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!

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

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

Personally, I like the 96% because it crams all of the keys together while still allowing all of them to exist. Basically like having a full size without all of the extra gaps in between groupings. I work with numbers fairly often and I can't bear to part with the numpad. Only problem with 96% is that it isn't popular. The market is swamped with 60%/75% keyboards and this form doesn't get a lot of recognition.

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.

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

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

I recently got a TKL keyboard after only ever having used the full layout, and I'm so relieved to have that numpad off my mouse space.

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

I've been in the keyboard community for nearly 4 years now but I still like watching your more basic/intro type videos just because your production is so good

Top quality editing, as usual.

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

I want to look into some keyboards even though it's highly likely that I won't need one, I've just been wanting one for months now.. This helps me with my searches in a way. Very helpful video

I've gone from full sized to TKL, tried smaller boards but could not get used to them as many tend to deviate from the standard layout. However, TKL is perfect as it allows me to easily touch type on most keyboards, while also maintaining a cleaner deskspace at home without missing any function keys which are important for switching terminals in linux.

I bought an Anne Pro 2 yesterday and i'm already loving the small and compact form factor. It removes so many useless keys and just frees up so much space on my desk.

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!

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.

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.

Great video! Answered all my questions about keyboard size, thank you!

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!

2:22 i see you, lowkey calling them 'psychos' haha

I'd do away with the num row before the num pad. I almost always use it for special charecters and not numbers.

Small body TKL is perfect for me. Might try a 75 since it retains the all important F Keys, Home/End keys and arrow keys, essential for any coding workflow.

This is a really helpful video. I've just begun my adventure into custom pc hardware, so being able to see what the different keyboard sizes will offer me, was ideal. Incidentally, I'm currently using a 75% logitech keyboard from I think 2016? So I definitely am looking for an update, haha.

i love 60% because they are equal and that i like, also with anne pro 2 you dont lose anything, the right side alt and print key is used as function keys to activate numbers and the f keys so its good for me

One addition which can be important to some is reprogrammability of keys. I love the VIM-keybindings in my linux setup and it took me some time to adjust to hjkl-movement, but now it is great. except for use with a pok3r-keyboard, where movement is hardcoded to FN+JIKL. of course it still works in applications which support vim-keybindings, but if you must switch to arrows (or the respective key-combo of the keyboard) it sucks big time, since the movement you have trained yourself to quite painstakingly, is just that one keypress off every frigging time

This video helped me decide to downsize to a 75% (keychron k2) from my old massive 100%, and I'm absolutely loving it! My keyboard tray used to feel cramped, now it feels luxuriously spacious. And I don't have to reach quite as far for the arrow keys, to boot. Might be the best $80 I ever spent.

Instant subscribe. I’ve been searching for a video like this for 3 weeks. Now off to learn more about keyboards.

I'm using TKL. For a few years now. But I want to switch to 75% with spaces, like the satisfaction keyboard. It's also my favorite kind of layout, both in terms of looks and usability. :)

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.

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!

After much deliberation and searching, I recently grabbed a Leopold FC750R OE in Grey/Blue with Cherry MX Brown switches (cheers to your reviews on some Leopolds that convinced me). As my first foray into the world of mechanical keyboards I really enjoy it! The TKL form factor is super nice and makes my minimally sized desk feel more spacious without sacrificing my precious function and arrow keys! For the actual keyboard itself: The build quality is phenomenal! It feels sturdy, rigid, and consistent. The keys are beautifully made, and they show off Leopold's history and experience in the industry. The Cherry MX Brown switches seem to be exactly how many people described them! Very middle of the road. Nothing amazing, nothing terrible. They're alright! And if the rest of the keyboard weren't so amazing, perhaps that would bug me, but I think it's a perfect way to get my feet wet and have a solid understanding of what one specific switch feels like (on one specific board) and begin crafting a baseline to compare other keyboards to. Cheers!

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.

I’ve been using a ducky one 2 mini for about a half of a year now, and while I have to agree it’s super awesome, I just can’t seem to live without the keypad, arrows, and f1-f12 keys. It’s hard to get used to

Really good video! Helped me out a ton. I am currently using a full size keyboard but am going to switch to a tkl one soon:)

Thanks for this awesome video - I'm just starting the research process for building my 1st mech keyboard and your visuals are *very* helpful!

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

Since I’m a student studying accounting and business management.. imma need that 10 key. 100% for me

This is such a good video for explaining the basics. I am going to be building my girlfriend her first custom, and in lieu of spending a bunch of time finding examples of each size myself, I just showed her this. Thanks for this!

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!

2:26 redvelvet?!?!!?!? :)

Im currently running a Ducky One 2 SF with Cherry Reds, first mech and am thoroughly enjoying it. Thinking about trying a 60% kb (ended up not using the arrow keys as much as i thought) and also want wireless so thinking about trying the anne pro v2 next. The customization on the 60% would also be easier to get into methinks

Nice video. I don't understand the trend toward smaller keyboards, though. I like the full-size 101-key layout with a large bezel all around. This makes it easy to pick up the keyboard to move it around on the desk and also looks and feels more solid.

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

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.

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.

Incredibly helpful and clear video, thank you

with the ANNE PRO 2 you can use the bottom right keys as arrow keys when you tab them and I love that.

I have a drop Alt keyboard with a mix of Halo trues and Zealios 67g. An absolute step down from the full size and I love it to bits. Only thing i miss is the numpad. Still waiting on a good 95% board. But i have a separate numpad board coming from drop later next month. I wouldn't go down any further. The size it perfect at the moment.

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

1:07 What font is that on the orange key caps? They look sooooo good I definitely want to check them out

I was always a full size keyboard user but the ergonomics argument is valid and space spacings was much need. Tried 60% and 75% but ended up liking 65% the most. The problem with most 75%, like you noted, is at it feels cramped. I do need the Function row, or just more keys for macros, so looking at “exploded 75%” (75 with separated clusters) keyboards now. Will still keep the 65% for portable use. I also think a separate numpad is better for most people in combination with a 65/75/TKL keyboard. You can have it on the left or right and just get matching keycaps. You can move it out of the way when you don’t need it. Or repurpose it as a macro pad..

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%

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

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

Your comment near the end about using "the mouse and numpad at the same time." Is one of the reasons why I learnt to use the mouse with my left hand. So as to have my right hand on the numpad, left on mouse. Had, left numpad boards been available years ago, maybe I wouldn't have bothered 🤔.

2:29 reveluv?

This guide is so underrated.

My absolute favorite is the 65% layout, it contains everything I need and skips everything I barely use. I am an ISO user as well and I am currently using a Keychron K6, which checks all the boxes for me.

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

I get so excited every time you upload :)

i wish the left hand board is more popular. i want my board full sized but it does strain my hand, so if it was inverted like that it'll be perfect for me

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

For about 2 years I’ve been using the razer cynosa chroma but last week my keys stop working it was a full sized keyboard now I’ve bought the apex pro tkl and I’m telling you mechanical keyboards are so much better and a tkl is so helpfull

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

currently im using the logitech gpro tkl, but i ordered the vortex tab90m w/ mx browns and some different keycacps

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!

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

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

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.

Great job ! Love your content ! Do you have some recommandations about keyboard brands and about custom keyboard website that provides good quality parts ? Thanks you :)

My setup consists of a TKL with linear red clones and a separate numpad on the left. I like using my left hand for the numpad, though I am right handed. Using the navigation keys together with the numpad sounds very good, I shall give it a try. It's also usefull for using the tab key when working with numbers.

I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!! I'm looking to buy a Satisfaction 75 when they post up the extras they had. Hopefully I can snag one. 75% FTW!

I made my own custom 60% board but, a 65% would make more sense since dedicated arrow keys would help alot with terminal stuff. 60% is a good starting point though since many parts are available easier then for 65% etc...

Love the smaller keyboards, but programming without the function keys is painful once you get used to certain IDE features. I suppose one could set up some vi macros to get around this with a bit of practice.

the left hand num pad is a dream for CAD work. the old sidewinder X6, with a detachable num pad that snaps to either side, was brilliant in that regard. bot for every day use, i settled on 75%

I think the drevo calibur v2 is the perfect fit for me, it has everything I need, so I guess i need to save up a bit

I struggle because I love the small form factor of a keyboard without a number pad, but I need one for my design work at home. I wonder if I should just keep a separate number pad handy for the times that I am doing work.

@ 0:22 seconds I spot another Last Dinosaurs fan! Was super cool to see that album artwork hidden in plain sight :)

I love my 60% and I've programmed the lower right triangle to act as arrow keys and it's been perfect. I have a tofu65 kit coming though... so im really excited about that.

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.

2:29 STAN RED VELVET!!!

Super helpful vid. Thanks!

Been rocking the Iris (60% | 58 keys) lately with the numpad on a second layer. Combined with touch typing and the Colemak layout, it's hard to imagine ever going back to a "normal" keyboard. But be warned: it takes some getting used to!

As much as i love small form factor boards I love the many vintage 122+% behemoths just a tad more, they look absolutely menacing on any desk that can fit them!

Well yea i know how it feel first time using 60% btw im using vortexseries vx5

I think tkl or 75% is really the sweet spot for layouts, any smaller and you're making too many compromises, like personally I use the function keys a lot as well as the arrow keys so using layers would just be a massive pain and would slow down my flow. I actually use a full size at the moment but I'm thinking of upgrading to a smaller board, either custom building one or just buying a drop CTRL barebones and putting my own switches and keycaps on it because im lazy and can't be asked soldering :P

Love my 60%s. Went from a tkl to a durgod venus. Currently I'm waiting on a dz60 in the mail. I missed my hot swap too much. One thing I did with the venus that helped a lot was swapping the windows key and the fn1 key. That way I can just hold down essentially the windows key to get into layer 2 which has the arrow keys mapped over wads. It's definitely one of the things I'd suggest people looking into before buying a board.

I just switched to an HHKB style 60% (the Tokyo 60) and I've gotta say that at least thusfar it's probably my fav form factor after using 65% and full sized (specific the Whitefox and Huntsman Elite). Layers don't bother me much and the layout is a joy to use.

7:30 hmm if i used a numpad i would probably go for that. That makes so much more sense. why isn't that standard?

I currently running a Royal Kludge RK61 with blue switches I lubed myself and custom SA PBT Translucent Keycaps. It is a 60% keyboard and TBH I don't find any issues with it so far at all really. I am planning on switching the switches out for Gateron Reds when I get the chance, but for now I can say this keyboard feels amazing to type on and play games with. I switched from using an IBM KB8923 and for I can say it made my setup less cluttered and more comfortable. I do need to get use to the new size and the keycaps since they are pretty tall, after all they are SA profile, but overall, I think for if you just need a keyboard for games and office work like for documents and stuff, and something for travel, the RK61 is a good choice, especially with the back lighting they have me to see what keys I'm pressing in the dark when needed, and yeah. I switched to a 60% keyboard only recently, and have used TKL format and this feels more comfortable than a TKL for sure. Hope this comment and review helped some people out with making a choice on their keyboard size preference!~

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.

damn this is an amazing and much needed video!

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

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

Awesome video! It helped me so much

Great job and very informative m8. 👌

I'm a little torn between a 65 and a split 75 right now. I use the F keys so rarely that I could probably go without, but I've only used 100% keyboards so I'm a little attached to them. Anyway, how do you find all these different brands? I've been looking into custom keyboards just to see what's out there and they're scattered so far and wide I have no idea where you came across most of the keyboards shown.

I've always used a full size keyboard, but found the numpad was more often in the way that I'd actually use it. After some research I've finally decided and ordered myself the Keychron K2 (75%). Now I'm anxiously waiting for the delivery.

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.