For a lot of gamers, a standard 104-key keyboard isn't the ideal form-factor as it makes the desk feel more cramped, giving less space for the mouse movements. Smaller form-factor keyboards exist for the same reason, but they come in a variety of sizes like TKL (TenKeyLess: around 87-88 keys), 80%, 75%, and even more compact options like 60% (reducing the number of keys to around 58-65).
60% keyboards are often preferred by many as they're one of the smallest form factors and offer almost all the necessary keys to get the job done without occupying your whole desk. Technically, it can do the job of full 104-key keyboards with key combinations and mapping, but that's tricky and time-consuming. A 75% keyboard is yet another option with somewhat bigger form factor than a 60% keyboard, but can be hugely advantageous for several reasons.
Here are the top four reasons why it's better to settle for a 75% keyboard than a 60% one, and you will be surprised at just how convenient it is.
Arrow Keys Save You From The Headache
Arrow keys are basically absent on almost all 60% keyboards, but 75% keyboard does a favor by simply using a little more space. A 65% keyboard also has arrow keys, but there are some caveats it comes with it, which we will be talking about in the next section. Now, switching from a full-length keyboard to a 60% keyboard is generally a difficult transition, as we frequently need the arrow keys for various tasks, including typing, editing, and sometimes playing games. By reducing the overall chassis size, the 60% keyboard tries to enable these arrow keys through a different layer.
On 60% keyboards, the arrow key functions can be generally achieved by pressing FN+A/W/S/D, but that's going to be quite difficult in the beginning and will consume a lot of time. This can be a pain when there is a need to press an arrow key and another key to execute a particular function, because you then have to press three keys simultaneously. For instance, jumping word by word when typing/editing requires pressing CTRL+Right/Left Arrow key, and on a 60% keyboard, you will have to press CTRL+FN+A/D key to achieve the same. Thankfully, a 75% keyboard keeps these onboard and saves you from this headache.
The Function Keys Row is a Dealbreaker
The Function keys (F1-F12), which are usually present at the top, serve a lot of applications, and whether you want to refresh your computer or quickly open the Inspect tab, you will need them. A 60% keyboard has the entire row absent (65% keyboard as well), and to get those working, it uses a third layer, which can be accessed through a particular button combo, which usually requires pressing three keys simultaneously.
It would have made more sense if you could just access the function keys by pressing the FN button with the number keys, but since the number keys already have another layer for symbols, you will have to press a third key to get those. So, for most 60% keyboards, you will have to press the FN+Shift+Number Key to get a function key working, which is so frustrating. Therefore, the availability of the entire Function Row on the 75% keyboard is so convenient.
You're Still Gonna Have a Small Footprint
I understand that the 60% keyboard is smaller than a 75% keyboard, but the difference isn't huge. You get an additional inch or two added to the height and length, but that's it. This isn't really a dealbreaker since you will still get enough space for mouse movement, but you will have immense versatility with those extra keys. The amount of key combinations you have to get used to on a 60% keyboard is just overwhelming, and it hurts productivity.
Some 75% keyboards have almost the same length as most 60% keyboards, which essentially gives you the same amount of space for your mouse movements. And that additional <1" space gives you three more keys like Home, Page Up, and Page Down for additional functions. And yes, you also get a dedicated Delete button on the top row, which is a frequently used key.
Dedicated Multi-Media Options Will Likely Be Available
Multimedia keys or volume knobs are almost absent on all 60% keyboards, but they are quite handy. Dedicated multi-media controls are usually more abundant on full-length keyboards, but many 75% keyboards do have a few of them. The most common multimedia control on 75% keyboards is the Volume knob, and once you start using it, you won't go back. Using a mouse for simple tasks like increasing or decreasing volume feels cumbersome, but a knob does both jobs and can also mute.
I don't know how popular the Play, Pause, and Stop multimedia keys are among users, but the Volume knob is one of the most convenient multimedia controls to have at your fingertips. Some exceptions are keyboards like Redragon K655, which replaces the Function keys row with a dedicated multimedia row, but personally, I would trade multimedia controls for a function row any day.
That said, we all have preferences, but swapping a 60% keyboard with a 75% one has always felt better. More keys don't necessarily mean more convenience, but the reason why most opt for 60% is the smaller footprint. However, I see hardly any benefit in going smaller than 75%, unless you really don't have that additional inch of space on your desk.
Follow Wccftech on Google to get more of our news coverage in your feeds.
