How to Select the Ideal Mechanical Keyboard Size for Long-term Use?

For gamers or content creators, a mechanical keyboard is essential, providing better typing feel and responsiveness compared to regular keyboards. With numerous models and sizes available, how do you choose the right size for your mechanical keyboard? Let's find out with 24h Technology!

Some Types of Keyboards You Need to Know to Choose the Right Size Mechanical Keyboard

1. Fullsize Keyboard

This can be considered the most common size of mechanical keyboards worldwide. Almost everyone knows about and has used this type of keyboard.

Fullsize mechanical keyboards typically have 104, 105, or 108 keys depending on the keyboard layout. However, in some premium models, this number of keys can be even higher when manufacturers include additional media keys or dedicated macro keys.

Fullsize mechanical keyboards are the most popular type because they offer all the functions on the keyboard without the need for integration like smaller-sized keyboards. Hence, many people prefer fullsize mechanical keyboards.

If you're an office worker who frequently needs to input data, then the Fullsize keyboard is perfect for you, as it has a convenient Numpad for numerical entry.

2. 1800-compact Keyboard

This type of keyboard retains all the keys of a Fullsize keyboard but with reduced spacing between keys, making it look neater. Using this size will help you save more space.

Due to its compactness, the 1800-compact mechanical keyboard will have some minor layout changes. Specifically, the arrow keys will be located below the Enter key, and the Numpad will align closely with the arrow keys.

3. Tenkeyless Keyboard

This is the second most popular type of keyboard after the Fullsize keyboard. Tenkeyless, or TKL, keyboards have eliminated the Numpad on the right side.

The total number of keys on a TKL keyboard is only about 87 or 88 keys, which is around 80% less than a regular keyboard. Therefore, TKL keyboards are highly favored by users for their compactness and convenience.

4. 75% Keyboard

Essentially, the 75% keyboard is a more compact version of the TKL, making it even tidier and smaller than the TKL, thus saving you even more space.

5. 65% Keyboard

The 65% keyboard is the smallest keyboard that still retains the arrow keys cluster. It has a layout similar to the 75% keyboard, but the top row of function keys is removed and integrated into the number row. The total number of keys on a 65% keyboard usually falls between 66 and 68 keys.

With its compact size yet retaining the arrow keys, the 65% keyboard is highly favored by many users.

6. 60% Keyboard

The 60% keyboard is the third most popular keyboard size after Fullsize and TKL keyboards.

This keyboard eliminates the arrow keys altogether, requiring you to use the Fn + WASD combination for arrow functions. So, it might be challenging to get used to at first, but once you adapt, it's the most compact and suitable keyboard to carry around.

Why is choosing the keyboard size so important?

Depending on your usage needs, you should choose different keyboard sizes. If your job requires a lot of mobility and you want to carry a mechanical keyboard with you, then obviously a Fullsize keyboard will be quite bulky.

On the other hand, if your job involves data entry, a TKL keyboard will indeed be very inconvenient and decrease your work efficiency. That's why choosing the size of a mechanical keyboard is important.

Certainly, everyone desires to use a Fullsize keyboard because it has all the functions and doesn't require key combinations like 60% or 65% keyboards. However, the convenience of compact keyboards cannot be denied.

And another reason is the price. Although it depends on other factors like LED, connectivity type, if comparing keyboards with similar functions, a Fullsize keyboard will naturally be slightly more expensive than TKL or 65% keyboards.

Pros and cons of Fullsize keyboards and compact keyboards

Speaking of Fullsize keyboards, its main advantage is, of course, its completeness. A Fullsize keyboard will meet all your work needs from data entry to coding. Having all these functions readily available is incredibly convenient for users as they don't have to press multiple key combinations to use keyboard functions.

And because Fullsize keyboards are so common, you can get one for just a few hundred thousand dong.

As for compact keyboard models like TKL, 75%, 60%, their strength lies in their compactness. A compact, lightweight keyboard allows you to easily carry it anywhere. Especially for those whose work involves frequent movement, a compact keyboard is a cherished asset.

How to Choose the Right Keyboard Size for Yourself?

Currently, the most commonly used keyboard layouts include fullsize, 1800-compact, TKL, 75%, 65%, 60%. So, to choose a suitable layout for you, let's break down each case as follows:

Fullsize Keyboard

This keyboard will be more suitable when placed fixed on the desk, with little movement back and forth. Its layout is commonly used by office workers, especially those who often work with numbers, such as accountants.

1800-compact Keyboard

As for the 1800-compact keyboard, it's suitable for individuals with limited space or those who need to move while holding the keyboard. It often suits people with larger hands. Initially, you may find it unfamiliar due to the numerous keys, but you'll quickly adapt to it over time.

TKL Keyboard

TKL keyboards have a neat design, compact layout, and convenience. This type of keyboard is perfect for individuals who need to use the keyboard frequently, are flexible in movement, and easy to carry in a bag or backpack.

Other Compact Keyboard Models

And if you value minimalism or your job requires frequent movement, you might be suitable for more minimalist layouts like 75%, 65%, 60%, as these layouts maximize simplicity while still providing essential key functions for you.

Conclusion

In this article, I've helped you answer the question of how to choose the right size mechanical keyboard for yourself. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to leave a comment below this article!

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