Different Keyboard Sizes & Layouts You Need to Know

Did you know a wrong keyboard selection can lead to many serious injuries in office workers and gamers? Keyboards are often ignored accessories with all types considered similar. But as a matter of fact, there are multiple types of keyboards designed to fit each job and end-use. Each is vital in defining the user's efficiency, from different keyboard sizes to materials, layout, design, and construction.

And this is why modern office ergonomics focuses on an ergonomic keyboard for work and gaming. The ergonomics of a keyboard are helpful because it minimizes strain on the user, prevents any work-related injuries, and ensures there are no uncomfortable hand positions while working. This might not seem too important, but someone suffering from poor health due to bad keyboard usage will realize the benefits of an ergonomic keyboard.

However, as much as ergonomics and safety are concerned for a keyboard user, the types of keyboard sizes and layouts also play an equally important role. Hence in this article, you will find all the different types of standard keyboard sizes and layouts so you can make an informed decision.

What is Keyboard Size?

You might have often heard of the different computer keyboard sizes. But what exactly refers to keyboard size? To break it down, keyboard size refers to the physical size of the keyboard, which is directly affected by the number of keys present on the keyboard. A keyboard with a greater number of keys will have a bigger size; similarly, a small keyboard will have lesser keys. But another factor that impacts modern keyboard size is the keyboard layout. Some keyboard layouts are more compact, with keys closer to each other. Below are some common work and gaming keyboard sizes you will come across on a routine basis.

Full-Size Keyboard

The most common and probably the keyboard you and I are currently using. And just because it is common doesn't mean there is no better option than this. The size and feel are familiar, but many people settle for better options because the full size is too bigger or inaccurate for fast typing response. 100-keyboards have completely laid out function keys, arrow keys, navigation, and Numpad, as well as identify keys. This type of keyboard is useful for people who need the use of all types of keys, including alphabets and numbers.

TKL Keyboard

ErgoTKL Split Mechanical Keyboard by Cloud Nine

This compact tenkeyless ergonomic split keyboard is designed to help you adjust the split, angle, and tilt in an infinite number of ways to perfectly fit your ideal typing posture.

Shop now

Also known as 80%, the TKL keyboard is the Tenkeyless keyboard. This one is a default option for gamers and people who don't have much to do with numbers. Just without the Numpad, the TKL keyboard is a full-sized keyboard with 88 keys. The separated allow cluster allows navigation, and getting used to this layout is pretty straightforward.

75 Keyboard Layout

Royal Kludge RK Mechanical Keyboard

Wireless mode with stable bluetooth 5.0, hassle-free 2.4Ghz dongle plus USB-C wired mode set no limits about your keyboard connection. Hot-swap PCB. 200-hour nonstop using.

Shop now

A 75-keyboard layout is just a version ahead of the TKL keyboard with several keys minus 4 and eliminating the 2 navigation and pause keys. The row cluster is changed to be next to the CTRL key, and this computer keyboard size looks compact and feels compact, with keys being closer to each other. However, the functions are not compromised compared to the TKL keyboard, so you can pick the 75 keyboards if you are searching for a more compact shape.

60 Keyboard Layout

ANNE PRO 2

Minimalistic design doing more with less. 61 Keys. RGB Backlit. Compact and Portable. Bluetooth Connectivity. Gateron Brown Switch.

Shop now

The 60-keyboard layout is a column lesser in width as compared to the 65-keyboard layout. This keyboard does not have arrow keys, numpad, navigation keys and not even the function row.

Streamers have popularized the 60-keyboard layout. Given that this was the first tiny keyboard, 60 percent keyboard layouts are rather prevalent. Get a 60% keyboard if you're more interested in the neat appearance or space-saving features of the small design. If you frequently use the F or arrow keys, I recommend skipping the 60%.

50 Keyboard Layout

The 50% arrangement is highly distinctive and uncommon, entering the realm of bespoke keyboards. The 50% layout is essentially the same width or broader than the 60% layout; however, in addition to losing the number row and function row, as well as the Numpad, navigation keys, and arrows, it also adds a macro column to the left of the keyboard.

The 50% decrease adds some special functionality by providing a macro column while saving a complete row of keyboard height. If you want something novel and different and a small form factor with some macro capabilities, get a 50% keyboard. However, the 50-gaming keyboard size layout is not the best fit if you often need the number row.

Keyboard Layouts

Have you encountered a different-looking keyboard that doesn't match your childhood memories? No, they are not from outer space, but different layouts of keyboards have been common for a long time. These layouts are different based on regions and are known by their regional name. Here are some common keyboard layouts which you will find.

QWERTY Keyboard

The most common type of keyboard layout and probably the only one most of us recognize. In the 1870s, the first typing layout was created. This arrangement was intended to be slow and ineffective so that typewriters wouldn't jam from being used too quickly. This is achieved by spacing vowels and other frequently used characters widely apart and avoiding placing many of the most popular letters on the home row.

Dvorak Layout

The keyboard's layout places all but the letter U on the home row of the most frequently used consonants and vowels to be quick and effective.

The Dvorak arrangement also places the first and second most often used letters in the English language, E and T, on the middle finger, which is the longest finger. Additionally, the most frequent punctuation is located just above the left-hand's home row, which has been found to have benefits for typists who use this keyboard layout.

Unconventional Keyboards

Unconventional keyboard layouts are not classified by size, and this is what names them as being unconventional. The keyboards in this category are ergonomic split mechanical keyboards, an ortholinear keyboard, or the macropod.

Split keyboards divide in half to form an ergonomic separation between the left and right hands of the keyboards, so there is no slouching or shrugging on the shoulders. These types of keyboards are common as ergonomic programming keyboards. Ortholinear keyboards have varying column heights and are useful for people with wrist pain or carpal tunnel history. Lastly, a macropod is a smaller keyboard used as an added accessory to a regular keyboard.