Top Mechanical Keyboard Layouts: Which One is Right for You?

Overview

So you've seen some videos of mechanical keyboards pop up on social media, or you've been told mechanical keyboards are more ergonomic, or you're just looking to upgrade your desk setup. A keyboard is one of the most important elements for your workflow or gaming.

Things to Note

One way to decide which keyboard layout fits best to your needs is by understanding the basic anatomy of a keyboard and whether or not you need that certain set of keys.

A full sized keyboard layout consists of these components:

Alpha Keys
Modifier Keys
Function Row Keys
Navigation Keys
Arrow Keys
Numpad Keys
Number Row Keys

Which layout is for you?

Here are some of the common layouts to choose from and which layout would be the best fit for your use cases.

Full Size (100%) / 1800 / 96-Key

The full size, or 100%, is a form factor that most of us are familiar with. It is the layout that usually comes with desktop computers. It includes the alpha keys, modifier keys, function row keys, navigation and arrow keys, and numpad keys. This layout would be the best option for those who want to transition from a standard desktop computer since it would be the most familiar with no learning curve necessary.

There are also variants of the full size layout, like the 1800 and the 96-Key layouts. They have the same necessary keys, but just in a different design. For example, the 1800 is a more compact full size layout.

As we go down the list, each form factor will be a derivative of the full size layout.

TKL / 80%

The TKL (tenkeyless), or 80%, like the name suggests is a form factor that has everything but the numpad. The TKL is a great starting point for a mechanical keyboard since it has essential keys that most users need: alpha keys, modifiers, function row keys, navigation keys, and arrow keys. The TKL would be a great option for those looking for a classic looking mechanical keyboard and don't have a use case for the numpad.

Missing keys: Numpad keys

75%

The 75% layout is essentially a compact version of the TKL. It is also the layout that is most similar to most keyboards on laptops so it would be a comfortable transition if you are planning to get your first mechanical keyboard coming from using a laptop. Similar to the TKL, the 75% layout would be the most efficient for those who don't use a numpad. The 75% layout would also be good option for Windows users since it has all of the essential keys. The 75% layout is comparable to the TKL in terms of functionality, but for those that prefer a more compact setup, then the 75% would be a better choice over the TKL.

Missing keys: Numpad keys and some navigation keys

FRL TKL / 70%

The FRL TKL (F-Row-Less Tenkeyless) is essentially a TKL layout without the Function Row Keys. The FRL TKL would be a great choice for those that like the aesthetics of a TKL but do not use the Function Row Keys since it keeps the arrow keys and navigation keys distinctly separated from the alpha and mods.

Missing keys: Numpad keys and function row keys

65%

The 65% layout is essentially the 75% layout without the Function Row Keys. Like the 75%, the 65% is also similar to a laptop keyboard, especially those using MacBooks. It is a comfortable transition for those coming from MacBooks and do not regularly use the Function Row Keys. For most users, the 65% would be the bare minimum in terms of keys needed since it has all the essentials: alpha keys, mods, a number row, and (most importantly) arrow keys.

Missing keys: Numpad keys, some navigation keys, and function row keys

60%

The 60% layout is essentially the 70% layout without the Arrow Keys. The 60% is one of the most popular layouts for gaming keyboards since it haa essential keys and is compact enough to be able to move around your desk with ease. There are sometimes options that allow for 60% layouts to have arrow keys, like for some Tofu60 PCBs. 60% layouts might also be the first time you start to use layers as well to access some keys that are not on the top layer that you are using, for example a layer for the arrow keys. 60% keyboard layouts wouldn't be the most recommended for your first mechanical keyboard, but it would definitely be a fun option for those who have dipped their toes in mechanical keyboards and are looking to have a custom mechanical keyboard that is programmed just for themselves.

Missing keys: Numpad keys, navigation keys, function row keys, arrow keys

40%

The 40% layout is essentially the 60% layout without the Number Row. It usually only has 4 rows of keys that consists of the alpha keys and some of the modifier keys. The 40% layout is a fun layout that allows for room for creativity and customization in how you choose to add layers.

Missing keys: Numpad keys, navigation keys, function row keys, arrow keys, number row keys, and some modifier keys

Conclusion

In addition to the layout size and number of keys, there are some other aspects to consider when choosing your first mechanical keyboard as well.

Desk space, for example, is another important aspect to consider. Larger layouts take up more desk real estate especially to the right where you would typically have your mouse. The difference between a 60% to a TKL I would say are minor compared to the difference between a TKL and a full size. If you find yourself never using the numpad it would be a good suggestion to choose a layout without the numpad to free up some space for your mouse which would allow you to have a more comfortable experience transitioning your hands between the keyboard and mouse.

The front height of a mechanical keyboard case and the typing angle is another aspect to consider. Some users prefer a typing experience with more angle to their keys will other users prefer a typing experience with keys flatter against the surface. If you are coming from a default desktop keyboard, then you should consider if you prefer to type with the feet risers or if you prefer to type with the keyboard as is. Mechanical keyboards also tend to have a taller front height than membrane keyboards and therefore it is an aspect to consider depending on if you hover your hands while typing or if you rest your palms on the surface while typing. Usually, a lower front height is more comfortable for most users since it doesn't require as much strain on your wrists if you type with your palms resting on the table. Although, if you prefer to use wrist rests while typing then the front height may be less of a factor since a wrist rest could potentially remove the discomfort of having to angle your wrists or having to hover your hands.

The weight of a keyboard could also be something to consider when choosing your first mechanical keyboard. Depending on your use case you might prefer to have a lighter keyboard or a heavier keyboard. If you will primarily be using the keyboard in one location then the weight of the keyboard would only matter if you like to move the keyboard around the desk while using it, for instance while gaming you might move the keyboard around. Then it would be a better choice to choose a lighter keyboard or a keyboard with a design that allows for easy pick up then a heavy keyboard that is difficult to light and slide around. If you plan use the keyboard in more than one location or prefer a more portable option, then a lighter keyboard would be a better option than a heavier one.

These are some of the more commonly known layouts and some suggestions depending on which keys are necessary for your preferences. It could also be a fun option to have multiple layouts for different occasions. Regardless of which layout you choose, welcome to the hobby, and hope you can find a custom experience created just for you!

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