Currently, 65% keyboards are gaining popularity, especially among gamers and typists, due to their compact yet functional design.
These keyboards offer more features than 60% of keyboards while maintaining a smaller size compared to full-sized ones.
Traditionally, I’ve preferred full-sized keyboards, believing that fewer keys would mean less functionality.
However, since I rarely use the Numpad and primarily need the keyboard for basic typing, I opted for a 65% keyboard, which has proven to be the ideal choice for my needs.
What Is A 65% Keyboard?
A 65% Keyboard is a compact and efficient option that includes alphanumeric, modifier, and arrow keys while omitting the Numpad, function keys, and navigation keys typically found on larger keyboards.
This style of keyboard has gained traction among programmers and developers due to its functionality and space-saving design.
Compared to 60% keyboards, 65% keyboards offer additional sets of keys, enhancing their usability while maintaining a compact form factor.
Gaming Mechanical Keyboard – Speed Switches – 65% Layout.
Total Keys On 65% Keyboard
A 65% keyboard typically consists of slightly more than 65 keys, compared to the 104 or 105 keys found on full-sized keyboards. By removing functional and Numpad keys, 65% of keyboards typically have 36 keys fewer than their larger counterparts.
In general, 65% keyboards feature between 67 to 68 keys, with the majority having 68 keys. Notably, about thirty percent of these keyboards have 67 keys, although specific models like the Leopold FC660M 65 and Velocifire TKL71WS deviate with 66 and 71 keys, respectively.
These keyboards include arrow keys and an additional row on the right side, accommodating keys such as page up, page down, home, and delete. However, the arrangement of these extra keys may differ depending on the manufacturer.
Some 65% keyboards utilize 1.5u keys instead of 1u keys between the spacebar and arrow keys on the left side for enhanced functionality.
However, the missing keys on 65 % of keyboards are mentioned below.
- Fn- keys (F1 to F12)
- Dedicated media keys
- Numpad
- Print screen
Different Keyboard Layouts of 65% Keyboard
There are two different layouts among the 65% keyboards; a layout with all keys clustered together and a layout with arrow keys separated from home keys.
Layout 1: Clustered Keys
On a 65% keyboard with a clustered layout, all keys are positioned close together without any separation between the arrow keys and home keys.
This layout is beneficial if you prefer a keyboard even smaller than the standard 65% keyboards.
Durgod Hades 68 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – 65% Layout (Source: Amazon)
Layout 2: Separate Arrow and Home Keys
The keys are separated on a 65% keyboard with a well-spaced layout, with the home keys located in a distinct cluster from the arrow keys.
This layout offers a more comfortable typing experience compared to keyboards with a clustered layout.
Varmilo MA87M Sakura White LED TKL Dye Sub PBT Mechanical Keyboard (Source: Amazon)
How Many Switches Do You Need For 65% Keyboard?
Switches are essential components beneath the keycaps in mechanical keyboards, responsible for registering each key press.
The quantity of switches can vary based on the number of keys present on the keyboard.
For a 65% keyboard, typically, you would need between 67 to 68 switches. However, some keyboards offer a split spacebar feature.
If your keyboard supports this feature and you intend to utilize a split spacebar layout, you’ll require an additional 1-2 switches, totaling to 70.
Even if you do not plan to use a split spacebar, it’s advisable to have a few extra switches available. Therefore, acquiring 70 switches for your 65% keyboard remains the optimal choice.
Cherry Mx Blue Switch.
Does 65% Keyboard Has Numpad?
65% keyboards usually do not have the Numpad included. However, some brands come with the Numpad included.
Epomaker SK71 Keyboard does not have function keys or Navigation keys but does have a Numpad.
Vortex ViBE Dye Sub PBT mechanical keyboard has 79 keys, including the Numpad.
So, it has 71 keys, excluding the Numpad, which can be considered 65%. Some 65% of keyboards also have 66 -71 keys.
(EPOMAKER SK71 71 Keys Hot-Swappable Mechanical Keyboard (Source: Amazon)
What Number of Stabilizers does 65% Keyboard Need?
While 65% keyboards typically omit the Numpad, certain brands offer models that include it.
For instance, the Epomaker SK71 Keyboard lacks function and navigation keys but does incorporate a Numpad.
On the other hand, the Vortex ViBE Dye Sub PBT mechanical keyboard features 79 keys, encompassing the Numpad. Excluding the Numpad, it has 71 keys, which aligns closely with the standard 65% layout.
It’s worth noting that some 65% keyboards may also feature between 66 to 71 keys, offering slight variations in their layouts.
Stabilized keycaps (Source: Wikipedia)[/caption]
Are 65% Keyboards Worth it?
The trend in keyboard preference has transitioned from full-sized keyboards to more compact options featuring essential keys.
The market for compact keyboards is primarily led by 60% and 65% keyboards. The 65% keyboard stands out as it is only slightly larger than the 60% variant but offers a greater number of essential keys.
Advantages of 65% Keyboard
65% of keyboards are preferred for their compactness and functionality. Let’s have a look at a few advantages of 65% keyboards;
1. Ergonomics of 65% Keyboard
A smaller keyboard means that you do not have to extend your hands further to reach the mouse.
The layout of the 65% keyboard is compact, so it can reduce carpal tunnel syndromes and RSI (repetitive strain syndrome) by preventing your muscles and tendons from being stretched.
According to research done in three workplaces in Indonesia, 10% of Occupational Health Safety diseases are caused by computer keyboard problems, including carpal tunnel, RSI, etc.
Anatomy of the carpal tunnel, showing the median nerve passing through the tight space it shares with the finger tendons.
Studies state that the repetitive switching between mouse and keyboard, especially by gamers who require fast switching action, can cause inflammation of the flexor digitorium and superficial with increased pressure on carpal tunnel space.
65% keyboards reduce such problems among users and have proven to be quite beneficial.
2. Compact Size
The 65% keyboards are compact and only five percent larger than 60% keyboards, so they are very compact.
It is smaller and easily fits on your small-sized desk. Most of them can even be carried around in your backpack if they are wireless.
3. Includes Arrow Keys
The 65% of keyboards include arrow keys that are not present in 60% of keyboards. You might need to remap keys if they are not already present to be able to use arrow functions.
It is quite challenging to toggle between FN and PN keys to use arrow functions.
Arrow Keys are usually included in 65% keyboard.
Disadvantages of 65% Keyboard
65% keyboards are suitable for most users. However, if you need the Numbad and other missing keys, you might feel difficulty using this keyboard.
1. Lacks Some Essential Keys
Indeed, the absence of certain keys, such as the Numpad and function keys, in 65% keyboards can pose challenges for specific tasks and applications.
For instance, the lack of a Numpad might hinder efficiency when performing calculations or inputting numerical data, particularly in older versions of games that rely heavily on this input method.
Similarly, function keys play a vital role in providing shortcuts for various functions like saving, accessing help menus, and more. Without these keys readily available, conducting these functions may become less convenient or even cumbersome.
While 65% keyboards offer compactness and portability, users should consider their specific needs and workflow requirements to determine whether the trade-off in key functionality is acceptable for their usage scenarios.
2. Difficulty In Customization
65% keyboards have different layouts with different keys and USB port placement. So, you may have difficulties fitting different cases on a 65% keyboard.
Either your keys will be squashed like the ride-side modifiers or squished while fitting arrow keys.
Also, some keyboards, like the Varmilo VA68, leave an odd gap when fitting custom keys.
Who Benefits From 65% Keyboards the Most?
Indeed, 65% keyboards offer advantages for various user types, but their functionality benefits certain usage scenarios more effectively:
- Typists: The compact design and closely spaced keys of 65% keyboards facilitate easier typing. Additionally, the mechanical switches common in these keyboards provide a distinct typing experience with unique tactile feedback and noise levels.
- Programmers: Most programming languages don’t necessitate a Numpad, so its absence on 65% keyboards doesn’t hinder coding tasks. Furthermore, without the Numpad, programmers can access their mouse more conveniently, enabling seamless switching between keyboard and mouse inputs.
- Gamers: Function keys and keys with high click speed, often found in mechanical 65% keyboards, are typically unnecessary for gaming purposes. Therefore, 65% keyboards offer a compact and efficient solution for gamers without sacrificing essential gaming functionalities.
However, 65% keyboards may not be suitable for professions heavily reliant on Numpad input, such as data entry tasks. In such cases, the absence of a Numpad on 65% keyboards could hinder efficiency and productivity.
Best 65% Keyboards In 2024
Here are some of the best 65% keyboards in 2024;
| Best 65% Keyboards | Best Features | Product Image |
|---|---|---|
| Fnatic Streak65: Best for gaming | Rapid keypress Customizable inputs RGB Lighting Lightweight |  |
| Drop ALT: Best for Hot swapping | 67 Keys Fully programmable Hot-swappable USB connector |  |
| Asus ROG Falchion: Best Quality | 68 Keys Cherry MX Red switches Double-shot PBT keycaps Programmable RGB lighting |  |
| Keychron K6: Best for Price | 68 Key Typing quality is good. Hot-swappable Wireless |  |
| Akko 3068: Best Wireless Feature | 68 Keys Long battery life Compact design Programmable Bluetooth |  |
| Vortexgear Cypher 65: Best No-Frills | detachable USB-C cable PBT keycaps |  |
| Leopold FC660C: Best Topre | 4 DIP switches unique electro capacitive Topre switch |  |
| Durgod Fusion Mechanical Keyboard | Compact Long-lasting Battery |  |
| Royal Kludge RK68 | Simple and quality build Great typing experience |  |
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