Not to be picky, but the count is just 22. He said that you have to do a push up every time he says, "keyboard", not any word including keyboard, meaning you can ignore the plural.
There is something a lot of people don't talk about, but is important to a subset of people who use keyboards every day. If you are a programmer, I definitely wouldn't recommend going down to a keyboard that doesn't have a dedicated tilde button. There is an important function on that button for programmers, which is the back tick ( ` ). You can still use the key, but it's quite an annoying key combination to use the back tick on the smaller form factors.
Not only programmers but pc builders and mac users should also beware of special layouts and test if possible. My coolermaster quickfire tk just doesn’t work in the bios (tested on dell, asus, lenovo, hp) or on my macbook m1. The keymapping is random and incomplete when using it. No issues in Windows or Linux tho.
@@hyperturbotechnomike portability, ergonomics (your hands are more centered on numlockless keyboards) and personal preference. I like the 75% ansi qwerty keyboards alot although my country’s standard one is belgian azerty. I regularly switch between my 12-14” laptops and desktop so I’m used to not having a numpad. So I prefer the extra desk space over having one.
When I built my gaming PC a couple of years ago I opted for 70%, but over time I found that I hated needing to use the function modifiers and just not having those extra keys for keybinds. Switched to a full size Logitech G815 and adore it, love having the macro row and the numpad for Soundpad keybinds.
@@Antboi4653 I know for me the best option is the TKL keyboard with an addition of another 20-40 keys to the LEFT. The real issue with modern keyboards is they are not positioned properly: when you type, you need to position it so that the space bar is the middle point, and the numpad will mess with the mouse space. When you game, you need to move it more to the left, up to the point where the cursor keys are at the middle. This is the real problem to solve, not cutting pieces off the board.
I'm currently running a 65%, but I've mostly used a compact 1800 (since that's what usually is built onto laptops). For the most part I think that 75% is my sweet spot. Even when programming, painting or gaming, I don't find myself using the home cluster that much (or at all). And while the numpad is indeed great for data entry, with the amount of use I get out of it, I can't really justify having it take up desk space.
@kobymile5453 well, monitors and keyboards have different space constraints. People don't typically have to fit stuff beside their monitor. Heck, you can even have a monitor that's bigger than your table as long as the stand fits. Not to mention wall mounted monitors. A keyboard is more contrained by your table size and you typically need to be able to fit at least a mouse beside it. Especially for FPS gamers who need a lot of mouse space. Or digital artists (sounds like OP does digital art) who need to also be able to fit a drawing tablet beside their keyboard. There are also the people who use the same keyboard they use at home for travel, where a smaller keyboard is definitely needed.
It's literally the first time I've heard of the 1800 designation for the 96% board. I just kitted myself an RK860 and it's been pretty good so far. Pretty cheap too.
1800 refers to the layout of the keys, not how many. The 95/96% boards usually refers to the ones that are all pushed together with no space, like a Keychron K4 style.
I'll probably go with either a TKL or a 75%, cause I don't really use the number pad that much but I still need dedicated function keys as I use them quite often
just seeing this now, but i wish i had seen it when i was buying my first keyboard. i let my "tech friend" influence what keyboard i got and i ended up getting a 60%. it worked great and i used it for a long time but i hated it because it lacked things that i wanted when i was gaming. i eventually stopped listening to them and upgraded to tkl and i honestly say i have never been happier. it might sound weird but having the dedicated arrow keys (along with the other features, but mostly the arrow keys lol) has been a HUGE improvement in my gaming experience. its really important to do your own research and buy what you think is best for you instead of "going with the crowd", or in this case listening to your friend who thinks they know everything. small is not always better and i'm glad i know that now. awesome video!
Love my 75%. Apart from the struggle finding key replacement sets it does everything I need, love the fact my numbers and function keys line up, plus is Bluetooth wireless AND works with windows and Mac OS.
@@ashwinramesh1356 I suppose that makes sense. I actively lean away from the monitor, so I suppose that's why tilting my keyboard the opposite way is more comfortable.
As someone who dealing with Excel a lot and want a smaller keyboard, the 1800 compact that doesn't have any spacing between keys (like keychron k4) is a godsend. It's size aren't too different with most of TKL (because usually TKL have spacing right side of enter key) and it still has numpad. But if I don't want a numpad then the 75% layout is my choice.
Any profession that deals with numbers will probably need a numpad and the 1800 layout brings the numpad closer, making it easier to use and reduces the footprint of the keyboard without comprimising any functionality. I'm currently using the Keychron K4 V2 and absolutely loving it.
don't work with numbers, but i feel like i'm pretty good at numpad but for now i'm not using my spare numpad and trying to use the string of numbers instead, it works i guess. feel like i really like the tactile layout of f1-f4 or numpad though. it's really easy to maneuver but not having to move my right hand much is nice too.
You dont need everything in 1 keyboard. You can plug in 2 keyboards. I have a 60% and a numpad only. Combined it costs less than 100% , and together is much more comfortable to use, and makes better use of the space on my desk
You forgot to mention the most important advantage with full size keyboards: the ability to quickly enter any unicode symbol using ALT codes (Alt + number combinations on num pad). Personally, I need this in order to get correct Norwegian quotation marks (« and »), en dash and em dash (- and -), and the degree symbol (°), just to name a few. I love the aestethic of TKL boards, and would love to have one, but it's just simply too limited.
oh crap haha. i just ordered a new keyboard (65%) and this didn't occur to me. my name has an a with an umlaut in it, but i use an american layout. oops. i'm sure i can just keep it in my clipboard whenever i have to type my name.
As a programmer, I use TKL because I need the Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, Delete, and arrow keys (trying to type out code on a laptop that don't have those dedicated keys makes it very apparent that I would be 30% less productive without them) However, after seeing the 75%, I'm tempted to try them out. The space savings look awesome. I doubt that I would miss Insert lol
Only time I ever used the insert key was for word processing in the early '90s, lol. Then again, I code and don't use the page up, or page down keys either. I'm more accurate with my mouse for that.
@@lynneftw I don't use delete in programming. But I do need my delete key for stuff like Planet Zoo or many level/scene editors. Delete is now a gaming key apparently XD
@@lynneftw For real haha, I honestly think the number of times I've ever purposely hit a key in the "home section" (is that what it's called?) in my 23ish years of computer use is less than 100. I'm still not even 100% sure what some of them are supposed to do, because it never seems to be what I'd expect when I press one thinking it might help. Just give me a keyboard form factor that replaces all 9 of those keys with the numpad (except the Print Scrn key, that's a vital 10-20 use per day key, just move it somewhere else).
I've been using full sized keyboards forever. Never even tried the smaller ones. I finally jumped out and bought the Logitech G-915 TKL and I have to say...I love this thing. I love the size, the keys...everything. I switch it from my home computer to my work computer with a button press (lightspeed to bluetooth) and the size lets me use it on my lap, or on my small work computer desk, and also place it on my gaming computer between my flight sticks. It's pretty slick.
75% is the perfect balance between compact and function. I seem to be in the minority, but I prefer more slim and portable keyboard though, not tall mechanical keys.
Mechanical keyboards are noisy. I have a 75% with cheap non-mechanical switches, and I prefer it because I already make enough key noise. I used to game on one of those roll-up rubber keyboards for stealth while the family was sleeping. XD ... Now, if I could find a mouse I like that lasts more than six months, I would be all set. My Logitech T400 has a failing left switch, and it's an obscure low-profile switch. :-S
@@michaelhuss0 Most mice can serve you for a year minimum, so I don't know what you're doing to yours lol. I've had mine for 2-3 years and it still holds up like it's new
@@KagemandenDK The switches are not created equal. I just happened to have picked a few winners. Lol I prefer smaller, lighter mice without extra buttons and gimmicks. It seems like more, "basic," mice tend to break more easily than the monstrocities my friends use for gaming.
@@michaelhuss0 I also like the simple mice, but I was lucky enough to get a Razer Diamondback from 2015, which doesn't have a bunch of gimmicks on the side. But yeah if you go for the really basic mice you might have to replace them a little sooner. I wish you luck in finding one you like that can last tho! :)
I use a TKL for home and a 104-key at work. I do wish someone would just make a full size keyboard with the numpad on the left hand side so I have more mousing room when gaming, though.
@@Vasharan asus rog had one, I forgot the name. But yeah the downside is that it's overpriced. They hyped up the modular function, you can magnetically plop the numpad on either side or even convert it into a TKL.
@@kremlinbasement7768 If they tried to fit that extra column of a 65% on a 60%, I think it’d be pretty jank. Something like the sk64 manages to cram in arrow keys, but I don’t know where they would fit the extra keys
@@Polymath2B check this: Arrows instead of right alt, fn, menu and ctrl (idk why right alt and ctrl exist) Fn on left side of keyboard so 4 keys on right and 4 keys on left of spacebar symmetry 😏 Home, end, pu, pd can be activated by Fn + arrow (it's even more convenient than separate keys) \ can be changed to print screen Menu and scr lock don't necessary cuz there's mouse Insert and pause (fun fact: u never use insert and pause)
@@kremlinbasement7768 A few keyboards have arrow keys instead of the right ctrl, fn, and menu, but then you need a smaller shift key like the sk64. And almost all keyboards use Fn layers to access home, end, page up/down, F1-12, and whatever else you might need.
I'm a big fan of the compact fullsize keyboards. I love having a numpad and the compact layout allows you to have that without having to compromise too much desk space.
I have an 1800 (I had no idea it was called an 1800, so thanks for that) from Keychron (K4 V2). Simply because it has almost everything to hand, but is also quite compact (I'm right handed, and I use the keypad) Best keys I've ever owned 👍
3 года назад
Full size is still my preferred size, never had issues with lack of space, and all the extra options, numpad etc. are super useful outside of gaming.
Could I ask why? I have a full size keyboard but I rarely use the number pad. I would still choose to have a full size keyboard because of media controls etc. But I don’t really use the number pad. Maybe I should be but that’s why I’m asking. Thanks
@@thedislikebutton101 I myself rarely use the top number row, I just find it more comfortable to type in numbers on the numpad, plus there's the added benefit of muscle memory, I can easily hit numbers without looking down on the numpad, I can't do that on the top number row! I also like them for shortcuts and macros, there's a limited number of combinations you can do with only your left hand, eve tually you'll get to a point you can't type ctrl+"some key" because it's too far away for one hand only, the number pad gives me 17 keys very close to the mouse that I can easily lift off my right hand and hit them for macros and shortcuts. Finally, sometimes I need to type in a lot of numbers In a spreadsheet or something, doesn't happen often, but when it happens it's way more comfortable to type in the numpad.
TBH I never use it - although friends of mine who love full-size say so because of passwords and data input. Otherwise that precious space is better used for a mouse. -D.
Full Size is still my favorite. I don't really notice the space issues in terms of desk/mouse, but I'm also not really a FPS gamer. The numpad is invaluable to me, I use it every day and can't imagine buying a keyboard without it. My laptop is kinda like a 60% with a function row on top, and I always struggle when I have to type numbers since my muscle memory is for a numpad.
Maybe I'm overthinking it but could be attention to detail as it's his preferred layout for most people, so it stands out on the thumbnail without being clickbaity add a circle on it type Or maybe yeah it was just misplaced lol
Been using 60% and got used to it. Although I do some data entry and it's not easy. I think the 65% is the smallest I'll go in the future. At that point probably go for a 75% as it only adds a little height.
When I started working from home I had to adapt my Mac setup to my Windows work laptop. I ended up with a Logitech MX Keys, but I didn’t use the num pad even back then, so I preferred a TKL. Now I might actually be able to get a MacBook for work, and actually, I think I like 75% even better than TKL. So if I do get a MacBook, I might want to get a new keyboard. However I prefer one that connects to a dongle, because that dongle can then plug into my Thunderbolt dock so that any laptop I connect will see the keyboard directly. There’s not a lot of choice, given that it also has to have Mac keycaps. I could also go wired but I like an uncluttered desk.
1800 is my favourite, having a full size numpad with a smaller form factor is perfect for my case! It’s slightly harder to build cuz parts for this format is abit rare.
The 1800 layout is pretty great. The main point of it is that it's roughly the same size as a TKL, but retains numpad functionality. I love my FC980M and it's perfect for work.
agreed, it is just 1 column larger than a TKL, but having a whole numpad available is great for things like key mapping with something like autohotkey. Besides, you're barely missing any keys at all compared to a full size keyboard
@@yuiyui2947 Leopold quietly updated the line, they have Bluetooth now (FC980MBT). Hella expensive for a prebuilt though, but I've been eyeing a pretty cool colorway on Aliexpress.
3 года назад
I really enjoy this video, since this gives me a huge knowledge about the keyboard sizes, their advantages and disadvantages. I always use the full-size keyboards but I hope one day I can use the TKL and even smaller sizes.
Used to use a full-sized model m then switched to a model m space saver. Learned really quickly how much I used the number pad. Keychron Q5 and couldn’t be happier
I use full size, I do use the 10 key part all by touch from work experience. I have big hands, so a smaller spaced keyboard is not to my liking. Great vid, thanks.
I have never used the numpad and I have been using full-size keyboards since I was a kid. I ordered a ducky one 2 mini today, which is a 65%, and I'm happy to see the numpad go. (seriously, its only functionality for me has been to compare the pretty much un-used keys of the numpad to the worn-down switches in my WASD and shift keys)
if you don't need a numpad, just skip TLK and go straight for 75% or smaller. the empty space on a TLK looks weird and shows the inefficiency in design. 75% layout at least bothers to rearrange the keys to not only retain every fuction but also make the keyboard look satisfying and homogenised.
1800 makes perfect sense because you have all the keys of a full size keyboard while having it being essentially the same size a TKL. The only reason to choose a full size over it (ignoring the choice problem) is if you need to regularly use the delete key and the num pad at the same time. I do wish Coolermaster didn't discontinue their pro m line of the keyboards since it was basically the only mainstream 1800 layout option.
nice viddy. prefer the full size. I need my keypad for productivity. plus built in macros are nice, I dont need many so the standard 6 on size are all I need.
Haven't heard of the 1800 term but that's what I'm currently using with my Kono Kira keyboard. For me it's ideal as I really like the numpad for data entry and it's feels a lot more compact compared to most 100% boards.
I was using a 60% razer keyboard. But recently i got a great deal on a Asus RX Scope. I adore it! I dont think i can go back to small keyboards. Full size keyboards all the way!
This was very informative and interesting, thank you! I'm partially blind and use a screen reader, requiring a LOT of keystroke memorization. However, at the same time, I'm also a fairly avid gamer for those that play nicely with my eyesight. While I do prefer using a controller when possible, many games just don't have that option. All that in mind, a good keyboard is a must for me. I cringe at anything less than the TKL format, as well as that 1800 format. I can't stand when keys don't have good spacing/landmarks to tell them apart by touch, as I'm a touch typer/gamer and have all my keys memorized. In screen reader, the number pad is often used as a set of reading/navigation keys, with the insert utton as the modifier key. That's all I knew growing up and it was a big adjustment to my first laptop-style keyboard. However, as I have been on MacOS and iOS more often, I'm getting used to not having a 100 percent keyboard, and I don't use any of those right-most keys in gaming anyway. Also, I've fortunately learned alternate screen reader keystrokes on Windows so I don't need the ten-keys. My current keyboard, a Logitech wave keyboard, is in the 100 percent style which I still prefer, but it is big and bulky, and I might be ok with downsizing next time if I find the right keyboard. As long as the F keys are clear, I'm good, LOL! It took me a bit to get used to the fact my Logitech keyboard clusters them in threes, not fours as most other keyboards do. I have a bluetooth keyboard that ... doesn't separate them at all, aside from a space between them and the number row. It's ... I don't know how to define the size, other than TKL but Apple-flavored. It has nicely separated arrow keys, but I don't believe there's much of a home/end/page up/page down/whatever cluster... though that's fine, as it's for my phone and iPad.
Thank you for covering the 1800 / 96% Keyboards! Right after I got my Razer Huntsman Mini I discovered them, only to find out there's very few options. I think this is untapped potential.
TKL works best for me. I need to press function keys without looking at them. With the space between F4 and F5, I can confidently press F5 for example. The same goes for F12, Home, end, page up/down and arrow keys, etc.
Several questions: 1. For work specifically, what's the best keyboard length ok 2. Which switch is better? are mecha membranes even an option? I've been looking at keyboards and it sounds like the TKL is okay for me. But I wanna hear other inputs which can help me buy one.
60% for production depends on the type. I noticed how it works perfectly for 3D software as the numbers are what you use and most functions are controlled with two buttons at once. For example ctrl/ alt/ shift/ space/ tab pressed with any letter will trigger a option or control so things like the delete button is basically unnecessary most of the time and sometimes won't even do anything depending on the software.
@@adrianilabej317 I only used blender twice but this might explain why I was unable to move or do anything with it. I used things like Maya, substance, Zbrush, Marmoset and Unreal which usually require things like the Ctrl alt key + mouse movements to alter camera
Gaming speed pads, I've had many variations, the G13 from Logitech and the Razer Orbweaver Chroma being my two favorites. The learning curve for a speed pad is actually much smaller than you would think because you use basically the same set-up for similar games. For FPS games, I always use the Orbweaver and the exact same keys for reload, weapon swap, crouch, jump, run, strafe, etc., the same holds true for RPG's and the Logitech G13 which has many more keys for similar actions.
Three years and I feel so much has changed in keyboard functionality and serious bang for the buck, for work the last full-size dinosaur went out the door, too many keys I just didn't use anymore between voice-commands, on screen commands, programable keys and dials on the newer and (ok thocky) 65's, when needed for crunching numbers I do use a separate programable numpad that has another 3-level multifunction programable dial (really fond of those) and slider, wireless so it sits nicely out of the way along with a small wireless 3D Space mouse until needed. Freed up a noticeable amount of space on the desk but surprisingly not my wallet (except for that Space mouse) along with a much nicer typing experience.
Bought a 89 keys keyboard a couple months ago, same size as a TKL but instead of the Home cluster, there is a num pad with the Home cluster combined using the Fn key. It took a little while to get used to, especially the Del key, but really needed the num pad for work, so it’s a great compromise for me
I'm probably gonna swap to any of those from a full size next time I have to get a new keyboard. It just seems nicer to have the keys more centered for programming. Right now I just move the entire thing every time I want to write some code and that's very inconvenient
@@Tubular-Trev Honestly if your going prebuilt the keychron k2 and epomaker 84 are the only ones I'd suggest. If you want to delv into customs the kbd75 v2 is a great buy, as well as the ID80
I'm currently using a TKL, but I do miss the Numpad, as even over a year later I still find it annoying using the number row when I do some calculations (which I do frequently). Having the keyboard and mouse closer though feels a lot more natural for gaming, but I think a 100% with the Numpad on the left side would be my "ideal" keyboard layout.
For any sort of games and especially on a desktop I want a full size over 16 inch keyboard, because there is more division between keys and a numpad. Though a compact mouse for a laptop is really good and still somewhat ergonomic if you want to carry your laptop around.
I cannot work on anything smaller than full size. But I think it could b beacuse of muscle memory. With smaller keyboards all keys are in different places relative to "F" and "J" key.
For me personally I can use my mouse just fine without having to angle it with a full size keyboard but I'd still like a smaller one, I think they look better :)
I always used (Non mechanical) full size keyboards just because "that's how it always was". Just a bit more than a month ago I purchased my first Mechanical Keyboard, the EVGA Z15. Yeah, I rarely use the arrow keys, F Keys,numpad or the function keys, but the thought of them "not being there" make me anxious somehow. Plus, with this model, I always use the detachable wrist rest, but when I take it out, It already feels way more smaller that im used to, so I would Never go smaller than full size.
As someone with a numpad on the left, I can highly recommend a 100% keyboard. specially for productivity this is awesome or even just for people who spend their day in Excel. I would also consider a split keyboard. these are interesting because you can usually just use half of the keyboard for gaming and get a lot of space for you mouse. The fact that he is angling his keyboard basically goes to show that most people would just be better of with an ergonomic keyboard 😂
Having a numpad never, ever hindered me in my entire gaming life. Maybe because I once made this amazing discovery that you are able to move your keyboard to the left a little. Anything smaller is just sacrificing functionality for aesthetics imo.
The compact full size with all the keys bunched up together like that is usually called a 96%. Keyboards like the Cherry G80-1800 or the Drop SHIFT are actual 1800s
Imo 65% is the best layout for most people. Seems like most people rarely use the home cluster if ever outside of the delete key, and they use the function keys maybe a handful of times per day at best so having to use fn shouldn't be a huge hassle. Arrow keys are still pretty important in basic daily tasks so it's hard to recommend 60%. That just leaves 65% in the perfect sweet spot of having all the keys you need 99% of the time while giving you the maximum desk space.
I've used an 1800, then a 75%, then 2 different 65% boards before eventually settling for a TKL. I still use a 65% for tasks that require to hunker down and type, but a TKL just fits for everyday use. Since I'm so deep into the hobby, I might as well just get one of each of the other common sizes.
I went from 100% to 60% a while ago and I HATED it. having to use Fn key every time I want to use the arrow keys or delete was just so much more annoying than I imagined. I have really come to appreciate the right side of the keyboard because of it lol. That said, I don't think I will ever buy another keyboard that has a numpad again, and tbh I never understood why you would have two sets of number keys on a keyboard. Can you tell I'm not an accountant? lol
@@hadifelani Bro unknowingly I bought the worst one😥. Motospeed ck61. I have used autohotkey in the past but sometimes it gives issues like keyboard freezing while accessing arrow keys. 😐
I've got a 60% from Dierya, took a bit to get used to but I'm pretty comfortable with it. The only downsides could be the delete and arrow keys since they're not integrated and I'm a developer and I'm using them a lot. At the end of the day they're easy to get used to.
I don't do gaming. For me exists only the 100% size , with good separation space between the sections, and with generous frame borders, so that you can take up the keyboard with one hand, without pressing keys inevitably.
The problem with full size keyboards is that they are so big. Though there are some small ones with all the buttons. But the normal ones are just so hard to transport in normal size backpacks, specially when you have other stuff in them. They become to large when you dont have big desk or just a sub table under the normal desk. And if we are realistic, most full sized ones just have to many buttons, often doing nothing, not being anytime, or just 1 time ever. Gaming just shows, if they are actually effective in a high stress situation. And if they are comfortable,which will influence your productivity and overall health feeling. If you actually use Laptops as your PC, which many people do and i think many people will do more and more and they will probably replace any pc for the large part of the population, other than people that need high specs for work, gaming and companies needing them for their product like CGI,etc. For Laptops, 100 procent keyboards are just literally a waste of space. You already have it attached to the Laptop,so if needed you can change. But you want that extra keyboard for all the good stuff...
@@majormononoke8958 Hi, in the title it should be specified that this video is made for gamers. Gaming is a niche. Normally, nobody needs to go around carrying his PC keyboard in the backpack :) The bigger part of the PCs and notebooks worldwide is primarily used for work. When you use a PC for work, doing a bit of everything, anything below the 100% form factor is less functional. When you enter numbers in an Excel sheet you miss immediately the numpad. When you write large texts (not chats) you need to have the cursor keys, Pos1, End, Page down, UP well separated from the other keys and blind recognizable. It is what the 100% size is made for. To work. Not to be used as a joystick. The notebooks' keyboards are not full size, simply because there is not enough space, and they are not functional keyboards, to work seriously with. Almost all notebooks that have replaced PCs on workplaces in offices, are in fact used with docking stations, with external monitors and full size keyboards connected to them. Almost nobody in offices uses less than the 100% keyboard form factor. There are not too many keys. Of 105 keys I never use only 2. Personally, I would like to have even more than 12 function keys. It is clear that for gamers the 100% size is not the most suitable, but gaming is a niche.
@@Tyco072 Totally agreed. When you do more than gaming with your keyboard, you usually need the numpad on a regular basis. I use it with alt for reorganizing my windows (like a window tile manager), but there are apps, like Blender, which use those numpads for very common actions. Even the 0 from the numpad is the standard key to reset zoom in a browser and many other apps. And for software development, entering numbers that are more than 3 digits are common. Thus, 100% size keyboard is a strict minimum.
Actually, the 40% keyboard is quite good to be used in a long session writing context. If you are a writer and you have just a little space to work, it's really awesome. I like it personally when I'm in a minimalist mood.
Interesting, when described, it indeed reminded me of a type writer. Having extra space on the desk for other things (besides gaming ofc) is huge. One thing, I need to use a split ergo keyboard for my shoulders. I honestly I have no idea how people who type all of the time survive with a conjoined keyboard.
I use one for work! Lots of data entry and it has been working super well for me. And since I can customize my layers on the fly without having to install any software on my work machine (love VIA for that), I'll never miss any niche functionality I might want to incorporate into my workflow. Currently on an ID42, but will probably grab a Libra Mini soon for a bit more eronomic hand position.
Considering that keyboards have numerous shifter keys and modifier keys, there isn't a good reason to have more than 5 rows of keys. Setting the limit to 5 rows allows the user to keep their fingers on homerow. When you keep your hands on homerow, you know where they are, even without looking. And, you can press any key without looking. That's a major advantage! However, keyboard shifter keys and modifier keys are underutilized. That means folks manytimes need a 6th row of key just to occasionally press a rarely used key (and having to look at the keyboard and take their hands off of homerow to do it! Every keyboard has a ctrl, alt, shift, key, and the compact keyboards have an Fn key. If they were utilized, then all the keys on a fullsize keyboard could be covered with a 65% keyboard. Mine has 71 keys on 5 rows. I like 5 rows to keep my fingers on HOME ROW. the 71 keys is my fav, with arrows, pgup, pgdown, home, end, delete, backspace. Fn keys are rarely used, so it makes since to combine them with numbers. I would prefer large shift, control and Fn key on both sides. That needs to be done. The "65%" keyboard I like is billed as a "60%" so the names haven't really become very standardized except for "60%" and "fullsize". Some of the keyboards I see online are billed as "60%" even though they have 6 rows [with separate F function keys]. Those certainly do NOT need to be called 60% or 65%... if it's got more than 5 rows then you can't keep your hand on HOME ROW. I use Vim and hate having to reach out for the Esc key. It needs to be close! So, I really want no more than 5 rows. Id say, if it has 6 rows then it needs to be called 70% or 75% etc., not 60% or 65%
