Mechanical keyboards come in many sizes—from compact 40% layouts to full-featured 100% keyboards. Choosing the right one can significantly impact your comfort, productivity, gaming performance, and desk aesthetics. One of the most common comparisons is between full size keyboards and the many compact layouts like 98 keyboard, TKL keyboard, 75 keyboard, and small mechanical keyboard.
In this guide, we’ll examine the differences between full size keyboards and other popular keyboard sizes, helping you decide which layout fits your needs.
Full Size Keyboard vs Other Keyboard Layouts
Below we compare full size keyboards to the most common compact layouts, focusing on key count, functionality, size, and ideal use cases.
1. Full Size keyboard vs 98 Keyboard
Key Differences
98 keyboard—sometimes called 96% or 98-key layouts—retains nearly all the keys of a full size keyboard while significantly reducing the wasted space between key clusters.
- Typically 98–100 keys, depending on brand
- Keep numpad, function row, arrows, and most navigation keys
- Compact the layout by removing the gaps between clusters
- Usually 2–4 cm narrower than a full size
- The navigation keys may be rearranged or stacked vertically
Advantages of 98%
- Almost full size functionality in a smaller footprint
- Saves desk space while keeping the numpad
- Great balance of efficiency, comfort, and compactness
- Ideal for users who need number input but dislike the bulk of 100% boards
- More ergonomic mouse distance than full size keyboards
Advantages of Full Size
- Traditional spacing between all clusters
- Easier to navigate by feel due to clear key grouping
- More comfortable for long typing sessions
- Better layout consistency across brands
- Less cramped—ideal for users with larger hands
Which Should You Choose?
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Choose Full Size keyboard if you prefer the classic, spacious layout with clear separation between key clusters.
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Choose 98 keyboard if you want a numpad but also want to save desk space without sacrificing essential functionality.
2. Full Size Keyboard vs TKL Keyboard (Tenkeyless, 87%)
Key Differences
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TKL keyboard removes the numpad, bringing the key count down to ~87 keys.
- Width is reduced by about 7–9 cm.
- All other keys and clusters remain the same.
Advantages of TKL
- More mouse movement space
- More ergonomic hand placement for gaming
- Still keeps arrows, navigation cluster, and F-row
- Great balance between size and functionality
Advantages of Full Size
- Numpad improves productivity
- Better for data entry, spreadsheets, finance, and coding shortcuts
- No need for Fn layers or remapping
Which Should You Choose?
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Choose Full Size keyboard if you use numbers often or need complete functionality.
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Choose TKL keyboard if desk space or mouse space is more important.
3. Full Size Keyboard vs 75 Keyboard
Key Differences
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75 keyboard keeps the function row and arrows
- But compress navigation keys into a tighter block
- Usually 82–84 keys
- Much more compact while retaining essential functions
Advantages of 75%
- Great for small desks
- All critical keys available
- Very popular for productivity + portability
Advantages of Full Size
- Bigger layout = less crowding
- Full navigation cluster
- Full numpad
- More ergonomic for extended typing sessions
Which Should You Choose?
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Choose Full Size keyboard for comfort, full functionality, and easy access to all keys.
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Choose 75 keyboard if you want a compact layout but still keep F-keys and arrows.
4. Full Size keyboard vs 65 Keyboard
Key Differences
- 65% layouts typically have ~67 keys
- Keep arrow keys
- Remove function row
- Remove navigation cluster
- Completely rely on Fn layers for many keys
Advantages of 65%
- Excellent balance of compactness and usability
- Arrow keys still available
- Great for minimal desk setups
Advantages of Full Size
- No Fn-layer learning curve
- Full shortcuts available without remapping
- Best for multitaskers and heavy keyboard users
Which Should You Choose?
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Choose Full Size keyboard for powerful workflow capabilities.
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Choose 65% keyboard for a clean, compact aesthetic and portability.
5. Full Size keyboard vs 60 Keyboards
Key Differences
60% keyboards have ~61 keys
Remove:
- F-row
- Navigation cluster
- Arrow keys (usually)
- Number pad
Heavily dependent on layers and key combinations
Advantages of 60%
- Ultra compact
- Great for travel
- Frees maximum mouse space
- Popular with minimalists and competitive FPS gamers
Advantages of Full Size
- No compromises in functionality
- Better for typing, coding, and editing
- Best for work environments and daily use
Which Should You Choose?
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Choose Full Size keyboard if you need a traditional, complete layout.
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Choose 60% keyboard if you want portability and minimalism over functionality.
Full Size vs Compact Layouts: Which Is Best for You?
To help you decide, here’s a quick overview of who benefits most from each size.
Who Should Use a Full Size Keyboard?
A full size keyboard is ideal for:
- Office workers
- Writers & editors
- Accountants & data entry users
- Programmers
- Gamers who need full key access
- Spreadsheet and calculator-heavy workflows
- Anyone who prefers traditional layouts
- Users with ample desk space
If you never want to compromise on key availability, the full size layout is unmatched.
Who Should Use a Smaller Keyboard?
You may prefer a compact layout if you:
- Want more space for your mouse
- Have a smaller desk
- Prefer minimalistic setups
- Enjoy portability
- Don’t need the numpad
- Are comfortable using Fn layers
Layouts like 75% and 65% offer strong middle-ground options for mixed use.
Does a Full Size Keyboard Affect Performance?
Gaming
Some FPS gamers prefer smaller boards for more mouse space,
BUT modern 100% gaming keyboards—especially those with 8,000 Hz polling rates—perform equally well in responsiveness.
Productivity
Full size keyboards win decisively:
- Faster number entry
- Easier shortcuts
- More intuitive navigation
- No need for layers or key remaps
Ergonomics
Larger layouts may push the mouse farther away, but they also offer a more relaxed typing posture for users with large hands or long typing sessions.
Final Thoughts: Full Size Keyboard vs Other Keyboard Sizes
A full size keyboard remains the most versatile and complete layout available today. With a full numpad, navigation cluster, arrow keys, and function row, it offers unmatched productivity and ease of use. Although compact keyboards provide more desk space and portability, they come with trade-offs like missing keys, tighter layouts, and increased reliance on layers.
If you value efficiency and want access to every key without compromise, a full size keyboard is still the best all-around choice. To better understand how the 100% layout works, you may also like: What Is a Full Size Keyboard?
