Buyers Guide : What Size Mechanical Keyboard Should you Get?

[@TaeKeyboards]

Just a brief guide on keyboard form factors, especially to help out people just looking into getting a mech. I definitely feel that a lot of the consumer market are fixated on full size and TKL boards because the other layouts aren't as well known. Anyway, let me know what form factor you're running!

[@md.imamulislam7]

HHKB gang, attack!

[@Samuel-ge7im]

TaeKeyboards Im running a Leopold FC750R PD Cherry MX Blue, it’s a TKL and I could be happier.

[@josephs.7960]

Safe

[@bizklaustdeity3115]

I'm using a TKL right now but I'm really keen on moving to a 65% later. It's just that I'll have to sacrifice function keys for that..

[@gabegtg2470]

I must have Alzheimer's cause i cant remember who the fuck asked.

[@jemmascott5559]

KZbin recommended me a cute custom keyboard video and then punted me down this rabbit hole.

[@themadlad_]

That's what happened with me, I was just trying to find a good keyboard and now I'm becoming a keyboard person

[@sidharthcs2110]

I thought I was alone

[@notoriusdrifter40]

Same bros lol

[@brendon_england]

Yup just wanting to find a new keyboard and all of a sudden I'm in the vortex

[@discount_juseyo5321]

I am here cuz my student ass ig getting bad cramps from typing on lappy :(

[@francobuhay9604]

I like 60% since it forces me to use hjkl when I'm in VIM to navigate instead of arrow keys.

[@mini-_]

Personally I have a two key keyboard and just input everything into binary. My keyboard can only do 1 and 0!

[@azerXP]

weak, you should use one key for 1 and 0 on different layers and the other key for switching between your layers

[@mihirachyuta7272]

@@azerXP weak you should plug in a usb stick in your brain and control everything from there to your computer

[@treeleaf6471]

@@mihirachyuta7272 weak, you should use wireless. USB is a thing of the past. Noob.

[@blyaticon8190]

@@treeleaf6471 weak, you should control everything with the electric signals your brain produces via a copper coil which sends that data through induction into a similar copper coil built into your Mainboard so you dont even need a keyboard

[@jami2580]

@@blyaticon8190 weak, you shouldn't even use your brain in the first place.

[@cpopte]

Using Leopold TKL. Really happy with the size. Mainly for coding. Sometimes I miss the numpad when I use "windows calc" but it's by no means a handicap. I love it. It's the size that fits me best.

[@gollamadish]

02:30 - *The Reve Festival: Finale* i see youre a man of culture as well

[@armywithluv9780]

In Red Velvet we trust.

[@S31Syntax]

"allows you to use the numpad and mouse simultaneously" *laughs in left hand*

[@AZAZA19981907]

;(((((

[@AZAZA19981907]

a lot more ergonomic mice for right handers tho

[@Some-guy-on-the-internet]

*doesn't laugh in lefty who uses mouse right handed*

[@nicolasarmando778]

I've been trying to build a lefty or left numpad mech keyboar, can anyone give me any directions? can't find a single PCB that match it...

[@Some-guy-on-the-internet]

@@nicolasarmando778 You may just be better off buying a separate mechanical numpad then placing it to the left of your keyboard.

[@korwl540]

If you go ortho, you can set your layers up such that the numpad rests under your left hand. I find this amazingly convenient, personally, as once you're fully used to it you essentially never have to lift your hands to access any keyboard function. With some creative usage of mouse keys mapped to your board and knowledge of your hotkeys, it's possible to virtually eliminate usage of the mouse for non-gaming applications. I find now that something like a Planck has "too many" keys to know what to do with. When you jump off the deep end with QMK and start exploring combos/chords/tapdance/etc, you can reduce your form factor pretty damn far. I find somewhere around 40 keys to be my comfy zone. Any fewer and I have to rely too much on combos for mod keys, and combos can be complicated to organize given the keys you're holding can't be used for their basic functions.

[@ElGuerreroMaya]

65% percent for me, you can take my arrow keys from my cold dead hands!

[@TaeKeyboards]

lollll

[@hypnoticlizard9693]

Some keyboard will let you use caps lock as a fn key. Then you can make caps lock + IJKL the arrow keys. Once you get used to the arrow keys that way especially for programming you can't go back to normal arrow keys. Arrow keys on capslock + ijkl allows your hand to never leave the home row to move the cursor around which is awesome because moving your hand back and forth is super annoying and inefficient.

[@azbittel]

If you need to hold the arrow keys for what ever reason, you are kinda sol. BUT... it you just need to tap on them occasionally, the AP2 is amazing. I am very rarely left annoyed at not having them, and also find that I use the tap arrow key feature quite a lot. 65% is solid though. Just throwing out some love for my AP2

[@Someone-ci8wf]

When I got into mechanical keyboards I went straight to custom boards because I had some rather specific ideas on what I wanted. Namely a board with kailh heavy burnt orange switches and it should be qmk programmable which basically eliminated all prebuilt options. Although I really wanted a 65%for the arrow keys in the beginning I chose a 60% in the end due to budget constraints and the need for an ISO formfactor which is really hard to get fitting 65% keycap sets for. I still have arrow keys on a bdn9 macropad but I barely use them tbh. I really like my Capslock as a modifier with WASD arrow keys.

[@psilocybemusashi]

meh they are over rated.

[@AlveLandgren206]

lmao, imagine having to move your hand to reach a key this post was made by the 1% gang 😎

[@ayayafanfan]

SaSa what about 10%

[@AlveLandgren206]

@@Ryan-Bell lmao, imagine knwwign hw ot typ tish pst wsaw mad ba de typn't gagn 😎😎

[@a-aron3847]

God I love this thread so much

[@vuki968]

@@resortia3570 (numpad gang)

[@sharkvfx5038]

@@CigLivery Imagine having fingers to type. This was mad by the nose typing gang.😎😎😎😎

[@eldrich8985]

Top quality editing, as usual.

[@moldavianmapper]

Why no replies

[@noahmccrory2950]

Moldavian Mapper ikr

[@epicthings2468]

Yes maybe

[@orlandarrieta1239]

didnt ask mate

[@Figureight]

Split space 40% (AMJ40 style) for typing and general day to day. 75% like a KBD75 / Satisfaction75 etc for all rounder + gaming. To me a 40% makes more sense than even a 60% board. 60% board still requires hand movement across the board, but still requiring you to use layers because of the reduced keys. 40% however, there is almost no hand movement as all the keys will be below your hands at all times. Once you get the rhythm down for using your layer keys, it ends up being faster and comfier to type on and hit other keys compared to the 60% as everything is in reach all the time. 75% to me makes the most sense for gaming as you dont have to worry at all about using layers for function row, but cuts off the pointless numpad that can just be changed for a wireless external one that you throw in a drawer when not in use.

[@TaeKeyboards]

Great insight! Always good to hear how other people work, and their processes. Maybe I just need more time trying to use layers and such. Maybe it's just the sort of work I do, that doesn't allow me to easily use such small keyboards.

[@Figureight]

@@TaeKeyboards I was lucky really. I just took to using layers like a duck to water. I started with a Planck and just instantly got it. The idea of the layer keys next to the space bar meant I could flip between function key and space by just sliding my thumb across. But as I preferred staggered I decided to pick up an AMJ40 off Flashquark (they are currently reduced price on there btw), and with the split space layout to me it's perfect. Right space is space, the left "space" is my main layer function key. I will note that I didn't actually get on with the Vortex Core as it was more cumbersome than using QMK, so definitely recommend building a proper 40% and giving it a try!

[@Figureight]

If you're curious, here's my layout on my AMJ40 www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/gists/ea18b43d935a641d062360e686e1cdf8

[@TaeKeyboards]

I probably should, so that I can be more cultured haha. How do you find it when doing creative work though? I really can’t live without a bunch of dedicated keys.

[@Figureight]

@@TaeKeyboards For Photoshop or Premiere work that I would do it's no problem. Besides you can always just map key combos to another layer and have a button to toggle layers rather than hold. But yeah if I do want easier access to keys on top level like if I'm gaming, I just stick to the 75%.

[@cobybringas]

2:29 STAN RED VELVET!!!

[@SaHaRaSquad]

I'm using a 40% layout for about half a year now and I can't imagine going back for my everyday primary keyboard. It's amazing to have all the buttons right under the fingers in an ergonomic arrangement.

[@achubababa]

2:29 reveluv?

[@ShiannaFury]

Get better Wendy!!!💙❤️

[@crore1669]

안녕! 우리 나라 사람을 여기서 못 볼 줄 알았어. 나도 레드벨벳 좋아해.

[@alwff]

sm water tastes like water

[@blayz]

Started with a full. Then I went to a 60%. 60% was a little too small for me, so about a year later I bought a TKL.

[@ginopascual7946]

Programmer from the PH here! I find ortholinear 40%s very versatile and convenient to use, quite portable too! Can't live without a numpad, so I had to make a numpad layer. It has been 2 years since I made the switch and I'm still in love with my 40% ortho. Love your content btw!

[@dentalala]

I’m thinking about switching from my 65% keeb to 60% but I really would like to keep arrow keys. Fortunately there’s DZ60 (or GK64) PCBs that allow to combine 60% form-factor and arrow keys simultaneously. It gives a massive customizing opportunities.

[@FallenArtemie]

I've been using a full size forever, and until my first mech board. First mech was TKL, nothing special, only $60 or so with Kailh Browns. Then went back to full size. Now I run a 60% HHKB for my gaming computer and a Logitech MX Keys full size for work because of the num pad. And you're absolutely right, having no numpad is great and the mouse is closer so it's also better ergonomically. It led me to start another keeb build that has a separate numpad so that I can bring my mouse closer and still have the numpad wherever I like but I think left size pads should be more popular because that is the best of both worlds. Note: I think split keebs for ergonomics are also great for games that only need half the board like League.

[@dasprii7703]

I moved from a full sized Corsair Strafe to the 60% Durgod Venus after seeing your review on it and have been loving it so far. I rebound FN1 to Capslock, Capslock to FN1+Shift, and arrow keys to FN1+IJKL and it feels great to use (in my opinion). I'd never go back to full size now, but eventually I may experiment with 65% and 75% boards out of curiosity.

[@hypnoticlizard9693]

Caps lock + IJKL for arrow keys is a game changer especially for programming or any text editing work.

[@RyanTrump]

I started with a TKL, went to a 75%, and recently just got a 60%. I still use the TKL as my work kb, because well it recently got lubed nk creams

[@butre.]

I run full size. I could live with a tenkeyless since the numpad is mostly redundant but I couldn't do any less. my workflow relies too heavily on macros to get away with any less. my ideal keyboard would be a full size with f13-24 as well

[@sawendev]

Full size keyboards are my personal favorite, since I use the numpad for extra keybinds. The smallest I would be willing to use is a 60% keyboard.

[@smaller_cathedrals]

When I woke up today I didn't know I'd be watching a guide for keyboard form factors. I'm on my way now to find me a 60% keyboard. So yeah, thanks for that, excellent video!

[@TibtibThePrincess]

I daily drive a full size but I'm going to build my first custom 40% soon, mainly for gaming

[@Ilya-wc1xv]

same and i want to know if i'll be able to use it lmao

[@senseored]

40% for gaming is kinda limiting. I used an ortho 40% at home for a year, but switched to a Preonic/50% at home because of it. Still love the 40 at work.

[@dagnoob2988]

what games do you play? depending on what games you like i would suggest a 60 percent if you need number keys

[@TaeKeyboards]

bit of a jump lol

[@Jordan-lh8yd]

40% aren't good for gaming at all. I would highly recommend a 60% if you want a useable layout for gaming.

[@mohammadfitrihussain1493]

60% for me, as I mainly use it for typing and light work for my engineering software

[@Zeboki]

I wish 1800 / 96% boards are supported more often. End up using 75% keyboard with stand-alone numpad.

[@Hc4697]

Hate how rare and time consuming some parts are to purchase to build your own. I’m so impatient but you have a new sub!

[@leo._.vincent]

I've got a 60% very happy with it, it's an Anne pro 2 so I can tap the bottom right keys for arrows

[@YonkersDolphin]

60% for me and honestly I dont think I can go back to anything bigger lol I love the space it gives me along with the aesthetic side of it

[@runehansen3121]

Same! but i tend to like the 65% more mostly because i cant live without arrowkeys

[@AndrewNguyen]

@@runehansen3121 I went from full size to TKL to a customizable 60% and 60% is my current favorite. I set Caps Lock as FN and then WASD as arrow keys. It's pretty convenient to me.

[@runehansen3121]

@@AndrewNguyen Not having the arrowkeys are not the problem for me so to say :). I just get a feeling like I'm missing something whenever I use a keyboard smaller than 65%.

[@YonkersDolphin]

rune hansen haha I feel that! I have a 65% as my back up so I totally get it 👍🏽

[@oreoeatsoreos9412]

Is it hard to type on there cause you remove the backspace button.

[@mellowmoony]

65% + separate numpad is really the optimal layout for me. I also put my numpad on the left side of my keyboard if I'm using it.

[@TaeKeyboards]

very nice!

[@giorgiannicartamancini3917]

As an IT student, my preference goes to full size, unfortunately my desk is quite small so I couldn't fit one in XD

[@bgcomputernerd]

You’ve made me purchase one without a numpad. It’s handy for entering a PIN or long string of numbers and I considered it necessary until I thought about how often I actually use them

[@diatomsaus]

I usually would recommend TKL. I realised the importance of dedicated Function keys after not having them on my first custom mech.

[@ryanjay6241]

Yeah, it really depends what you're doing with it ... if you're primarily a gamer, maybe you can get away without them. Too many system functions as well as application functions are often tied to them to get rid of in general for me (F5!), and as a developer they're also used extremely often in IDEs.

[@diatomsaus]

@@ryanjay6241 Yep, can't get used to using the FN button, what's worse... computers at work use full size keyboards, I find myself pressing two keys like an idiot instead of the dedicated ones after sort of getting used to my initial mech.

[@SunsetBlvd13]

Mans really thought he could get away with putting Red Velvet on his monitors and have me not notice... heehee

[@Elemental_Shift]

Daily driver is a 60. Anne Pro, currently waiting on parts to build a Discipline 65

[@alexandervezina772]

I use a TKL keyboard... It was only around $40, and it's great.

[@gagne6928]

Redragon k552?

[@Drunken_Hamster]

I found the coolest thing recently. A tight clustered (4mm spacing and bezels) TKL with a slightly reduced numpad instead of the nav keys (nav keys on a different layer, you can also perma-change their mode via FN and hitting backspace which activates the num lock and switches the numpad between modes) It's called a HAVIT KB487L. Really crazy that it comes with PBT keycaps, too. Though it DOES have Jixian red switches, the stabilizers are pretty damn good. There's also an RGB version with pudding keycaps callled the KB851L, but it's much harder to find, apparently. My point is, that I think this is the ideal layout if you're not gonna go straight up with a 60% or smaller. I dub it an "85%" and I wish that it was available for the custom market, because unless I fall in love with an ortho 50% or end up trying and liking an ortho 40% (or do an ortho 75%, which fits in a 60% case but uses all 1U keycaps) then I'm pretty sure that this layout of KB is my "endgame"

[@admiralmudkip9836]

Full size masterrace, you can pry my numpad from my cold dead hands, and by then I would've already glued it to my cold dead hands! Actually though all the benefits of small keyboards just don't apply to me, I don't put my mouse to the right of the keyboard, and I use the extra buttons for binds and macros.

[@slimsam3447]

I use a 65% and a macropad. You don't exactly need the numpad. Rarely use my numpad when I was using my laptop's keyboard.

[@slimsam3447]

I'm eyeing on those 50% Custom keeb kit with those left numpad.

[@MultiZymethSK]

I have to stick with TKL or 75% because I need the function row.

[@auradrifter7779]

What do you need the functions keys for? I’m curious because I rarely use them on my board even though I have them.

[@MultiZymethSK]

@@auradrifter7779 Hm, it's difficult to even name situations. I use F keys in the games I play + quite a lot of shortcuts and navigation. It's like I don't know what I'm missing 'till I don't have it. I had Magicforce 68 for a few days and I was miserable without function keys. Sometimes layers are good enough, but not all the time.

[@sarips841]

But the the function row are under different layers, just press fn+1 for example

[@SpaceSwimmer69]

@@auradrifter7779 To be honest, I use keypad a lot. I often have to write numbers, and it is so satasfying to write on it. About the function keys, I use del a lot, because you can delete something that is in front of your cursor. Also home, end are pretty useful. Print screen is, I think, My most used button on here after del. Others I would personally cut off. They are not effective at all. Also insert has a place when programming.

[@SpaceSwimmer69]

@@sarips841 It's just not practical if you ever use it in game

[@peppa1492]

Personal experience: if you like playing older games (from 1990's or early 2000's) and/or like to play with your friends on a single computer at the same time, getting a keyboard with dedicated arrow keys (and preferably a numpad) is strongly recommended. It can also help while playing a game that utilizes a lot of different keybinds. That's why I'm staying at 100% (or more since I like to have a few dedicated macro buttons).

[@dlan8859]

6:54 he has the h key cap on backwards

[@PhilipAlexanderHassialis]

TKL all the way. Tried to work with a 60% - but due to work and general habits, it's simply difficult when you have to press even simple F key combos e.g. Ctrl+F5, not to mention that navigating with Ctrl+Arrows for quick move from one word/keyword to the next/prev is simply a godsend.

[@TheBettoLp]

Come one Red Velvet’s The ReVe Festival Finale. I can see you not only have taste in keyboards but also good taste in music 😌

[@jasonho8410]

Red velvet needs another comeback!!!!

[@dhoffnun]

Working in printing with shoulder problems, the 65% is perfect for me.

[@8-bit513]

I use a full size but I am thinking of a TKL as my next.

[@lucacocozza]

If u haven't done it yet, do it. It was the best decision of my gaming life. More mouse space, a bunch of good options and you still have dedicated arrow keys.

[@Ifeany1]

The could technically fit in arrow keys on the 60%, because those keys on the right side are just duplicates of the ones on the left, and genuinely speaking, most people use the left side of the keyboard for those functions. So remove the right shift key and replace it with 2 smaller keys (maybe 1 serving as a shift key, and the other serving as an up arrow key), and replace the lower 3 left keys with the other arrow keys.

[@gamerdude3204]

ive been in keebs for a bit, my main is a tada 68 but im switching to the tkc candybar for that lefty numpad and arrows on a 40%

[@hadifelani]

I personally prefer either TKL or 75%, and then add in a separate numpad. That way I can freely place my mouse in between my main board and the numpad, or to place the numpad to the left side of the main board.

[@potion95]

I have every size keyboard besides 40% and I prefer 65% or TKL

[@sarips841]

Then get the 40% one

[@mr_sn4k3s]

Had to go back to full size for a half a year cos my Corsair died thought I'd be fine with just a budget rubber dome but I was not. Got a Durgod K320 recently no frills and fuss as I have had a bad experience with RGB especially from Corsair died in the same way 4 times in. A row.

[@FatheredPuma81]

Everytime you remove keys it feels like you removing part of my soul. I'd love to get a 1xx% that has F1-F24, an entire numpad of macros on the left, dedicated media keys, etc. Only issue would be desk space.

[@romeozor]

I'm a developer and considering a 65% keyboard, Ducky one 2 SF is what i had my eye on. Problem is, I need a double-row enter key and preferably Hungarian layout, those things are hard to come by.

[@moai3392]

I use full sized because I have all the numpads bound to macros for editing and whatever

[@czdot]

I'm sporting a 40 dollar TKL board with Outemu Red switches with and additional numpad next to my left hand. I'll always have it that way due to comfort. Also, I lubed the switches, added o-rings, dampened the inside of the case and put a silicon dust cover over the switches. It's so much quieter the dampened clacking tickles my brain. This is a weird hobby! 😂

[@AlexisTwoLastNames]

such a clean, thorough, gorgeous video. exactly what i was looking for. i've been using a dinky 65% and find that i'm now much faster with the number row than with the numpad on my laptop, so i'm excited to find a nice 60% or 65% to enjoyyy.

[@Mikey-zc4lk]

Currently 100% but I have a Ducky One 2 Mini Pure White on the way and I'm super excited

[@glashausAimz2]

Got a ducky one 2 mini with silent reds, and i love it. What are you guys use the arrow keys for? I never really used them.

[@MrGroooveman]

mostly illustrator ... alt + arrow key all the time ... thats why i have a sf :D

[@danielitsb]

Win Key + arrow keys :)

[@anbu_mitch8947]

I also have a ducky one 2 mini but I got cherry Mx blues and love them

[@SageWangAdventures]

For me the 60 percent keyboards work out perfectly, once you get use to it, with a FN key reassigned to the capslock key, you don't ever need to move you hand around for those arrow keys. I have a Mistel Barocco with the numpad at home and a Ducky One 2 mini at work. Mistel Barocco split keyboard is just perfect for my need, I move the right part up when gaming, both down when typing, and numpad at an easy to reach area.

[@trantuong789]

To me numpad on the left makes the most sense. You have your alphabet keys right at the center so your right arm doesn't has to reach out too much to the left. Right hand using mouse, left hand input the numbers. More symmetrical setup. Too bad it's not a common standard. With the full size, your arms position is not very comfortable since your right hand needs to reach further to the alphabet keys.

[@watchmaniv8393]

60% are great only downside is the no arrow keys without having to use a function key, but its not really a deal breaker.

[@luper_dbk3165]

I used to use a 60% keyboard and I just recently changed into a 100% and I gotta say... I dont mind the size at all! Unless you would need to have anorexia compact setup for any reasons.

[@honestaguanta2719]

2:31 that Pyscho wallpaper album, awee you’re a reveluv (red velvet fan) too hehe

[@crow__bar]

Personally, I will always prefer a full-size keyboard. I have used one for pretty much my entire life, and even after using a 75% laptop keyboard, I will still always choose the 100%. I think one of the reasons is that I type in a different language, and the num row keys are used to type different symbols and letters when used normally, and numbers when holding down shift. So typing numbers was always less cumbersome with a keypad since I don't need to use two hands to type a number. Overall if I could choose I'd go for the 100% with the keypad on the left to have more mouse space (but tbh I never found less mouse space to be an issue, even with a full-sized keyboard)

[@siddharthbhatia8815]

Not planning on buying a mechanical keyboard, don't really need it, but this is a great video ! Very well made, Op you should be proud!

[@actualglacier]

"In custom keyboards it really goes a step further" [scrolls] Tkl, Tkl, Tkl, Tkl

[@TaeKeyboards]

lollll, yeh wasnt the greatest mix. well, there were WKL's. Reached the left hand numpad though haha

[@actualglacier]

@@TaeKeyboards Hahah I was just making a joke. slightly funny to me how almost everyone eventually falls back to TKL after being in the hobby for a while

[@abubakrakram6208]

@@actualglacier I think TKL's just strike a _truly_ perfect balance for people who don't need the numpad, of which there really are many. A lot of us _say_ we don't need some other set of keys (function, for example) but we end up proving ourselves wrong. That leaves TKL as a pretty default option.

[@ternedo6074]

AbuBakr Akram TKL is the smallest I’ll go. Plenty of space, and those sweet sweet function keys for a Minecraft boy

[@squidwardstesticles5914]

I find it so dumb that left hand numpad boards aren’t more popular. Imo it should be the standard, because with the numpad on the right you either have to use your mouse way off to the side, or have your main keys too far to the left. Plus the right hand already has enough to do with the mouse (for right handed people) and all the other extra keys being on that side.

[@DerZayc]

got my first 60% & mechanical 4 days ago and love it. i think i get a 2nd one for my officespace.

[@Schxndr]

An enter key on the left side would be a dream. Only drawn to the left numpad

[@moepOo]

Using TKL right now and 75% is the lowest I would go.

[@siddharthnandi3995]

Same.

[@Wonginism]

I functionally ran TKL for over a year and swapping back was easy and didn't feel weird at all probably because it felt more normal for me have a large separation between hands. I guess I am just weird though. I am so niche even for the keyboard community. Why I said functionally a TKL was because I ran the now discontinued modular Asus ROG Claymore with the number pad on the left hand side. My endgame is a RGB backlit quiet tactile keyboard in the Hybrid ANSI (Focus) layout with a number pad on the left side and a volume knob a nice to have for wider appeal would be modularity. I see having a number pad on the left side is the have your cake and eat it too option for ergonomics vs functionality.

[@quickaswink]

I've always had a 100% keyboard, even when I decided like: "I want a mechanical one". Just diving deeper into the rabbithole that are mechanical keyboards I purchased a Durgod K320 on Ali for 70 euro, and just now half drunk ordered a 65% just because I'm so curious. Don't mind me editing this comment in a year saying I built one myself for """"only"""" 1000 euro

[@cennarr]

Holyshitwhydidtheyletmepicksuchalongnameibetyourenotevenreadingthis what 65% did you get? I have a durgod k320 rn and i am looking for a 65%

[@quickaswink]

@@cennarr I read some things about the Keychron K6, because hotswap was something I was also interested in

[@DavidNYC83]

For work I run a full size. I work heavily with numbers during certain periods throughout the month. I also hate having the keys cluttered and just messes me up.

[@ze_or]

ortholinear 40% is my favorite being able to use my thumbs for so many more buttons is so nice on the planck

[@adambalapatel]

no one: taekeyboards: 👁👄👁 s t r e a m p s y c h o

[@Salwarusla]

meanwhile i waiting if there's any custom full keyboard with media keys, dedicated macros and arm rest or using modular system so sometimes you can put it off parts you didn't need

[@Semeyaza]

Using a full size AEKII (modded clicky cream alps) as a daily drive working from home... I'll have to find a solution that's full size, not too expensive and silent fro when I'll be back at work in September/October (Kailh silent box pink look quite good right now). Cheers

[@Gamez4eveR]

75% or 82/84 key layouts. F keys and arrow keys are a must for me as a software developer that doesn't use Vim

[@burgbeef]

This is where I will go from now on for keyboard tips. Thanks from a Chinese cheeseburger

[@nafishaider]

I use a 65% layout because I use my keyboard for work, and I need the arrow keys for spreadsheets. I have a separate usb num pad for work purposes, but when I'm not working I just put that away and enjoy my smaller keyboard.

[@zenstrukt]

75% is the one I'm gunning for. Now just need the right one for me with hot swappability with per-key RGB :-D *prays for KBDFANS to release one*

[@simonemariodavi2295]

if u find something post pls i'm searching too

[@SirSethery]

@@simonemariodavi2295 I'm looking at an E-Element Z-88. Cheap China 75% board, but it does at least have gapped F keys. Will probably replace the keycaps and switches if I do get it, though it looks to only be compatible with Outemus unless you mod your switch housings. Also no per-key RGB, just the built-in presets.

[@ianp6994]

Rocking the Logitech G pro for awhile now with mainly browns from Logitech and some blues mixed in there. I loved the jump from full to TKL

[@claudiu7909]

I am in conflict, I really like to have a numpad and I like to type on a big keyboard, but I hate the huge space it takes on my desk and the distance my hand has to travel to the mouse and back.

[@TaeKeyboards]

I thoroughly enjoy something like the Leopold FC980M for a retail mech.

[@Blampa1456]

I am looking for a good keyboard that fits most of these categories. If the keyboard fits most of the things but not all I might still be interested . Budget: $200 * keyboard: no in your face bright logos like Logitech * no number pad * wrist rest (preferably cushioned, no big in your face logo, and this is pushing it but magnetic to the keyboard) * mechanical: tactile or linear: not clicky switches like Cherry MX blue or razer green aka quiet but not too quiet (IMPORTANT) * keycaps: greenish/blueish teal style which fits my mint green/light blue setup; also a CLEAN font not an in your face bold font. If the keycaps are black that is fine too. I prefer the keycaps to be clear on the edges to have a lot of light and RGB in your face. aka bright AF * media keys: pause, next track, previous track, and volume control

[@door3621]

I made an alu GK61 with box jades, I love it but I realized I prefer linear switches, box jades are too light and I miss the numpad, so I'm making a Melody96 with box blacks and box grays for the mods, also going with a SA keycap set. But I will still rotate to my GK61 as it feels so good and is a lot more portable.

[@Majician]

Thanks for putting this out there, I happen to be one of the no clue people and this definitely pointed me in the right direction. Thanks!

[@SirSethery]

75% looks to be for me. I've been using an Anne Pro 2 for some time, and I REALLY miss my arrow keys. The smart arrow tapping is cool, but just isn't enough. I also really want my F keys back since they don't take up any horizontal desk space. I'm thinking about getting an E-Element Z-88 and just replacing the keycaps and switches. Shouldn't be too expensive, and it's hot-swappable with Outemus. 3:55 Also, this is the nicest keyboard I think I’ve ever seen.

[@aingeav497]

starting with a 60%, and i don’t mind the layers, but my keeb doesn’t let me switch the key mapping, so my next build will probably be a 65% or TKL that can be remapped. i also think 40% are so cute, and i would drop a little bit on a prebuild of one to be able to bring to class

[@sandrochove3964]

for me, the best layout would be the miya pro 65% layout, which looks absolutely stunning, has arrow keys, has delete, pgup/down and also has a decent size

[@TurboZarya]

I use a 60%, the Anne Pro 2, with Cherry MX Browns. I love this keyboard. I use the bottom right keys (Fn, Menu, Ctrl, and Left Shift) as my arrow keys, and Left alt is function. (I swapped the left alt and function keycaps)

[@cityofplant]

60% is for me. I’ll never be able to go back to tkl or full size.

[@Birbsters]

Do you ever use arrow keys? If so how do you find using them on a 60% board?

[@fuongbregas]

@@Birbsters GK-64 is 60% and still have arrow key. Or you can build a DZ-60 with arrow key yourself. I find it annoying when he said 60% board could not have dedicated arrow keys.

[@semigloss007]

@@Birbsters On my 60% the arrow key are on the function layer under I J K L, these keys are always under my hand when typing and for the function key i use caps lock. I find this much more comfortable than dedicated arrow keys.

[@jeanbatiste]

@@Birbsters my 60% has arrow keys however if I want to use the question mark or "/" I need to hold Fn. that's the only downside

[@cityofplant]

@@Birbsters Fortunately, I use a program called QMK configurator that i can bind my arrow keys to my right. So I never really lost the arrow keys xD.

[@JayzBeerz]

Smallest I go is a TKL. I'm using the G.Skill KM360. Surprised you have never reviewed it.

[@theshinken]

Bought my Vortex Pok3r 60% complete with (then) hip MX Clears to live the hacker life. Ended up not using vim, having the arrows shortcut enabled 98% of the time and also getting an extra keypad to justify the price before owning it up and going back to full. It also didn't turn me into a hacker and I even missed readily available function keys. Thought about repurposing it for mobile use, but it's too heavy and cabled sucks for travel even if it's removable. Nowadays it's my most expensive emergency keyboard when I need to log into an RPie non-remotely or need a small test setup or temporally really need more space on my desk for some reason. Wouldn't give it away though! It's still my cool 60% hacker baby!

[@leonchan1389]

The Coolermaster Quickfire TK had a great unique and balanced layout that I wished some other company would pick up because they're all discontinued now :(

[@jkraghify5032]

I lent my TLK board out to my brother since he is home for the remainder of the college year. That night I smacked my mouse up into the numberpad on the monstrous K95... My mouse actually has a dent in it now.

[@elisespiridion5050]

I actually have a hybrid keyboard. Basically there’s a. Button that switches for numpad mode or TKL mode which is pretty good.

[@TheCuttz1984]

Fingers crossed I can get my hands on a satisfacton 75. By far my favourite looking board. Will be my first custom so I want to do one that suits my style. Hopefully they come back up for sale. Hard to get in Australia

[@njnjco]

I prefer typing numbers with a number pad of course, but I can live without to save space on a cramped desk. What I can't do without is the function keys. I always hated for example, bluetooth keyboards that mapped the function keys to media stuff and you needed to hold the fn key to actually use them. I don't like having to resort to layers.

[@ryancaldwellracing]

I run a 65% at home (for general use/occasional gaming). My current desk at home is pretty small, so having a nice compact board is a big plus. I was running a full size gamer style board with a bunch of macro keys that I never used for a while, definitely prefer the 65% now. Looking back, I have no idea how I was able to put up with that little desk space. At work, I am running a 96% with a left handed numpad (I find it super useful for working in Solidworks and Excel). Unfortunately the one I found with that layout (Epomaker GK96) loses the arrow keys when you choose the left side numpad version, and has them nested in a function layer. I can kinda work around it, but eventually I might want to try to design a totally custom form factor for work though. I love the left hand numpad, and kinda want to do a left side numpad 96% type layout, but with the dedicated arrow keys mirrored to the left side as well. I'm left handed, but use a right handed mouse, so I have found it very easy to adapt to a left hand numpad. Pretty sure left hand arrow keys would be really great too, I use arrow keys left handed anyway pretty frequently, even when they are on the right side.

[@I_Is_Ramped]

I have 2 100% Keebs (Both with wrist wrests so pretty much as big as it gets) and currently typing this on my new 60%, 60 is a whole new world, interested in TKL and 40% but those mostly for looks, i have massive hands so i already struggle on the 60%, i feel like TKL is a good mix for me and will probably try it soon, maybe for my first custom build.