like Razer or other large tech firms offer compact keyboards to serve a specific gaming purpose. They're generally quite expensive with a layout that you will need to learn to become good at over time.

 

If you thought the 60% was small, wait until you see the last size on our Keyboard Sizes list ⤵️

       

40% KEYBOARDS

 

The 40% keyboard is the smallest on our list but only offers the complete alphabet and no arrow keys or function rows. The idea is to go as tiny and as distinctive as possible, relying on your own set of layers of functionality. It's a neat concept. And, if you're willing to experiment, it's something I always recommend, but only if you're serious about it.

Wrapping Things Up

So, there you have it for the different keyboard sizes. If you have a preferred keyboard size, please let me know. I discovered that full-size keyboards are still the most popular in terms of features compared to everything else below it. However, the TKL layout is the gamers' choice since it balances size versus functionality.

If you've never used a compact keyboard before, like a 65% or 60% keyboard, they're excellent! As long as you don't spend too much time on the functions row.

The 40% keyboard, on the other hand, is usually reserved for enthusiasts who can build and customize their own. It would be fantastic to personalize your own keyboard. 

But yeah, Thank you so much for reading this post on different keyboard sizes. 

What is your favorite keyboard size? Leave your response in the comments area below.