I tested every keyboard layout and this is what I’m sticking with

I’ve been a huge fan of mechanical keyboards since I used my first one a few years ago. The switch from my non-mechanical full-size keyboard to a TKL mechanical keyboard was a big one, and I never went back to a membrane board again. Instead, I ended up diving deeper into the hobby, hoarding more and more keyboards until I ended up trying almost every single layout.

I can confidently claim that I’ve tried most keyboard layouts people think of when they think of a mechanical keyboard — full-size, tenkeyless (TKL), 75%, 65%, and 40%. After 3 years of using mechanical keyboards, I can finally say that I’ve found the layout that works best for me. I’ll keep trying different keyboards for reviews, but my daily driver will probably stay the same.

I’ve tried 5 different keyboard layouts

Started with membrane, now we’re here

Well, like many of us, I used full-size membrane keyboards for years before I even heard about mechanical keyboards. From mass-market models to a budget keyboard from Cooler Master, full-size keyboards were basically a given on most of my builds. The layout worked well for me for years, but that was before I came across more compact layouts available on the mechanical keyboard market.

The first mechanical board I bought was a cheap TKL from Cosmic Byte — a sub-par wired model with red soldered switches. I didn’t know that at the time, but the level of quality was only going to go up from there. I switched to the popular RK84 from RoyalKludge — a compact 75% wireless hot-swappable keyboard with brown tactile switches. I thought I’d be using that one for years and years, but I was wrong.

Soon after, I bought the Aula F87, because I wanted a more silent, thocky keyboard that felt significantly more premium than the RK84. And the budget TKL turned out to be just that. Post that, I got the opportunity to use the 75% Ajazz AK820 Max, the 65% Epomaker MS68, and the 40% Epomaker TH40 (review coming soon).

As expected, it always took me a few days to get used to a new layout, but it was also not difficult to revert to something I had used before. I was positive that I might never switch to a full-sized (or even 1800 or 96%) keyboard ever again, but everything else from TKL and 75% to 65% seemed fair game; that is, until I sat down and carefully thought about what had actually worked the best for me.

The “best” one lies somewhere in between

I can see the point of extreme layouts, but they aren’t for me

It’s true that many users still prefer the functionality of a full-sized, 1800, or 96% keyboard due to the dedicated num pad and some other keys for media controls and macros. I can see why more compact layouts won’t work for them, no matter the sound, feel, and build quality of those models. Similarly, some people can be productive on an ultra-compact 40% keyboard, but I just can’t see myself adopting one.

Personally, neither end of the spectrum works for me. I know I used full-sized for over 20 years, but unlearning it in favor of compact, classy, and feature-rich layouts has been pretty easy. I knew the choice for my daily driver would come down to a TKL, 75%, or 65% keyboard. A TKL board gives me dedicated keys for everything, a 75% looks better and still doesn’t lack anything major, and a 65% keyboard probably looks the best and I can learn to use it for work.

Finally, I had to decide in favor of a 75% keyboard as it strikes the right balance of functionality, compactness, and looks. I absolutely adore 65% keyboards, but customizing them with VIA and learning keyboard shortcuts for basic keys is something I’d avoid as much as possible. Plus, there are great 75% models on the market that come with knobs, displays, and other cool features to keep things fresh.

I might go back and forth between two layouts

TKL and 75% have my heart

Although I’ll keep using my 75% keyboard for the foreseeable future, I can see myself switching to a TKL if something fascinating catches my attention. My Aula F87 is a TKL model and a fairly recent purchase, so it would feel unfair to abandon it so soon. So, I’ll probably use it for a few weeks now and then.

My preference for 75% keyboards mostly stems from a visual perspective. TKLs are compact, yes, but they still feel a bit “extra” after trying out more compact keyboards. They feel too long on my desk, whereas a 75% keyboard feels like just the right size. Still, I won’t say no if a company wants me to try out their new TKL model, and who knows, it might turn out to be so good that I’ll compromise on the size factor.

Mechanical keyboard layouts have something for everyone

It’s great that we have so many options when it comes to keyboard sizes. Those who are fans of the old ways have tons of full-size mechanical keyboards to choose from, and those who like a compact keyboard with essentially the same functionality can pick a TKL or 75% keyboard. You even have 65%, 60%, 50%, 40%, and other layouts for people who want just the right keyboard for their unique preferences.

Whether you want to build your own mechanical keyboard or buy a pre-built model, chances are you’ll not run out of size options. And for those who like extreme sports, a 20% keyboard is always an option.