The Different Mechanical Keyboard Sizes Explained

Keyboards are no longer just an additional accessory with a computer setup. But as a result of modern research and studies, picking the suitable types of keyboards can have different impacts on the productivity and efficiency of an employee. Moreover, with years spent on research, keyboards are crucial for ergonomics in the workplace. Though to some people, it still might seem unimportant to invest that much time and money in choosing the ideal keyboard for you, one should remember that the right keyboard can prevent wrist injuries and physical strain and also minimize the loss of energy while working.

It can also reduce the strain built over the years on a computer user; hence there are fewer complaints about wrist joint pain and carpal tunnel syndrome as time passes. But what mechanical keyboard sizes are suitable for your needs, and how should you choose the best from many different mechanical keyboard sizes? In this article, you will find all you need to know about mechanical keyboard size charts and how each size differs in features from the others.

Tenkeyless Keyboard

The ergonomic split mechanical keyboard is a common example of a Tenkeyless of TKL keyboards. These keyboards are mainly used for ergonomic programming because they are compact, with keys close to each other. These keyboards don't occupy much space on your desk; hence you can use them on the go, and they also work well with laptops. This type of layout is also highly popular among gamers because they need fast, responsive keys with minimum movement of fingers.

Full Size

The most common and the one we all have used. This type of keyboard has all the numbers and alphabets. You will get the alphanumeric cluster, navigation keys, number pads, and top control keys, all separated horizontally. These keyboards were the initial design, while some modern ones offer more advanced function keys on the top row.

Though the style is the same, you might find the total number of keys differing based on the region. American keyboards have 104 keys, whereas European keyboards have 105 keys in them. If you often use a full-size keyboard, we recommend you get a desk with a keyboard tray, so the entire work surface is not cramped.

Split Ergonomic Layout Keyboards

You will find many ergonomic keyboards offering the split keyboard option. Modern furniture manufacturers offer options like a split mechanical keyboard where both ends of a keyboard can be moved apart while maintaining a limited distance. Split or ergonomic keyboard layouts tilt the left and right sides to match your hands' angle better when resting.

These keyboards are good for people who type for extended periods and offer ergonomic features that relieve the tension of bending wrists required for ordinary keyboards. They are also appropriate as carpal tunnel keyboards.

Divided keyboards come in various styles, such as those with a gap in the middle and those entirely split, ortholinear, or staggered.

1800 Compact Keyboard

This keyboard size, often regarded as the 96% keyboard, has many benefits over the other types on our list. One fact to back this statement is that finding this keyboard is indeed lucky because many few are sold. They are a great middle-ground answer for those who need something between the full-sized and the Tenkeyless keyboard design.

To save space, 1800 tiny keyboard layouts smush the number pad and the rest of the keyboard. This is identical to a full-sized layout. These keyboards are a little more compact and narrower, making them smaller. This makes it simpler to transport and store the keyboard. Furthermore, no keys are lost due to the full-sized layout's compact design, which makes typing exceedingly simple and comfortable.

75% Keyboard

This name is weird to imagine for a keyboard, but 75 percent mechanical keyboard size indicates the amount of size compared to a full keyboard. The 75 percent form factor was created because there are other ways to make your keyboard smaller besides removing keys from the layout.

Since you can store most of the keys from a Tenkeyless in a significantly smaller space, this form factor is becoming more common.

The term "75 percent" refers to the size of the keyboards in this form factor, which occupy only 75 percent of a full-sized keyboard's desk space.

65% Keyboard

Another version of the percentage keyboard size, the 60 percent keyboard, is even smaller and more compact than the previous ones. This mechanical keyboard size is specially designed for people who need a basic, straightforward answer. The keyboard is a full alphanumeric cluster without any top row or number pad function keys.

The most frequently utilized navigational cluster components, often the arrow keys and a portion of the simple features enjoyed in a keyboard, such as the Page up, Page down, and delete, along with other home keys, are occasionally squeezed in as well.

However, since they are frequently moved to a second layer, access to those must be made using the Fn key. This mechanical keyboard size modification allows you to use more desk space for your mouse cursor hand while still having easy access to all the FPS game keys. The arrow keys are often retained, giving it a form factor of 65%.

60% Keyboard

Just when you think you couldn't get a more straightforward answer to your needs. The 60% keyboard is simple, basic, and ideally compact. One of the most popular keyboards among gamers; hence you will find many backlit and RGB-colored options in this size. Due to their very small size, they are not very common but finding them is a treat.

Being symmetrical is a note-worthy feature of this type; many people find them aesthetically pleasing too. These keyboards are also ideal for a DIY Keyboard project because the keys and whole process are cheaper to build. However, the 60% size might be too small for some people.

40% Keyboard

The most basic keyboards that you can still type on are 40% keyboards. 40% of keyboards also get rid of all the numbers on the top row and have everything else removed, for 60% of keyboards have no numeric pad, function keys, arrow keys, or home cluster. That's true; this keyboard's layout does not have any numbers. You also eliminate all non-letter keys, including the semicolon, quotes, etc.