There are many different sizes and layouts of keyboards, but how do you identify them all? For some, the amount of shortcuts can be confusing, so let’s review what sizes there are and what makes each one special.

Let’s start by explaining the basics of these terms to get an overview of what they mean. Keyboard size is given as a percentage. The basic size is 100% Full Size keyboard, which is the most basic and probably everyone owns one. TKL (80%) or Tenkeyless is a keyboard that is missing the NumPad ( this is where the name Tenkeyless comes from). A 60% or Compact keyboard is a keyboard without NumPad, function keys, home (is that the right word?) keys, and may contain arrow keys. The keyboard is largely used for gaming, it is small and does not get in the way when playing.

When you say keyboard, most people think of a Full size keyboard.

There are three basic keyboard sizes:

There are other keyboard sizes that are not as common, but have their uses.

These include:

As the keyboard gets smaller, the keys that are no longer needed for the function are progressively removed.

It is ideal for entering a large number of numbers

When you say keyboard, that’s when most people think of a Full Size keyboard. They have Numpad, home keys, function keys and arrow keys. The NumPad is most often located on the right side, but on atypical keyboards it may be located on the left side. Full size keyboards are useful for office people who enter large amounts of data into the computer and the NumPad is their right hand.

Comfortable but too big

Full size keyboards are great for anyone who needs to have all the keys at their reach, whether they’re working or playing. They are easy to type on and can offer many programmable key options. It’s also important to keep in mind that Full Size mechanical keyboards can be a bit more expensive than smaller sized keyboards, if only because they require more switches.

The TKL keyboard is the most popular in the gaming community and usually the optimal compromise between shape and functionality. It will come in handy if you need a large space to use your mouse or have a smaller desk. If you play FPS titles with low mouse sensitivity, you’ll know what we’re talking about.

The perfect size for everyone

In contrast to Full Size keyboards, they don’t have a NumPad, which makes the keyboard more compact and saves space on your desk or makes it easier to pack it with you on the go. Most people don’t use the NumPad anyway, and can get by without it to enter a few numbers.

The 60% keyboard format removes everything to the right from Enter and also the row with the function keys. This way the size of the mechanical keyboard is rather minimalistic and aesthetic. It doesn’t offer many key options, but its shape is fantastic if you want to customize the mechanical keyboard or take it with you on the go.

Popular and easily available

60% keyboards are popular in the gaming community and mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. They are not as common as Full Size or TKL, but their small, compact and symmetrical shape makes them the most common size for custom keyboard builds.

Build it by yourself

Due to their smaller size, purchasing switches and keyboards for custom assemblies can be relatively cheap. Pre-assembled keyboards (sets) are also relatively cheap if you are prepared to take a 60% reduction on the size of the keyboard.

They might be too small for some people

The 60% keyboard may come as a surprise to most people when they first put it on their desk, as it’s missing a lot of keys and the keyboard is really minimalistic. Typing on a keyboard can suddenly seem like a whole new skill to learn.

An unpopular choice, but quite practical

The 75% format is slightly smaller and more compressed than TKL, but offers more or less features. Unlike TKL, the keys are squeezed close together to avoid wasting space. However, if you’re switching from a laptop keyboard, you should feel right at home in the 75% format.

The biggest disadvantage of a 75% keyboard is that finding the keys in a large block without space can sometimes be difficult, but it’s all just a matter of habit.

All keys are placed close together, making the keyboard very compact. The home keys are vertically spaced instead of the usual rectangular layout, and the arrow keys are blended with the rest of the keyboard.

Compared to the 60% keyboard, it misses a row with numbers and it also misses some keys in the area of the non-writing keys. The 45% keyboard is really a minimalist piece and is already quite impractical.

The 40% keyboard is the smallest keyboard available that can still be typed on. In addition to everything that is removed from the 60% keyboard (no number pad, function row, arrow keys, home cluster), the 40% keyboard has also gotten rid of all the numbers in the top row. That’s right, there are no numbers on this keyboard layout. In addition, you also get rid of all non-alphabetic keys like semicolon, quotation marks, etc.

Why does size matter?

When you use a keyboard often, you want one that’s the perfect size. There are many factors to consider when choosing a size. If you plan on traveling with your keyboard, you will need a keyboard that is small, lightweight, and portable. TKL keyboards and smaller keyboards that are compact and easy to carry are such a good option. If you are not traveling and are using a keyboard for desktop use, you need to ask if you can get along without a NumPad or perhaps function keys.

Balancing comfort and size

Those considering a smaller keyboard layout, such as 65% or smaller, need to keep in mind that they may be learning how to type effectively without all the usual keys. Someone with a 60% keyboard, for example, will have to figure out how to get by without the arrow keys. The smaller the keyboard, the more you have to step outside your comfort zone. Smaller keyboards bring amazing benefits, such as more desk space, better portability, and a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Building your own keyboard: Yes or No?

If you are a true mechanical keyboard enthusiast, consider building your own keyboard. There are many keyboard kits that make building one relatively painless. Custom keyboards allow you to choose the switches that suit you best, and allow you to get the layout and size that suits you. You can also customize the key covers, power cord, case, all the way down to the aesthetic look you really want from your desktop build. If you assemble your first keyboard you won’t want another.