Keyboard Layout Guide

Choosing the right keyboard size changes more than aesthetics. It changes where your hands live, how far your mouse has to travel, how many “reach” movements you do per hour, and whether you feel cramped or calm at your desk.

This guide is meant to help you pick a layout that fits your real day. Not your aspirational “I will use a numpad every day” day. Your actual day.

Understanding Keyboard Sizes

Percentage refers to approximate key count vs. full-size (100%).

Layout is about key arrangement, not just count.

Size matters because it changes your ergonomics and your workflow. Smaller boards create more mouse room and often reduce shoulder strain by bringing the mouse closer. They’re also easier to transport and can look cleaner. The trade-off is a learning curve: as you shrink below TKL, you start leaning on layers (Fn combos) to access missing keys.

If you want a “default recommendation,” start with a 65% if you want compact with arrow keys, or a 75% if you want compact with arrow keys plus a function row. Both are easy to live with and don’t demand a total relearn.

Full-Size (100%) - The Traditional

Specifications

Full-size boards are usually 104–108 keys (ANSI/ISO) and roughly 440mm (17.3") wide. You get everything: function row, navigation cluster, arrows, and a dedicated numpad.

What You Get

You get a numpad for fast number entry, a full navigation cluster (Insert/Delete/Home/End/PgUp/PgDn), dedicated arrows, and keys like Print Screen/Scroll Lock/Pause without needing layers.

Best For

Full-size is best when the numpad is genuinely part of your workflow (accounting, heavy spreadsheets, certain CAD/design habits), or when you want a traditional office layout with zero adaptation.

Drawbacks

The downside is footprint and ergonomics: the mouse sits farther from your home row, which can increase shoulder reach over long sessions. It’s also less portable and takes the most desk space.

Popular Full-Size Keyboards

Popular examples include Keychron’s budget full-size options, Ducky full-size boards, and “typing feel” favorites like Leopold and Varmilo.

TenKeyLess - TKL (80%) - The Balanced Choice

Specifications

TKL is the full-size experience minus the numpad. It’s typically 87–88 keys and around 360mm (14.2") wide.

What You Get

You keep arrows, the function row, and the nav cluster. The keyboard still “feels normal” to most people.

What You Lose

You lose the dedicated numpad.

Best For

TKL is a great default if you want more mouse space (gaming), you don’t depend on a numpad (many programmers), or you want a safe first mechanical keyboard that doesn’t require learning layers.

Why It’s Popular

It hits a sweet spot: most of the functionality, much less width, better mouse ergonomics, and almost no learning curve.

Popular TKL Keyboards

• Royal Kludge RK87 ($60-80) - budget
• Keychron V3 ($80-100) - hot-swap, QMK
• Ducky One 3 TKL ($120-140)
• Leopold FC750R ($120-150) - premium typing
• Varmilo VA87M ($140-170)

75% - The Compact Compromise

Specifications

• Keys: 84-86
• Width: ~320mm (12.6 inches)
• Layout: Compressed TKL (tight spacing)

What You Get

✅ Arrow keys ✅ Function row (F1-F12) ✅ Most nav keys (Del, PgUp, PgDn often present) ✅ Compact footprint

What’s Different

• Tight spacing (keys closer together)
• Some nav keys on Fn layer
• Compressed right side

Best For

• Those who need F-row and arrows
• Maximum functionality in compact size
• Enthusiasts who like unique layouts
• Balanced portability and features

Drawbacks

❌ Cramped right side (Home/End cluster tight) ❌ Unusual layout takes adjustment ❌ Less standardized (varies by manufacturer)

Popular 75% Keyboards

• Keychron V1 / Q1 ($80-180) - excellent value
• GMMK Pro ($170-200) - enthusiast
• Mode Sonnet ($250-300) - premium
• Akko PC75B ($90-110) - budget

Layout Variations

• Standard 75%: Compressed right column
• Exploded 75%: Slightly more spacing, wider
• F-row less: Some boards skip F-row gap (even more compact)

65% - The Enthusiast Favorite

Specifications

• Keys: 67-68
• Width: ~310mm (12.2 inches)
• Layout: 60% + arrow keys and a few nav keys

What You Get

✅ Arrow keys (dedicated) ✅ ~4 extra keys (Del, PgUp, PgDn, Ins - varies) ✅ Compact and functional

What You Lose

❌ Function row (F1-F12 on Fn layer) ❌ Most nav cluster

Best For

• Enthusiasts who need arrows
• Compact without sacrificing arrows
• Aesthetic minimalism with functionality
• Programmers (arrows crucial, F-row less so)

Why Enthusiasts Love It

• Clean, compact look
• Arrow keys preserved (critical for many)
• Substantial aftermarket support (keycaps, cases)
• Sweet spot of form and function

Popular 65% Keyboards

• Keychron V2 / Q2 ($80-170)
• NK65 Entry ($95) - affordable aluminum
• Tofu65 ($140-180) - custom favorite
• Mode Sixty-Five ($250-300) - premium

Common Layouts

• Standard 65%: Right column (Del, PgUp, PgDn, arrow cluster)
• Compact 65%: Blocker (gap) instead of some right keys

60% - The Minimalist

Specifications

• Keys: 61
• Width: ~300mm (11.8 inches)
• Layout: Alphas + modifiers only

What You Get

✅ All letter keys ✅ All number keys ✅ Standard modifiers (Shift, Ctrl, Alt, etc.) ✅ Ultra-compact

What You Lose

❌ Arrow keys (on Fn layer: Fn + WASD or IJKL) ❌ Function row (Fn + number row) ❌ All nav cluster (on layers)

Best For

• Minimalists
• Programmers who learn layers
• Extreme desk space constraints
• Portability (fits in bag easily)
• Aesthetic purists

Learning Curve

⚠️ 2 weeks to adapt to layers for arrows and F-keys

• Arrows: Fn + WASD (or IJKL depending on firmware)
• F-keys: Fn + number row
• Nav: Fn + other combos (Home, End, PgUp, PgDn)

Why People Love (or Hate) It

Love:

• Cleanest aesthetic
• Maximum mouse space
• Hands never leave home row (layers reduce reaching)
• Highly portable

Hate:

• Missing arrows (dealbreaker for many)
• Learning curve
• Less intuitive for others using your keyboard

Popular 60% Keyboards

• Anne Pro 2 ($80-100) - wireless, budget
• Ducky One 3 Mini ($100-120)
• Keychron V4 / Q4 ($80-160)
• HHKB Professional ($250-350) - Topre switches, cult following
• Pok3r ($120-140) - classic

60% Variants

• ANSI 60%: Standard US layout
• HHKB (Happy Hacking Keyboard): Ctrl where Caps is, unique layout
• WKL (Winkeyless): No Windows/Super keys

40% and Smaller - The Extreme

Specifications

• Keys: 40-48
• Width: ~240mm (9.4 inches)
• Layout: Alphas only, heavy layering

What You Get

✅ Letter keys (sometimes only A-Z) ✅ Essential modifiers ✅ Maximum portability ✅ Bragging rights

What You Lose

❌ Number row (on layer) ❌ Everything else (layers upon layers)

Best For

• Hardcore enthusiasts
• Ortholinear explorers (grid layout)
• Those who enjoy configuration challenges
• Minimalism taken to extreme

Reality Check

Not recommended for:

• Beginners
• Anyone needing productivity
• Gaming
• Shared computers

This is hobbyist territory. Beautiful, but niche.

Popular 40% Keyboards

• Planck ($150-180) - ortholinear (grid), 40% icon
• Vortex Core ($100-120) - 40% staggered
• OLKB Preonic ($180) - 50% ortholinear

Specialized Layouts

1800 Compact (96%)

• Full-size keys in compact form
• Numpad integrated into right side (no gap)
• Width: ~370mm (vs. 440mm full-size)
• Popular: Leopold FC980M, Keychron Q5

Split Keyboards

• Ergonomic: Keyboard split into left/right halves
• Reduce shoulder strain, promote natural hand position
• Examples: Ergodox EZ, Kinesis Freestyle, Keebio Iris
• Learning curve: 1-2 weeks
• Not covered in detail here (whole separate world!)

Ortholinear (Grid Layout)

• Keys in straight columns (not staggered)
• Theory: Reduces finger travel
• Reality: Controversial, preference-based
• Examples: Planck (40%), Preonic (50%), ID75 (75 keys)
• Requires full relearning of typing

Choosing Your Layout

Decision Tree

Do you use numpad daily? → YES: Full-size or 1800-compact → NO: Continue

Do you need dedicated arrow keys? → YES: TKL, 75%, or 65% → NO: 60% or smaller

Do you need dedicated function row (F1-F12)? → YES: TKL or 75% → NO: 65% or 60%

Is absolute maximum portability needed? → YES: 60% or 40% → NO: TKL, 75%, or 65%

By Use Case

Office Work (Data Entry): → Full-size (need numpad)

Office Work (No Data Entry): → TKL (balanced, professional)

Gaming: → TKL or 65% (mouse space crucial)

Programming: → 65% or 60% (arrows helpful, F-row less critical)

Minimalist Aesthetic: → 60% or 65%

Travel / Portability: → 60% (fits in bag easily)

First Mechanical Keyboard: → TKL (safe, balanced, no learning curve)

Layout Comparison Table

Common Layout Mistakes

Mistake #1: “Bigger is Better”

The Problem: Assume more keys = better keyboard

Reality:

• TKL/65% perfectly functional for most users
• Smaller = better ergonomics (mouse closer)
• Less reaching = less strain

Solution: Honestly assess what keys you use daily

Mistake #2: Going Too Small Too Fast

The Problem: Buying 60% as first mechanical keyboard

Reality:

• Learning curve frustrating for newcomers
• Missing arrows dealbreaker for many
• Hard to share keyboard with others

Solution: Start TKL or 65%, then size down if desired

Mistake #3: Ignoring Desk Space

The Problem: Buying full-size when desk space limited

Reality:

• Large keyboard cramps mouse movement
• Forces awkward posture (shoulders hunched)
• Reduces effective work area

Solution: Measure desk space, visualize keyboard placement

Mistake #4: Not Considering Layers

The Problem: Dismissing 60% without understanding layers

Reality:

• Layers become second nature in 1-2 weeks
• Reduce hand movement (faster once learned)
• Programmable layers (QMK/VIA) highly customizable

Solution: Watch videos, read guides on layer usage before ruling out

Layers Explained (For Smaller Keyboards)

What Are Layers?

Layer = Alternative key mapping activated by holding a key (usually Fn)

Example (60% keyboard):

• Normal press 1: Types “1”
• Fn + 1: Acts as F1 (function key)
• Fn + WASD: Arrow keys

Why Layers?

• Maintain functionality on compact keyboards
• Reduce hand movement (everything within reach)
• Customizable (program your own layouts)

Learning Curve

• Week 1: Frustrating (looking up combos)
• Week 2: Muscle memory forming
• Week 3+: Second nature

QMK/VIA Programmability

QMK: Open-source firmware for custom keyboards VIA: Graphical interface for QMK (easier)

Allows:

• Custom layer configurations
• Remap any key
• Macros (complex key combos)
• Per-key RGB control

Keyboards with QMK/VIA:

• Keychron V-series and Q-series
• GMMK Pro
• Most custom keyboard kits

Keycap Compatibility by Layout

Full-Size & TKL: ✅ All keycap sets support these (most common)

75%: ⚠️ Most sets work, but check right side compatibility (varies by keyboard)

65%: ✅ Most modern sets include 65% support ⚠️ Check “blocker” compatibility if applicable

60%: ✅ Very well supported (common layout) ⚠️ HHKB layout requires specific keycaps

40%: ❌ Limited keycap support (often requires blanks or custom)

Final Layout Recommendations

Your First Mechanical Keyboard: → TKL (80%) - Safe, balanced, no regrets

Enthusiast / Aesthetic Priority: → 65% - Clean, functional, well-supported

Maximum Portability: → 60% - Compact, but arrows on layer (prepare for adjustment)

Productivity / Office: → Full-Size (if numpad needed) or TKL (if not)

Gaming: → TKL or 65% - Mouse space critical

Hobbyist / Customization: → 60% or 65% - Huge aftermarket, endless mods

Trying Before Buying

Visualize Size:

1. Measure your current keyboard
2. Check specs of target keyboard (width in mm)
3. Use cardboard cutout to visualize on desk

Keyboard Meetups:

• Try community members’ keyboards
• Feel different sizes in person
• Get honest opinions

Return Policies:

• Buy from retailer with good returns (Amazon, MechanicalKeyboards.com)
• Test for 1-2 weeks
• Return if wrong size

Takeaway

The best layout:

• Fits your desk space
• Matches your use case (gaming, typing, office)
• Balances functionality and aesthetics
• Feels right to YOU

Start with TKL or 65% if unsure. These hit the sweet spot for most users.

Remember: You can always buy another keyboard in a different size! (And you probably will—this hobby is addictive.)

Next Steps

• Switch Guide - Choose your switches
• Building Guide - Assemble your keyboard
• Keycaps Guide - Complete your build