Keyboard sizes....

[Selaya]

[ ... ] and that includes F1 to F8 as those are common default keybinds for games.
[ ... ]

you know what i hate the most about 100% keyboards?
FUNCTION. KEYS. SPACED. TO. ANTARCTICA. (and/or miniature versions of these.)
(blame model m for that, ig.)
this is the reason why im using the magic keyboard. its like one of the three 100% options available w/ evenly spaced, fullsize function keys (yes i know theres smaller ones avail that have evenly-spaced function keys, but thats not what i want. iirc they're also all less than TKL too so yeah thats a double-NJET). it makes function keybinds so much more usable because i dont have to tear a few of my hand muscles to reach them. (or not reach/find them at all bc they're sized for ants instead of humans.)

 

[bonehead123]

Thanks to everyone for all the varying opinions/viewpoints, please keep them coming, but please keep the discussion limited only to what size you prefer, without going into all the technical nitpicking, photo illustrations, and brand comparisons, as my reason for posting the poll in the 1st place was only to gather a simple, generalized consensus about the validity/accuracy of the statement that I mentioned in my OP

 

[AsRock]

I get a strong Knight Rider vibe from that Kb lol. This is just begging for a Kitt voice.


Hey man, we have PC's encased in nearly full glass fishtanks now, we're water cooling a midrange videocard, and we're brute forcing our lighting both on screen and inside the PC case Peak stupid is the norm these days!

I mean how else can all those unique individuals define themselves with the same range of products, after all your PC is definitely an extension of yourself, gotta express that identity

I guess i miss that vibe, dam thing always make me think of games like DCS and now i i can group keys how i want.

Although problem with that thought is the hotas would be so separated if the keyboard were close to you, maybe some thing like carrier command haha.

Although wife would kill be for buying such a keyboard even more so for a rare usage case(s).

 

[Bill_Bright]

What is it that makes you go "I need a smaller keyboard"?

Ergonomics is why for me

"Ergonomics" as a reason for preferring smaller keyboards makes no sense for me.

One of the main reasons I do not like a smaller keyboard is the lousy ergonomics. A smaller keyboard forces me to jam my elbows into my ribs, then bend my wrists out at an awkward - and eventually painful - angle so my hands can approach the keyboard straight on.

This is why "ergonomic" keyboards typically look like the one @neatfeatguy showed us in Post #37 above. However, that one is HUGE and too big to fit on my keyboard tray and still allow room for my mouse. So I have this Microsoft "ergonomic" Comfort 5050 full size keyboard.




I don't know who makes (or rather, made ) this keyboard for MS, but it is most excellent. The curve is perfect for my body and there are riser-feet on the back to elevate/tilt the keyboard - again, just right for me. I've been using this keyboard (or its 5000, non-encrypted predecessor) for over 10 years. I suffered from painful RSI (carpal tunnel) pain for years prior to using these. Almost immediately after my first purchase, the pain went away and I have had no pain since.

That "full size" keyboard is only 18 inches wide by 8 inches deep - though 2.75 inches of that depth is the integrated (and very nice! ) wrist rest. A keyboard any wider will force me to move it off center on my tray in order to provide my mouse adequate operating space. Moving my keyboard off-center will move me off center of my primary monitor. That would be unacceptable.

Sadly, MS recently announced they will no longer be selling these and I can not find the OEM maker.

 

[Frag_Maniac]

I only ever go full 104 key layout, and I see that is by far the majority vote as well.

 

[Veseleil]

Used 96% keyboard for many years (decades), enjoying it, then got a TKL, enjoyed that one as well. Then 60%, and using it ATM.
The reason I wanted a 60% is mostly due to the fact I've used my PC from an armchair, and the kb had to be on my lap. So the smaller, the better. TBH, apart from the portable factor, everything else is a pure frustration.
Now that I've built a proper desk, and got a proper office/gaming chair, I've ordered a nice 75%, even though somehow I feel like 96% will be the next one.

 

[claes]

@Bill_Bright I’m not sure what form factor has to do with all you’re saying, but am glad you found a board that works for you!

There are plenty of smaller ergonomic mechanical boards if you look

edit dang wish tpu supported webp @W1zzard

 

[R-T-B]

100% here.

 

[Bill_Bright]

I’m not sure what form factor has to do with all you’re saying

That's kind of my point. Typically, when I think of "Form Factor" I think of industry standards. Keyboards tend to be "marketed" using all sorts of terms to indicate size and number of keys as though they comply with some "standard" - yet clearly don't. If you look at the "Full" and "Compact" examples I gave in post #25 above, that will illustrate what I mean.

What does 100% have to do with "size"? It really doesn't. It typically (but not always) just means it has 104 keys, number pad, arrow keys, function keys and the home/end/insert/delete/up/down cluster.

Even if you think of QWERTY as being a standard (and I do), that does not necessarily mean all the "other" (non alphabet) keys are going to be in a standardized place.

Anyway, at least we can be thankful all these (do I dare say "all"? ) keyboards do comply with industry standards in terms of basic connectivity. I say "basic" because that is what is needed for these keyboards to be recognized by the hardware and OS BEFORE any specific/proprietary drivers are installed. If that did not happen, we could not boot and configure the BIOS Setup Menu options, install an OS, or navigate around in Safe Mode.

 

[A Computer Guy]

Anyway, at least we can be thankful all these (do I dare say "all"? ) keyboards do comply with industry standards in terms of basic connectivity. I say "basic" because that is what is needed for these keyboards to be recognized by the hardware and OS BEFORE any specific/proprietary drivers are installed. If that did not happen, we could not boot and configure the BIOS Setup Menu options, install an OS, or navigate around in Safe Mode.

This includes many wireless keyboards as well.

 

[Tahagomizer]

It's more about key layout than the sheer number of keys. ANSI 1800, so an 98-key keyboard is my endgame (AKKO 3098).
I my case it's about real estate on my desk. I need the numpad but my desk is a rather tiny one, barely 2 meters wide. I really like my good old Logitech G19, but it's way too large for such a small space and 104 key "full size" keyboards have, in my humble opinion, a lot of wasted blank space.

 

[Bill_Bright]

This includes many wireless keyboards as well.

Not 100% certain I understand what you mean by that (likely due to caffeine deficiency). I am guessing (Assuming? Believing?) you are suggesting because most, if not all wireless keyboards (and mice) use a "USB" dongle, and the dongle uses "standard" USB protocols, that they all (there's that "all" assumption again) comply with "basic" compatibility standards. And to that, I totally agree - kinda, sorta.

"IF" the computer/motherboard is legacy (old - as in nearly antique! ) it may not support some USB keyboards (or dongles) in the BIOS Setup Menu or Safe Mode. These typically only work after the system has booted the hardware (completed POST) and nearly completed the OS boot process (loaded the device drivers). This is why some users with older computers need to use an old style PS/2 keyboard just to access the BIOS Setup menu.

 

[gffermari]

I can't live without the number pad on the right.
But I like my keyboard to be compact-ish.
So I'll go for the 96%.

 

[Bill_Bright]

I can't live without the number pad on the right.

I agree. I don't use it much for entering number values in forms or spreadsheets, or for math functions, but I do use it almost daily for entering ascii characters like µ, ±, Ω, € and £.

 

[StaticVapour]

The full-size keyboard is still my favorite, I like the numpad because it allows me to tap numbers faster for e.g. invoices. The ASCII character set is also more pleasant to use with the numpad. Right now I'm using a Unicomp Model M keyboard, it's a copy of the IBM Model M keyboard and it's really big, almost 20 inches wide

 

[AusWolf]

I voted 65% because that's what I'm currently using, but generally speaking, the smaller the better, just for the aesthetics of it. I like mum pads, but I've got a separate one, so that's not an issue.

 

[GamerGuy]

Presently, I'm using a Topre Type Heaven (Topre ZA0100) which is a full-sized keyboard, but more than that, I'm about the switch type used, and in this case, it's Topre. I have 60% keyboards in the HHKB Pro 2 (in black and white, er, sorta off-white actually), as well as slightly bigger Leopold FC660, two CoolerMaster Novatouch and a Realforce 103UB 55G (my fav Topre keyboard). I do have an assortment of full-sized and TKL Cherry MX keyboards as well, but Topre is my fav switch type.

 

[lexluthermiester]

So QWERTY and no more than 18 inches wide.

My three primary KB's are all just a bit longer than 18". It's not bothersome, but then again, I have a few big desktops.

 

[Bobaganoosh]

It's more about key layout than the sheer number of keys. ANSI 1800, so an 98-key keyboard is my endgame (AKKO 3098).
I my case it's about real estate on my desk. I need the numpad but my desk is a rather tiny one, barely 2 meters wide. I really like my good old Logitech G19, but it's way too large for such a small space and 104 key "full size" keyboards have, in my humble opinion, a lot of wasted blank space.

I voted 100 because of the options, that's what I'd feel most comfortable with. That said, the 96%'s are pretty sweet and I really like the 1800 layout.

You get all the keys, but in a more consolidated pattern that takes up less space. That said, I just bought a 75% and a separate numpad, because I couldn't find an 1800 that had all the features I wanted. ^this one even has a knob. If I decide to replace my keyboard at work, I may go with the Q5 Max. I need some time with the silent switches I just ordered to see just how quiet I can make it before I start thinking about a mechanical keyboard at work where I do more typing.

 

[Bill_Bright]

but then again, I have a few big desktops.

I have a huge desktop, with an "L" side extension and a hutch. My problem is, the desk has a slide out keyboard tray which I like very much because it lowers the keyboard height relative to me by about 3 inches - just where it feels great for my wrists, elbows and shoulders. It also extends the keyboard out towards me, and I can push it under when I want it out of the way. The problem is, that tray is just 28" wide. So, with the keyboard centered on the tray (to center me with my main monitor), that leaves only 5 inches on the side for mouse movements. That is enough for how I compute - but just barely. Fortunately, my mouse works perfectly there without a mouse pad since no pad would fit properly.

I may go with the Q5 Max.

Looking here, I do like that keyboard layout and available functions (other than LED backlighting) - but not for that price.

I do like a keyboard to make a reassuring "click" sound when I press a key, but, IDK, they seem to put too much emphasis on that for me. I guess I lean much more to the practical side being concerned with "a premium sound quality with every keystroke." Sound, yes. "Premium sound"? Only from my speakers.

 

[lexluthermiester]

I have a huge desktop, with an "L" side extension and a hutch. My problem is, the desk has a slide out keyboard tray which I like very much because it lowers the keyboard height relative to me by about 3 inches - just where it feels great for my wrists, elbows and shoulders. It also extends the keyboard out towards me, and I can push it under when I want it out of the way. The problem is, that tray is just 28" wide. So, with the keyboard centered on the tray (to center me with my main monitor), that leaves only 5 inches on the side for mouse movements. That is enough for how I compute - but just barely. Fortunately, my mouse works perfectly there without a mouse pad since no pad would fit properly.

AH! That description paints a picture that make more sense! I'm more tranditional with my KB&M on top of my desktop.

 

[FoulOnWhite]

TKL for me, never really use the num pad, so it just takes up space.

but once you start double and triple layering commands per key

This is why i stick to standard TKL. I tried a 60%, Anne pro 2, but was a pita to use arrow keys etc for games.

 

[Bobaganoosh]

Looking here, I do like that keyboard layout and available functions (other than LED backlighting) - but not for that price.

I do like a keyboard to make a reassuring "click" sound when I press a key, but, IDK, they seem to put too much emphasis on that for me. I guess I lean much more to the practical side being concerned with "a premium sound quality with every keystroke." Sound, yes. "Premium sound"? Only from my speakers.

Yeah, if I had my preference, the keyboard would make almost no sound whatsoever. Looking at the stack-up of that Q5-Max, I would think (hope) there's enough foam in there to dampen just about any noise at all, unless of course you pair it with some clicky switches. I haven't seen any "silent" tactile switches, but I'd certainly be interested in such a thing if it exists. Otherwise, I'd end up opting for silent linear switches like silent red MX2A, sea salt silent, or something similarly pre-lubed and whatnot. I've only recently gone off the deep end into custom mechanical keyboards. Had no idea how deep the rabbit hole was...certainly wouldn't consider myself an expert, but I've read (also watched and listened to) enough to understand the principles.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Yep got to have numbers pad so 100%
Getting used to my laptops smaller 13.5" width with yeah 104 keys compared to my 116+ keys on G710+ 20" width
But I do also consider the laptop 104 keys 100% as well

 

[dgianstefani]

I personally prefer a compact keyboard for its portability and cleaner desk space. That's why I switched to a mechanical keyboard. The smaller footprint didn't compromise on typing comfort or functionality, which was a pleasant surprise. Plus, it made gaming and typing sessions more ergonomic. Whether you go for a full-size or compact, finding one that fits your needs and feels comfortable is key!

Compact is hard to beat.