60%, 65%, 75%, TKL — what you give up
KeycapsEvery size removes keys. The question is which ones you use.
The sizes
| Layout | Keys | Loses |
|---|---|---|
| Full-size | ~104 | Nothing |
| TKL | ~87 | Numpad |
| 75% | ~82 | Numpad, some gaps |
| 65% | ~68 | Function row |
| 60% | ~61 | Function row, arrows |
Layers
Smaller boards move the missing keys onto a layer reached with a modifier. That works well for keys you press occasionally and badly for keys you press mid-flow — which is why arrows are the usual limit of what people tolerate losing.
Deciding honestly
Watch what you actually press for a day. Most people find the numpad goes unmissed and the function row does not. If you use arrows constantly, 65% is the smallest size that stays comfortable.