Thoughts on 60% vs 100% Keyboards

[mszy52]

I have been using an 80% E-3lue k727 Kailh switch board for a couple months and I decided it was time to upgrade.
I don't care for led's much but since the Corsair Strafe is such a cheap board at $110 it has had my eye for white a while being a 100% board and also Cherry mx Browns
I like having a num pad but some of the 60% boards i see on r/mechanicalkeyboards has made me have this vision of making a custom board. Also the price of this may be around $150-$170 depending on how much I would customize

I don't know which to get because both have pros and cons but i would like to hear people's stories with their different types of boards and how they feel about both.

[sumni]

Personally, I don't think I could ever go back to 100 percent unless a numpad was an absolute must. The desk space I've gained and the comfort and flexibility of the 60 percent has been extremely helpful, I use it from everything to programming and playing CS:GO

[thatsmrdoctortoyou]

I love my fullsize model M, but I rarely use the numpad. Honestly, I find it easier to use the number row instead of moving my hand over to the numpad. I enjoy more the ergonomics of my 60% as the mouse is much closer to my hand while typing. That being said, I still switch back and forth from 60% to 100%  . I think it depends on your usage. For me I only about 5% of what I type is in the form of numbers, the vast majority of what I type are letters. Probably best to have one of each 

[thatsmrdoctortoyou]

Personally, I don't think I could ever go back to 100 percent unless a numpad was an absolute must. The desk space I've gained and the comfort and flexibility of the 60 percent has been extremely helpful, I use it from everything to programming and playing CS:GO

+1

[heedpantsnow]

I pretty much only use 60's these days. I have some TKL and full boards, but I just don't like moving my hands so much. The layout on my Poker X's is soooo perfect for me. Pretty much keep my fingers on/near the home row for everything. When I have a lot of "arrowing" to do, a quick fn+space bar locks the bottom right modifiers to arrows. Been loving it a long time, don't see any change on the horizon.

[ideus]

I am using a GON Nerd60 that I have already posted somewhere else and I do not want to spam this with it.

Using a 60% has some limitations, but using some resources like space-Fn it is totally possible to avoid the use of full size keyboards, having similar if not better productivity and ergonomics. For the last, in particular, I think 60s are much better, use less space and allow you to even carry them if you need it.

[mszy52]

Personally, I don't think I could ever go back to 100 percent unless a numpad was an absolute must. The desk space I've gained and the comfort and flexibility of the 60 percent has been extremely helpful, I use it from everything to programming and playing CS:GO

I play csgo as well and i was thinking that with the 60% it would be fine to work without the numpad for switching weapons and such but do you ever miss having arrow keys?

[mszy52]

I pretty much only use 60's these days. I have some TKL and full boards, but I just don't like moving my hands so much. The layout on my Poker X's is soooo perfect for me. Pretty much keep my fingers on/near the home row for everything. When I have a lot of "arrowing" to do, a quick fn+space bar locks the bottom right modifiers to arrows. Been loving it a long time, don't see any change on the horizon.

I was unaware that there was a function that would allow you to use arrow keys. Is this on all 60%'s that youve used or just the Pok3r boards

[ideus]

All 60s have alternate ways to access the keys that are not directly mapped on the first layer of the board. This is mapped using the hardware.

You should check space-Fn concept that uses a software alternative to easily access and program where you want to have that second layer.

[heedpantsnow]

I pretty much only use 60's these days. I have some TKL and full boards, but I just don't like moving my hands so much. The layout on my Poker X's is soooo perfect for me. Pretty much keep my fingers on/near the home row for everything. When I have a lot of "arrowing" to do, a quick fn+space bar locks the bottom right modifiers to arrows. Been loving it a long time, don't see any change on the horizon.

I was unaware that there was a function that would allow you to use arrow keys. Is this on all 60%'s that youve used or just the Pok3r boards

Mine are the original Pokers (1). Not sure if it's in the 2 or 3. Of course, any of the programmable 60's like GON, Sprit, etc can be set to work that way.

[Hypersphere]

I think I may have left the 100% boards behind for good. Now I use only TKL and 60%, and I prefer 60% mainly because of the symmetry but also because of the small size.

[mszy52]

I pretty much only use 60's these days. I have some TKL and full boards, but I just don't like moving my hands so much. The layout on my Poker X's is soooo perfect for me. Pretty much keep my fingers on/near the home row for everything. When I have a lot of "arrowing" to do, a quick fn+space bar locks the bottom right modifiers to arrows. Been loving it a long time, don't see any change on the horizon.

I was unaware that there was a function that would allow you to use arrow keys. Is this on all 60%'s that youve used or just the Pok3r boards

Mine are the original Pokers (1). Not sure if it's in the 2 or 3. Of course, any of the programmable 60's like GON, Sprit, etc can be set to work that way.

Okay i will certainly look into it. waht are GON adn Sprit?

[mszy52]

All 60s have alternate ways to access the keys that are not directly mapped on the first layer of the board. This is mapped using the hardware.

You should check space-Fn concept that uses a software alternative to easily access and program where you want to have that second layer.

I knew that smaller boards had second layers but i only thought it was on 40%'s. can you use other functions to access buttons like delete or insert?

[SamirD]

I do a lot of numbers, and I can't go tlk or 60%.  Even laptop layouts have me fumbling around.

I even have an M in a carrying case in case I'm going to need it for numbers with the laptop.  If I need numbers, it has to have the num pad.

[W_hinklebottom]

I pretty much only use 60's these days. I have some TKL and full boards, but I just don't like moving my hands so much. The layout on my Poker X's is soooo perfect for me. Pretty much keep my fingers on/near the home row for everything. When I have a lot of "arrowing" to do, a quick fn+space bar locks the bottom right modifiers to arrows. Been loving it a long time, don't see any change on the horizon.

I was unaware that there was a function that would allow you to use arrow keys. Is this on all 60%'s that youve used or just the Pok3r boards

Mine are the original Pokers (1). Not sure if it's in the 2 or 3. Of course, any of the programmable 60's like GON, Sprit, etc can be set to work that way.

Okay i will certainly look into it. waht are GON adn Sprit?

Those are the different PCB options out there. Most custom 60% boards are fitted with a Sprit FaceW pcb or a Gon nerd60 pcb they are like brand names and have there own software features etc.

[ideus]

All 60s have alternate ways to access the keys that are not directly mapped on the first layer of the board. This is mapped using the hardware.

You should check space-Fn concept that uses a software alternative to easily access and program where you want to have that second layer.

I knew that smaller boards had second layers but i only thought it was on 40%'s. can you use other functions to access buttons like delete or insert?

All sixties I know have it, but not all of them are fully programmable, you should check the model you prefer before to get it. There are always a lot of information on most of them. Besides it, there are some software alternatives, if you are in windows I strongly suggest you to give TouchCursor a try, it could be use even in laptop or full size keyboards, you can check if you can make the transition even without an actual 60%.

[mszy52]

I do a lot of numbers, and I can't go tlk or 60%.  Even laptop layouts have me fumbling around.

I even have an M in a carrying case in case I'm going to need it for numbers with the laptop.  If I need numbers, it has to have the num pad.

What do you do that requires "lots of numbers"

[mszy52]

All 60s have alternate ways to access the keys that are not directly mapped on the first layer of the board. This is mapped using the hardware.

You should check space-Fn concept that uses a software alternative to easily access and program where you want to have that second layer.

I knew that smaller boards had second layers but i only thought it was on 40%'s. can you use other functions to access buttons like delete or insert?

All sixties I know have it, but not all of them are fully programmable, you should check the model you prefer before to get it. There are always a lot of information on most of them. Besides it, there are some software alternatives, if you are in windows I strongly suggest you to give TouchCursor a try, it could be use even in laptop or full size keyboards, you can check if you can make the transition even without an actual 60%.

Awesome ill try that right now to see if it works on my 80%

[mszy52]

All 60s have alternate ways to access the keys that are not directly mapped on the first layer of the board. This is mapped using the hardware.

You should check space-Fn concept that uses a software alternative to easily access and program where you want to have that second layer.

I knew that smaller boards had second layers but i only thought it was on 40%'s. can you use other functions to access buttons like delete or insert?

All sixties I know have it, but not all of them are fully programmable, you should check the model you prefer before to get it. There are always a lot of information on most of them. Besides it, there are some software alternatives, if you are in windows I strongly suggest you to give TouchCursor a try, it could be use even in laptop or full size keyboards, you can check if you can make the transition even without an actual 60%.

Awesome ill try that right now to see if it works on my 80%

http://touchcursor.sourceforge.net/ is this the correct website

[ideus]

All 60s have alternate ways to access the keys that are not directly mapped on the first layer of the board. This is mapped using the hardware.

You should check space-Fn concept that uses a software alternative to easily access and program where you want to have that second layer.

I knew that smaller boards had second layers but i only thought it was on 40%'s. can you use other functions to access buttons like delete or insert?

All sixties I know have it, but not all of them are fully programmable, you should check the model you prefer before to get it. There are always a lot of information on most of them. Besides it, there are some software alternatives, if you are in windows I strongly suggest you to give TouchCursor a try, it could be use even in laptop or full size keyboards, you can check if you can make the transition even without an actual 60%.

Awesome ill try that right now to see if it works on my 80%

http://touchcursor.sourceforge.net/ is this the correct website

That's it.

[mszy52]

All 60s have alternate ways to access the keys that are not directly mapped on the first layer of the board. This is mapped using the hardware.

You should check space-Fn concept that uses a software alternative to easily access and program where you want to have that second layer.

I knew that smaller boards had second layers but i only thought it was on 40%'s. can you use other functions to access buttons like delete or insert?

All sixties I know have it, but not all of them are fully programmable, you should check the model you prefer before to get it. There are always a lot of information on most of them. Besides it, there are some software alternatives, if you are in windows I strongly suggest you to give TouchCursor a try, it could be use even in laptop or full size keyboards, you can check if you can make the transition even without an actual 60%.

Awesome ill try that right now to see if it works on my 80%

http://touchcursor.sourceforge.net/ is this the correct website

That's it.

Wow i just pulled up a word doc and typed in random things to try out the "arrow keys" and it works really well. I wouldent expect that. Thanks you have helped persuade me into the ways of 60% boards.

[ideus]

All 60s have alternate ways to access the keys that are not directly mapped on the first layer of the board. This is mapped using the hardware.

You should check space-Fn concept that uses a software alternative to easily access and program where you want to have that second layer.

I knew that smaller boards had second layers but i only thought it was on 40%'s. can you use other functions to access buttons like delete or insert?

All sixties I know have it, but not all of them are fully programmable, you should check the model you prefer before to get it. There are always a lot of information on most of them. Besides it, there are some software alternatives, if you are in windows I strongly suggest you to give TouchCursor a try, it could be use even in laptop or full size keyboards, you can check if you can make the transition even without an actual 60%.

Awesome ill try that right now to see if it works on my 80%

http://touchcursor.sourceforge.net/ is this the correct website

That's it.

Wow i just pulled up a word doc and typed in random things to try out the "arrow keys" and it works really well. I wouldent expect that. Thanks you have helped persuade me into the ways of 60% boards.

I found it very effective even in my laptop keyboard, and in my GON it won the second layer that is in the hardware by far, it is always easier to use the space bar as FN key than the original one.

I am glad it worked for you as well.

[nmur]

At home I only need a 60% size for chatting and gaming.

At work I need almost every key on a 100% as I'm developing software with Visual Studio, which loves the function row and arrow keys. I also need the numpad for **** like my employer ID and issue/bug ticket IDs etc
However I think I will try and move to a TKL plus a separate numpad, so I can have my keyboard more comfortably in front of me, and have the numpad either on the left, or on the right side of my mouse.

[mszy52]

At home I only need a 60% size for chatting and gaming.

At work I need almost every key on a 100% as I'm developing software with Visual Studio, which loves the function row and arrow keys. I also need the numpad for **** like my employer ID and issue/bug ticket IDs etc
However I think I will try and move to a TKL plus a separate numpad, so I can have my keyboard more comfortably in front of me, and have the numpad either on the left, or on the right side of my mouse.

ID's in your case relate to me as well. At work i always have to plug in numbers all the time and if they get large its very annoying to be typing on a format that is 1-9 like on TKL boards

[sitch]

IMHO depends if you want your mouse farther away

60% - compact size for travellng but lack of functions keys and arrow keys

87% - preferred this because its compact while maintaning full functionality

100% - too big, doesnt really use numbpad.

[mszy52]

IMHO depends if you want your mouse farther away

60% - compact size for travellng but lack of functions keys and arrow keys

87% - preferred this because its compact while maintaning full functionality

100% - too big, doesnt really use numbpad.

by 87% do you mean a regular TKL board?

[0100010]

With as much as type numbers at work, I wouldn't be near as efficient w/o a numpad.  With as much as I am in excel, I need the 6 pack and arrow keys.  Being able to touch type and 10-key helps.

So, I say use what works best for you.

[mszy52]

With as much as type numbers at work, I wouldn't be near as efficient w/o a numpad.  With as much as I am in excel, I need the 6 pack and arrow keys.  Being able to touch type and 10-key helps.

So, I say use what works best for you.

With how much you use a number pad have you ever thought about using an exterior num pad?

[GL1TCH3D]

I wrote about 40% boards on Reddit and in my review of the GoN MobiK

I primarily use 60%

I prefer more finger movement than hand movement so more compact boards seem to be the best for me

[mszy52]

I wrote about 40% boards on Reddit and in my review of the GoN MobiK

I primarily use 60%

I prefer more finger movement than hand movement so more compact boards seem to be the best for me

would you tell me a little about your experiance of the 40%?

[Niomosy]

I've yet to try a 60% so can't comment.  75% (laptop) and full size boards are what I'm normally using.  I'll probably pick up a TKL at some point but a 60% board doesn't really have much appeal to me.  I tend to be fine with hand movement (and somewhat prefer hand movement over finger movement).  I'm still waiting for the GH-122 board to get going, dammit!


I know many like to hook up 60% boards to their laptops but I normally just use my laptop's keyboard and am fine.  For tablets, eh.  Maybe I'd get a 60% if I ever get a Surface but that's probably a ways off.  I'll use my phone.

[GL1TCH3D]

I wrote about 40% boards on Reddit and in my review of the GoN MobiK

I primarily use 60%

I prefer more finger movement than hand movement so more compact boards seem to be the best for me

would you tell me a little about your experiance of the 40%?

Basically it's really good as a mobile board but not very effective for regular use.

[mszy52]

I wrote about 40% boards on Reddit and in my review of the GoN MobiK

I primarily use 60%

I prefer more finger movement than hand movement so more compact boards seem to be the best for me

would you tell me a little about your experiance of the 40%?

Basically it's really good as a mobile board but not very effective for regular use.

I've always liked the concept of a portable board but how often do you really get around to using it out of the house?

[GL1TCH3D]

I wrote about 40% boards on Reddit and in my review of the GoN MobiK

I primarily use 60%

I prefer more finger movement than hand movement so more compact boards seem to be the best for me

would you tell me a little about your experiance of the 40%?

Basically it's really good as a mobile board but not very effective for regular use.

I've always liked the concept of a portable board but how often do you really get around to using it out of the house?

Frankly for school, every day.

Constant use. I use it with Bluetooth with my phone (too cheap to get a tablet) and type my notes like that.

[mszy52]

I wrote about 40% boards on Reddit and in my review of the GoN MobiK

I primarily use 60%

I prefer more finger movement than hand movement so more compact boards seem to be the best for me

would you tell me a little about your experiance of the 40%?

Basically it's really good as a mobile board but not very effective for regular use.

I've always liked the concept of a portable board but how often do you really get around to using it out of the house?

Frankly for school, every day.

Constant use. I use it with Bluetooth with my phone (too cheap to get a tablet) and type my notes like that.

I was thinking about using one for school and work but really i dont see myself using it all that much in school and i wouldent neccesarily like my coworkers touching it all the time

[GL1TCH3D]

I wrote about 40% boards on Reddit and in my review of the GoN MobiK

I primarily use 60%

I prefer more finger movement than hand movement so more compact boards seem to be the best for me

would you tell me a little about your experiance of the 40%?

Basically it's really good as a mobile board but not very effective for regular use.

I've always liked the concept of a portable board but how often do you really get around to using it out of the house?

Frankly for school, every day.

Constant use. I use it with Bluetooth with my phone (too cheap to get a tablet) and type my notes like that.

I was thinking about using one for school and work but really i dont see myself using it all that much in school and i wouldent neccesarily like my coworkers touching it all the time

I dislike handwriting all my notes.
Easy to lose and hard to share.

I work right after school and we bring our own peripherals (IT work) so I bring my MobiK with me right after.

[grav3serker]

I went from a full size rubber dome to a TKL mech and I haven't missed my numpad once. I just got myself a V60, but it's still in the mail, so I can't speak on that yet. I just love the look of the 60% boards 

[keyboardia1]

I went from a full size rubber dome to a TKL mech and I haven't missed my numpad once. I just got myself a V60, but it's still in the mail, so I can't speak on that yet. I just love the look of the 60% boards 

i switched from full size to tkl to 60 %. Guess it's time to try a 40% ...

[grav3serker]

I went from a full size rubber dome to a TKL mech and I haven't missed my numpad once. I just got myself a V60, but it's still in the mail, so I can't speak on that yet. I just love the look of the 60% boards 

i switched from full size to tkl to 60 %. Guess it's time to try a 40% ...

40s seem awesome!! I'd love to try one!

[Oobly]

Coming from a TKL / 85% board to a 60% takes a little getting used to and it's not quite as efficient for some tasks (like heavy text editing using arrows and edit keys a lot), but it's definitely acceptable and the ergonomic and desk space gains are nice. I'd never switch back to 100% again. The numpad really is useless to me.

I'm probably still most efficient with a TKL, but I use 60% and smaller boards pretty much exclusively nowadays (at work where I do software development and at home). I have a DIY custom ergonomic 48 key board and another DIY 40 key that I use, alongside my GoN Nerd60 and KBT Pure.

I have to say that 40% layouts are quite a personal thing. There is no current 40% board available that I find as easy to use as my 60% boards or my own layout 40%. The closest is the JD45, but even there I have my personal dislikes of certain aspects of it. I like split spacebar designs since it allows you to use each thumb for different tasks. On my 40% I use the left thumb for Fn, so I get what ideus is saying about SpaceFn and using your thumb for Fn really makes sense.

[agbockus]

I think I'd have to agree with what others have said so far - after having gone below 100% boards, I don't think I could ever go back. I'm trying to go smaller (40% maybe), but we'll see!

The desk space and ergonomics have a huge thing to do with it for me. I love how everything is arranged now as well. The only reason for a 100% board is working with numbers to me. And honestly, depending on the function layer for the arrows, 60% boards can be very good for text editing. It's now second nature to hit FN + pl.; on my HHKB for the arrows. I would PREFER it on my other 60% board instead of Caps Lock (DIP switched to FN) + WASD. But regardless, you get used to it is the thing.

I used to sell phones during college while working at a large electronic retailer that didn't always have the Best deals (*wink*). People wouldn't buy a phone because of it's keyboard. Even though you can change the keyboards on phones (I know, I know, ewww touch screens). But I guess my point is that you can make it whatever you want, and you will get used to it and probably love it. If not, change it to how you want it. Obviously, via a function layer, but it can be done.

That's just my 2 cents.

[SploogeFactory]

I think I may have left the 100% boards behind for good. Now I use only TKL and 60%, and I prefer 60% mainly because of the symmetry but also because of the small size.

+1 definitely prefer the symmetry and I will probably be leaving full size behind, even TKL looks a bit out of proportion to me now.

[keyboardia1]

I went from a full size rubber dome to a TKL mech and I haven't missed my numpad once. I just got myself a V60, but it's still in the mail, so I can't speak on that yet. I just love the look of the 60% boards 

i switched from full size to tkl to 60 %. Guess it's time to try a 40% ...

40s seem awesome!! I'd love to try one!

i've ordered a planck directly from olkb and the case from massdrop. Case should arrive early 2016 if i'm not mistaken. This will be interesting!

[retrochick]

I first started out with 100%, then I bought a TKL. Then I bought a Poker II. Decided the 60% wasn't the greatest layout for my work (coding). So I sold the poker II and used my TKL. However, I kept having that nagging feeling in the back of my mind that I didn't give the Poker II enough time to "break in." I really missed the great ergonomics of the poker II so I decided to buy another Poker II with clears. I'm not sure what was different that time around but I discovered that I really enjoyed the 60% form factor and adjusted a lot quicker to the function layer. I use the arrow keys a fair bit, so that part was painfully slow to adjust, but I stuck with it. I'm still more comfortable on a TKL at work, however at home I have a 60% sprit board and a hhkb. I'm already planning my next 60% build and love all the customizable options out there for a 60%!

If you stick it out you'll get used to the layout, however I would say that the learning curve for all 60% boards is moderate. You really have to make the commitment to stick with it, or at the very least give it a couple months of solid use before you decide. 

[Bartlebum]

I ended up taking the plunge into the mechanical keyboards with 2 60% boards and I love them. But at work, I have a Novatouch that I just can't go without.

[keyboardia1]

I first started out with 100%, then I bought a TKL. Then I bought a Poker II. Decided the 60% wasn't the greatest layout for my work (coding). So I sold the poker II and used my TKL. However, I kept having that nagging feeling in the back of my mind that I didn't give the Poker II enough time to "break in." I really missed the great ergonomics of the poker II so I decided to buy another Poker II with clears. I'm not sure what was different that time around but I discovered that I really enjoyed the 60% form factor and adjusted a lot quicker to the function layer. I use the arrow keys a fair bit, so that part was painfully slow to adjust, but I stuck with it. I'm still more comfortable on a TKL at work, however at home I have a 60% sprit board and a hhkb. I'm already planning my next 60% build and love all the customizable options out there for a 60%!

If you stick it out you'll get used to the layout, however I would say that the learning curve for all 60% boards is moderate. You really have to make the commitment to stick with it, or at the very least give it a couple months of solid use before you decide. 

yep, it takes some time but to me it's really worth it cuz in the end i don't have to move my hands as much. Plus: Your hand is closer to the mouse which is a plus. Having more desk space is also nice. especially if you live in a small city apartment and therefore only have a small desk.

[Texchappy]

I first started out with 100%, then I bought a TKL. Then I bought a Poker II. Decided the 60% wasn't the greatest layout for my work (coding). So I sold the poker II and used my TKL. However, I kept having that nagging feeling in the back of my mind that I didn't give the Poker II enough time to "break in." I really missed the great ergonomics of the poker II so I decided to buy another Poker II with clears. I'm not sure what was different that time around but I discovered that I really enjoyed the 60% form factor and adjusted a lot quicker to the function layer. I use the arrow keys a fair bit, so that part was painfully slow to adjust, but I stuck with it. I'm still more comfortable on a TKL at work, however at home I have a 60% sprit board and a hhkb. I'm already planning my next 60% build and love all the customizable options out there for a 60%!

If you stick it out you'll get used to the layout, however I would say that the learning curve for all 60% boards is moderate. You really have to make the commitment to stick with it, or at the very least give it a couple months of solid use before you decide. 

Your post helps me with what I've been wondering.  Going to a TKL didn't take any effort but the 60% wasn't so easy.  It has just felt cramped to me.   But I have been going back and forth -- purely by choice.  I guess I should stick it out.  Two months was what worked in your experience?

I really want to give it the best chance since I like the switches better on my 60%.

Once you got used to it, were there any issues if you had to go back to a larger format?

[gadzkun]

for me...

60% for mobile and most likely for test new cute keycaps since the board is cute only 60% when put cute keycaps its become more cuter 

100% i dont use it anymore since i got my TKL board.. but yeah 100% is 100% board you can do 100% with this board..

[Vadurr]

60%, 100% of the  time 

[1swt2gs]

Most of what I came to say has already been said but heres another vote for 60%

Ever since I have gotten my 60% boards, I hardly use my 100% board anymore.