Keyboard Sizes: A Simple Guide
Keyboards come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and the type of keyboard you choose is largely dependent on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a full-size keyboard for your office or a compact one for travel, there is a wide range of sizes to choose from. In this article, we’ll take a look at the different types of keyboard sizes, their advantages and disadvantages, and how to choose the one that’s right for you.
A Detailed Note on Different Keyboard Sizes
Full-Sized (100%) Keyboards
Full-sized keyboards are the most popular choice for desktop computers. They offer a wide range of features, including a generous number of keys, dedicated media keys, multiple customizable macro keys, and backlighting. Full-sized keyboards provide users with an extensive range of tactile feedback and ergonomic comfort.
The most popular full-sized keyboards are mechanical keyboards. Mechanical keyboards offer superior tactile feedback and a longer life span than membrane keyboards. They also come with a variety of switch types, allowing users to customize their typing experience.
Wireless keyboards are also available in the full-sized form, providing users with a more convenient typing experience. Bluetooth keyboards allow users to connect their keyboards to multiple devices with ease and range. Some wireless keyboards are even backlit, providing a bright typing experience.
Full-sized keyboards are the ideal choice for gamers, typists, and anyone who requires a large range of keys and features. They are available in a variety of styles and colors to suit any user’s needs.
1800 Compact Keyboards
The 1800 Compact Keyboard is a slim and light keyboard designed for use in tight spaces. It is perfect for use in cramped apartments, home offices, or even dorm rooms. The keyboard features a slim design that is only 1/4 inch thick, making it a great choice for tight spaces. The keys are designed for comfortable typing and the layout is designed for maximum efficiency. The 1800 Compact Keyboard also features a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides up to three months of usage on a single charge.
The 1800 Compact Keyboard is perfect for those who need to save space without sacrificing functionality. The keyboard is compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems, as well as Android and iOS mobile devices. It also includes a USB port for connecting other devices, such as a mouse or external hard drive.
The 1800 Compact Keyboard is a great choice for those who need to conserve space while still being able to type comfortably and efficiently. It is lightweight, slim, and provides plenty of functionality. Plus, the built-in rechargeable battery makes it easy to use the keyboard while on the go.
96% Keyboards
96% keyboards, which are keyboards with up to 96% of the keys of a full-size keyboard. This type of keyboard is becoming increasingly popular among typists and gamers who are looking for a more efficient keyboard layout with fewer keys.
96% of keyboards are designed to be more compact than traditional full-size keyboards. As a result, they offer less key travel and fewer keys, while still providing the same basic typing experience. This is especially useful for those who are used to having a full-size keyboard but don’t have room for one.
The most popular 96% of keyboards are mechanical ones, which offer more reliable keystrokes and a more tactile typing experience. They’re also more expensive than non-mechanical ones. However, there are plenty of non-mechanical 96% keyboards that offer a great typing experience without the high cost.
Most 96% of keyboards are also available with a variety of switches, such as Cherry MX, Gateron, and Kailh. This allows you to choose the type of switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
Finally, 96% of keyboards are usually highly customizable. Many models come with programmable keys, allowing you to customize the keyboard to your needs. You can also find models with different lighting options, such as RGB or static lighting.
Overall, 96% of keyboards are a great option for those who want a more efficient keyboard layout without sacrificing typing comfort. With a variety of options available, there’s sure to be a 96% keyboard that’s right for you.
TKL (80%) Keyboards
A TKL (80%) keyboard is a type of keyboard that is designed to be compact and ergonomic for gamers and typists alike. It is a full-size keyboard that lacks the numeric keypad found on a standard keyboard. This makes it significantly smaller, which can be beneficial for those who are limited on desk space or who prefer a more minimalist setup.
The TKL keyboard is designed to be ergonomically friendly and comfortable to use for extended periods of time. It has a reduced profile that helps reduce the strain on the wrists and arms, making it a great option for those who experience pain or discomfort when typing on a traditional keyboard. It also allows for more efficient typing as the keys are closer together and easier to reach.
The main benefit of a TKL keyboard is its compact size. It is ideal for gamers who want to maximize their desk space or for those who need to transport their keyboard easily. It is also a great option for typists who want to take up less desk space, as it is significantly smaller than a standard keyboard.
The TKL keyboard is available in a variety of styles and colors, so you can find one that suits your needs and style. It is also compatible with most gaming systems, making it a very versatile option.
Overall, a TKL keyboard is a great option for those who are looking for a compact and ergonomic keyboard. It is comfortable to use, and its small size makes it perfect for gamers and typists alike.
75% Keyboards
A 75% keyboard is a compact form factor keyboard that is smaller than a full-size keyboard, but larger than a 60% keyboard. It offers a unique blend of features and benefits that make it a great option for people who want a more portable keyboard but also want to have access to the full set of keys.
The 75% keyboard has a smaller footprint than a full-size keyboard, making it more portable and easier to fit into a backpack or laptop bag. It also has less of a learning curve than a full-size keyboard, as the keys are organized in the same way and many of the same shortcuts will work.
The keys on the 75% keyboard are spaced in a staggered layout, giving the user more room to type with their fingers without having to reach far. The keys also have a slightly curved profile, which helps to reduce fatigue while typing.
The 75% keyboard also features dedicated arrow keys and a full set of function keys, making it easier to use for tasks such as programming or gaming. It also has an integrated media control panel, allowing the user to control their media without needing to use keyboard shortcuts or a dedicated media control device.
Overall, the 75% keyboard is a great compromise between portability and usability. It offers a more comfortable typing experience, while still giving the user access to all of the keys they need for their tasks.
65% Keyboards
A 65% keyboard is a type of mechanical keyboard that is smaller than a full-size keyboard but larger than a 60% keyboard. It is designed for maximum efficiency, versatility, and ergonomics. The keyboard has 65 keys, which includes all the keys from a full-size keyboard (including the number pad and function keys) but without the unnecessary extra keys. This makes the keyboard more compact and lightweight while still providing the necessary keys for typing and gaming.
The 65% keyboard also features a more ergonomic layout compared to a full-size keyboard. It is designed to be more comfortable to use and reduce strain on the wrists and hands. The layout also allows for more efficient typing and gaming due to the improved key spacing and layout.
In addition, the 65% keyboard offers more versatility than a full-size keyboard. It is compatible with a variety of accessories, such as keycaps, wrist rests, and replacement switches. This allows users to customize their keyboard to their exact preferences and needs.
Overall, the 65% keyboard is an excellent choice for people who desire a more compact, ergonomic, and versatile keyboard. It provides all the necessary keys for typing and gaming without the unnecessary bulk of a full-size keyboard. It is also highly customizable, allowing users to tailor their keyboard to their exact needs.
60% Keyboards
60% of keyboards are a type of keyboard that has a smaller form factor than a standard keyboard. This often means that the keyboard has fewer keys than a full-sized one, but still provides a comfortable typing experience. The number of keys on a 60% keyboard can vary, but the most common configuration is 60 keys.
These keyboards are becoming increasingly popular with gamers, streamers, and other computer users who want a more compact keyboard without sacrificing performance. The benefit of having fewer keys is that the keyboard can be more portable and take up less desk space.
40% Keyboards
A 40% keyboard is a type of keyboard that is smaller than the standard full-sized keyboard. It has 40% fewer keys than the full-sized keyboard, which makes it more lightweight and portable. The 40% keyboard also has a more minimalist design, which many users find more aesthetically pleasing.
The major difference between a 40% keyboard and a full-sized keyboard is the number of keys. A 40% keyboard typically has 40% fewer keys than a full-sized keyboard, which means that the keys are all clustered together and the keyboard is much smaller in size. This makes it easier to carry the keyboard around and use it in tighter spaces.
The 40% keyboard also has a much more minimalistic design. It typically has fewer features than a full-sized keyboard, such as backlighting, dedicated media keys, and a number pad. This minimalist design makes it look more modern and sleek, and some users find it more aesthetically pleasing.
The 40% keyboard is gaining popularity among users who prefer a more portable and minimalist design. However, the main disadvantage of the 40% keyboard is the lack of keys. This makes it difficult to use the keyboard for tasks that require a lot of keystrokes, such as gaming or coding. It also makes it more difficult to use shortcuts, as there are fewer keys available.
Overall, the 40% keyboard is a great choice for those who prefer a more portable and minimalist design. However, it is important to consider the trade-off between the reduced number of keys and the convenience of having a smaller keyboard.
30% Keyboards
A 30% keyboard is a compact keyboard that has 30% fewer keys than a full-sized keyboard. It is often referred to as a “tenkeyless” keyboard because it lacks the numeric keypad found on most keyboards. This makes the keyboard more compact and easier to transport.
30% of keyboards come in both wired and wireless models, though they tend to be more popular in the wired form factor. The most popular 30% keyboard is the Vortex Race 3, which is a highly customizable keyboard with a wide range of switch options.
The benefits of using a 30% keyboard include increased portability and a more ergonomic typing experience. The smaller size of the keyboard also helps to reduce clutter on your desk and makes it easier to reach for the keys. The decreased number of keys also allows for a more minimalistic look, which is especially appealing to gamers and other tech enthusiasts.
For those looking for an even more minimalistic design, there are also 40% and 60% keyboards available. These keyboards have even fewer keys than the 30% keyboard, making them even more portable and providing a more ergonomic typing experience.
Overall, the 30% keyboard is a great solution for those who want a more compact keyboard that still offers the full range of keys. It is an ideal choice for those who travel often and need a keyboard that is easy to transport. It also provides a more ergonomic typing experience and a more minimalistic look.
How To Choose the Perfect Size Keyboard for You?
Choosing the perfect size keyboard for you requires careful consideration of your individual needs and preferences. Here are some tips to help you find the right one:
Choosing the perfect size keyboard for you requires careful consideration of your individual needs and preferences. Here are some tips to help you find the right one:
Measure your desk
Before you start shopping, measure the length and width of your desk to determine the maximum size of keyboard you can comfortably fit in the space.
Consider your typing style
If you have large hands and prefer to type with your fingers spread out, you may want a larger keyboard with more key travel. On the other hand, if you have small hands and prefer a light touch, a smaller keyboard with less key travel may be a better choice.
Look for the features you need
Keyboards come with a variety of features, from backlighting to programmable keys. Make sure you look for the features you need in your keyboard.
Look for ergonomic features
If you plan on spending a lot of time using your keyboard, ergonomic features such as a split design or palm rest can help reduce fatigue and strain.
Try before you buy
If possible, try out the keyboard before you make your final purchase. This will give you a better idea of how it feels and how comfortable it is to use.
Does the Size of the Keyboard Matter?
The size of a keyboard does have an impact on typing speed and accuracy. Generally speaking, larger keyboards with wider keys and more space between keys are easier to type on since it allows for more precise and comfortable finger placement. On the other hand, smaller keyboards with more closely-spaced keys and smaller keys can be more difficult to type on and can be less comfortable to use.
Different people have different preferences when it comes to keyboard size. For example, some people may prefer using larger keyboards while others may prefer using smaller keyboards. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what is comfortable for the user.
However, there are a few factors to consider when it comes to the size of a keyboard. Larger keyboards typically offer more features such as additional keys or shortcut keys. These can be useful for increasing typing speed and accuracy. On the other hand, smaller keyboards are often more portable and can be easier to carry around when traveling.
In conclusion, the size of a keyboard does have an impact on typing speed and accuracy. Different people may have different preferences when it comes to keyboard size, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what is comfortable for the user. Consider the features offered by different-sized keyboards as well as portability.
Most Related Article: Keyboard Layouts: A Simple Identification Guide
Conclusion
As it is mentioned earlier the keyboard sizes can vary according to the user’s preference and needs. Keyboards can range from full-size to ultra-small or even custom-made. For a user who needs a full-size keyboard for work, a full-size keyboard is a way to go. For those who prefer a more portable keyboard, there are many options available, from mini keyboards to ultra-small keyboards. No matter which size keyboard you choose, it is important to consider your needs and preferences and choose the size that best suits your needs.
FAQs
What size keyboard should I buy?
It depends on your individual needs and preferences. Generally, full-size keyboards are best suited for desktop use and provide the most space to type, while smaller keyboards such as tenkeyless or 60% size are better suited for travel or portability.
What are the different sizes of keyboards?
A: Common keyboard sizes include full-size (104-key), tenkeyless (87-key), 60% (68-key), and 75% (83-key).
Is there a standard size for keyboards?
The standard size for keyboards is 104-key, or full-size. However, smaller keyboards such as tenkeyless or 60% are becoming increasingly popular, as they are better suited for portability and take up less space on your desk.
Are smaller keyboards more comfortable to type on?
It depends on the individual. Some people may find smaller keyboards to be more comfortable and easier to type on due to the reduced size, while others may prefer the larger size of a full-size keyboard. It is best to try out different sizes to see which one works best for you.
