Currently on the market we have keyboards of different types, according to the needs we have. But it is that, in addition, we currently have different types of keyboard formats according to needs. When we talk about formats, we refer to different sizes. We will explain the different types of mechanical keyboardsbeing able to be full format, TKL, 75% and other more compact formats.
Times have changed and the tastes and needs of users have also changed a lot. While there is an increasing trend to only use keyboards with mechanical switches, there is also a tendency to look for compact keyboards. Users increasingly want very compact keyboards that take up little space on the desktop.
What are the sizes or types of keyboards that exist?
If you are looking for a new gaming keyboard, surely you have seen that not all have the same design. Some appear with the denominations TKL (Ten Key Less) or that there are all the keys close together and the numerical keyboard is missing. Well, that’s because there are different standardized keyboard layouts. We are going to explain these different formats and their main characteristics
full size or full size
These are the most common keyboards of the market and are usually the most demanded by users. Such keyboards include numeric keypad, function keys, arrow keys, and action keys (insert, home, end, etc). Some of these full keyboards add management keys, such as volume up/down, pause, and so on. Also, in some cases, they include additional keys that allow you to register different commands, also known as macro keys.
Within this range of products we have a huge variety of keyboards with different designs and features. The most basic ones usually have membrane switches or similar and the most focused on gaming usually use mechanical switches.
We can even find more or less compact full-size keyboards. This depends on the type of switches they use and the features each manufacturer wants to add.
Have Key Less or TKL
It’s basically a full-size keyboard that they have removed the numeric keypad. They keep the action and direction keys, as well as the function keys. What this allows is to reduce the width of the keyboard.
This type of keyboard is quite common in the market, being able to find different variations of it. Some make them more compact and others add additional keys such as audio and lighting management keys.
keyboard 75%
The denomination from this point changes and is based on percentages. What they indicate to us is a size reference with respect to a standard full-size keyboard (come on, without macros and without other “bullshit”). These 75% type keyboards indicate that They reduce the size by 25% compared to the size of a conventional keyboard.
They are characterized by being more compact than TKL, reducing or eliminating the space between the “F” keys and the row of number keys. The direction keys are integrated to the maximum, eliminating the spaces and the action keys are reduced to the minimum expression. It is a design that has its followers, but it is not one of the most popular.
Format 65%
They are essentially the same as 75% keyboards, but in this case it has been removed the set of function keys. Removing this row of keys further reduces the size of the keyboard.
The row of function keys or “F” keys is not removed, but is integrated into the row of number keys. To be able to use them, add a fn-key and so you can continue to use these function keys. They still have the direction keys and some specific action keys, such as delete or page up/down.
There is a wide variety of these keyboards on the market and they are for those looking for a compact keyboardbut with certain characteristics that they want to keep.
The 60% format
No function keys, no arrow keys, no action keys, this keyboard remove all “superfluous” keys. Basically we have a simple keyboard with the letters and numbers, as well as the essential keys like enter, control, shift, etc.
It should be noted that the function keys, action keys and other additional keys has been integrated into the keyboard itself. The function keys are added directly on the numbers and the challenge keys are combined with the letters. The FN key is added to be able to make use of these additional keys.
Such keyboards are gaining in popularity because of the custom designs being sold that are very flashy and attractive. There are also many who choose these keyboards because they have little space or because they want to have a very minimalist setup.
conclusion
You can see that there are different types of keyboards according to the needs we have. Everyone will have preferences or needs and you will surely find a keyboard that suits you. Leave us in the comments what keyboard format you use and the reason.
