A 65% keyboard is ideal for those who value extreme portability and a minimalist setup, as it eliminates the function row for a smaller footprint while still providing dedicated arrow keys. A 75% keyboard is a better option for users who want to strike a balance between compact size and full functionality, as it includes a dedicated function row and navigation cluster for quick access to shortcuts and commands without the need for layers.
Understanding the Basics of Keyboard Layouts
Keyboards have different layouts–which is how keys are arranged. While the full-sized keyboard is very common, the 75% and 65% have seen wide adoption, especially among gamers, typists, and coders.
Other common keyboard layouts are: Tenkeyless (80%), 60% keyboards, and 40% keyboards.
In this guide, we’ll focus on the 65% and 75% keyboard format.
What is a 65% Keyboard?
A 65% keyboard is every minimalist's dream. It's small, portable, and has some functionality. Thanks to its compactness, the 65% keyboard can fit in your work desk, even if it has a minute space.
The best part? It comprises just 65% of the keys you have on the standard-sized traditional keyboard!
The keyboard boasts of essential keys like: the alphanumeric ( letters and nos), the arrow, and some navigation keys ( Del, home, end, etc).
However, it is without the numerical keypad and function row, hence why it is super compact and lighter than full-sized keyboards.
If you’re leaning toward a smaller, minimalist deck, check out our best 65% mechanical keyboards guide for specific model recommendations.
What is a 75% Keyboard?
A 75% keyboard has 82-84 keys, which make up 75% of the keys on a full-sized keyboard. It retains an important function (Fn) row, making it Ideal for gamers (especially the Delta Force gamers) and individuals who engage in productivity-based tasks.
The mechanical keyboard also comes with editing and navigation keys. However, it sacrifices its number pads to stay compact and portable.
You’d love the 75% keyboard if you are a sucker for modification, as it allows users to upgrade casing, keycap, or switches for an improved typing experience.
Main Differences Between 65% and 75% Keyboards
The 65% and 75% keyboards are compact and portable. However, they differ in many ways. This includes:
Number of keys and physical footprint
The 65% keyboard has approximately 67 to 68 keys, depending on the manufacturer. In contrast, the 75% keyboard contains between 81 and 84 keys. So how does it differ from the 75% keyboard? Layout!
The 65% lacks a dedicated function row and some navigation keys. As a result, it’s more compact than the 75% keyboard, making it a good option for programmers and gamers with limited desk space.
Dedicated vs. layered function keys
The 65% keyboard lacks separate function keys that can be activated by a single punch. Instead, users are required to use a combination of FN + number (1-12) to trigger them.
Unlike its counterpart, the 75% retains important function and navigation keys in its own row. Yet, it remains compact, blending its small size with functionality.
Arrow and navigation key availability
Both the 65% and 75% keyboards have dedicated arrow keys for cursor movements. What about navigation keys? The 65% keyboard features some navigation keys (arrow and sometimes delete). Others can only be triggered by combining Fn + number (1-12).
However, its counterpart ( the 75% keyboard) has dedicated navigation keys including Page Up, Page Down, Home, End, Delete, and arrow keys.
Desk space and portability comparison
The 65% keyboard is compact due to the absence of the function row and some navigation keys. As a result, it is the perfect choice for users with limited desk space, including those who frequently travel and wish to travel light.
The 75% keyboard, on the other hand, retains the function row and navigation keys. Notwithstanding, it remains more compact than the 100% keyboard and less than its 65% counterpart.
65% vs 75% Keyboards Comparison Chart
|
Features |
65% Keyboard |
75% Keyboard |
|
Size |
Very compact |
A bit larger |
|
Portability |
Light weight |
Slightly portable |
|
No of keys |
67-68 |
81-84 |
|
Functionality |
Lacks the function row |
Possesses the function row |
|
Navigation Keys |
Layered |
Dedicated |
|
Best for |
Minimalists and casual gamers |
Programmers, editors and productivity users |
How to Choose the Right One for You?
Stuck between 65% vs 75% Keyboard? If you aren’t sure of the keyboard to choose, start from your setup preference.
Do you love minimalist setups? Or are you always on the go and want something light? If yes, choose the 65% keyboard. It’s compact, flexible, and offers enough room for your mouse.
However, if you love shortcuts and spend a lot of time typing or coding, choose the 75% keyboard. It has a function row and dedicated navigation keys that enhance the typing experience
Try This Compact Yet Powerful Layout Upgrade
If you aren’t sure which compact, performance-first 75% or 65% deck to choose, the MelGeek MADE68 Pro gaming keyboard is an easy recommendation. It’s a magnetic-switch gaming keyboard built for speed and control, perfect for gamers who also want a minimalist, distraction-free setup for work so they can switch seamlessly between gaming and the office.
Key features:
- Ultra-low latency: 8,000 Hz polling & 16,000 Hz full-key scan keep inputs immediate for competitive play.
- 0.01 mm RT sensitivity: catches the tiniest key movement; adjustable from 0.1–3.4 mm for your ideal actuation.
- Hall-effect magnetic switches: consistent, contactless sensing with Adaptive Hall Correction for stable triggering.
- Gasket mount with multi-layer dampening: four-plus layers of acoustic tuning for a solid, refined sound.
- Brighter per-key RGB: enhanced backlighting to match your setup (wired, Windows/macOS/Linux compatible).
Prefer an 84-key layout with a dedicated function row? The MelGeek MADE84 Pro offers the same magnetic-switch speed, with a measured latency of 0.125 ms, 0.01 mm rapid-trigger sensitivity, and adjustable actuation. This makes it great for gamers, typists, and programmers who want quick taps without false presses. Its south-facing RGB and side-panel design round out a clean desk aesthetic.
The MelGeek MADE68 Pro and MADE84 Pro are proof of MelGeek's commitment to producing durable and high-performance keyboards.
Final Thoughts
The 65% keyboard is a compact and portable keyboard layout. The 75% keyboard? It’s a bit lightweight, but manageable! Plus, unlike its counterpart, it has the function (Fn) and navigation keys.
Basically, both keyboard layouts are great and serve different types of users. So, before choosing any, factor in your desk space and what you intend to use the keyboard for.
If your desk space is small and you love gaming, the minimalistic 65% is a great choice. The MelGeek MADE84 Pro keyboard and MelGeek MADE68 Pro gaming keyboard are some durable and user-friendly options to choose from.
However, if you are a productivity user in search of something functional and compact, the 75% is the perfect pick.
FAQs About 65% and 75% Keyboards
Can I use a 65% keyboard for coding?
Yes, you can. The 65% keyboard is super compact! This makes it more comfortable than the 75% keyboard. However, as a coder, you may want to stick to the 75% option if you use the dedicated function keys often
Are 65% and 75% keycaps interchangeable?
Not entirely. Many standard key sizes are interchangeable. However, it might be difficult to swap larger and non-standard keys.
Which keyboard is better for gaming?
Both keyboards are suitable for gaming, depending on the type of games you frequently play. The 75% keyboard, with its dedicated F-key area, is better suited for games heavily reliant on function keys, such as Delta Force and World of Warcraft. The 65% keyboard, due to its extremely small size, provides maximum operating space for the mouse, making it ideal for players who use low DPI and engage in large mouse movements, such as in Apex Legends, CS: GO, and PUBG.