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If you need to type lots of numbers (or otherwise like that numberpad for gaming), a 100% full-sized keyboard is for you.
It might take up the most desk space out of any keyboard size—but you have the luxury of EVERY key and feature possible!
Here’s more details 👇
How many keys are on a 100% keyboard?
There are usually 104 keys on a 100% keyboard. However, there are a few 100% keyboards that might have 104-108 keys.
And although some 100% keyboards might have some extra media keys, macro keys, etc, the good news is that these full-sized keyboards are pretty consistent across keyboard brands, etc.
A typical 100% keyboard (my Tecware Phantom)
Almost all of the most popular 100% keyboards have 104 keys:
What keys are missing on a 100% keyboard?
100% keyboards generally include ALL standard keyboard keys, including the following:
- All standard letters, punctuation, symbols
- The number row
- The 10-key number pad (usually on the right side of the keyboard)
- The top function row
- Dedicated arrow keys
- The “home cluster” keys (Home, End, Delete, Insert, PageUp, PageDown, etc)
Many 100% keyboards even have more keys, such as media keys, macro keys, or even scroll wheels to control volume, etc.
Also, some 100% keyboards might omit some of the “home cluster” keys, though most have them.
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)
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 100% Keyboard?
100% 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 100% keyboards are roughly 17 inches long (42cm) and 5.5 inches tall (13cm).
How many switches will I need for a 100% keyboard?
More than 104-108 switches. Since switches often come in packs of 10, I recommend choosing a package of around 110 switches.
It never hurts to have extras in case a switch turns into a dud.
Click here for our full guide to mechanical switches!
What Are Some of the Best Uses for 100% Keyboards?
There are two main reasons to use a 100% full-sized keyboard: They’re widely available, and some people really need the number pad!
It’s vital for data entry, accounting, and finance, or even games that benefit from using the number pad to move, play, etc.
If you have the desk space and want maximum ease of use, why not? 100% keyboards are plentiful and available at all prices and design options.
Are Keyboard “Sizes” and “Layouts” the Same Thing?
No, they are not. 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 100% keyboards we recommend:
You can see our top 100% full-sized keyboard recommendations here, but here are a few of our favorites:
Ducky One 3
The SteelSeries Apex 7 (and Apex Pro) keyboards are fantastic.
They’re pretty lightweight, but still have quality switch options that sound great, and also offer cool fancy features like a scroll wheel, an OLED screen right on the keyboard, and USB pass-through support!
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If you want to learn more about different sizes, check out these posts: