Full Keyboard Vs. Partial Keyboard

                                            Full Keyboard Vs. Partial Keyboard

Keyboards have changed along the years and some even say that a full keyboard is past us. Depending on if you’re using a keyboard for work, school, or gaming you’d want to find the perfect keyboard for your needs. There are also customizations that you can add or switch to better your performance. Let’s talk about what a full keyboard and a half keyboard have to offer.

Full Keyboard (Standard Keyboard): 

A full keyboard is a standard keyboard for desktop computers, it includes alphanumeric keys, a numpad (numeric keypad) and modifier keys. Typically has 104-108 keys with a precise amount of room between each key. A standard keyboard is the longest keyboard in the industry which are about 17 inches long. A full keyboard is also known as a 100% keyboard. Unless you’re someone who doesn’t require as much desk space then this keyboard could work. Full keyboards also require for a more stretch of your arms or hands which can affect your writing posture. A full-sized keyboard limits your portability, unable to bring your work with you (Anderson, 2024).

Price: $10-300

My Experience:

I’ve used a standard keyboard throughout my whole life. It was mostly for schoolwork, and I must say, it’s an ordinary keyboard, not too much to say about it but there’s a couple things I can disagree about. It’s a handy tool for normal desk work, although it is big, and I feel like the keys are too far apart and my fingers felt strained after a couple hours of work.  

Partial Keyboard or TKL: 

A TKL (tenkeyless keyboard) which is a type of keyboard without the numeric keypad which is on a normal full-sized keyboard. A TKL still includes the main typing area, function keys and navigation keys but without the numpad on the right side it is more compact. Without the numpad the mouse is allowed to be closer to the keyboard which can reduce any strain in the arm. These are most ideal if your work or preferred use doesn’t require a numpad. But it doesn’t stop there, there are more keyboards that omit more than just the numpad. With a TKL there are variations of customizations. These keyboards also allow more desk space (HHKB Team, 2023).

Price: $30-500

My Experience:

Most keyboards that have less keys are used for gaming, in my experience, I tried out this keyboard for schoolwork and gaming. During my experience, it was a little difficult to not reach for where the numpad would be as I am used to having a standard keyboard. But now I can put to use the number keys on the top row that I rarely used. I would there isn’t a huge difference when comparing it to a full-sized keyboard, it’s only the sizing. It does allow for just a tad bit more room on a desk or if you’re carrying it.

Less than 100% keyboards:

These keyboards are described in percentages such as 85%, 70%, and 65% keyboards. These keyboards have less keys than the average keyboard, are more compact, provide more desk space. These keyboards also allow people, who need to travel, to carry them. Because of these keyboards are so compact and have fewer keys, the ergonomics allow for less distance needed to move your hands, in other words make you more efficient (McCombs 2024). A keyboard with less keys not only can provide more desk top space but also an aesthetic of sleek, modern, and minimalistic. 

Diving into the most popular keyboards that are less than 100% which are 75%, 65%. Starting off with a 75% keyboard, this keyboard still carries about 99% serviceability of a TKL but in a more compressed layout (Corsair). Although there are still some keys that’ll be dismissed such as the Print screen, Scroll lock, Pause, Insert and End, but depending on brands, keyboards can miss different keys (Corsair). It’s important to pay close attention to detail when shopping around for a partial keyboard because you might miss a key that’s essential for your work.

Moving onto a 65%, according to Corsair these keyboards still hold arrow keys such as the 75% but it’s less standardized than other sizes and on the right side of a 65% can be changed. A 65% doesn’t have a function row and navigation keys but it does feature alphanumerics, modifiers, and arrow keys. This keyboard holds typically 67 keys depending on the brand, this is a great keyboard to those who want the essential keys but on a smaller keyboard (Redragon). 

Price: $50-500

My Experience:

I don’t usually game with a keyboard but for this review I decided to test out each keyboard. First thing I was able to notice was how this keyboard gave the desk a cleaner and spacious look. For gaming purposes, it helps not having to reach farther to other keys and I’m able to position they board to my needs without worrying about space. I also tried out typing a couple paragraphs and compared to a full-sized keyboard, I can say that having the less keyboard improves my typing by staying within a certain distance. Also, I tried carrying it around as it is a smaller keyboard and it’s very convenient to be able to hold a smaller keyboard or putting it away in my school bag, as for a standard keyboard, it’s a little more complicated because of its size. 

Conclusion:

There is no declaration of what kind of keyboard is the best keyboard since many are used for different purposes. But it does seem like more compact keyboards are becoming more common every day. Whether you care for the number of keys, more or less desk top space, or typing performance then checking out any of these keyboards can be the best fit. 

 

Works Cited

Team, HHKB. “Full-Size Keyboards: The Benefits & Drawbacks of Going Big - HHKB.” Hhkeyboard, 12 Mar. 2023, hhkeyboard.us/blog/full-size-keyboard?srsltid=AfmBOoplA_bK-ba5jjAgj6EI1ZX4HGL54yf8TlXme53WvW7rj5WYtN3l. 

Anderson, Daniel. “Things to Know about 100% Keyboard Layout.” Autonomous, Autonomous, 20 Feb. 2024, www.autonomous.ai/ourblog/things-about-100-percent-keyboard-layout. 

McCombs, David. “5 Ways a Compact Keyboard Can Improve Ergonomics.” OTFocus, 14 Apr. 2024, otfocus.com/5-ways-a-compact-keyboard-can-improve-ergonomics/. 

Redragon. “The Ultimate Guide to 65% Keyboards: Everything You Need to Know.” Redragonshop, 5 May 2023, redragonshop.com/blogs/community/the-ultimate-guide-to-65-keyboards?srsltid=AfmBOoq_0Jz3SD-P9k_O3urM8vvG7xBr40kDxEUW9UtyG4nkjvVvMB6q. 

Gaming, Corsair. “Keyboard Sizes & Layouts Explained: Which Is Best for You?” CORSAIR, 23 Apr. 2025, www.corsair.com/us/en/explorer/gamer/keyboards/keyboard-sizes-explained/?srsltid=AfmBOorjPKzOoVQzzCrvzWWdhwCb8bzlqI1u3KLLICOe5FnUppeW0ROM.