When buying a keyboard, our attention often goes to its design, price or features, but its size and layout are just as important. Every keyboard features a QWERTY layout, but the number of keys and their setup may vary.

Some keyboards are large and have everything from number pads to function keys. While small keyboards occupy less space and can be easily carried anywhere. So, before choosing the right keyboard, it is important to understand whether you are going to use it for gaming, office work, heavy typing or traveling. So let us understand the different keyboard sizes and their uses in simple language.

Full size keyboard

In a full-size keyboard, you get almost all the necessary keys together. Along with the alphabet keys, it also has a function row, arrow keys and a separate number pad. It usually has 104 to 108 keys.

This keyboard is useful for people who do office work, data entry or do a lot of typing on a daily basis and use the number pad constantly. However, due to its large size, it requires more desk space.

1800 and 96% compact keyboard

If you need most of the keys of a full-size keyboard, but want a model that takes up less desk space, the 1800 or 96% compact layout may be an option.

It has almost all the essential keys of a full size keyboard including the number pad. The difference is that the space between the keys is reduced and the overall layout is made more compact. That means you also get a number pad and save some desk space compared to a full-size keyboard.

TKL and 75% keyboard

In TKL stands for Tenkeyless keyboard, the separate number pad is removed. However, function keys and arrow keys remain present. It usually has around 87 to 88 keys. While 75% of keyboards are slightly smaller than this. It still uses function and arrow keys, but the overall layout is more compact.

If you are short on desk space and need a comfortable setup for gaming or daily typing, the TKL and 75% keyboard can be considered.

65% and 60% keyboard

In 65% of layouts, the keyboard’s function row is removed, but separate arrow keys remain. Due to this, its size becomes much smaller, while the functionality of the arrow keys remains intact. In comparison, the 60% keyboard is more compact. It lacks number pad, function row and separate arrow keys. Many of their functions are used using key combinations. This small layout can be useful for setups with little desk space and for portability.

Look at the switch, not just the size

When buying a keyboard, just looking at its size and number of keys is not enough. The switches used in it can also change your typing experience a lot. Linear switches are easy to press and usually don’t make a clicking sound. A tactile switch gives a slight feedback to the finger when a key is pressed, letting you know that a key has been pressed.

Apart from this, the clicky switch also has a click sound with tactile feedback. So, while choosing a switch, you should also consider your preference, typing style and surrounding environment.

Which keyboard size for which task?

If most of your work involves office, data entry, or typing, a full-size, 1800 compact, TKL, or 65% keyboard may be useful. Especially if you need a number pad, a full-size or 1800 layout may be more convenient.

Small keyboards like TKL, 75%, 65% and 60% are very popular for gaming. Their compact design leaves more desk space for a mouse and other devices. When you often carry a keyboard with you, smaller layouts like 60%, 50% or 40% can be more easily kept in a bag.

Ultimately, the right keyboard size is one that fits your work, desk space and usage pattern. Rather than just looking at a small or large keyboard, it’s good to consider the keys, layout, and switches.

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