It's time we talked about keyboard sizes, which one you should get, and which ones are best for different applications. By the end of this guide, you'll have a better idea of the benefits and limitations of each keyboard size and you'll be better prepared to buy the one that suits you.
These days, we're not limited to just a single standard keyboard anymore, we're free to choose from many different types. So, we're going to give you a rundown of the three most common sizes: Full-size/100%, TKL (Tenkeyless), and 60%. Additionally, we're going to cover the 65%, too, as it's growing in popularity recently.
The short answer is that there is no "best" keyboard size. Dogmatic Redditors might have an obsessive allegiance to a certain size, but realistically, it comes down to three main considerations: application, space, and of course, the impossible to pin down personal preference. We'll address each of these considerations as we take a closer look at each keyboard size.
The Full-size keyboard is the type that pops into your mind when someone says "keyboard". The stalwart, reliable, and parochial type of keyboard that was on the desk of the family PC you were occasionally allowed on as a kid. Ever the multitasker, the Full-size keyboard is the most popular of the keyboard sizes, as it's well-suited to every application.
On a Full-size keyboard, you'll find the following:
If the keyboard you're considering has all these, then it's a Full-size. For example, the current jewel of the K70 line-up, the CORSAIR K70 RGB PRO.
If you work from home, or use spreadsheets a lot, then the Full-size is the best option, as the numpad makes data entry a breeze, and the arrow keys allow you to navigate and edit word documents far more quickly. A full-size keyboard won't hold you back in-game, either, as it has the maximum number of keys. This is particularly useful in games with a million functions that all need a keybind, like EVE Online and Elite Dangerous.
This is not to say that the Full-size keyboard is perfect for everyone. The large size can make them a tight squeeze on smaller desks and take up valuable mouse real estate. An egregious crime for competitive FPS players who play at low DPI settings and therefore need as much room as possible. Additionally, FPS games typically require far fewer keybinds, so most of the keys will go unused.
Additionally, a lot of people dislike the look of a full-size keyboard. As the overall aesthetic consensus continues to shift toward the minimal, some might find themselves looking for a smaller, more compact keyboard. Speaking of which:
Let’s be honest, only accountants use Numpads. However, arrow keys and a function row continue to be useful regardless of the type of user, or application they’re using.
This is why the TKL, or Tenkeyless keyboard size, is an increasingly popular option. It takes up less space and removes arguably extraneous features without sacrificing day-to-day functionality. A great example of this space-saving functionality is our K70 RGB TKL CHAMPION SERIES. It's even snuck a suite of media controls across the top for some additional convenience.
On a TKL keyboard, you’ll find the following:
We consider the TKL keyboard size to be the best of both worlds, resting perfectly between the Full-Size and the 60% options, making it the ideal choice for those looking to lose the Numpad, but aren’t yet willing to divorce the arrow keys and function row.
A bonus for the custom keyboard enthusiasts out there is that the spare room above the arrow keys on a TKL keyboards provides a potential blank canvas for some cool designs. This allows the aesthetic of the keyboard to extend a little further than the keycaps. Those willing to shell out the big bucks for a custom top-case or get creative with DIY can do a lot with this area.
Aside from the keybind-heavy games we mentioned earlier, the TKL excels with all games, creating more space for the FPS players, but keeping enough keys for games that require more complex inputs. Additionally, the TKL keyboard size retains strong work from home utility, just as long as you’re not entering numbers into a spreadsheet all day.
The next keyboard is an interesting one, because functionally speaking it’s basically identical to a TKL, but it offers a very different look and experience. Here’s the deal with the 75%.
The 75% keyboard has become very popular recently, which makes sense as it has 99% the functionality of the TKL, but in a more efficient package. Additionally, the condensed layout leaves a couple of convenient gaps. Unlike the TKL, these gaps are almost always used for a volume knob and indicator lights for caps lock and the like.
On a 75% keyboard, you’ll find the following:
The only things you lose going from a TKL to a 75% layout are the control keys the TKL has above the arrow keys: Print screen, Scroll lock, Pause, Insert, and End are often absent on a 75%. You should note that the keys present on the right hand-side of a 75% can vary from brand to brand. So, pay close attention, otherwise you might end up buying a keyboard that lacks something you personally find vital.
As an example, the CORSAIR K65 PLUS WIRELESS retains Delete, Home, Page up, and Page down on the right side. The slimmer layout of a 75% makes it less wide than a TKL. So, if a 65% doesn’t have the functionality you need, and a TKL eats into your mouse space too much, the 75% is probably your best bet.
The 65% keyboard sits at a convenient half-step between the concentrated functionality of the 75% and the condensed minimalism of the 60%. It's becoming super popular for good reason, because on a 65% you get:
It's worth noting here that 65% keyboards have a less-standardized set of keys than the other sizes, so the keys located on the right-hand side of the layout can change. For example, on the CORSAIR K65 PRO MINI, you get Delete, PgUp, PgDn, and a spare key emblazoned with the CORSAIR logo. All of these are side printed as G1, G2, G3, and G4. This helpfully designates them in the case that you want to bind them as you wish for a set of multifunctional macros.
65% keyboards are perfect for those who crave the simplicity of the 60%, but can't yet sign the divorce papers for the arrow keys. For these reasons, the CORSAIR K65 PRO MINI is great for FPS games, but it can still perform strongly in other genres, in additional to the annoyingly persistent real world. If you're curious about his board, we've written an extensive guide on everything you need to know about the CORSAIR 65 PRO MINI, which goes over all the cool stuff packed into this little keyboard.
For the puritanical keyboard guys out there, who want the mere essence of the keyboard, and have no need for arrow keys or a function row? Well, luckily for those people, we’ve got the 60% keyboard size.
Aside from more custom solutions, or the arguably unusable 40%, the 60% keyboard size is the smallest mainstream option available today, and it’s a favorite among mechanical keyboard fans for a few good reasons. Reason, by chance, that are exemplified by our K70 PRO MINI WIRELESS, which is the definition of "Small, but mighty".
On a 60% keyboard, you’ll find the following:
Obviously, omitting arrow keys, numpad, and function row makes it a very small form-factor keyboard, ideal for the minimalists out there, and often necessary for those with very small desks, too.
Additionally, removing these aspects creates a neat, squared-off rectangular shape with no space between the keys, which looks cool and makes for the most efficient use of space.
For this reason, we consider the 60% keyboard size to be the best for competitive FPS games like Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, and Apex legends. As most players prefer a lower DPI, they need a lot of mouse space, and the 60% gives them that, even on the smallest of desks.
Unfortunately, such efficiency belies some inherent limitations. It’s not impossible to do work with a 60% keyboard, but it will become more difficult. Those who work with numbers or spreadsheets should consider a separate Numpad, and people who write for a living will come to begrudge the lack of arrow keys.
Many 60% keyboards, for example the CORSAIR K70 PRO MINI WIRLESS, do have built-in shortcuts to retain some lost functionality, in this case, holding down the right FN key turns WASD into arrow keys. However, it’s never going to be as easy or ergonomic as having dedicated keys for the function in question.
So, we recommend the 60% keyboard size for the gamers out there that mainly play FPS games, and don’t regularly use their PCs for work.
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