How Many Keys Are on a 75% Keyboard? (Layout Details)

A 75% keyboard might just be the best BALANCE between size & functionality.

It’s small enough to save deskspace (and look cool), but retains enough functionality and ease of use–for just about anybody!

Here are more details 👇

How many keys are on a 75% keyboard?

There are usually 84 keys on a 75% keyboard. However, there are a few 75% keyboards that might have 84-87 keys.

However, many 80% keyboards are incorrectly labeled as 75% keyboards (and even 65% keyboards), so this adds more confusion.

75% vs 65% keyboard size
75% Keychron K2 on bottom has the function key row!

Almost all of the most popular 75% keyboards have 84 keys:

What keys are missing on a 75% keyboard?

75% keyboards do not include the following sections:

  • The 10-key number pad (usually on the right side of the keyboard)
  • All of the “home cluster” keys (Home, End, Delete, Insert, PageUp, PageDown, etc)

75% keyboards still include:

  • The standard letters and punctuation keys
  • The number key row
  • The function key row
  • Modifier keys (like Alt, Control, Command, Option, and Function)
  • SOME of the home cluster keys

What are some other keyboard sizes?

First, check out our full guide to keyboard sizes here.

Some of the most popular keyboard sizes include:

  • 100% full-sized (has all the keys, function row, arrow keys, numberpad, etc)
  • 96% – Has the same keys, but with no “dead space” in between the key clusters
  • 80% TKL – Doesn’t have the numberpad
  • 75% – Same as 80%, but with no “dead space” in between the key clusters
  • 65% – Doesn’t have the numberpad or function row, but usually has arrow keys and a few “home cluster” keys
  • 60% compact – Doesn’t have numberpad, function row, arrow keys, or home cluster keys
  • 40% compact (doesn’t have a number row)
keyboard sizes
the most popular keyboard sizes

What’s the BEST keyboard size?

This comes down to personal preference, including what keys you need for work or gaming, as well as the desk space you want your keyboard to take up.

That said, the most popular keyboard sizes are 60%, 65%, 75%, 80% TKL, and 100% full-sized.

These offer enough functionality, with the 75% and 80% TKL keyboards being the best balance of functionality and desk space!

How big/long is a 75% keyboard?

75% keyboards are definitely NOT compact keyboards. They take up a good bit of desk space!

The exact dimensions vary from keyboard to keyboard, but most 75% keyboards are roughly 13 inches long (32cm) and 5 inches tall (12cm).

How many switches will I need for a 75% keyboard?

More than 84-87 switches. Since switches often come in packs of 10, I recommend choosing a package of around 90 switches.

It never hurts to have extras in case a switch turns into a dud, etc.

What are some of the best uses for 75% keyboards?

You can use 75% keyboards for anything. Work, gaming, video editing, travel, or working in an office.

You don’t really lose any functionality from an 80% keyboard (it’s just smaller in terms of desk space), and the only feature you lose from a full-sized 100% keyboard is the 10-key number pad!

If you’re an accountant and need the 10-key, oh well–but for literally anybody else–a 75% keyboard will be totally functional and fun!

Are keyboard “sizes” and “layouts” the same thing?

No.

Although “size” and “layout” are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to different aspects of keyboards!

“Size” generally refers to both the physical size of the keyboard and how many keys the keyboard has (a 60% keyboard has 61 keys, while an 80% keyboard has 88 keys).

“Layout” usually refers to the arrangement of the keys and shape of some keys, such as ANSI (popular in North America), ISO (popular in Europe), and JIS (Japan).

Additionally, “layout” can also refer to the software arrangement of the typing keys, such as “QWERTY,” Colemak, and Dvorak.

Read our full guide to keyboard layout here.

Here are the top 75% keyboards we recommend:

You can see our top recommendations for 75% keyboards here, but here are a few of our favorites:

Keychron K2

Keychron K2 Version 2 Wireless Gaming Mechanical Keyboard, Bluetooth/USB Wired Compact 84 Keys RGB LED Backlit...
  • A 75% layout (84-key) RGB backlight compact Bluetooth mechanical keyboard. The ultimate tenkeyless keyboard that retains shortcut and arrow keys. Aluminum frame.
  • Connects with up to 3 devices via Bluetooth 5.1 and switch among them easily. With high reliable and broad compatibility Broadcom Bluetooth chipset, the K2 is best to fit home, office and light gaming...
  • With a unique Mac layout, K2 has all necessary Mac function keys, while compatible with Windows. Extra keycaps for both Windows and Mac operating system are included.

The K2 might just be the best mechanical keyboard of all time. It’s not a high-end ultra-premium keyboard, but it’s perfectly balanced and versatile!

It’s hot-swappable, wireless, works great with Windows and Macs, and is affordable. It’s the perfect mechanical keyboard for beginners, and has the full 84 keys!

GMMK Pro

On Sale
Glorious Gaming GMMK PRO 75% Barebones Black (Frame Only) - Modular Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, TKL Size (75%),...
  • Premium Design & Materials: The GMMK PRO's body is CNC machined from solid aluminum, giving it substantial weight and unrivaled durability compared to plastic alternatives. Anodization gives the...
  • 5-Pin Hotswap Design: Personalize the board's typing experience by plugging in your favorite 3 or 5-pin MX mechanical switches from Glorious, Kailh, Gateron, Cherry, and more. No soldering required....
  • Fully Customizable Appearance: The GMMK PRO's included top frame, rotary knob, and cable are easily replaceable with colorful alternatives from Glorious, specially engineered for a perfect fit. This...

The GMMK Pro is one of the most popular “barebones” premium 75% keyboards. It does NOT come with switches or keycaps, so you’ll need to grab those separately–but rest assured, this is a PREMIUM keyboard.

Sound dampening, gasket-mounted, high-end stabilizers, etc. It’s going to sound and feel fantastic.

Tecware Phantom 87

TECWARE Phantom 87 Key Mechanical Keyboard, RGB led, Outemu RED Switch
  • PREMIUM TYPING EXPERIENCE: Experience unparalleled performance with the Phantom 87 Key Mechanical Keyboard. Every inch of this keyboard is meticulously crafted, fine-tuned, and specially engineered to...
  • 16.8 MILLION COLOR RGB LIGHTING: With 16.8 million colors and dynamic lighting effects, this LED mechanical keyboard will become a captivating centerpiece, enhancing your gaming setup or workspace.
  • 18 PRE-SET LIGHT MODES: Express your unique style and personality with 18 pre-set RGB lighting modes. From pulsating waves to dynamic color shifts, you have the freedom to tailor the lighting effects...

Note: This is actually an 80% keyboard! Slight difference.

The Phantom 87 is an insane deal. It’s less than $40 and comes with Outemu switch options (which aren’t the best, but hey. It’s only $40).

There aren’t a ton of fancy features on this keyboard, but it DOES sound and feel good, especially for that price range.

Vissles V84

Vissles Wireless Bluetooth/USB Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Wrist, Hot Swappable Compact 84 Keys,...
  • 【Wireless/Wired Modes Keyboard& Bluetooth 5.1】Connects with up to 5 devices via Bluetooth and switch among them easily. With high reliable and broad compatibility Bluetooth 5.1, faster and more...
  • 【PBT Keycaps/Improved oil resistance】After using a normal keyboard for a period of time, the surface of the keycaps is easy to Oil , and it is very slippery to use, which Seriously reduce the feel...
  • 【Hot-Swappable Switches& Compatible With All Devices】Equipped with the compatibility hot-swappable socket though, with the hot-swappable option, this wireless mechanical keyboard gives you the...

The Vissles is still pretty budget-friendly but offers a few smaller upgrades over the ultra-budget Tecware Phantom. It comes with better switch options (mostly silent switch options, if you’re into that!), built-in sound dampening, etc.

It’s also wireless, hot-swappable, etc, similar to the Keychron!

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Happy clicking and clacking my mechanical keyboard friends!

Here are our other guides to various keyboard sizes 👇