96% format keyboards (compact full-size)

96% (compact full-size)

— keyboards that retain all key zones 100% (F1–F12 row, arrows, navigation, and NumPad) but arrange them in a compact "grid-like" layout, nearly as wide as a TKL. The numeric block is moved closer to the main field, and Insert/Home/End and PgUp/PgDn are often reduced to 1u and combined above the arrows or next to the NumPad. Compared to the 1800 format, the 96% is even more compact and visually "neater," while against TKL, you don't lose speed for numeric input. Some nuances include potential non-standard sizes for the right shift, zeros, and plus on the NumPad, and a more demanding keycap selection. This format is chosen for Excel and accounting, editing and coding, while gamers use the NumPad for macros, maximizing functions with minimal desk width.