Layout & size
The footprint, and which keys make the cut.
Keyboard "size" is described as a percentage of a full-size board. Shrinking the board removes blocks of keys — first the numpad, then the function row, then navigation and arrow clusters — and relocates them to layers you reach with a modifier key. A smaller footprint means less reaching for the mouse and a more ergonomic shoulder angle, at the cost of muscle memory for the layers.
A 65% keeps arrows and a handful of nav keys while ditching the numpad and function row, landing in the sweet spot for most programmers: compact, but nothing essential is more than a layer away. 60% and 40% boards lean fully into layers for a minimalist, ultra-portable setup.
Heavy spreadsheet or data-entry work benefits from a real numpad (full-size or a separate macropad). If they hit F-keys constantly in an IDE or DAW, a TKL or 75% keeps the function row physical.
You do not really pick a key count directly — it falls out of the layout you choose. The counts below are typical; exact numbers vary a little by kit.
Every choice you'll see for this decision in the builder.
The traditional office layout. Nothing is hidden behind a layer, which is great for accountants and number crunchers, but it pushes the mouse far to the right.
- Dedicated numpad
- Zero learning curve
- All keys always visible
- Largest footprint
- Mouse sits far from home row
Drops the numpad but keeps the function row, arrows and nav cluster intact. A hugely popular "no compromises except the numpad" choice.
- Keeps F-row, arrows, nav
- Mouse moves noticeably closer
- Familiar typing experience
- No numpad
- Still fairly wide
Packs the function row, arrows and a column of nav keys into a tight, almost-square footprint. The favourite of many developers who still want F-keys.
- Function row + arrows in a small board
- Efficient use of space
- Lots of modern kits to choose from
- Keys are tightly packed
- Right-hand keys can be cramped
Removes the function row but keeps dedicated arrow keys and a few nav buttons. Widely considered the best balance of small footprint and everyday usability.
- Dedicated arrow keys
- Small footprint, mouse stays close
- Great all-rounder
- Function row lives on a layer
- Limited nav keys
No arrows, no function row, no nav cluster — everything beyond the core is on layers. Clean, tiny, and a favourite of enthusiasts who have internalised their layer map.
- Very compact and portable
- Huge case & keycap selection
- Keeps hands centred
- Arrows and F-row on layers
- Real learning curve
The minimalist extreme. Even the number row is gone. Deeply efficient once mastered, but a real commitment to layer-based typing.
- Tiny and ultra-portable
- Everything within one row of home
- A genuinely fun challenge
- Steep learning curve
- Numbers/symbols all on layers