An easy-to-use keyboard is important for improving work productivity. When choosing a keyboard that suits you, you will often be looking out for how the keys feel and the key layout, but the size of the keyboard is also an essential point.
Among those who are accustomed to using a keyboard, there are many who prefer the "60% keyboard," which consists of a minimum number of keys in order to achieve speedy typing.
In this article, we will introduce what a 60% keyboard is, the differences between this type of keyboard and the common full-size keyboards and tenkeyless keyboards, its pros and cons and how to choose a 60% keyboard.
A 60% keyboard is a compact keyboard that is 60% of the size of a full-size keyboard with a numeric keypad.
A full-size keyboard has a numeric keypad, Delete key, Page Up/Page Down key, etc. on the right side, but on a 60% keyboard these do not exist as separate keys and can be entered using combinations of multiple keys.
Something to bear in mind is that there are also keyboards which omit only the numeric keypad, these are called tenkeyless keyboards, and is 80% of the size of a full-size keyboard, so it is different from a 60% keyboard.
Compact 60% keyboards are popular among gamers because they free up more space on your desk, but they are also popular among programmers, writers, and other professions that require extensive use of a keyboard on a daily basis.
Compared to full-size keyboards and tenkeyless keyboards, what are the advantages and disadvantages of a 60% keyboard?
The main benefits are:
1. The fingers stay on the home row
With full-size keyboards or numeric keypadless keyboards, the hand has to reach further to enter numbers on the numeric keypad or to use the Delete key or the Arrow keys, and you then have to return your hands to their original position each time.
However, a minimalist 60% keyboard which does not include a numeric keypad or function keys will allow you to type any key without leaving the home position, improving your typing speed and reducing wrist and finger fatigue.
2. Your desk will be neater.
It is 60% smaller than a full-size keyboard, so it takes up less space on your desk. This frees up space meaning that you can place a mouse, smartphone, and other peripherals in addition to your keyboard on your desk and still have enough space to work, which will increase your productivity even if you have limited space. You can also use it when you're out and about where space is limited, for example on planes or trains.
In addition, 60% keyboards tend to be compact and have a minimalist appearance, so they look stylish wherever you place them and easily blends in with the interior decor of any room.
3. The mouse is closer
The 60% keyboard is narrower and more compact than other keyboards, so your hands don't have to move as far when switching from the keyboard to the mouse. For example, when creating presentation materials, you often enter text on the keyboard and then move the cursor with the mouse, which minimises hand movement and leads to increased work efficiency.
Another major benefit is that the keyboard is smaller, allowing for a wider range of mouse movement.
4. Easy to carry
Full-size keyboards are often difficult to carry around due to their width and weight, but a compact 60% keyboard fits snugly in your bag and is less likely to stick out. Therefore, even if you use multiple devices, such as a desktop PC at work and a laptop when you're out and about, you can connect and use the keyboard you're familiar with on each device.
One possible disadvantage of a 60% keyboard is that the key layout is a little unusual and it takes time to get used to using it.
60% keyboards have a minimal key layout, without Delete or PageUp/PageDown keys. Some keyboards also omit the cursor keys (arrow keys) that are commonly found on keyboards. To enter these abbreviated keys, you need to press multiple keys simultaneously, which can be difficult to use until you get used to it.
It may take longer to type when you first start using it, but once you get used to it, you will no longer need to move your hand back and forth significantly, and you will notice an improvement in typing efficiency.
Here are three points to consider when choosing a 60% keyboard.
If the keyboard has a keymapping tool to change / allocate specific commands to each key, you can place the keys you use most often in a convenient location, which will improve your typing speed and increase work efficiency.
You can choose between wired and wireless keyboard connection with Bluetooth.
If you want to switch between multiple devices or want to free up more space on your desk, we recommend a wireless connection.
However, the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries, which are often used to power wireless keyboards, is estimated to be around 500 charges. When the battery reaches the end of its lifespan, it may frequently run out of charge and require a battery replacement.
It would be inconvenient if you had to send it off to the manufacturer and not be able to use the keyboard until the battery replacement is completed, so we recommend a keyboard that can be powered by batteries.
Some keyboards also have a hybrid connection and can be used both wirelessly and connected with a wire.
When you carry a keyboard with you to work at home or on a business trip, there is a risk that the sound of typing will distract those around you. In order to avoid disturbing those around you, it is important to consider whether the keyboard you choose is quiet.
Some 60% keyboards offer both a comfortable typing experience and silent typing.
The "HHKB" series, which is popular among engineers and writers, also features 60% keyboards.
"HHKB Studio" is a new product just released in EMEA by PFU (EMEA) Limited in April 2023. It has a compact size of 308mm wide, 132mm deep, and 41mm high, and is equipped with a pointing stick between the G and H keys and mouse buttons below the space bar.
In addition, the left, right and bottom sides of the keyboard are equipped with gesture pads, which allow you to intuitively scroll and switch screens, control the volume, and more with an easy slide of the finger.
*The gesture pad functions can be customized using the keymap change tool.
Link to YouTube video: https://youtu.be/LFfKCybrR7c?feature=shared
In addition, considering that it can be used in a variety of situations, we adopted a linear type silent mechanical switch with excellent noise reduction.
Since the HHKB Studio can be used as a keyboard, mouse, and trackpad all-in-one, there is no need to carry a mouse separately, freeing up some desk space.
It supports both wireless and wired connection, and can be used for about three months with four AA batteries, or when you don't have any spare batteries, it can be powered by a USB connector.
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Learn more about the HHKB Studio
If you are looking for a quiet wireless 60% keyboard, without the integrated mouse buttons and gesture pads, we recommend the "HHKB Professional HYBRID Type-S".
It uses a highly durable "Electrostatic Capacitive Silent Key Switches" and can handle over 30 million keystrokes. In addition to providing a smooth and comfortable key touch, the key structure is also quiet, reducing the noise when typing.
This model also supports both wireless and wired connection methods.
The model comes with printed keycaps or with blank keycaps which has no letters engraved on the keys.
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Learn more about the HHKB Professional Hybrid Type-S
A full-size keyboard with a full range of numeric keys and function keys has the advantage of an easy to understand and easy to use key layout, even for beginners.
On the other hand, the large amount of keys means that you often have to move your hands from the home position, which can be tiring for the wrists and fingers.
60% keyboards have a minimal key layout, so you can perform most operations without leaving the home position by making full use of key combinations.
In addition, it is 60% the size of a full-size keyboard, so it is compact and ideal for carrying around. It will be a reliable work companion for those who often work remotely or on business trips and have many opportunities to work outside the office.
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