40%, 60%, 75%, 87%, or 98%? Which is the best keyboard layout? And why the keyboard layout matters? Can a right keyboard layout transform our typing experience? Let’s find the answer with the following content.
What can keyboard layout affects?
Typing comfort
The types of keyboard layout will influence the typing comfort. It affects how our hands, fingers, and wrists move while typing. A poorly chosen layout can make our hands stretch too far or repeat awkward movements, while a well-chosen one feels natural and effortless. If we do not need to press every key in the keyboard, a compact layout keeps keys closer together, reducing our finger travel and minimizing strain.
Desk space
A larger keyboard will take up more space of your desk, like a full size mechanical keyboard. If there is only a tiny desk, a smaller keyboard layout can save the corresponding space. That’s why it is also important to take our desk free space into consideration. Saving more empty space can make sure the mouse more freely.
Productivity
Different layouts (such as 60%, 75%, or 98% keyboard layout) position keys differently. Although most keyboards in the market now are programmable. The location of function keys, arrows, and numpad influences how quickly we can execute shortcuts. And a smaller keyboard layout do not requires us to reach mouse as far as the larger keyboard layout. Larger keyboard layouts requires more hand movement, but more spacious features can also reduce unintended key trigger.
A right keyboard layout aligns your hands and workflow naturally — letting you type faster, longer, and more comfortably. A comfortable typing position means our elbows stay relaxed and wrists remain neutral.That’s why layout is not just about style — it’s about how good it feels to use our keyboard every day.
What is a 40 Percent Keyboard?
As one of the smallest practical mechanical keyboards, 40% normally contains 40-45keys only. It declines number keys, function keys and arrow keys. Even the top raw of numbers is also deleted. compact keyboard layout only remains the letters and a few function keys.
Features:
Super smart
The size is usually less than half of that of a full-sized keyboard. Customizable 40% keyboard layout is extremely portable and suitable for traveling, mobile office work or minimalist desk setups.
Highly rely on FN layers
If we want to more key function, like number keys, users need to set the next layer, and the next layer and the next layer... It takes some time for owners to get used, but it will be highly efficiency after getting familiar.
Work with QMK/VIA
The 40% keyboard kit mostly can be found for keyboard enthusiast or custom keyboard DIY. It supports programming through firmware such as QMK / VIA to achieve personalized key profiles.
Ergonomic typing posture
A few keys does not require the hand movement frequently. Focusing on a specific area of the fingers can reduce fatigue. While it is not suitable for number typing and shortcut pressing frequently.
is a 40% keyboard good for typing?
compact 40% keyboard is perfect for minimalism keyboard enthusiast, who wanna a small keyboard for on-the-go work. Typist or the user who is in need of letters may find it perfect for typing.
60% or 65% layout keyboard
There is no function row or numpad, while 60% keyboard keeps arrow keys. It is also suitable for travel and limited spaces. It takes up approximately 60% of a full-sized keyboard and occupies less desktop space. If you are in need of a row of number keys or the function keys, compared with 40% keyboard, 60% will be better.
Difference Between 40% and 60% Keyboard
Numbers of keys
40% keyboard contains 40-45keys only, while 60% keyboard will add a row of numbers from 0-9 and some function keys.
Size
40% layout keyboard only takes up 40% space of a full size keyboard, while 60% keyboard will be larger.
Operating
40 percent keyboard is in desperate need of FN keys, while the extra row of 60 percent keyboard lead to an improvement in this. Getting numbers and media function or F1-F12 becomes much easier.
They are both the same in convenience and efficiency.
Choose 40% if you love minimalism, travel frequently, or enjoy the challenge of mastering layers. Choose 60% if you want a small keyboard without losing essential functionality — the best of both worlds.
70% or 75% keyboard
Because of the perfect balance between size and function, 70% Keyboard becomes one of the most popular choices for users including gamer, typist, desk setup enthusiasts.
Keys and layout
There are normally 80-84keys in a 75% mechanical keyboard. It is a little smaller compared with a tenkeyless keyboard, which is also known as TKL layout keyboard. The compact 75% keyboard leaves letters, arrow keys, complete row of numbers and F1-F12, and some other essential navigation keys like Delete, Home, and Page Up/Down.
As one of the easiest keyboard layout to get used to, the compact design and practical usability makes an ideal balance.
Gamer loves the extra mouse space and ergonomic hand positioning. Compared to a full-size keyboard, a 75% mechanical keyboard keeps mouse closer to our dominant playing area.
Typists and office users enjoy having dedicated function and arrow keys without resorting to Fn layers. We can get all the benefits of a compact keyboard layout without sacrificing usability. Creators and programmers appreciate its clean layout and workflow efficiency.
What Does TKL mean?
It refers to the absence of the numeric keypad (the ten number keys) on the right side of a standard full-size keyboard. If the function keys on the 70% or 75 percent keyboard is not enough, we can refer to TKL keyboard. It also suits for those who love a full-size keyboard, while there is no enough desk space.
Choose a TKL keyboard if we rarely use the number pad, or want a keyboard that fits both gaming and work. Or if we value portability without losing important keys. Or we prefer a traditional layout with maximum comfort.
98% or full size mechanical keyboard
The full size mechanical keyboard provides a complete layout including function keys, navigation cluster, and number pad, making it ideal for users who frequently perform data entry, spreadsheets, or accounting. It offers enhanced efficiency by reducing reliance on key combinations. The 98% layout retains nearly all full-size functionality while slightly minimizing width for better desk space utilization.
Which is the best keyboard layout?
Personal Preference & Use Case
I have to say a keyboard which suits for personal preference and our using case is the best keyboard layout. For example, typists may prefer full-sized for stability and accuracy. Gamers often choose TKL (87%) or 75% for ergonomics and performance.Travel users love 40% or 60% keyboard for portability and save more room in cafe.
A 40% keyboard maximizes desk space and is ideal for minimalists who prioritize mobility, while a 60% (like kzzi k68pro mechanical keyboard) strikes a balance between compactness and functionality, retaining essential keys.
The TKL version removes the numeric keypad, reducing strain during long sessions without sacrificing critical controls. For example, Kzzi K87 gaming keyboard
Full-sized keyboards remain favored by professionals who frequently use function and navigation keys, ensuring efficiency in data-heavy tasks. Kzzi has released several models of 98% keyboard, like Ares98 magnetic switch keyboard, K98 mechanical keyboard for office, K98pro low latency gaming keyboard.
Ultimately, choosing the right layout comes down to matching form with function based on individual workflow, comfort, and usage context.