Comparison keyboards

— Wired. Connection using a cable with one or another type of connector — most often USB, less often PS/2 or a proprietary plug (see "Connection interface"). Wired keyboards are notable for their low cost and overall convenience — in the sense that they do not require batteries and the operating time is unlimited. However the wire limits mobility; however, given that most often the keyboard is used in close proximity to the computer, this shortcoming cannot be called critical.

— Radio. Wireless connection over the air, usually through a wireless adapter connected to a computer via a USB port. The main advantage of this option can be called the actual absence of a wire; while the communication range is usually several metres, which gives freedom of movement and even allows you to use the keyboard as a "computer remote control". On the other hand, wireless models are much more expensive than wired ones, and their operation requires separate power supply from batteries or a rechargeable battery, the charge of which is limited — accordingly, the continuous operation time is limited. Separately, we note that this option is designed mainly for stationary PCs; if a wireless keyboard is needed for a laptop, it is better to pay attention to Bluetooth models (see below).

— Bluetooth. Another way to wir...elessly connect keyboards. Technically, Bluetooth is based on radio waves, but this technology has its own characteristics, so it is listed separately from the "normal" radio connection (see above). The main one of these features is that many models of modern electronics (almost all laptops and tablets, some PCs, etc.) are equipped with built-in Bluetooth modules, which allows you to connect such keyboards without using additional adapters. In addition, the range of such a connection is officially at least 10 m (in fact, of course, it depends on obstacles, interference, etc.). It is this option that will be optimal if you need a wireless keyboard for a Bluetooth-enabled device.

— Bluetooth / radio. Wireless keyboards that can connect both via Bluetooth and radio. See above for more details on each of these options. Also note here that such a keyboard is usually connected directly to a Bluetooth device (for example, a laptop), and if the computer does not support Bluetooth, you can connect a USB adapter to it and use a radio connection. Thus, the keyboard is as versatile as possible in connection. However, such versatility significantly affects the cost, and is required not so often; so this option is not widely used.

— Bluetooth / radio / wired. Keyboards that support all three connection methods described above. This is the most versatile option, giving the user the freedom to choose for different situations. For example, while playing a game or watching a movie, you can sit in a comfortable chair away from the screen by connecting the device wirelessly, and when typing or surfing the Internet, you can move to the table and use the wire, saving battery power. At the same time, such versatility is not often required and is expensive, so models with this type of connection are not popular either.

The length of the cable that the keyboard is equipped with for wired connection (see "Connection type").

When choosing this parameter, you should first of all take into account the distance from the device to the connection port: a cable that is too short may simply not reach the connector, and a cable that is too long may get confused at hand and create inconvenience. As for specific values, the reference length is 1.8 m. However, there are cables both shorter and longer.

— Game. Keyboards designed for use in computer games. Outwardly, they are distinguished by a characteristic design, often quite original and aggressive; some key keys, such as WASD, may be highlighted in colour. In addition, the design may provide various special equipment — additional programmable keys, headphone and microphone jacks, a screen with the ability to display in-game chat, etc. Some of these models are created for specific popular games. Keypads are a separate type of gaming keyboards (see "Format").

— Ergonomic. Ergonomic keyboards are distinguished by a specific layout aimed at making long-term work on them as comfortable as possible. The keys of such keyboards may not be located straight, but in an arc, have a rhombic shape, the alphabetic part of the keyboard itself can be divided into two parts located at an angle to each other, etc. Such design solutions provide a more natural position of the hands during work, which helps to reduce fatigue.

— For tablets. Keyboards specially designed for use with Tablet PCs. They can have special mounts and act as a docking station — with such a keyboard, the tablet practically turns into a netbook, up to the ability to fold the entire structure in the manner of a regular laptop (for ease of transportation and protection of the display from damage). Some models are ini...tially optimized for certain tablets. Because the size of modern tablets rarely exceeds 10", then the keyboards for them are made compact (see "Format").

— Keyboard case. Models that combine the functions of a protective case and a keyboard for entering texts or commands in one bottle. As a rule, keyboard cases are produced for certain tablet models, thereby expanding the functionality of tablet computers. When closed, such accessories tightly fit the tablet body and protect it from damage during transportation. According to the connection methods, keyboard cases can use a Bluetooth connection, proprietary connectors or USB.

— For TV. Keyboards designed for use with Smart TVs. These TVs can connect to the Internet and use various network services, and many of them allow you to install additional applications. Both may require a full keyboard — for example, with its help it is convenient to enter text in Skype, search for content by name, or play some games. Common features of "TV" keyboards are, firstly, a compact format (see below), secondly, wireless connection (in most cases; see "Type of connection"), thirdly, the presence of additional buttons and other controls to operate individual TV functions. When choosing such a model, it is worth clarifying its compatibility with a particular TV.

— Flexible. Keyboards made of elastic materials and having a flexible body — most often in the form of a rubber "mat" with protrusion keys. Such models are extremely easy to transport: a flexible design makes it easy to squeeze the keyboard between other things, bend it, or even roll it up. Another advantage is that the “board” can be easily made moisture resistant (although this is not necessary in this case). At the same time, in terms of the “response” of the keys, a flexible keyboard can differ markedly from more traditional ones, and it may take some getting used to working on it. And in terms of format (see below), such models are most often compact.

— Numpad. Separately made block of numeric keys. With the help of such a device, you can, in particular, turn a compact keyboard into a full-size one. Among other things, this combination can be useful for travel: packing a Numpad separately from the keyboard is easier than finding a place for a full-sized "board". Another option for using the Numpad is to connect to a cash register, terminal, etc. to work as a calculator keyboard or in a similar capacity.

— Keypad. A specialized device in the form of a small (approximately 15 – 20 keys) keyboard under one hand; usually, it is complemented by an arm rest, and often also by side buttons for the thumb. Such devices are especially convenient for games and are mainly used in them — certain game actions can be attached to the keypad buttons (including those that are usually implemented through the menu or a key combination on a standard keyboard). The keypad can both complement the main keyboard and serve as a completely separate game pad.

— 100% (full-sized). Classic layout with 104/105 keys featuring a full NumPad, dedicated F1–F12 row, and navigation cluster including Insert/Delete, Home/End, PgUp/PgDn; this version is valued for its familiar geometry, typing speed, and ease of frequent number entry, making it optimal for work in Excel, accounting, IDEs, and editing programs, while in games, the NumPad is often used for binds and macros; compared to TKL/80% without a numeric block, as well as 96% and 1800-compact, the 100% format offers maximum comfort and requires less retraining, but takes up more desk space and pushes the mouse further away, so for compact workplaces, it might be wiser to consider smaller formats.

— 1800 (compact full-sized). A full-featured layout with a numeric block but in a narrower body: the NumPad is shifted closer to the main field, and navigation is often placed above it or compacted next to the arrow keys. It feels like "100%", but is shorter by a few centimeters, so the mouse is closer to the center, offering more comfort for wrists. Compared to TKL, you retain fast number entry, and against 96%, you gain a slightly more "airy" geometry with clear orientation. Note the non-standard sizes of some keys and the right block, which sometimes require special keycap sets. This format is convenient for Excel, accounting, IDEs, and editing, while offering gamers the NumPad for macros while saving desk space.
...r> — 96% (compact full-sized). Keyboards that preserve all key zones of 100% (F1–F12 row, arrow keys, navigation, and NumPad) but place them in a tight "grid" layout, almost like TKL in width. The numeric block is shifted closer to the main area, while Insert/Home/End and PgUp/PgDn are often reduced to 1u and grouped above the arrows or next to the NumPad. Compared to the 1800 format, 96% is even more compact and visually "smoother," and against TKL, you do not lose the speed of number entry. Note the possible non-standard sizes of the right shift, zeros, and plus on the NumPad, requiring a more selective keycap choice. This format is chosen for Excel and accounting, editing and coding, while gamers use the NumPad for macros, gaining maximum functions with minimal table width.

— 80% (TKL, without Num-block). A full-featured keyboard without a numeric block: retains the F1–F12 row, arrow keys, and navigation Insert/Delete, Home/End, PgUp/PgDn, but is considerably narrower, bringing the mouse closer to the center, which is easier on the shoulders and wrists. Gamers and developers favor this format: there’s more desk space, while familiar keys and hotkeys remain in place. Compared to 100%, you only lose quick number entry, which can be supplemented with a separate wireless NumPad. In comparison to 75%, TKL is more readable and "airy" thanks to its separate navigation block; unlike 96%, it is more compact for mouse grip, though lacking a NumPad. The 80% (TKL) format is optimal for FPS, work in IDEs, editing, and everyday office tasks where numbers aren’t entered continuously.

— 75% (compact TKL, without Num-block). "Almost TKL," where all main keys are within reach, but the body is shorter by several centimeters due to a tight "staircase" arrangement of arrows and navigation. Compared to 80%, it decreases the distance between hands and mouse, enhancing ergonomics for prolonged use, and relative to 100% and 96%, you lose only the numeric block, gaining space for the mouse and a more neutral shoulder posture. This format is chosen for IDEs and design packages, FPS and MOBA, mobile setups with narrow desks, when numbers are entered infrequently or supplemented with an external NumPad. Note: 75% may have non-standard sizes in the right block and individual keys, which is important when selecting keycaps and stabilizers.

— 65% (ultra-compact, without F-row). "Condensed TKL": the alphanumeric block, arrow keys, and a pair of navigation keys remain in place, while the NumPad and the top F1–F12 row are accessed via Fn. This layout is significantly narrower in width, moving the mouse closer to the center, which reduces the spread of arms — ideal for narrow desks, when working on a laptop, and for travel. Compared to 60%, the 65% format is more practical thanks to dedicated arrows and Delete; against 75% and 80%, it is more compact but often requires getting accustomed to layers. Possible non-standard sizes of the right shift and navigation keys are important when choosing keycaps. In real-world scenarios, the 65% format is excellent for IDEs, streaming, and FPS/MOBA games, while regular number entry is complemented by an external wireless NumPad.

— 60% (mini). Classic "trimmed" layout with ~61/62 keys without NumPad, no F1–F12 top row, and no separate navigation cluster: all accessed through the Fn layer, with arrows usually assigned to combinations. Compared to 65%, this format is even more compact but often requires acclimatization to layers; against 75%/80%, you save desk width and achieve a more neutral shoulder posture, at the cost of losing "quick" F-keys. The strong points of 60% are portability, free space for the mouse and mat, and reduced arm movement between keyboard and mouse, making it popular with FPS gamers, streamers, and those working on laptops at narrow desks or traveling. If active number entry or "hot" F-keys are needed, an external wireless NumPad and well-thought-out layer layout help.

— 40% (ultra-mini). Radically compact layout with about 40–50 keys, lacking a number row, arrows, and F-keys: all are accessed via Fn layers, combined presses, and macros, often with an ortholinear matrix. Due to the minimal width, the mouse is closer to the center, reducing hand spread and freeing up desk space, appreciated by mobile users and minimalists. Compared to 60% and 65%, the 40% format requires more serious adaptation and thoughtful firmware (QMK/VIA, home-row mods, tap-dance), and keycap selection is more challenging due to non-standard sizes. The strong point is portability and speed after getting used to it; weakness — reliance on layers and inconvenience of frequent number entry and arrow navigation. The 40% format is practical for travel, work on laptops with docking stations, text editing with hotkeys, and streaming, while numbers are usually supplemented with an external NumPad.

The layout describes the physical geometry of the keys and their standard arrangement: the shape of Enter and Shift, the presence of additional keys, the width of the space bar, and consequently, compatibility with keycap sets and typing familiarity. The standards hardly affect productivity in software and gaming — comfort and how easy it is to find suitable keycaps/cases are more important. The following types are found:

— ANSI (American). A distinctive feature of the American layout is the single-row Enter key; it is the only popular layout where this key occupies one row, not two. Additionally, unlike the European ISO, the Shift keys on ANSI keyboards have the same width, and the Alt key has the same function. The backslash “\” is usually placed above the Enter and can be longer.

— ISO (European). One characteristic feature of the European layout is the Enter key, which occupies two rows and is slightly wider at the top. Also, the modifier keys are asymmetrical: the Shift keys differ in size (the left one is shorter than the right), and the Alts differ in function (the right Alt is marked as “Alt Gr” and is used for typing special characters of European languages). From the similar in many ways "Japanese" JIS layout, the ISO layout differs by the placement of the backslash “\” — it is standardly located near the left Shift (in some models, it is duplicated near the Enter). As a result,...the left Shift is shorter than usual; this can be inconvenient, especially for new users.

— KS (Korean). The “Korean” layout can be distinguished by the characteristic shape of the Enter key: it occupies two rows and is longer at the bottom than at the top. Another feature is the backslash “\”, which is located to the left of the Backspace, resulting in a shorter Backspace than in other layouts.

— JIS (Japanese). A layout much like the European ISO: it has the same two-row Enter with an increased length of the upper half. In many models, the right Alt is labeled “Alt Gr” and is designed for typing special symbols. The main differences lie in two aspects: the length of the left Shift (it is standard in JIS, not shortened) and the placement of the backslash “\” (it is standardly installed to the left of the lower half of the Enter, where some ISO keyboards have a second, additional backslash).

The distance that the key travels when pressed — from the initial position to touching the contacts and sending the "command". Indicated as high or low. Keyboards with low key travel(3 mm or less) are considered to be more comfortable for fast input (such as fast typing). However, the best option largely depends on the habits and preferences of a particular user.

— Classic type. Keyboard with keys of the usual square and rectangular shape, with a small distance between them. Such keys usually expand downwards so that the gaps between them are as small as possible.

— Island type. Also known as "soaring" or chiclet. This is a keyboard in which each key is installed in a separate hole at a small distance from the others. Island models are more convenient than classical ones in that they are less likely to accidentally press the adjacent key. On the other hand, they are more difficult to clean: debris that has clogged into the gap between the key and the “board” itself is quite difficult to clean out, while contamination can create problems in operation.

On the practical side, the choice of a particular type of keys depends primarily on the personal preferences of the user.

— Membrane. The name of this type is due to the fact that the contacts under each key are made in the form of two membranes — conductive disks on a flexible film. The return of the keys to their original position after pressing is ensured by the elasticity of the membranes. This design is characterized by low cost and low noise level; in addition, such keyboards are quite resistant to liquid spills (although this is still not recommended). Of the shortcomings, it is worth noting the relatively low durability — 3-4 times lower than that of mechanical ones. In addition, as the keys of this type wear out, the force required to press decreases, they begin to “fall through” under the fingers (“fatigue effect”).

— Mechanical. In this design, springs are used to return the key to its original position after being pressed. Mechanical keyboards are considered more advanced than membrane keyboards: they are more reliable and durable, almost do not lose properties as they wear out, and give a clear tactile feedback. The overall noise level is often higher than that of membrane ones, however, many attribute a characteristic click with each press to the advantages of such models; in addition, completely silent mechanical switches are also available. But of the unequivocal disadvantages, one can name the high cost and sensitivity to spilling liquid (although a mechanical keyboard can also be made waterproof).
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— Optical-mechanical. A variation of the mechanical keyboards described above, in which each key is equipped not with a traditional pair of contacts, but with an optical switch in the form of a sensor that receives an infrared beam; when you press the key, this beam is blocked, which serves as a signal for operation. One of the key advantages of such switches is a very high response speed (fractions of a millisecond); this moment is not critical for domestic use, but it can be fundamental for gamers-enthusiasts and e-sportsmen. In addition, the absence of electrical contacts that are prone to wear and oxidize has a positive effect on durability. And although initially the “optics” are more complicated than classic systems with contacts, however, in gaming keyboards, optical-mechanical switches are often even cheaper than pure “mechanics”. And the fact that this option is relatively rare is primarily due to the fact that optical technology appeared not so long ago and is only gaining popularity.

— Membrane + mechanical. A layout in which most of the keys have a membrane design, and some, the most "responsible" ones, are mechanical. About the features of both options, see above, and a similar combination of them is found mainly in gaming keyboards. In this case, the "mechanics" are usually used on the traditional combination of WASD plus on the surrounding keys Q, E, R and F.

— Mechanical-membrane. A hybrid design that combines elements of mechanical and membrane keyboards (see above for more on both). In this case, these features are combined in each individual key. Usually, under each button in such keyboards there is a membrane, however, inside this membrane is not just a pair of contacts, but a mechanical spring system. Thus, this design combines the advantages of both options. At the same time, mechanical-membrane systems are very expensive. Therefore, their main scope is high-end gaming keyboards, and even among such devices this option is quite rare.

— Scissor. A slightly modified version of membrane keyboards (see the relevant paragraph), in which the flexible membrane on each key is supplemented by a two-piece mechanism fastened together in the form of scissors. One of the main features of scissor keyboards is the low key travel (noticeably lower than that of membrane keyboards). Also, this design is less demanding on accuracy, it allows you to achieve a clear pressing regardless of where the finger hit — in the centre or on the edge of the key. The service life of the "scissors" is large; they are more difficult to clean, however, they become dirty much more slowly than "membranes". Among the disadvantages of this option, a slightly increased noise level during operation can be noted — due to the clicking of scissor mechanisms.

Technology aimed at neutralizing phantom button presses in keyboards with gaming ambitions. The function allows you to simultaneously press numerous keys without false positives of adjacent buttons — a similar situation often occurs in membrane keyboards due to their design features.