65 vs 75 Keyboards: Which is the Best Layout for You?

Although the 65 vs 75 keyboards are both designed to save space on the desk while still ensuring convenience, they have notable differences. 65% keyboards, known for their compactness, remove some function keys, while 75% keyboards retain a more comprehensive but less compact set of keys. Which type will suit you better? Let's dig deeper.

Feature	65% Keyboard	75% Keyboard
Compactness & Portability	Optimize area Reduce the overall size of the keyboard Compactness	Low portability Not as compact as the 65% keyboard
Key Layout	67 - 68 keys 2 layouts: All the keys are blurred together, Separate home key and arrow keys No function keys and number keys	84 keys No number pad Comfortable layout
Compatibility	Higher compatibility but not by much Fits a variety of keycaps, switches and covers Works well with many software and operating systems	Good compatibility Works well with many software and operating systems Customize multiple layouts
Price & Availability	$50 to over $300 or even higher A little more popular Easy to buy	$50 to over $300 or even higher Easy to buy
Programmability	More difficult to program Fewer macro keys Must use many keyboard shortcuts	Higher programming capabilities Flexible and customizable  More macro keys
Customization	More aftermarket keycaps Easier to change keycaps Easily change the interface	Custom-friendly Easier to find compatible keycaps compared to smaller form factors Easily change the interface
Gaming Performance	Suitable for gaming, especially if arrow keys are essential Suitable for FPS games, eSports or racing games	Offers essential F-row and navigation keys for most games and applications Suitable for many types of games, from action games to adventure games
Typing Performance	Minimize fatigue Enhance typing speed Limit more complex operations	Typing feels more comfortable and flexible Easy to navigate Responds to typing activities and multitasking tasks

Overview of 65% keyboard

The 65% keyboard is a balanced combination of size and function. The keyboard is known as one of the most compact keyboards due to its design that eliminates the numeric keypad and function row to save more space. However, it is also equipped with other convenient keys such as Home, End, Page up, and Page down keys to ensure the necessary features. The 65% keyboard is very popular with the mechanical keyboard community for its flexible applications.

Features:

• 67 - 68 keys
• Compact design
• Arrow keys, Home and Delete key clusters
• Function layers
• Page up, Page down
• Arrow keys

Pros	Cons
Compact design Take up less desk space Retain the arrow keys and navigation keys Flexible for many different jobs Customization options and programmability	Take some time to adapt to the functional layers No function keys F-keys, tilde (~), and navigation keys require an extra function (Fn) key for activation. Non-standard layouts make finding compatible keycaps difficult. The layout, especially on the right side of the spacebar, can vary between models.

Below are a few best 65% keyboards that are famous on the market, both possessing beautiful designs and providing good performance. These keyboards all have keycaps made of high quality PBT plastic and the switches can be easily changed.

• Keychron K6
• Ducky One 2 SF
• Leopold FC660M
• Tofu 65
• Keychron Q1

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Overview of 75% keyboard

The 75% keyboard is the perfect balance between compact layout and functionality. Unlike the 60% or 65% keyboard, the 75% keyboard only removes the numeric keypad but still retains the row of function keys and common essential keys. This keyboard is called 75% because it retains about 75% of the keys compared to a full keyboard. This design provides more compactness while still retaining the necessary keys for everyday use.

Features:

• 84 keys
• Compact design
• No numeric keypad
• Arrow keys
• Volume knob 

Pros	Cons
Retain essential keys for productivity Saves desk space compared to full-sized keyboards. Suitable for both work and gaming	Finding replacement keycaps can be tricky on some models. Keys may feel close together, potentially affecting typing comfort for some users. Limited availability Limited customizability

When choosing a 75% keyboard, you should choose keyboards with high durability, good keycaps or hot-swappable capabilities so users can change the switches themselves. Support for diverse RGB backlighting and key programmability are also features you might be interested in.

Below are a few popular high-quality 75% keyboards that everyone loves that you can refer to:

• Ducky One 2 SF
• Keychron K8
• Leopold FC750R
• Tofu 65
• Drop ALT
• Varmilo VA68M

65% and 75% keyboard: Key Similarities and Differences

Compactness & Portability

The 65% keyboard removes some keys such as the right number pad and navigation keys to optimize the overall area and size of the keyboard. Rearranging the keyboard layout provides a compact and comfortable experience, giving you more space on your desk and making it easy to carry.

For the purpose of preserving functionality, the 75% keyboard only removes the number pad on the right. Although fewer keys are removed, the keys of the 75% semi-keyboard are designed close together to save space, so the 65% vs 75% keyboards are the same size, 30.5 cm (12 inches).

It can be said that both of these keyboards are suitable for people with small hands because their compactness makes it easy to reach the keys.

Key Layout

The keyboard layout will vary depending on the type. Each layout will bring a special experience to you, compare the 65% vs 75% keyboard layouts in detail to see which one is right for you.

The 75% keyboard has 84 keys, which retains almost all the keys compared to the standard keyboard, only removing the number pad on the right.

The layout of the 75% keyboard is streamlined for a more compact experience. The Home, End, Page Up and Page Down keys are arranged along the keyboard similar to the All keys smushed together layout of the 65% keyboard. However, some brands offer 75% keyboard layouts with the function keys, arrow keys, and integrated top row spaced apart to ensure comfort. Some also have a special control knob in the top right corner.

The 65% keyboard removes the F row of function keys and the number pad on the right, so there are only 66 - 68 keys left. However, to ensure applicability, it is supplemented with a number of function keys such as Delete, Insert, Home, End, Page Up and Page Down.

65% keyboards usually have two layouts: All keys smushed together and Separate home cluster and arrow keys.

As for the Separate home cluster and arrow keys layout, its keys are arranged almost identically to the TKL keyboard and full-size keyboard. Function keys such as Home, End, Page Up and Page Down are arranged in a square on the top right of the keyboard. Right below is the location of the arrow keys. These two key clusters are placed at a distance from each other as well as a set of letter keys to create a more comfortable and pleasant feeling.

In contrast, the function key cluster of All keys smushed together layout is arranged along the keyboard instead of arranged in a box like a conventional keyboard. At the same time, the keys of the All keys smushed together layout are placed close together, creating a compact keyboard that saves maximum space.

Compatibility

In the compatibility battle between 65% vs 75% keyboard, which one will win? The answer is that 65% and 75% keyboards have similar compatibility. Most typing software and operating systems work well with 65% and 75% keyboards.

At the same time, both types are designed with standard dimensions and common layout, creating widespread compatibility. They also use keycaps profile according to popular standards such as SA, DSA, Cherry, OEM, or XDA, making it easy to replace keycaps.

To learn more about popular standard keycaps on the market, read the article: What are Keycap Profiles? Types of Keycap Profiles.

Besides, the case and PCB of the 65% and 75% keyboard are also compatible with many types available on the market.

However, the 75% keyboard will have some limitations on Third-Party case options due to its unique design.

Price & Availability

65% and 75% keyboards share a similar price range, spanning from budget-friendly $50 options to luxury models exceeding $300. Keyboards with special features such as RGB LED lights, high-end switches or advanced customization capabilities often cost more. Prices may change depending on time and supplier.

While 75% keyboards are becoming more popular, they're still not as readily available as full-size or 65% keyboards, so you'll be a bit limited in shopping for them in person. Meanwhile, 65% keyboards are often easier to buy as more and more people choose them.

You can buy them at stores specializing in games and computer accessories or official company websites. You can also buy online through websites specializing in selling keyboards such as KBDfans, CannonKeys, Drop...

However, some limited edition keyboards or premium keyboards may only be available through Group Buy events or from the pre-order community. If you want to buy the special edition, check out online shopping sites, keyboard gaming community forums, or the manufacturer's official website for more details.

Programmability

Both 65% and 75% keyboards offer high programmability for key remapping, macros, and hotkeys.

However, the 65% layout, due to its compact size, sacrifices some ease of programming and functionality. It may lack dedicated macro keys, a tilde/backtick key (requiring plugins), and offer fewer overall keys for customization. The 75% option provides a better balance, including these dedicated keys and more function keys for enhanced programmability.

Customization

When comparing the customization capabilities of 65% vs 75% keyboard, you can see many similarities, but there are also differences due to the variety of sizes and structures.

Many keyboards of both types have standard case and PCB designs so are compatible with many types of cases and PCBs on the market. This provides flexibility in changing the interface, bringing a new and unique beauty to the keyboard.

Besides, 65% and 75% of keyboards use keycaps according to standard profiles such as SA, DSA, Cherry, OEM, or XDA, making it easy to replace or upgrade. However, the 65% keyboard has more aftermarket keycaps than the 75% keyboard. It's also easier to change keycaps due to the simple layout.

Meanwhile, the 75% keyboard offers greater flexibility in customizing the layout than the 65% keyboard due to having more function keys and more usable space.

Gaming Performance

65% keyboards often have a more compact size, helping to create free space for a comfortable gaming experience. Therefore, the 65% keyboard is a good choice for gamers who often have to move or have a small playing space. The 65% keyboard is also suitable for FPS games because it helps optimize the playing space and increase flexibility in moving the mouse. 

65% keyboard with fast and responsive switches, increases precision in games that require quick reactions and precision like eSports or racing games. However, the 65% keyboard can be daunting if you're used to function keys or large navigation buttons, rather than layers of programming.

With an average number of keys and more layout customization options, the 75% keyboard is suitable for a variety of games, from action games to adventure games. The 75% keyboard provides enough function keys and navigation buttons for quick interaction in MMO and RPG games where quick access to skills and commands is required. In addition, the 75% keyboard can also provide enough keys to assign commands and group units for you to comfortably play RTS games.

Overall, both 65% and 75% keyboards can provide good performance, but there are slight differences in size and layout. Choosing between them in gaming depends on your personal preferences and specific gaming requirements.

Typing Experience

When comparing the typing experience of 65% vs 75% keyboard, you will see a noticeable difference in feel and performance when used. 65% keyboard with compact size often provides a natural and flexible typing feeling. Key spacing is also often optimized to minimize fatigue and enhance typing speed, making it the perfect keyboard for writers. However, due to the lack of some function keys and navigation buttons, if you are a programmer, you may feel limited in manipulating more complex requests.

In contrast, 75% keyboards with larger sizes often provide a more comfortable and flexible typing experience, especially for those accustomed to full-sized keyboards. The addition of function keys and navigation buttons makes it easier for users to access common functions and perform interactive operations more effectively. This is especially useful during office activities and multitasking tasks.

Depending on your specific usage needs, you can prioritize the portability and convenience of the keyboard 65%, or the flexibility and versatility of the keyboard 75%.

Based on detailed comparisons between 65% and 75% keyboards, the final choice depends on your intended use and personal preferences. With the perfect combination of compactness and functionality, the 65% keyboard offers plenty of space as well as the ability to work tirelessly for writers and gamers who love fast action like FPS or eSports. Unlimited programming possibilities make it the optimal choice for professional coders. 75% keyboard with full function keys provides high performance for gamers who love multitasking games from MMO, RPG to RTS. It also brings flexibility and agility to writers and coders. Remember, there is no one keyboard that is right for everyone. Most importantly, find a keyboard that fits your typing style, workflow, and desk space.

Conclusion

In short, choosing between a 65% and 75% keyboard ultimately comes down to personal preference and your intended use. If you prioritize portability and minimalism, then the 65% keyboard should be your priority. If you require a full set of keys for work and gaming, the 75% keyboard is a good candidate for your needs. Remember that the best layout for you is the one that enhances your typing experience and overall productivity.

FAQs

What features do 75% keyboards offer over 65% keyboards?

With the retention of additional function keys and a dedicated navigation cluster, 75% keyboards offer enhanced productivity and customization options compared to 65% keyboards. They offer better compatibility with games and respond better to complex typing tasks, making them the preferred choice for users looking for a more comprehensive keyboard layout.

Why aren't 75% of keyboards more popular?

The 75% keyboard is not as popular as the 65%, probably because it stands at an average level. The 75% keyboard is neither as compact nor offers the same level of portability as the 65%. In addition, the layout of the 75%, although it has more keys than the 65%, does not fully satisfy users who are used to full-sized keyboards, leading them to prefer a more compact layout like the 65% or more complete.

Is 75% worth it for the non-standardized layout?

Whether the 75% keyboard is worth it or not depends on each person's preferences and requirements. While the non-standardized layout of the 75% keyboard may initially present challenges, it provides additional functionality compared to smaller layouts such as the 65%, making it suitable for most users. prioritize productivity and convenience over standardization. However, for users who love a standardized layout, a 75% keyboard may not be the ideal choice.

Do 65% and 75% keyboards come in wireless options?

Yes, both the 65% and 75% keyboards are available wirelessly. Many keyboard manufacturers offer wireless versions of these layouts, allowing you to enjoy quick, clean setup and increased portability. Wireless connectivity options typically include Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless technology, allowing you to use the keyboard on multiple devices.