Keyboard Sizes Compared

The keyboard has gone through various changes over the years. While they’ve been standardized to look the same to a certain extent, various keyboard sizes introduced over the span of a few decades have jostled some variety to the mix.

Each keyboard size is meant for a particular purpose. A smaller keyboard, for instance, might not be great for an accountant who needs the Numpad but great for a typist who might not need it.

All in all, there’s a lot of variation between keyboard sizes. So, in this article, we’re going to go over all the differences between each keyboard and why you should opt for one or the other.

Keyboard Sizes Compared

Here’s a quick look at all the size differences between each keyboard:

Keyboard Size	No. of Keys	Number Pad	Nav Cluster	Fn Row	Arrow Keys	Num Keys (Top Row)
Full-Sized (100%)	104	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
1800 Compact	103-104	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
96%	103-104	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
TKL (80%)	87	✖	✓	✓	✓	✓
75%	83-84	✖	✓	✓	✓	✓
65%	66-69	✖	✓	✖	✓	✓
60%	58-65	✖	✖	✖	✓	✓
40%	40-42	✖	✖	✖	✖	✖
30%	30	✖	✖	✖	✓	✖

Keyboard Sizes and Layouts

After getting an overview of different keyboards types, let’s look at different keyboard sizes:

Full-Sized Keyboard Layout

The full-sized keyboard is considered the first modern keyboard, both in terms of format and size. It’s what you most often see in offices and on desks. This is because it has all the features that a keyboard is known for.

For instance, it has a full-sized Numpad, FN keys, navigation keys, and GUI keys. While the keyboard did have its appeal in the olden times, unless and until you do some serious crunching, we suggest opting for a 60% keyboard instead.

While we’ll talk about the 60% later, one thing’s for certain, full-sized keyboards take up a lot of space. And, in most cases, an average Joe doesn’t end up using the keys that the keyboard has anyways. So, you are much better off with a smaller size.

Check out how many keys each keyboard has

1800 Compact Keyboard Layout

Used: Seldom seen

It has all the same keys as a 100% keyboard, but the navigation cluster sections are combined with the number pad section of keys. This leads to an overall footprint reduction of about 3-5%, which is negligible in the grand scheme of things. So, all you gain is a slightly better form factor.

The reason why this format wasn’t extensively popular and still isn’t widely adapted is primarily that it poses no real advantage to the design it was based off of (the 100%.) That’ll be a common theme throughout these sizes, keyboard sizes that did not bring anything new to the popular were quickly obsolete.

If you do end up somehow finding an 1800 compact keyboard, you’ll end up with a slightly smaller footprint which might be useful if you have a cramped-up desk setup and need all the space you can get.

The 96% Keyboard Layout

Used: Seldom seen

It has most of the keys that 100% keyboard has. The only significant difference is that the gaps between the sections have been removed, and the keyboard is made compact. The only dedicated keys removed from the keyboards are the navigation keys of Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, and Insert.

The layout is almost similar to the full-size keyboard, but they are not very widely used. As the gap between the sections is removed, the compact design obviously affects the typing accuracy.

• It has the same number of keys as a full-sized keyboard
• The gap between the sections is removed, hence it is compact in size
• Not much-added advantage – hence less popular

At first glance, a 96% keyboard looks exactly like a full sized keyboard. Our primary issue with this keyboard type is the fact that it leads to a more constricted and poor typing experience since the section gaps are removed. Add onto that, it doesn’t really have a large reduction in size too.

TKL (80%) Keyboard Layout

Used: Often (General typing use)

TKL stands for Tenkeyless, as the right-hand side number pad (keys 0-9) are removed and has only about 87 keys. It is also known as an 80% keyboard. The gaps between the sections are also squeezed out, but what’s amazing about it is that the key size and the gaps between the keys are still good enough, for better typing accuracy.

This keyboard is considered good for people who rarely use numeric keys or are comfortable with the numeric keys provided at the top row. The TKL keyboard is compact and saves space on your desk without reducing the typing speed and accuracy. 

Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard is very popular due to its convenience and comfort, and most laptop’s keyboards are based on the concept of a Tenkeyless layout. It is also considered the most ergonomically sized keyboard, as it offers the perfect width between the elbows while using it.

If you prefer a minimalist and simplistic keyboard with all the keys, then this is the keyboard you should choose for your work desk:

• The TKL keyboard retains the dedicated Fn keys row at the top (F1, F2, F3, etc.)
• The navigation cluster is provided
• A TKL keyboard offers the perfect balance of comfort, compatibility, and usability
• Offers superior ergonomic position

I’m a big fan of TKLs. If you aren’t going to be crunching in numbers and just want a keyboard that’s primarily used for typing and editing, a TKL is your best friend. They are heavily modifiable due to their small chassis, and you’ll find tons of brands selling great hot-swappable keyboards.

Plus, while it doesn’t match the minimalism of a 60%, a TKL still looks great in a minimal desk setup. Or for when you are a power user and really need to take advantage of shortcuts to make the most out of your workflow.

75% Keyboard Layout

Used: Rarely

All the gaps between the sections are eliminated, and there is only a minimal gap between the keys. Of course, the number pad is completely removed like the TKL, the arrow keys are provided towards the right bottom, and the navigation keys cluster (Home, End, PgUp, PgDn) is placed in the extreme right column in a straight line. Unlike full-sized keyboards, the right shift key and enter key are typically smaller in size.

Some keyboards provide the option to use function keys as multimedia keys, and there are windows or Mac OS compatible keyboards also available in this size. The 75% keyboard is popular among gamers, especially the mechanical keyboard version. 

• More compact than TKL with about 84 keys
• Minimal space between keys
• The enter and shift keys are smaller to make optimum use of the space
• The space between the top Fn row and number row is reduced
• The rest of the layout is identical to a TKL keyboard
• Considered more productive for working professionals

65% Keyboard Layout

Used: Rarely

In a 65% keyboard, the top row with function keys is completely removed. Instead, the other keys are used for functions as a dual-layer. Despite the squeezed downsize of the keyboard, the arrow and navigation keys are retained in a 65% keyboard. The keyboard has 5 rows, with about 15 keys in each row.

There are various layouts available in a 65% keyboard, especially with the placement of the arrow and navigation keys. In some keyboards, they are placed in a 2×2 orientation, while in some keyboards, you will find them in a single column at the extreme right.

• Function keys are double layered with number keys
• Great to pair it with your laptop due to its compact size
• Provides space for mouse movement
• Optimally sized

60% Keyboard Layout

Used: Primarily by gamers

The 60% size has quickly established itself as a size format that’s quickly rising through the tides. This is because its easily modifiable due to it only having 62-64 keys.

The mechanical version of the 60% keyboard is the most popular amongst gamers due to its compact size and easy customization with swappable keys. Usually, in a 60% keyboard, WASD is used for arrows, and similarly, other alphabets or special character keys are used for other navigation purposes.

• Function keys are double layered with number keys
• Arrows keys are double layered with alphabet keys (usually WASD)
• Backspace/Delete keys are combined
• The reduced keyboard size provides space for mouse movement
• Very popular among gamers

The 60% keyboard is my personal favorite, you don’t always need to use your FN keys and shortcuts. And, for gamers who like the added space for their mouse, this keyboard is a blessing in surprise. Unless you really want to use shortcuts, I’d urge getting your hands on a 60% keyboard. It looks minimal and chic on any desk setup.

Why Is The Keyboard Not in Alphabetical Order?

40% Keyboard Layout

Used: Rarely

Alright, so the 40% is where you truly start to see some sacrifices being made to compensate for the smaller form. For instance, the 40% It has only 4 rows, and the top number row is completely eliminated, While the arrow keys and other navigation keys are retained, the keyboard is somewhat unusable for day-to-day tasks, especially if you deal with numbers.

The dedicated caps lock is also removed along with the semi-colon key, and the space key is also smaller. So, if you are a typist, you won’t be having a lot of fun managing the lack of a lot of keys that you’ve been used to.

• Only alphabet keys
• No function keys, number keys, or navigation keys
• Smaller space bar
• Minimum wrist movement while using

30% Keyboard Layout

Used: Rarely

There are not many keyboards available in this category, but we would like to specially mention Gherkin, which produces a DIY 30% mechanical keyboard. It has no other keys apart from alphabet keys, backspace, space, and the 2 function keys.

It is not exactly functional or usable, for that matter. But, if you really want an uber small keyboard, the 30% keyboard is a fun purchase.

External Number Pad Layout

If you have a TKL or smaller keyboard and now want to use a number pad as well, you can look for an external number pad. It has number keys, decimal keys, mathematical operator keys (+,-,/,*), Enter key, Num Lock, Delete, and Backspace.

Some of the keys are dual-layer operations combined with functions like page-up, down, home, end, etc. So, if you are someone who crunches numbers ever so often, a Numpad is a great accessory to have.

How To Choose The Right Keyboard Size?

As we’ve mentioned earlier, the difference in keyboard sizes mainly rises from the difference in use cases. So, picking a particular keyboard size is wildly dependent on your actual use case.

And there are a lot of metrics that can inhibit you from choosing a certain size. For instance, if you have a small desk, a full-sized keyboard might not be the best option. On the other hand, if you just need to enter numbers, say, at a kiosk, then a Numpad makes sense.

Another example, I’m a frequent traveler and bring my keyboard along with me for the ride. If I have a TKL keyboard, carrying it around would be quite meaningless as I don’t use most of the keys that are present in the keyboard. On the other hand, a 60% keyboard is much easier to travel with.

Case in point, the right keyboard for you is paramount on you identifying your usecases. We’re going to be highlighting some key metrics that can help you in your decision-making process:

• Portability: If you are a traveler, then you should probably opt for some of the smaller keyboard sizes.
• Functionality: A 60% keyboard lacks the FN row and the Numpad. Other sizes may not have important keys that you use in your workflow. Therefore, understanding your functional requirements is quite important.
• Form Factor: If you have a small desk, opting for a large keyboard doesn’t make a lot of sense. Therefore, ensure an understanding of your desk space’s overall dimension before you decide on a typing device.

Conclusion

Your keyboard size doesn’t indicate much about your overall typing experience other than the functionality it can provide. To no one’s surprise, a full-sized keyboard is the most functional out of the bunch. But, that doesn’t mean that’ll other sizes are worse.

Ultimately, your decision on keyboard size matters strictly on how you intend to use your keyboard. I personally am using Keychron Q1 75% Keyboard. I wanted something compact. Since my desk isn’t the biggest and I’m not working with numbers anymore, I figured I wouldn’t need the full-sized keyboard and that 75% keyboard should be enough, and it is. My point is, if you feel like you don’t need the number, most likely you don’t, and you can get a more compact size.