One of the most crucial components of a gaming or work setup is the keyboard. Finding the best keyboard for your gaming or productivity needs is a crucial task because, along with gaming mouse, keyboards are one of the most often used desk equipment. Mechanical keyboards are available in a wide variety of sizes and designs, from conventional full-size keyboards to smaller, bespoke boards with fewer keys. Each keyboard still performs the same functions, but the size can have a big impact on your comfort and productivity. We’ll look at the most common keyboard sizes, analyze how they differ, and decide which one is best for you.
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Full-size (100 percent)
The typical keyboard size that most people envision when they think of a keyboard is a full-size keyboard. A number pad, a row of function keys, a home cluster, and certain arrow keys are typically included on these boards. Full-size keyboards are common in offices since they are ideal for data entry. However, customers who only use a keyboard for gaming or do not require a board for data entry can probably scale down without any problems. Full-size boards will take up more space on your desk and occasionally cost more money. Remember that you will require many more keycaps and switches to cover a full-size keyboard if you intend to purchase a board to personalize over time.
Tenkeyless (80 percent)
Tenkeyless keyboards typically contain 87 keys, omitting the number pad, and are slightly smaller than full-sized keyboards. For users who don’t frequently use the number pad but don’t want to give up the function keys, arrow keys, and home cluster, this keyboard size is ideal. Being one of the most popular mechanical keyboard designs, these tiny keyboards are easy to buy in a variety of shapes and configurations.
75 percent
Some users enjoy the specialized size of 75% keyboards. For a more portable version of a tenkeyless board, these boards place the home cluster and arrow keys closer to the other keys. Users that desire the same functionality as a tenkeyless board in a small package might consider 75% boards. Just keep in mind that due to the somewhat different key placements, this size requires a brief adjusting time.
65 percent
The function keys and, in certain circumstances, the home cluster keys are removed on 65 percent of the boards. The specialized arrow keys on these boards are still useful for users who frequently write or need to navigate spreadsheets.
Just keep in mind that you will need a function key to activate them if you frequently use the top row of function keys and want this size. Users who are accustomed to their existing typing style may find this difficult, although it usually only takes a few weeks to get used to.
60 percent
Although 60% keyboards are among the most common sizes for gamers, they may be too small for usage in other contexts. These boards do away with the arrow keys, number pad, home cluster, and function key row. There are a few advantages to this small size, though.
Small, symmetrical, and taking up minimal desk space are 60% of the boards. They are also great options for customisation because replacing keycaps or switches is less expensive due to the fewer keys. Before buying, nevertheless, be certain that this size will meet your requirements because the absence of keys can be unsettling.
40 percent
For consumers who only need the most basic features from their keyboard, 40% of boards are available. This size drastically improves the design and functionality by getting rid of the top row and non-letter keys while still removing all of the keys that a 60 percent reduction does.
To access the missing keys, users will need to become used to the small size and become comfortable using many layers. It is not advised to dive into this size if this is your first mechanical or custom keyboard. As you get used to the changes, we advise starting with a somewhat larger keyboard and working your way down.