I have tested every keyboard layout and this is the one I will keep

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Key findings

  • From 20 years of using full-size membrane keyboards to 3 years of trying out various mechanical models, I've tried just about everything.
  • I like TKL, 75% and 65% keyboards the most, although I like the 75% layout the most because of the right combination of functionality, size and appearance.
  • I may switch back and forth between 75% and TKL from time to time, trying out new TKL keyboards if something catches my attention.



I've been a huge fan of mechanical keyboards ever since I used my first one a few years ago. Switching from my full-size non-mechanical keyboard to a TKL mechanical keyboard was a huge step, and I never went back to a membrane keyboard. Instead, I dug deeper and deeper into the hobby, hoarding more and more keyboards until I tried almost every single layout.

I can safely say that I have tried most of the keyboard layouts that come to mind when people 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 have found the layout that works best for me. I will continue to try different keyboards for testing, but my everyday favorite will probably remain the same.


I tried 5 different keyboard layouts

Started with membranes, now we are here

Well, like many of us, I used full-sized membrane keyboards for years before I even heard of mechanical keyboards. From mass-market models to a budget keyboard from Cooler Master, full-sized 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 keyboard I bought was a cheap TKL from Cosmic Byte – a subpar wired model with red soldered switches. I didn't know it at the time, but the quality would only get better from there. I upgraded to RoyalKludge's popular RK84 – a compact, 75% wireless, hot-swappable keyboard with brown tactile switches. I thought I'd use this one for years, but I was wrong.

Mechanical Keyboard RK84

I had the opportunity to use the Ajazz AK820 Max (75%), the Epomaker MS68 (65%) and the Epomaker TH40 (40%).


Shortly after, I bought the Aula F87 because I wanted a quieter, louder keyboard that felt significantly more premium than the RK84. And that's exactly what the affordable TKL was. After that, I got the chance to try out the 75% Ajazz AK820 Max, the 65% Epomaker MS68, and the 40% Epomaker TH40 (review coming soon).

Close-up of a blue and white mechanical keyboard on a white surface


As expected, it always took me a few days to get used to a new layout, but it wasn't difficult to go back to something I'd used before either. I was sure I'd never go back to a full-size keyboard (or even 1800 or 96%), but everything from TKL and 75% to 65% seemed fine; that is, until I sat down and thought carefully about what had actually worked best for me.

The “best” lies somewhere in between

I understand the point of extreme layouts, but they are not for me


It's true that many users still prefer the functionality of a full-size, 1800 or 96% keyboard due to the dedicated number pad and a few other keys for media controls and macros. I can understand why more compact layouts don't work for them, regardless of the sound, feel and build quality of those models. Likewise, some people can be productive on an ultra-compact 40% keyboard, but I just can't imagine using one.

A TKL board gives me dedicated buttons for everything, a 75% looks better and still doesn’t miss anything important, and a 65% probably looks the best and I can
learn
to use it for work.


For me personally, neither end of the spectrum works. I know I used the full-size keyboard for over 20 years, but it was pretty easy to unlearn it in favor of compact, classic, feature-rich layouts. I knew the choice for my daily work machine would come down to a TKL, 75%, or 65% keyboard. A TKL keyboard gives me dedicated keys for everything, a 75% keyboard looks better and still doesn't miss anything important, and a 65% keyboard probably looks the best and I can learn to use it for work.

Oblique view of the NuPhy Halo75 V2 with the light off

In the end, I had to go with a 75% keyboard because it offers the right balance between functionality, compactness and looks. I'm a huge fan of 65% keyboards, but customizing them with VIA and learning keyboard shortcuts for basic keys is something I would avoid as much as possible. Plus, there are great 75% models on the market that come with buttons, displays and other cool features to add variety.


I may switch back and forth between two layouts

TKL and 75% have my heart

While I will continue to use my 75% keyboard for the foreseeable future, I can see myself upgrading to a TKL if something intriguing catches my eye. My Aula F87 is a TKL model and a relatively new purchase, so it would be unfair to give it up so quickly, so I'll probably use it every now and then for a few weeks.

TKLs are compact, but after trying more compact keyboards, they still feel a bit “extra”.


My preference for 75% keyboards is mostly aesthetic. TKLs are compact, but they still feel a bit “extra” after trying 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, maybe it'll be so good that I'll compromise on the size factor.

Mechanical keyboard layouts offer something for everyone

It's great that we have so many options when it comes to keyboard sizes. Fans of the old ways have a huge selection of full-sized mechanical keyboards, and those who prefer a compact keyboard with essentially the same functionality can choose a TKL or 75% keyboard. They even have 65%, 60%, 50%, 40% and other layouts for people looking for just the right keyboard for their individual preferences.


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

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