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Favorite MKB size and why?
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keyboard_arrow_downMicdeez83
17
Aug 4, 2016
TKL for me, as I like the layout and definitely use function keys quite often. I've tried the FC660M which had the essential arrow cluster, but never liked pressing an additional key to activate the function keys. I game a fair bit and TKL's strike the perfect balance.
I also like the fact that they are flexible and key caps are typically always available for TKL's. I love love love my Leopold FC750R (with custom powder-coated white top shell) in MX Red.
Next journey is probably another well-built TKL and Zealios Purple switches.
I also like the fact that they are flexible and key caps are typically always available for TKL's. I love love love my Leopold FC750R (with custom powder-coated white top shell) in MX Red.
Next journey is probably another well-built TKL and Zealios Purple switches.
VanGlutenFaht
3
Aug 3, 2016
I really prefer the TKL sized keyboards because I don't use the numpad much and I use the F-Keys at the top a lot. I also like having my arms closer together when I have one on my mouse and one on my keyboard because it just feels better to me.
Data
2004
Data
Aug 3, 2016
I like 75-80% layouts. Anything between Octagon-style and TKL is just the right amount of keys for me. The smaller boards are fun to look at but not to use. That said, I'm building an enormous battleship GH-122 for use at work. So I guess the full size (and above!) boards have a place in my collection too. :P
cbalcom03
283
Aug 3, 2016
DataThanks for the info. I think I am close to that as well. I really love the 40% boards but I hav a 60% and to be honest I would really say that I just make due using it. I really like having the dedicated arrow keys. I can handle the function arrows but don't prefer it. It's a shame too because I really wanted to jump on the MiniVan drop once that hits but I just don't think it's going to be for me. I think my sweet spot is a 68% or a TKL.
Geckt
709
Aug 2, 2016
For me it's an 84 key layout it's much smaller than a TKL and I liked it better since I have to deal with a much smaller desk space. It still carries all the function keys I needed while being smaller in size with the only drawback being the lack the numberpad.
Switches have to be the heavier ones, no reds or browns variants though I used to love them a lot. After trying out just about every switch Cherry, Gaterons and Outemus, I found heavier switches helped in correcting a lot of my typos.
Ideally, I would have like to acquire something with a 96keys layout since it has everything like a full sized keyboard while still being compact and not much bigger than a TKL.
Note: Just disliked the TKL layout as it's not really far off an 84key layout yet it's a lot bigger in size. It's really a myth to me as to why the 75% layout was never popular when they have just about the same number of function keys that are on a TKL when there are so many keysets these days that covers their alternate keycap sizes.
Switches have to be the heavier ones, no reds or browns variants though I used to love them a lot. After trying out just about every switch Cherry, Gaterons and Outemus, I found heavier switches helped in correcting a lot of my typos.
Ideally, I would have like to acquire something with a 96keys layout since it has everything like a full sized keyboard while still being compact and not much bigger than a TKL.
Note: Just disliked the TKL layout as it's not really far off an 84key layout yet it's a lot bigger in size. It's really a myth to me as to why the 75% layout was never popular when they have just about the same number of function keys that are on a TKL when there are so many keysets these days that covers their alternate keycap sizes.
nick123
5
Aug 2, 2016
I prefer TKL, I'm actually looking for a TKL which does ps/2 but also has either gaterons or topre switches and pbt keycaps - the keyboards exist but many don't support ps/2 which is unknown to me since it's probably the best way to use a keyboard :{
sono_Lee
3
Aug 2, 2016
In my case, I prefer a full-size keyboard, because I normally use ten-keys a lot, TKL is not comfortable when I work. I know that the full-size keyboard use big space on my desk, but no way.
jceaser
359
Aug 2, 2016
I've been trying the planck. The only thing that makes it usable in my opinion is the customization. Being able to swap around keys and change the layout is so helpful. Think I may want something a little bigger in the long run though.
g.androider
41
Jul 31, 2016
I'm an oldschool lad, loving the full-size. But eager to try the Whitefox, just because it's beautiful. Can't wait for November.
EELAmbiense
150
Jul 25, 2016
I prefer TKL myself, simply because I rarely if ever use the numpad, and the size just feels 'right'. Desktop real-estate isn't really the issue either; I think it's just a deck-to-mouse area ratio thing. ;)
jceaser
359
Aug 2, 2016
EELAmbienseI'm the same way, I never use the number pad, but also I don't like the ergonomics. If I'm going to mouse on the right side, the last thing I want is a chunk of keys taking up the space my mouse should be. It throws my shoulder off way to much, enough that I notice pain after a few days. Now a full size with the number pad on the left would be interesting (yes I'm saying that all TK boards are left handed devices).
village_scamp
49
Jul 22, 2016
75% for me for a few reasons.
More centered position: It allows me to keep my hands and the keyboard more centered. I hate having my hands shifted over to the left or having my hands centered when typing but my right hand way to the right when using the mouse. I find that even with standard TKL (80%) I frequently end up bumping my mouse against my keyboard (happens a lot more frequently when playing games).
Arrow keys: I've tried both poker and kbp v60 and I just prefer having dedicated arrow keys instead having it in the fn layer. Moving my right hand to the arrow cluster isn't a problem for me (and the distance is shorter on a 75% board) though I can understand that some people prefer to keep their hands on the home row as much as possible.
Function row: I like my function keys and print screen, and I like being able to hit every one of them with one hand while the other hand is on the mouse. The programs I use have enough function keybinds that I prefer dedicated keys for that entire row instead of putting it in the fn layer of the number row.
A sub point is that it gives enough space for the usb port to be on the underside with grooves for cable pathing options (I assume that space is the reason why I don't see many (or any?) 60% boards with the usb connection on the underside). I dislike having a stiff usb connector stick straight out of the keyboard, and it seems a lot more vulnerable to accidentally getting bent or messed with. Additionally, depending on your desk setup the space saved by removing the function row is also somewhat diminished when the usb cable stick straight out of the top. For example, I can't move my keyboard all the way up my desk since the protruding usb connector can get in the way.
Key caps: This is both a pro and a con for me. The right shift will most likely be a non standard size in a 75% and the profiles probably won't match for some of the keys on the right edge (insert/delete/home/end/pgup/pgdown).
On the other hand I can put more keycaps on my board and it makes me feel less guilty about buying those keycaps in the first place (since more of them get used).
Really wished there were more readily available 75% options besides keycool and mk 84. The ones I've tried all have really rattly/loud stabilizers.
Not sure what Leopold is doing differently. The stabilized keys on the Leopold boards I've owned don't have any issues with metal rattling noises or even mushiness.
More centered position: It allows me to keep my hands and the keyboard more centered. I hate having my hands shifted over to the left or having my hands centered when typing but my right hand way to the right when using the mouse. I find that even with standard TKL (80%) I frequently end up bumping my mouse against my keyboard (happens a lot more frequently when playing games).
Arrow keys: I've tried both poker and kbp v60 and I just prefer having dedicated arrow keys instead having it in the fn layer. Moving my right hand to the arrow cluster isn't a problem for me (and the distance is shorter on a 75% board) though I can understand that some people prefer to keep their hands on the home row as much as possible.
Function row: I like my function keys and print screen, and I like being able to hit every one of them with one hand while the other hand is on the mouse. The programs I use have enough function keybinds that I prefer dedicated keys for that entire row instead of putting it in the fn layer of the number row.
A sub point is that it gives enough space for the usb port to be on the underside with grooves for cable pathing options (I assume that space is the reason why I don't see many (or any?) 60% boards with the usb connection on the underside). I dislike having a stiff usb connector stick straight out of the keyboard, and it seems a lot more vulnerable to accidentally getting bent or messed with. Additionally, depending on your desk setup the space saved by removing the function row is also somewhat diminished when the usb cable stick straight out of the top. For example, I can't move my keyboard all the way up my desk since the protruding usb connector can get in the way.
Key caps: This is both a pro and a con for me. The right shift will most likely be a non standard size in a 75% and the profiles probably won't match for some of the keys on the right edge (insert/delete/home/end/pgup/pgdown).
On the other hand I can put more keycaps on my board and it makes me feel less guilty about buying those keycaps in the first place (since more of them get used).
Really wished there were more readily available 75% options besides keycool and mk 84. The ones I've tried all have really rattly/loud stabilizers.
Not sure what Leopold is doing differently. The stabilized keys on the Leopold boards I've owned don't have any issues with metal rattling noises or even mushiness.
cbalcom03
283
Jul 23, 2016
Yeah I had not seen any but thought maybe I had missed something. Speaking of Leopold; I think my next board is going to be a fc660c. I just got my RF 87u and love it so much that I want a more compact travel Topre now.
Also; what 75% are you using right now?
Also; what 75% are you using right now?
village_scamp
49
Jul 24, 2016
cbalcom03i'm using an mk mk84 at home and a matias mini quiet pro at work. the matias is really nice other than that i find it pretty ugly (i guess that makes it more discreet?), usb connects from the top (though it does come with a right angled connector), and of course none of my keycaps are compatible with it.
i was previously sent an MK84 with the wrong switches, but having tried both the wrong one and the replacement, it looks like rattle is an issue. i've read somewhere it shares the same oem as keycool. not sure if that's true, but if it is i guess it isn't too surprising since keycool 84's stabilized keys also have the same issues.
before that i was using a kbt race 2. no issues with stabilizers there (and they're more easily accessible since it's pcb mounted), but unfortunately it has a really odd 75% layout with multiple non standard keycap sizes and the usb also doesn't connect to the underside.
i was previously sent an MK84 with the wrong switches, but having tried both the wrong one and the replacement, it looks like rattle is an issue. i've read somewhere it shares the same oem as keycool. not sure if that's true, but if it is i guess it isn't too surprising since keycool 84's stabilized keys also have the same issues.
before that i was using a kbt race 2. no issues with stabilizers there (and they're more easily accessible since it's pcb mounted), but unfortunately it has a really odd 75% layout with multiple non standard keycap sizes and the usb also doesn't connect to the underside.
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However recently I wanted to try MX browns and had some credit card points, so I ordered a CM Storm QFR from Amazon for next to nothing. At this point I had obviously seen many TKL size boards, but had all but written them off thinking that I wouldn't like the size. And I ended up loving it! I have no clue why either. I NEVER use the navigation cluster outside of the "delete" key; I rarely use the function keys, and I have gotten very used to using the function layer for arrows and the like.
So my question for all of you is; what is your favorite size board and why? I know the simple answer is "because it just feels better to me". But for me personally I don't know if it feels better. Maybe I just like the way it looks. I really have no clue.
Thanks