[selectors slug="keyboards"]
Keyboard decision helper
KEYBOARD SIZE DIFFERENCES
Have you ever wondered how many different keyboard sizes there are? Maybe you’ve heard people talk about percentages when they’re referring to their keyboard. You may be curious about what those numbers mean and what people are even talking about.
100% or Full Size keyboard
This is the most common keyboard size. It’s what you can expect to see on any office desk and it’s by far the most ubiquitous size out there. A full size or 100% keyboard has a numpad, function keys, arrow keys, and edit keys (Page Up and so on).
80% or Tenkeyless (TKL) Keyboard
This is the second most common keyboard size out there. If you have no use for a numpad then this is without a doubt a great size to consider. Thanks to its more compact form factor you’ll have more room for your mouse area, and the reduced size means that it’s a bit more portable than a full size board.
60% Keyboard
This is the smallest ‘regular’ form factor. A 60% board loses the function row and the entirety of the navigation cluster (along with the numpad of course) to make it the ultimate small and compact board. Important to note is that the navigation keys are almost always accessible by pushing a combination of buttons, but if you’re someone who uses (for example) the arrow keys often it might not be a good idea to go for one of these. As an obvious upside these boards are extremely compact and have a very minimal footprint on your desk, so it’s all about finding out what’s right for you.
TYPES OF MECHANICAL SWITCHES
There are three types of mechanical switches: linear, tactile, and clicky. They are defined by their keystroke behaviour.
Tactile switches
Tactile switches provide tactile feedback.They provide a noticeable bump in the middle of travel to let you know that your key press has been registered. They are ideal for typing because you get a slight indication of a keypress without needing to bottom out your keys.
Linear switches
Linear switches have the simplest operation. They move straight up and down without any tactile feedback or clicking noise. The smooth keystroke allows for more rapid actuation, making them the preferred switch for gamers.
Clicky switches
Clicky switches work the same way as tactile ones. But they offer a distinct “click” sound when the key is activated. They are great for those who want a distinct indication that of a keypress and for those who love the “clicky” sound.
KEYBOARD BUYER HELPER
Please follow the steps below and we will help you to find a perfect keyboard that match your needs.