Introduction
Most gamers obsess over graphics cards, monitors, and mice — but the keyboard? Often an afterthought. Yet it’s the one piece of gear your hands are always on.
Gaming keyboards come in all shapes and sizes. Some are bulky with every key imaginable. Others? Compact enough to fit in a laptop sleeve. But these layout differences aren’t just about aesthetics — they affect how you play, how much space you have, and even how fast you react.
In this post, we’ll break down the most popular gaming keyboard layouts — Full-size, TKL, 75%, 65%, and 60%. Whether you’re building your first setup or upgrading your current one, this guide will help you choose a layout that actually works for you.
Why Keyboard Layouts Matter
The layout of your keyboard impacts way more than just how it looks on your desk.
🖱️ Mouse movement space: FPS players often prefer compact layouts for more room to flick and aim.
💻 Desk setup: Smaller keyboards leave space for your mousepad, speakers, or even snacks (we see you, late-night grinders).
🧳 Portability: If you’re gaming on the go or love clean setups, smaller layouts are a dream.
⌨️ Functionality tradeoffs: Some layouts ditch keys you might rely on — like the numpad or function row — so picking the wrong one can mess with your workflow or in-game controls.
In short: layout isn’t just about preference — it’s about performance, comfort, and how you use your keyboard every day.
Full-Size Keyboards (104 keys)
This is the classic layout — the one most people picture when they think “keyboard.”
Redragon has some amazing full sized keyboards! Check out our Redragon guide here!
It includes:
- A full alphanumeric section
- A dedicated number pad
- Function keys (F1–F12)
- Arrow keys and the navigation cluster (Home, End, Delete, etc.)
🎯 Who it’s for:
- MMO and RTS gamers who bind a lot of keys
- Streamers who use macros or hotkeys
- People who need the numpad for work or school
🧱 The downside? It’s big.
Full-size keyboards eat up desk space, and can limit mouse movement — especially if you use low sensitivity in games.
But if you have the space and use all the keys? It’s a powerhouse.
Tenkeyless (TKL) Keyboards
TKL keyboards ditch the numpad but keep everything else — including the function row, arrow keys, and navigation cluster. That means you still get full functionality without the bulk.
Here are the Top 10 Ten-Key-Less keyboards you can choose from when buying your new keyboard!
Why gamers love it:
- More space for mouse movement (especially useful for FPS titles like Valorant or CS2)
- A cleaner, more compact look
- Easier to carry to LANs or tournaments
📐 Sweet spot in size vs. function
You lose the numpad, but for most gamers, that’s a small price for the space and comfort gains.
If you’re not crunching numbers daily and want a layout that balances practicality with a tighter footprint — TKL is the go-to.
75% Layout
Think of the 75% layout as a sleeker, tighter version of TKL. You still get the function row, arrow keys, and navigation buttons, but everything’s packed closer together — no extra gaps between sections.
Check out the Kreo Hive RGB Anti-Ghosting Gaming Keyboard Review
🧩 Compact without compromise
- Saves space like a champ
- Keeps all the essentials for both gaming and light productivity
- Often used in custom/mechanical keyboard builds for its balanced aesthetic
⚠️ Heads up:
- The layout can take a minute to get used to — keys are crammed in tighter, which might feel unfamiliar at first
- Less common in mass-market keyboards, so fewer plug-and-play options
If you want a clean look without sacrificing your F-keys or arrows, 75% might just be your perfect match.
65% Layout
The 65% layout trims even more fat. It drops the function row and some navigation keys — but crucially, it keeps the arrow keys. For many gamers and typists, that’s a huge win.
The Portronics Hydra 10 Mechanical Wireless Gaming Keyboard is a great 65% keyboard
🎮 Why it hits the sweet spot:
- Compact enough for tight setups
- Arrows = still super usable for navigating menus, editing, or casual gaming
- Great blend of form and function
📦 Who should consider it?
- Gamers who don’t use function keys often
- Anyone who wants something portable but hates losing the arrows
- Fans of minimalist desk setups
Compared to 60%, it’s way more user-friendly. Think of it as “minimal, but still practical.”
60% Layout
This one’s the ultra-compact king. It drops the function row, arrow keys, navigation cluster, and numpad — all gone. What you get is a sleek block of only the core typing keys.
💡 Why go 60%?
- Maximum desk space and portability
- Ideal for minimal setups or travel
- Loved by streamers and pros who rely on muscle memory and custom key binds
🎮 The catch?
- You’ll need to use FN layers to access missing keys (like arrows or Delete)
- Steeper learning curve, especially for productivity tasks
- Not ideal if you rely on traditional navigation or editing shortcuts
But once you get used to it? It’s fast, clean, and super satisfying to use.
Which Layout is Right for You?
Still confused? Let’s break it down real simple.
🔍 Ask yourself:
- Do you use the numpad daily? → Go Full-size.
- Want to ditch the numpad but keep function and nav keys? → TKL or 75% is your friend.
- Don’t care about function keys, but need arrows? → 65% hits the sweet spot.
- Want maximum portability and a super clean setup? → Go 60% — just be ready to learn FN combos.
🧠 Quick tip:
If you’re unsure where to start, try TKL. It’s the most balanced for most gamers.
Or better yet — try a few layouts if you can. Once you find the one that fits your flow, you won’t look back.