How Many Keys are on a 80% Mechanical Keyboard?
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, there are a variety of different sizes and layouts available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. One popular size is the 80% keyboard, which is smaller than a full-sized keyboard but still includes most of the keys you need for typing and gaming.
So, how many keys are on an 80% mechanical keyboard? The answer is not as simple as you might think. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the world of 80% keyboards and explore the different key layouts and options available.
Understanding Keyboard Sizes
Before we get into the specifics of 80% keyboards, it's important to understand how keyboard sizes are typically categorized. Here are the most common sizes you'll see:
- Full-sized: 104 keys
- TKL (Tenkeyless): 87 keys
- 75%: 84 keys
- 65%: 68 keys
- 60%: 61 keys
- 40%: 40 keys or less
As you can see, the number of keys on a keyboard decreases as the size gets smaller. However, the specific keys that are included can vary depending on the layout of the keyboard.
What is an 80% Keyboard?
An 80% keyboard is a compact mechanical keyboard that is similar in size to a TKL keyboard, but with a few key differences. The main difference is that an 80% keyboard typically does not include a number pad, which allows for a more compact and portable design.
The name "80%" comes from the fact that the keyboard is roughly 80% the size of a full-sized keyboard. However, the actual number of keys included can vary depending on the specific layout of the keyboard.
Different 80% Keyboard Layouts
There are several different layouts available for 80% keyboards, each with their own pros and cons. Here are some of the most common layouts:
- ANSI: The ANSI layout is the most common in the United States and includes 87 keys. It is similar to the TKL layout but with a few extra keys, including the function row and arrow keys.
- ISO: The ISO layout is more common in Europe and includes 88 keys. It has a slightly different layout than ANSI, with an additional key next to the left shift key.
- HHKB: The HHKB (Happy Hacking Keyboard) layout is a popular choice among enthusiasts and includes 60 keys. It has a unique layout that places the control key in the Caps Lock position and removes the arrow keys and function row.
- Leopold FC660M: The Leopold FC660M is a popular 65% keyboard that has 66 keys. It includes a number row and arrow keys, making it a great choice for those who want a more compact keyboard but don't want to sacrifice functionality.
How Many Keys are on an 80% Keyboard?
As you can see, the number of keys on an 80% keyboard can vary depending on the specific layout. The ANSI layout typically includes 87 keys, while the ISO layout includes 88 keys. The HHKB layout has only 60 keys, and the Leopold FC660M has 66 keys.
It's also worth noting that some 80% keyboards may include additional keys, such as media controls or macro keys. These extra keys can be a great addition for gamers or power users who want to customize their keyboard to their specific needs.
Conclusion
The number of keys on an 80% keyboard can vary depending on the specific layout and design of the keyboard. While most 80% keyboards include between 60 and 88 keys, some may have additional keys for added functionality.