How Many Keys are on a 60% Keyboard?

You are not alone if you ever wondered how many keys are on a 60 keyboard. Since the name of these compact and mechanical keyboards is a little confusing, people may think that they have a 60 keys layout. These keyboards are the top priority for gamers and programmers due to their improved reach and smaller form. A recent surge in 60 keyboard demand has been overserved in the streamers and gaming community. 60% of keyboards have become the center of attraction due to the reduced size and more free desk space to cater to your other peripherals. Besides that, they are lightweight and ergonomic to ensure portability.

A full-sized keyboard has 104 keys at a standard, which gives the impression to the users that a 60% keyboard should have 62 keys. But it is evident from our research that the number of keys can vary depending on the manufacturer and model. Manufacturers try to play around with the number of keys on the 60 keyboards, and the total key count varies. Most 60 percent of keyboards have 60 to 65 keys, and you have to look at the specifications of each model to get accurate details. However, a typical 60 keyboard has 61 keys in a compact and portable land.

How many keys does a 60 keyboard have?

To know how many keys are in a 60 percent keyboard, you must know its layout and size. The 60% keyboard is small and compact, with most of them having 61 keys on average. The fewer keys and compact layout are due to the absence of Function keys row and lack of arrow cluster keys. The layout has only five rows, with the majority of keys assigned dual functions for handling the gaming and programming tasks. The layout is very helpful in providing versatility, weight reduction, and less weight.

Unlike the TKL keyboard layout, which ditches a numeric keyboard to get a compact layout, the 60 percent keyboard goes beyond it and removes some essential inputs. The typical 60-keyboard layout removes the arrow keys, Function keys, navigation keys, and utility keys for a neat and compact layout. It helps cluster the keys into a simple block without any spaces between them for easy reach. Moreover, our most lonely Escape Key floats at the corner as it gets into the layout and provides easy access and faster typing.

How many switches does a 60 keyboard have?

For the best keyboards, the typing feel matters a lot. It is the most crucial element that affects the comfort and functionality of the keyboard. The 60% keyboard also comes with mechanical switches that enhance performance and provide a low-latency typing experience. However, each switch type is unique as they provide a different typing feel and overall feedback. 

Key switches are essential for these keyboards to find the right flavor for your needs and get the perfect actuation mechanism. There are many switch types, each having a different flavor and feel on the keypress. Many 60 keyboards have linear mechanical switches. These switches are perfect for typing, and they offer low latency with less actuation force. It means that you don’t need to press them to the bottom hard and only apply a slight force to actuate. These hair-trigger switches are excellent for a faster speed and can lead to breakneck speed for gaming. However, there is a slight downside as they can trigger accidental key presses.

The second type of key switch prevalent in the 60 keyboards are tactile key switches. These switches are perfect for gamers as they provide tactility upon actuation. The tactile feedback helps to feel the keypress as soon it actuates. Overall these key switches are best when you have a bumpy feel of every key press. They have the downside of having a loud sound that can irritate your roommates or fellow gamers.

The last type of switch a 60 keyboard does have is clicky switches. Although they are louder than their counterparts, they are better at giving clicky feedback when the keypress gets registered. When you press the key with slight pressure, it provides audible feedback so you can abort fully by pressing the keycap to the bottom. It is ideal for typists and gamers who prefer a clicky sound.

Is a 61-key keyboard good enough?

Given the compact size and reduced keys, 60% keyboards are challenging at the start to learn and master. They also have fewer keys (60 to 65 keys) for day-to-day tasks, which may seem an issue for office users. However, for gamers and enthusiasts, the layout and number of keys are perfect as it helps in providing speedy typing. It provides an excellent weight reduction with a space-saving design compared to the Full-size and TKL keyboards. They look cool and super comfortable for handling and portability.

The anatomy of a 60% keyboard

A 60% keyboard is a compact keyboard that has only 60% of the keys found on a standard full-sized keyboard. To understand the number of keys on a 60% keyboard, it’s important to understand its anatomy.

Overview of the different parts of a keyboard

A keyboard typically consists of several parts, including the keys, the casing, and the circuit board. The keys are the most visible and recognizable part of a keyboard, and they’re what users interact with the most.

Comparison of a 60% keyboard with full-sized and tenkeyless keyboards

A full-sized keyboard typically has over 100 keys, while a tenkeyless keyboard has around 87 keys. In contrast, a 60% keyboard has only 60 keys, making it much smaller and more compact. Despite its small size, a 60% keyboard still has all the essential keys needed for typing and gaming.

Explanation of the layout of a 60% keyboard and its keys

The layout of a 60% keyboard is similar to that of a full-sized keyboard, but it lacks a numeric keypad, function row, and arrow keys. The keys on a 60% keyboard are compactly arranged to save space, but they still have the same travel and actuation distance as larger keyboards. Additionally, some 60% keyboards have a multi-layer design that allows users to access additional keys through a combination of key presses.

Advantages and disadvantages of a 60% keyboard

While 60% keyboards are gaining popularity among gamers and typists, they also have both advantages and disadvantages that are worth considering.

Advantages of a 60% keyboard

1. Compact size: The compact size of a 60% keyboard makes it a great option for users who have limited desk space or who travel frequently with their keyboards.
2. Portability: Due to its small size, a 60% keyboard is highly portable and easy to pack and transport.
3. Improved typing experience: Some users find that the reduced number of keys on a 60% keyboard improves their typing speed and accuracy, as they’re able to reach all the keys without having to move their hands too much.

Disadvantages of a 60% keyboard

1. Limited functionality: The lack of a numeric keypad, function row, and arrow keys can make some tasks, such as data entry and navigation, more difficult.
2. Steep learning curve: For users who are used to a full-sized or tenkeyless keyboard, adjusting to a 60% keyboard can take some time, as they need to learn new key combinations and shortcuts to access all the functions they need.
3. Higher cost: 60% keyboards are often more expensive than other keyboard types, as they’re designed for a niche market.

Also Read:

• How to Remove Keys from Keyboard Without Tool
• How to Unstick Keyboard Keys on laptop
• What Do the G keys Do on Gaming Keyboards
• 65% Keyboards Layout Guide