Should you upgrade to a smaller physical keyboard? Here’s what users are saying

It is possible to find mechanical keyboards for all budgets and sizes. Granted, the form factor depends on your personal preference and what you plan to use the keyboard for. A keyless keyboard is perhaps the best-sized keyboard for gaming because it eliminates the number pad, which you can’t use in games like “Valorant” or similar titles. However, a keyless system may still be too bulky. Should you upgrade to something smaller, though? Do users who started using, say, a 60 or 65 percent keyboard regret their decision?

On the contrary, after a short period of adaptation, some players ended up falling in love with their keyboards, even if they were the more compact variety, at 60%. For reference, this particular keyboard is minimalist and lacks F keys or arrow keys, which can make navigation a little tricky for some. So, 65% is very popular, as it retains both types of functions (although the F keys are on layers) and can serve double duty in a gaming rig as well as for remote workers/typists.

Online sentiment for 65% of keyboards is generally positive. Many users say they appreciate the fact that their device maintains a compact design while preserving arrow key functionality. One Reddit user who has used 65% for four years says that in addition to the arrow keys, he likes that it still has the PgUp, PgDn, and DEL buttons. Speaking of usability, another user said its smaller layout didn’t take much extra time to get used to. According to them, specific switches and functions (like the F keys) are generally smoother to use than on more compact keyboards.

A perfect balance between design, functionality and compactness may not be enough to satisfy everyone. Some believe their popularity is nothing more than a trend, pointing out that 75% sized keyboards once enjoyed a similar position a few years ago. Different keys for different people in action, one could say: a user who thinks 65% keyboards are a solid everyday tool for gaming still prefers a keyboard without ten keys because it retains dedicated function keys.

Sticking to the idea that keyboard size is a personal preference, one user claimed that the F row was downright useless, but commenters were quick to jump to that keyboard row’s defense. One person who uses their keyboard for work actually got rid of the 65% and had to move to 75% because they were missing the F keys. In one of the comments, a software developer agreed, saying that a 65% size is perfect for gaming, but a 75% size is much easier to use. A good rule of thumb, perhaps.

A 75% keyboard has one row of functions, is easy to navigate, and you don’t need to learn any keyboard shortcuts or combinations if you’re upgrading from a full-size version. Naturally, they may not look as nice or be as compact as a 65% size, but if you prioritize function over space, then you’ll be comfortable with them. One user tried several versions, and after dropping a keyless one for 75%, then 65%, he maintains that the 75% is compact enough (it axes the media keys implemented by many keyless designs) and has a full F-row.

When choosing a mechanical keyboard, size is absolutely important as it will ultimately play a huge role in comfort. It is also a question of sacrifice. Full-size keyboards are, in many cases, overkill for those who don’t work with numbers, but the further you move away from a keyless keyboard, the more functionality you lose in exchange for compactness. A 75% is a great option for professionals and gamers if 65% just seems too sterile.