How many keys are on a 80% keyboard? (Layout Details)

80% keyboards are probably the most popular mechanical keyboard size of all time.

It has enough keys to be highly functional, but with a sleeker layout that saves desk space over full-sized 100% keyboards!

Here’s more details 👇

How many keys are on a 80% keyboard?

There are usually 87 keys on a 80% keyboard. However, there are a few 80% keyboards that might have 88 keys.

80% keyboard layout An 80% keyboard

Sadly, many keyboards are incorrectly labeled as 75% (or even 65%) keyboards, when they are really 80% (and vice-versa).

Remember, 80% keyboards don’t have a numberpad, and DO have dead space in-between the key clusters! 75% keyboards are the exact same, except with no dead space between the key clusters.

vs a 75% and 65% keyboard

All the keys are smushed together on 75% keyboards.

Almost all of the most popular 80% keyboards have 87 keys:

What keys are missing on a 80% keyboard?

80% keyboards do not include the following sections:

The 10-key number pad (usually on the right side of the keyboard)

80% 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)
The “home cluster” keys (Home, End, Delete, Insert, PageUp, PageDown, etc)

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 80% keyboard?

80% 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 80% keyboards are roughly 14 inches long (34cm) and 5 inches tall (12cm).

How many switches will I need for a 80% keyboard?

More than 88 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.

What are some of the best uses for 80% keyboards?

The great thing about 80% keyboards is their wide range of use. They’re perfecrt for gaming, typing, work, media editing, etc.

Everything except using a 10-key numberpad :)

The only real downside I can think of is the lack of wireless 80% keyboards (they exist of course, but they’re more rare than 75% wireless keyboards).

But if you leave your keyboard on your desk (instead of traveling with it), this isn’t an issue.

The functionality can’t be beat though, and it’s nice to save the desk space.

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

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.

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

Keychron K1

The G915 is one of Logitech’s premium keyboards, with a TON of smaller features that add up into something special!

The keyboard itself is wireless and low-profile (which is rare for the bigger keyboard companies), and it comes with several switch options, can be customized via the Logitech software, etc.

It costs a bit more, but the features are worth it.

Happy clicking and clacking my mechanical keyboard friends!

Here are our other guides to various keyboard sizes 👇