Key Takeaways
- Keyboard layouts come in various sizes and designs, including full-sized, TKL, 75%, 65%, 60%, and 40% keyboards, each offering different features and compactness.
- ANSI and ISO are the two main layout types, with ANSI being more popular in the United States and ISO being more common in Europe, featuring differences in key placements and sizes.
- Number pad keyboards provide added functionality and convenience, with some models connecting via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and even featuring a small screen for additional features like calculators.
There used to be a time when the only real decision you had to make for a keyboard was whether you wanted a number pad. It’s not so easy these days as they come in several different sizes. From full-sized keyboards down to 40% keyboards, they come in many different shapes and sizes.
When it comes to layouts, there are two main types, ANSI and ISO. ANSI is the American National Standards Institute and is probably the most popular layout. As the name would suggest, this is the American-style layout for keyboards and is quite commonly used worldwide. The ISO layout is the International Organization Standardization and is much more common in Europe. The main differences are the placements and sizes of the Enter, Left Shift, Backslash, and Right Alt keys. ISO keyboards also have an extra key over their ANSI counterparts.
If you really want to dive into things, there is a third layout known as the JIS or Japanese Industrial Standard. This layout features a smaller spacebar so that it can fit five extra keys on the keyboard. The extra keys are for Japanese characters and, unless you’re a collector or enthusiast, this keyboard type isn’t normally seen outside of Japan much.
When purchasing a keyboard, it is always important to make sure you are getting your preferred layout. At a glance, some of the differences are hard to notice, so make sure to double-check what you’re getting.
Full Size
This is what many would call the standard keyboard size and layout. Full-sized keyboards generally come with 104 keys as they feature the number pad. The included number pad makes it the preferred keyboard type for those who do a lot of data entry, especially those using numbers a lot. The number pad is normally located on the right side of the keyboard, though there are some models that feature it on the left.
Full-size keyboards are the go-to for office workers as they offer more functionality thanks to the extra keys. While not everyone needs the number pad or arrow keys, it is better to have them just in case.
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Tenkeyless (TKL)
For those who like the look and feel of a full-size keyboard but don’t require the number pad. The TKL keyboard, as it is commonly referred to, offers a similar layout to the full-size keyboard but is only 80% in size. The compact design makes it easier to carry around and also saves valuable desk space, which can come in handy. TKL keyboards, as you might expect, are generally cheaper than full-sized models as well, leaving you more money for other components.
TKL keyboards still have the arrow and function keys, allowing them to be almost as functional as a full-sized keyboard. You may even find that a lot of full-size keyboards come in a TKL layout as well as they are quite similar.
75% Keyboard
75% keyboards are a more compact version of the TKL version. They still have the arrow keys and the home cluster, but they have been moved over a bit. You will also find the home cluster is in a vertical layout rather than horizontal. This is to make things even more compact and make sure that no surface area goes to waste. You will notice that there is no extra space on a 75% board and the whole top area is covered with keys.
While 75% keyboards are more compact, it may also take a little bit of time to get used to. Sometimes the key sizes can be a bit different from a full-size or TKL keyboard, so keep this in mind if you like to purchase custom keycaps.
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65% Keyboard
This is where things start to get fun! While a 65% keyboard will still come with arrow keys in most cases, they have gotten rid of the function keys and some of the home cluster as well. This really is where customization comes in. When it comes to the 65% layout, you can see a few differences between keyboards. Some 65% keyboards may have a volume knob with all the keys pressed right against each other. Others may have the arrow keys spaced away from the main keys, offering a less compact appearance.
As mentioned, this really is where manufacturers start to make things their own a bit. Everyone wants to make sure their products stick out and get noticed and while it may be hard on such a small keyboard, they do a good job at it.
60% Keyboard
As if the 65% wasn’t small enough already, let’s get rid of the arrow keys as well. Cutting off that 5% is mostly done by getting rid of the arrow keys. 60% keyboards are well-used throughout the custom keyboard scene. This is due to their smaller size, making them more affordable and easier to buy custom switches and keycaps for. A 60% keyboard is the smallest keyboard you can get that still features a standard row of number keys at the top of the keyboard.
These are good if you have to travel a lot and need to bring your own peripherals with you. They also come in handy if you have very limited desk space or just like things to look super tidy. Again, if you are used to a full-size keyboard, you may find it takes a short period of time to get used to using a 60% keyboard.
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40% Keyboard
The smallest of the small! Standard 40% keyboards get rid of everything that is not essential to typing. They will even have a smaller spacebar so they can fit all the keys needed on the board. As such, in a lot of cases, all the keys will also have a secondary function that can be used by pressing the FN key first. 40% keyboards have even gotten rid of the dedicated number keys across the top row, making you use the FN key if you want to access them. You will also find other non-letter keys such as the semicolon and quote keys no longer have their own dedicated keys.
40% keyboards are quite rare and may be hard to find if you don’t know where to look. If you are interested in one, you may need to find a custom keyboard community to help you find somewhere that sells them. You may even have to buy the parts and build the keyboard yourself.
Number Pad
Probably one of the most useful of them all. Being able to have a standalone number is an absolute game-changer. It means you can pick any size keyboard layout you want, and then, when needed, you can have a separate number pad to use. While you likely wouldn’t want to get it out of a drawer and plug it in every time you need it, you could easily put it out of the way on your desk when not in use.
What’s even cooler is that a lot of them connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This also allows them to add a small screen so they can double as a calculator, adding to the overall functionality they can offer.
What keyboard size is best for you?
There really is no definitive answer as to which is the best keyboard for you. First, you will need to think of what the main purpose of the keyboard will be. Do you need a gaming keyboard? Maybe you would prefer a mechanical keyboard or a wireless one? Once you know this, you can then start looking into which size and layout is best for you.
Choosing a keyboard should be a personal experience and with so many options available, you must look into them properly before you purchase one. While full-sized keyboards may have been the norm for years, there seems to be a shift, and smaller keyboards are becoming much more popular. The added functionality of the FN key has opened up the industry to new possibilities, making custom keyboards even more desirable.