The Growing Market for Mechanical Keyboards
The market for mechanical keyboards is booming, and with so much competition in the industry, brands must innovate and come up with creative solutions to cater to the needs of their customers. While having options available is always a good thing, it can be pretty confusing to choose a mechanical keyboard for your particular needs given the massive range of factors that can influence your purchasing decision. Our team at CL aims to make the process as easy for you as possible, and starting with this update of our keyboard size guide from 2024 we will go through all the different components which make up a mechanical keyboard so you can see what will work best for you!
In this blog we are going to explore a variety of size and layout options for the mechanical keyboards we have available as well as what scenarios they would be useful in. In particular, we will be focusing on sizes and layouts under the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standard as it is the most common here in New Zealand compared to other standards like ISO (International Standards Organisation).
First up let’s run through all the terminology and different sections which make up the layout of a keyboard. As a starting point we will use this handy diagram from Keychron to understand the different areas of a keyboard. At the top highlighted in yellow are the function keys in the function row, the escape key on the far left, and on the right there is the number pad in green and editing keys in blue. Under the function row is the alphanumeric cluster in red which contains the main block of keys including modifier keys (Control, Alt, Shift) which provide additional functionality.
Full-Size Keyboards (100%)
The 100% keyboard, also known as the full-size keyboard, includes all the keys found on a standard keyboard, typically around 104 or 108 keys. This layout is ideal for users who need full functionality, including a number pad and function keys. The full-size keyboard is best suited for office work, data entry, or gaming that requires every key within reach.
- Varmilo Warrior Soar VEM108 Mechanical Keyboard - EC Rose V2 Linear Switch: The Varmilo Soar keyboard brings artistry and functionality together with its vivid air force themed design and linear switches. It’s ideal for typists who enjoy a smooth typing experience and require a complete set of keys for daily tasks.
- Logitech G915 Lightspeed Wireless RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Clicky: Known for its wireless technology and RGB lighting, the G915 is a top choice for gamers who want a high-performance keyboard without cables. Its low-profile design and quick response rate make it excellent for competitive gaming.
Compact Full-Sized Keyboards (96%)
The 96% keyboard layout retains almost all the functionality of a full-sized keyboard, including a number pad, but in a more condensed form. It typically has around 100-104 keys, making it ideal for users who need comprehensive functionality but want to save some desk space. The compact full-size layout is great for professionals who regularly use the number pad but prefer a smaller footprint.
- Glorious GMMK 2 96% Pre-Built Keyboard - White: Featuring a dense layout with customizable switches, the GMMK 2 96% model is ideal for those needing a functional yet compact keyboard. It combines a number pad with a smaller footprint, perfect for power users who want an efficient, space-saving design.
- Akko 3098N Black & Cyan Wireless Mechanical Keyboard: Combines a compact full-size layout with vibrant black and cyan styling and RGB backlighting. Featuring TTC Brown switches for a satisfying tactile feel, it’s ideal for gaming or work. With wireless, Bluetooth, and wired connectivity options, plus hot-swappable keys, this keyboard offers flexible device switching and easy customization, making it both stylish and highly functional.
Tenkeyless (TKL) Keyboards (80%)
The Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard is an 87-key layout, omitting the number pad but retaining all other functionality. TKL keyboards are excellent for users who need a full set of keys for productivity or gaming but want a more compact option than a full-size keyboard. They are popular among gamers and those looking to save space without sacrificing core keys.
- Varmilo VEM87 Koi TKL Mechanical Keyboard with EC Ivy V2 Clicky Switch: With its beautiful Koi design and clicky switches, this Varmilo TKL keyboard combines aesthetic appeal with performance. It’s a solid choice for typists who enjoy tactile feedback and want an elegant desk setup.
- Glorious GMMK TKL Custom Mechanical Keyboard with TTC Speed Silver Switch - Black: The Glorious GMMK TKL offers hot-swappable functionality, allowing users to change switches on the go. The TTC Speed Silver switches are perfect for fast-paced gaming, giving the GMMK TKL both responsiveness and a sleek, minimalist look.
Compact Tenkeyless Keyboards (75%)
The 75% keyboard layout is popular among users who want a bit more functionality than the 65% while retaining a compact footprint. With about 84 keys, it includes dedicated function keys, arrow keys, and a few navigation keys, making it great for both productivity and gaming. Many keyboards in this form factor also include a knob, increasing functionality even further. This layout is practical for users who need more than the essentials without the bulk of a full-size keyboard.
- Glorious GMMK Pro 75% Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Stone Ocean: Known for its customization options, this 75% keyboard by Glorious is perfect for keyboard enthusiasts. It features a stylish Stone Ocean design with a linear switch option, providing a smooth typing experience and high build quality.
- Keychron Q1 75% Navy Blue Mechanical Keyboard - G Pro Red Switch: The Keychron Q1 75% Navy Blue Mechanical Keyboard offers a unique, vibrant blue design that stands out on any desk. With its customizable linear switches and 75% layout, it balances functionality and a compact form, ideal for creative professionals and gamers.
Compact Keyboards (65%)
The 65% keyboard is slightly larger than the 60% model, adding dedicated arrow keys and a few essential function keys, which makes it a great balance of functionality and compactness. With around 68 keys, this layout retains the most-used keys for productivity while maintaining a smaller footprint. It’s an ideal choice for users who want some extra functionality but still prefer a smaller form factor.
- Glorious GMMK 2 65% Pre-Built Keyboard - White: This pre-built 65% keyboard comes with Glorious’s signature style and functionality, featuring a sleek white finish and hot-swappable switches that allow for easy customization. The compact size and accessible design make it perfect for gamers and professionals alike.
- Varmilo Sword 2 VSM68 Beijing Opera Keyboard with EC Sakura V2 Linear Switches: Combining elegance and performance, the Varmilo Sword 2 features smooth, linear Sakura V2 switches and beautiful Beijing Opera-inspired aesthetics. This model is excellent for users who appreciate both functionality and unique design in a compact package.
Mini Keyboards (60%)
The 60% keyboard layout is one of the most compact options available, condensing down to around 61 keys and removing the function row, number pad, and many navigation keys. This size is perfect for users who prioritize portability and desk space, offering a clean and minimalist aesthetic without sacrificing essential functionality. Many 60% keyboards allow you to access extra functions through programmable layers, ideal for those comfortable with a layered setup. For gaming or streamlined productivity, the Mini is a popular choice.
- Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini Analog Optical Mechanical Gaming Keyboard: Featuring Razer's analog optical switches, this model offers a blend of responsiveness and compact convenience. Ideal for gamers, the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini has programmable layers and customizable lighting for a tailored experience.
- Glorious GMMK Compact Custom Mechanical Keyboard with Gateron Pro Silver Switches: This compact model by Glorious offers high-speed Gateron Pro Silver switches for quick actuation, making it ideal for competitive gaming. Its customizable, hot-swappable design allows users to easily replace switches without soldering.
Choosing the Right Mechanical Keyboard for You
Selecting a mechanical keyboard ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and daily requirements:
- Full-size (100%): Great for users who need full functionality, ideal for office and data-heavy applications.
- Compact Full-size (96%): Perfect for users who need a number pad but want a smaller footprint.
- TKL (80%): Suited for users who require the extra editing keys but don't require a numpad.
- Compact TKL (75%): Ideal for gamers and creative professionals who need portability and essential keys but appreciate extra desk space.
- Compact (65%): Suited for minimalists who want arrow keys and more functionality in a small package.
- Mini (60%): Great for portability, travel, and a clean setup with essential keys.
There are other sizes available such as the 40% layout, but they are pretty rare and work in a similar way to the 60% layout with additional functionality layers so we won’t be covering any today. If you are in the market for a new mechanical keyboard then check out our full range online, or if you have any questions have a chat to our team in-store or online today! We also have a range of mechanical keyboards available for testing in our showroom so if you want to take a look and try out the typing experience come visit us in store!
