Keyboard Sizes Explained: 60%, 65%, 75%, TKL, and Full Size

Keyboard size is the first decision to make when planning a build — because it determines which PCBs and cases are even compatible. Get this wrong and every other part choice is locked in with it.

Here's what each size actually means, what you give up, and who each one suits.

The Sizes at a Glance

Full Size (100%)

Everything included: alphanumeric keys, function row, navigation cluster, and a full numpad.

Who needs it: Data entry professionals who live in spreadsheets. Anyone whose workflow is genuinely built around the numpad. Accountants. Graphic designers who use numpad shortcuts in their tools.

The tradeoff: Large footprint. Mouse is farther away. Less common in the custom keyboard world — most enthusiast PCBs are smaller, so component availability and quality at the premium end is lower than TKL or 65%.

Example boards: Keychron K10 Pro, Leopold FC900R

Browse full-size compatible PCBs.

TKL — Tenkeyless (80%)

A full keyboard with the numpad removed. Everything else — including the full function row, arrow keys, and navigation cluster (insert, home, page up/down, delete, end) — is intact.

Who it's for: People who want everything but the numpad. Writers, programmers, and gamers who still want dedicated function keys and arrow keys without reaching far right for the mouse.

The tradeoff: Still a wide keyboard. You're mostly moving your mouse the same distance as a full size. The gain is desk space to the right.

Why it's popular: The TKL is the most common size in the mechanical keyboard hobby for good reason — you lose almost nothing, and the build quality and case options at this size are excellent.

Example boards: NK87 Entry Edition — hot-swap, per-key RGB, excellent value for a first TKL build.

Browse TKL PCBs.

75%

A 75% squishes the TKL's navigation cluster into a single column on the right side, removes a few other keys, and compresses the layout to a more compact form. Crucially, it keeps the function row.

Who it's for: People who want something smaller than TKL but still need dedicated F-keys for their workflow (development, gaming, software shortcuts). The layout is a bit non-standard, but most people adapt quickly.

The tradeoff: The tighter layout can take adjustment, especially on the right shift and backspace. Some layouts move the delete key to an unusual position.

Example boards: Keychron Q1 Pro (gasket mount, premium feel), Glorious GMMK Pro (highly customisable), Keychron K2 Pro (budget-friendly with Bluetooth)

Browse 75% PCBs and kits.

65%

Drop the function row. Keep the arrow keys and a few navigation keys (usually delete, page up, page down squeezed into the right side). That's the 65%.

Who it's for: Typists and programmers who don't use function keys as primary shortcuts. The 65% is the sweet spot for a lot of custom builders — small enough to give real desk space back, but keeps arrow keys which many people consider non-negotiable.

The tradeoff: No F-keys. If your workflow uses F5 to refresh, F2 to rename, or F-key shortcuts in your IDE, you'll either need to remap or reach for Fn + a number. For most people, this adaptation takes a week.

Why it's popular in the hobby: A huge range of quality PCBs and cases are available at this size. The 65% is the most common size for enthusiast builds precisely because it's the smallest layout where nothing feels truly missing.

Example boards: NK65 Entry Edition — the most popular budget 65%, hot-swap, excellent sound. KBDfans 5° 65% Kit — step up to aluminum with brass weight for a premium typing feel.

Browse 65% PCBs and kits.

60%

Strip everything except the alphanumeric keys and modifiers. No function row, no arrow keys, no navigation. Just the core typing surface.

Who it's for: Minimalists. People who touch-type and rarely use function keys. Writers who want maximum desk space. Anyone who travels with their keyboard.

The tradeoff: Steep. Arrow keys live on a layer (usually Fn + WASD or Fn + IJKL). Function keys require Fn + number. If you rely on arrow keys for anything — selecting text, navigating code — you'll feel the absence every day for the first month. Some people never adjust. Others can't go back.

The upside: A 60% board is genuinely tiny. It leaves enormous desk space. The aesthetic is clean. Build quality at this size is excellent — the 60% has been a hobby standard for years and the parts ecosystem is deep.

Example boards: KBDfans D60Lite — affordable hot-swap 60% with great community support. Bakeneko 60 — gummy O-ring mount for an exceptionally bouncy, satisfying typing feel.

Browse 60% PCBs and kits.

How to Decide

Answer these questions honestly:

1. Do you use a numpad for work? If yes, get TKL or full. If you only use it occasionally, you'll adapt to not having it within a week.

2. Do you use arrow keys constantly? Selecting text in documents, navigating code, or gaming all depend on arrow keys. If yes, get a 65% or larger. If you're a pure touch-typist or can layer arrow keys, 60% is fine.

3. Do you use function keys? F5 for refresh? F2 for rename? F12 for dev tools? If these are daily actions, get a 75% or larger — or be prepared to remap.

4. How much desk space do you have? A small desk genuinely benefits from a 60% or 65%. A large desk makes size less critical.

For most first builds, we recommend 65%. It's the layout with the fewest regrets — small enough to matter, functional enough that nothing important is missing. The NK65 Entry Edition is the go-to starting point.

Browse all PCBs and kits with size filters to find what's available at your target layout. Or jump into the keyboard builder and pick your layout first.