The Best 100% Full-Size Mechanical Keyboards (for 2023)

As a former accountant, I get it…

Sometimes you just need the numberpad 👍

It’s handy for numbers, AND for a lot of gaming situations!

I own a few dozen mechanical keyboards (call me obsessed?), and in this article, I’m going to share my favorite full-sized keyboards.

(I’ve tested every one of these btw)!

Here are my votes for the best 100% full-sized mechanical keyboards:

Below I’ll help you find a 100% (or 1800 96%!) keyboard that fits YOUR needs ⌨️

Best Full-Size Mechanical Keyboards (List)

These aren’t in any particular order, but rather categorized by use case!

Best Overall - Ducky One 3

I’m a big fan of Corsair keyboards, and the K95 Platinum is their top 100% keyboard.

• Volume wheel
• Media keys
• EXTRA macro keys on the left side of the keyboard
• Cherry MX switch options

What’s not to like?

Well, it’s not wireless, hot-swappable, and I don’t approve of the keyboard layout. It’s not a standard layout, so you’ll have a tougher time finding replacement keycaps for it! Annoying.

That, and it’s still a bit pricey for what you get.

Keyboard Buying Guide: What to Look For

As you head out searching for the perfect 100% full-size mechanical keyboard, here are the factors you should consider 👇

Keyboard Size

Obviously, you’re searching for something with a number pad, but do you like the design of a 100% keyboard, or the slightly smaller 96% layout?

Cost:

Keyboards can be expensive! And more expensive is not ALWAYS better…

Noise:

Most of the keyboards on our list can be customized to your preferred noise level, mostly through different switches (linear is softer, clicky is louder, tactile is medium).

Connection

Most wireless keyboards use Bluetooth (4.0 or 5.0), but some might offer the ability to connect wirelessly via a 2.4ghz USB dongle. Do you mind using a cable though? Wired keyboards are usually cheaper (and keep a look out for detachable cables, in case you want to use a fancy custom cable in the future!)

Switches

The switch you choose should be based on how you use your computer: gaming, work, or both? Linear switches are softer and preferred by gamers, but you an totally use tactile or clicky switches as well. Click here for our full guide to mechanical switches.

Build Quality:

This isn’t as much of an issue anymore, since most plastic keyboard cases are plenty sturdy (though you can find a lot of aluminum builds as well).

Ergonomic

If you work on a computer all day, it’s important to consider keyboard height, keycap height, and other ergonomic factors.

Fancier features

Do you need RGB backlighting? Or extra media or macro keys? Volume scroll wheel? USB pass-through ports? 100% keyboards actually offer a lot of extra keys!

At the end of the day, you should choose a keyboard that makes you happy and serves your needs.

Nothing really matters past that (in the long run)!

What’s the Difference Between a 100% and 96% Keyboard Size? (1800)

100% full-sized keyboards and 96% keyboards (often called 1800 keyboards) generally have the same amount of keys, including the function row, number pad, and “home cluster” keys.

The difference is that while 100% keyboards have “dead space” in between the key clusters where you can visually see the top of the keyboard, 96% keyboards have no dead space, and the keys are all “smushed together.” This makes 96% slightly more compact, and saves desk space!

The Keychron K4

Can I Use a Separate Mechanical Number Pad?

If you really need that extra 10-key number pad, but don’t want the massive keyboard on your desk (or maybe you don’t use the number pad that often?), you can also purchase USB num pads sold separately!

This would allow you to use any keyboard size you want, and simply plug in your number pad when you need it.

Plus, most of the separate num pads are hot-swappable, so you can swap in whatever switches you want!

100% Keyboard F.A.Q.s

What is the best size for a mechanical keyboard?

The keyboard size you choose should come down to personal preference, and also what you use your computer for! If you need the 10-key number pad, you’ll want to stick to full-size 100% keyboards. If you don’t need the number pad, you can save desk space by choosing an 80% or 75% TKL keyboard (which still has the function row), or even a 65% or 60% compact keyboard (which omits the function row). There is no best size. It’s all about what you want and need.

What is the best full-size keyboard for gaming?

I recommend either the SteelSeries Apex 7 or Corsair K95. These are both fantastic 100% full-sized keyboards with plenty of features for gaming. Both of these options are the best balance of features vs price, and are both highly customizable! If you’re on a budget, consider the Redragon K580, which is a full $100 cheaper than the Corsair K95!

What is a 100% keyboard called?

A 100% keyboard is typically referred to as a “full size” keyboard. In addition to letters, numbers, and modifier keys, 100% keyboards also include the full function row, the 10-key number pad, dedicated arrow keys, and the “home cluster” keys.