Choosing a Keyboard Size
Alex Rigl
7/10/2024
General
When diving into the world of mechanical keyboards, one of the most exciting aspects is the variety of sizes available. Each size caters to different needs and preferences, ranging from compact 40% keyboards to expansive full-size ones. Understanding these options can help you find the perfect keyboard for your setup.
40% Keyboards are the smallest standard size, stripping away all but the most essential keys. These ultra-compact keyboards typically include alphanumeric keys and a few modifiers, making them incredibly portable and great for minimalist setups. However, their size means you'll often need to use function layers to access punctuation and other characters, which can be a learning curve but is rewarding for those who value desk space and portability.
60% Keyboards are a popular choice for many users, balancing compactness and functionality. They include all the alphanumeric keys, essential modifiers, and a few additional keys, such as the arrow keys, often integrated into a function layer. This size retains the compact form factor while providing a more familiar typing experience than the 40%, making it a favorite among gamers and typists who need more functionality without sacrificing too much space. Iron160, Image Source: Cannon Keys
65% Keyboards build on the 60% layout by adding dedicated arrow keys and a few navigation keys, such as Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down. This size maintains a compact form factor while offering additional functionality that many users find essential for productivity tasks. It's a great middle-ground for those who want more keys than a 60% but still want to keep their setup minimal and portable. Chimera 65
40% Keyboards are the smallest standard size, stripping away all but the most essential keys. These ultra-compact keyboards typically include alphanumeric keys and a few modifiers, making them incredibly portable and great for minimalist setups. However, their size means you'll often need to use function layers to access punctuation and other characters, which can be a learning curve but is rewarding for those who value desk space and portability.
60% Keyboards are a popular choice for many users, balancing compactness and functionality. They include all the alphanumeric keys, essential modifiers, and a few additional keys, such as the arrow keys, often integrated into a function layer. This size retains the compact form factor while providing a more familiar typing experience than the 40%, making it a favorite among gamers and typists who need more functionality without sacrificing too much space. Iron160, Image Source: Cannon Keys
65% Keyboards build on the 60% layout by adding dedicated arrow keys and a few navigation keys, such as Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down. This size maintains a compact form factor while offering additional functionality that many users find essential for productivity tasks. It's a great middle-ground for those who want more keys than a 60% but still want to keep their setup minimal and portable. Chimera 65
75% Keyboards offer a middle ground, including a dedicated function row and arrow keys while integrating navigation keys closely together. The 75% layout is slightly more compact than the Tenkeyless (TKL) layout, providing efficiency for users who need a balance between functionality and desk space. These keyboards are ideal for those who need additional keys for productivity tasks but want to avoid the bulk of larger keyboards. ROG Azoth
Tenkeyless (TKL) Keyboards are another popular option that omits the numpad while retaining the function row and navigation cluster. This size is perfect for those who don't frequently use the Numpad but still need access to a full set of function and navigation keys. TKL keyboards offer a good balance of compactness and usability, making them versatile choices for both work and play. Rama Works U80 70% Keyboards are a less common size that essentially takes the Tenkeyless (TKL) layout and remove the function row. This size offers a compact design while retaining most of the necessary keys, including the navigation cluster and arrow keys, making it a versatile option for users who need more than a 65% keyboard but don't require the full-function row Metakey TENET 70
Rama Works U80
70% Keyboards are a less common size that essentially takes the Tenkeyless (TKL) layout and remove the function row. This size offers a compact design while retaining most of the necessary keys, including the navigation cluster and arrow keys, making it a versatile option for users who need more than a 65% keyboard but don't require the full-function row
Metakey TENET 70
Full-size keyboards are the most extensive option, featuring a complete set of keys, including the numpad, function row, and navigation cluster. This size is perfect for users who require a comprehensive range of keys for tasks such as data entry, programming, or gaming. While full-size keyboards take up more desk space, they offer the most functionality and are often preferred by users who need quick access to a wide array of keys without relying on function layers.
Each keyboard size offers unique benefits and caters to different typing needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize portability, desk space, or functionality, there's a mechanical keyboard size that's perfect for you.
Tenkeyless (TKL) Keyboards are another popular option that omits the numpad while retaining the function row and navigation cluster. This size is perfect for those who don't frequently use the Numpad but still need access to a full set of function and navigation keys. TKL keyboards offer a good balance of compactness and usability, making them versatile choices for both work and play. Rama Works U80 70% Keyboards are a less common size that essentially takes the Tenkeyless (TKL) layout and remove the function row. This size offers a compact design while retaining most of the necessary keys, including the navigation cluster and arrow keys, making it a versatile option for users who need more than a 65% keyboard but don't require the full-function row Metakey TENET 70
Rama Works U8070% Keyboards are a less common size that essentially takes the Tenkeyless (TKL) layout and remove the function row. This size offers a compact design while retaining most of the necessary keys, including the navigation cluster and arrow keys, making it a versatile option for users who need more than a 65% keyboard but don't require the full-function row
Metakey TENET 70Full-size keyboards are the most extensive option, featuring a complete set of keys, including the numpad, function row, and navigation cluster. This size is perfect for users who require a comprehensive range of keys for tasks such as data entry, programming, or gaming. While full-size keyboards take up more desk space, they offer the most functionality and are often preferred by users who need quick access to a wide array of keys without relying on function layers.
Each keyboard size offers unique benefits and caters to different typing needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize portability, desk space, or functionality, there's a mechanical keyboard size that's perfect for you.
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