One thing that a lot of people question when seeing mechanical keyboards, even though this
isn’t limited to mechs at all, is the size of them.
In particular, having no numpad.
So I just want to give my thoughts on this, and how I believe a smaller keyboard can actually
be greatly beneficial.
Of course everyone is different, and have different use cases and scenarios, so obviously
this won’t apply to all.
One of the first things that comes to mind is, “but most laptops don’t have a numpad.”
In fact, most laptops are running a 75% keyboard pretty much.
So clearly, it isn’t much of a problem for many people.
On a keyboard, there’s 2 sets of numbers.
We have the numpad, and the number row.
Therefore there’s always the option to use just 1 set.
Obviously if you’re constantly using the numpad for number entry, which is especially
more applicable in working environments.
Or if you need it for special functions, then the numpad is for you.
So let’s look at the common smaller form factors.
Tenkeyless keyboards will be the easiest to adapt to, and the most recognisable, and therefore
the easiest to accept.
And all it is, is a full sized keyboard with the numpad cut off.
A 75% keyboard is essentially a tenkeyless, as it’s only missing like 3 keys, but is
squashed together to make it more compact.
65% is probably one of the more popular form factors in the enthusiast community, as it’s
basically a 60% but with arrow keys and some nav keys.
With a big emphasis on arrow keys.
But compared to 75% and TKL, we lose the top function row.
60% is where I feel most people will start making some sacrifices, as you’re going
to rely on secondary functions and layers to access other keys, as it is just that main
area of the keyboard.
The big omission in my opinion are the dedicated arrow keys, and is the main reason why I personally
don’t really like using 60% keyboards.
The size you pick will be dependant on what you need.
If you don’t need dedicated arrows, 60% is fine.
Then as you add to your needs, you add to the size.
The difference here, is that the keys that are omitted are now accessible via a key combo,
as they will be on secondary layers.
But this isn’t the case for the numpad keys, as they’re still there.
Typically with smaller keyboards, we do have programmability options, which allows you
to further fine tune what keys you want and need in that restricted space.
For example, you can have dedicated arrow keys on a 60%.
Or have media controls somewhere that people love.
But why give up the numpad.
The main thing is space.
The difference between full size and TKL is already quite big.
And then for 60, 65, and 75%, they’re all very similar in regards to desk real estate.
This is an automatic win if you have a small workspace, as you’ll now have a bit more
space for other stuff, such as for writing material and books and whatnot.
The other physical advantage is that it’s actually more ergonomically comfortable.
I’ve always mentioned this in my videos, but this allows you to have more space for
your mouse, and allow you to bring it closer to the centre, which will improve on your
shoulder and arm positioning into something a bit more natural.
And as many of us are at our computers for long periods, this can make a difference overtime.
And having more space for your mouse is awesome for gaming as well.
And the thing is.
Once you do use a smaller keyboard, and then go back to a full size, you really do notice
that difference.
And personally when I have to review a full sized board, it just makes my workspace seem
so much more cramped.
Like it’s not just a physical thing, but mentally, it feels like it takes up way way
more space.
And that impacts on how you feel, and how you view your setup.
For some, it’s just more visually appealing, as it does give that minimalist type of aesthetic.
Lastly, they are more portable, which I know won’t be applicable for a lot of people.
But yeh, it’s way more easier to chuck a small board in your bag, compared to a full
size.
So yeh, that’s just what I think about it all.
If the numpad is absolutely necessary, then you can’t really get away from that.
Of course it has its place, and that’s why it’s there.
But really think about if it is a necessity, because we always have all those keys in the
main area of the keyboard.
So why duplicate these keys?
Because it really is a duplication for convenience, BUT, not all of us need that convenience.
So let me know what you think, and if you have any thoughts on maybe having made the
change.
Or what size you think best suits you.