Keyboard Size Chart: What You Keep vs Lose

This quick keyboard size chart shows typical key groups present on each layout. Brand quirks exist, but this covers most gaming boards on the market.

How Big Each Keyboard Size Actually Is (On Your Desk)

Percentages are helpful, but your desk doesn’t care about math — it cares about inches and centimeters. These typical widths are based on popular gaming boards in each category. Exact sizes vary by bezel and case design, but this gives you a realistic idea of how much space each layout needs.

Tip: measure your mousepad and desk from the edge of your keyboard to the end of the pad. If you’re constantly slamming into the edge, dropping one size usually fixes it.

Quick Picks by Player Type

• Competitive FPS / low-sens aim: 65% or 60%. 60% gives the most mouse room if you don’t mind Fn layers for arrows. If you still want dedicated arrow keys for Discord, browsing, or editing, go 65% instead.
• Balanced gaming + work: TKL or 75%. You keep the F-row and nav keys for shortcuts, screenshots, and work apps, but lose the numpad width that pushes your mouse too far out.
• MMO, spreadsheets, or macros: Full-size or 1800. The numpad is genuinely useful here, and an 1800 layout pulls your mouse a bit closer without giving up those keys.
• Tiny desk / travel setups: 60%. It fits on cramped surfaces, is easy to throw in a bag, and still does everything via layers once you get used to it.
• Not sure where to start? Pick a TKL first. It feels familiar coming from full-size, works for most games and jobs, and makes it easy to decide later if you want to go smaller or add a separate numpad.

Different Keyboard Sizes Explained

Full-Size (100%) Keyboard Size

Everything in one place: arrows, nav cluster, function row, and numpad. Best for heavy typing, accounting, or MMO macros. Downsides are width and wrist/mouse reach, especially on narrow desks.

1800 / Compact Full Keyboard Size

A “types of keyboard sizes” favorite for power users: all full-size keys, but packed tighter so the mouse sits closer. It’s a great compromise if you live on the numpad but want a setup that feels more like a TKL in width.

TKL (Tenkeyless) Keyboard Size

Drops the numpad to free desk space while keeping arrows, nav, and F-row. A proven gaming sweet spot—especially if you also work on the same board or use lots of shortcuts.

75% Keyboard Size

Similar keys to TKL but stacked into a denser frame; arrows and F-row are present, often with a single column of nav keys. It’s a popular “small but practical” pick if your desk is tight but you rely on function keys.

65% Keyboard Size

Keeps the arrow keys (huge quality-of-life) and a few nav keys, but no function row or numpad. For many gamers, this is the best balance of size and usability. If you want specific models to start with, check our Best 65% Keyboards for Gaming.

60% Keyboard Size

Removes arrows, nav, F-row, and numpad—those move to Fn layers. It’s fast to master if you want the smallest footprint for wide mouse swipes and don’t mind learning a new layer layout.

How to Choose Your Size (3 Practical Checks)

1. Desk space & mouse path: If your mouse hits the keyboard during flicks, downsize (Full-size → 1800/TKL → 75/65 → 60). A single step down usually frees up enough room without feeling “tiny.”
2. Keys you actually use: Need the numpad daily? Go Full-size/1800. Hit F-keys a lot? Prefer TKL/75 over 65. Almost never use the nav cluster? You’ll adapt quickly to 65/60.
3. Travel & comfort: Smaller boards are lighter and reduce shoulder reach. Heavier full-size boards feel planted on the desk, but can be overkill for portable setups.

Reminder: “mechanical keyboard sizes” are about layout. Any size can be hot-swap, wired/wireless, or use your preferred switches.

New to layouts? Read more about ANSI vs ISO keyboard layouts for key shape and Enter key differences.

Once you’ve picked a footprint, the next choice is connection type. If you’re debating cable clutter vs flexibility, our wired vs wireless keyboard for gaming guide walks through the trade-offs.

Keyboard Size, Ergonomics and Your Aim

From an ergonomics point of view, the goal is simple: keep your hands about shoulder-width apart, elbows close to 90°, and avoid reaching way out to the side for your mouse. Smaller boards make this easier because they let you keep the keyboard centered while pulling the mouse in closer.

• Full-size boards: often force your mouse several extra inches to the right, which can tighten your shoulder over long sessions.
• TKL / 75%: bring the mouse in without changing how you type, so they’re a strong “safe” pick for both work and play.
• 65% / 60%: let you keep keyboard and mouse closer to shoulder width, which helps with relaxed arm posture and big, controlled flicks.

Whatever size you choose, aim for neutral wrists (not bent up) and keep the mouse beside the keyboard, not way out in front or behind it. That combination does more for comfort than any single “ergonomic” label.

Other Keyboard Layouts You Might See

Beyond the common gaming keyboard sizes (60–100%), you’ll see a few niche layouts that pop up in enthusiast circles:

• 40%: ultra-minimal boards that drop the number row and many symbols. Great for enthusiasts who live on layers, not ideal as a first gaming keyboard.
• 96% / 90–95%: “squished” full-size boards that pack every key into a tighter frame, often labeled as 96% or 1800-style layouts depending on the exact cluster layout.
• Split / ergonomic boards: two-piece keyboards you can angle to match your shoulders and reduce wrist strain. Fantastic for comfort, but not everyone loves them for WASD-heavy games.
• Standalone numpads: separate numpads you can park on the left or pull out only when you need them — a good combo with TKL or 65% boards if you only sometimes use those keys.

If you’re new to mechanical keyboards, start with one of the main sizes above. You can always explore split or 40% boards later once you know what you like.

Next Steps

• Ready to shop? See our picks: Best Gaming Keyboards.
• Tuning feel and speed? Read our switch guide: Linear vs Tactile Switches.
• Want smoother performance? Learn about Keyboard Input Lag.
• Choosing cable vs freedom? Compare options in Wired vs Wireless Keyboard for Gaming.

FAQ: Types of Keyboard Sizes

Is TKL better than 60% for gaming?

Neither layout is universally “better.” A 60% keyboard gives you maximum mouse room and a very compact footprint, while a TKL keeps the function row and navigation keys handy. Choose based on your desk space and how often you use those extra keys outside of games.

What’s the difference between 65% and 75% keyboard sizes?

A 65% keyboard keeps the arrow keys and a few navigation keys but skips the function row and numpad. A 75% keyboard keeps arrows and a compact F-row in a denser frame. If you hit F-keys a lot for games or work shortcuts, 75% is usually the better fit.

What is an 1800 keyboard?

An 1800 keyboard, also called a “compact full-size,” squeezes the numpad, arrows, and navigation cluster closer to the main typing area. You get the same keys as a traditional full-size board in a slightly narrower layout that pulls your mouse a bit closer.

Are smaller keyboards harder to type on?

Most people adapt quickly. You may feel slower at first on a 65% or 60% because some keys move to Fn layers, but after a short adjustment period many users type just as fast as they did on full-size boards. The trade-off is more mouse space and a cleaner desk.

What keyboard size do most gamers use?

There’s no single standard, but many FPS players prefer compact layouts like 60% or 65% for extra mouse room, while a lot of mixed-use PC gamers stick with TKL because it feels familiar and works well for both work and play. If you’re unsure, starting with TKL is a safe bet.