Have you been wondering how many keys in computer keyboards are there?
There is no standard rule dictating the number of keys on computer keyboards.
That said, manufacturers often use between 101 and 104 keys.
So, today, we listed the number of keys for the more common types of keyboards.
We also looked at some of the most popular models and brands of computer keyboards and how they vary in size.
We’ll also explore your options if you’re looking to downgrade or upgrade your keyboard.
Computer Keyboard Parts and Key Counts
Generally, a computer keyboard has five major keys, namely:
- Function
- Alphanumeric
- Special
- Cursor (Arrow)
- Numeric
There are 12 function keys on a standard keyboard that are typically lined across the top.
Apple computers, on the other hand, usually have 19 function keys that act as shortcuts.
They perform certain functions like refreshing the page, printing data, or entering System BIOS, among others.
On the other hand, the alphanumeric keys constitute the biggest part of the keyboard.
There are 26 alpha keys in a typical keyboard, while the number keys are usually 17.
Some laptop models, particularly those with a 15-inch or larger screen size, include a numeric keypad.
Others come with an external numeric keypad attached to the device through a USB connector.
External numeric pads can be robust, with some models featuring 31 keys.
Key Count by Keyboard Layout
Computers all over the world vary in keyboard size, count, and layout.
Even the same model can have different keyboard configurations, depending on where they are sold and used.
For example, a standard PC keyboard has 101 keys on the USA layout, 102 keys on the UK layout, and 106 on the Japan layout.
Let’s look at the different layouts of computer keyboards and their corresponding number of keys.
Full-Sized Keyboards
The majority of mechanical keyboards used for desktop computers are full-sized.
This type of keyboard has around 104 keys in total, depending on the layout.
It’s the most comprehensive keyboard layout, so it’s perfect for people who don’t know their preferences yet.
Its full size has everything a keyboard can offer.
It has separate keys for the function commands, arrows, and numbers.
Most accountants, bookkeepers, and people in the finance industry use full-sized keyboards.
That’s because they often have a separate numeric pad, which makes computing and typing numbers incredibly easy.
Tenkeyless (80%) Keyboards
In manufacturers’ attempt to tone down the size of computer keyboards, the tenkeyless form was born.
It’s also called an 80% sized keyboard and has more or less 88 keys.
This keyboard form is especially popular in the gaming niche.
Since it’s relatively smaller, you’ll have extra space in your desk for a bigger or higher-end mouse.
75% Keyboard
Used in sleeker, modern laptops, this keyboard looks a bit cramped.
It’s a compact version of the tenkeyless keyboard and doesn’t have a number pad.
Even without a number pad, a 75% keyboard has an efficient layout.
Its navigational cluster is formatted in a different way than full-sized and tenkeyless keyboards.
Rather than the 3X3 format, the keys are aligned vertically to save space.
This keyboard isn’t the smallest form, but it provides a nice balance between the ultra-compact keyboard (60%) and the full-sized model.
The 75% keyboard layout has around 80 to 84 keys.
Even with its size, it still has a separate row for function keys, dedicated arrow keys, and a few control keys.
Most of the space-saving is done by decreasing the gap between different keyboard areas.
It’s also all thanks to the single-column placement of the keys like Home, Insert, and Delete.
60% Keyboard
A typical 60% keyboard contains 61 keys.
Aside from eliminating the number pad, this ultra-compact keyboard size lacks the Function row at the top, as well as the navigational cluster.
Instead, it adds a Function (Fn) key, which you tap along with the number keys to perform certain functions.
Meanwhile, the navigational keys are spread along the right-hand side.
40% Keyboard
It is considered the smallest usable layout for computer keyboards.
It isn’t manufactured by mainstream companies, which means if you want one, you’ll generally have to buy parts and build it yourself.
Such a keyboard has roughly 40 to 44 keys.
The Key Count According To Brand and Model
The number of keys you’ll expect from various brands and models are as follows:
The US and European Traditional Keyboard
The traditional US keyboard has 101 keys, while the European keyboard has 102 keys.
Since the £ symbol replaced the #, the 102nd key in the UK keyboard is right next to the Enter to accommodate the displaced #.
Advanced Technology (AT) Keyboard
Also known as the Model F Keyboard, another US standard keyboard was introduced in 1986 by IBM.
The original version had 84 keys, and a 101-key enhanced keyboard replaced it.
The changes include the addition of extra Ctrl, Alt keys, keys, and cursor arrow keys.
Windows-Based Keyboard
The Microsoft Windows keyboard has 104 keys.
Apart from the major keys, it includes the Windows logo key and Esc.
- Windows Laptop Keyboard
A standard Windows laptop has 86 keys.
There’s a separate function row on the top portion, followed by the numerical row that can also be used for symbols.
- Original IBM PC Keyboard
The original IBM PC keyboard had 83 keys, while the updated version has 84.
Apple Keyboards
Apple computers typically have fewer keys than other brands.
The Apple wireless keyboard and MacBook air laptop have 78 keys, and the Apple keyboard with a dedicated numeric keypad has 109 keys.
Specialized Keyboards
Other keyboard formats can include more than 104 keys, such as those designed for Korean, Japanese, and Brazillian users.
Keyboards meant to control a CD drive, and a computer’s media center can come with several dozen additional keys.
Programmable keyboards often have more keys, ranging from 110 to 115.
Are Computer Keyboards With Fewer Keys More Preferable?
A computer keyboard consists of several sections, and each of them consists of several numbers of keys.
While having more keys allows you to interact with their computers easily, there are some instances when a lower number of keys is preferred.
Why would you want a computer keyboard with fewer keys?
Portability
Fewer keys mean a smaller keyboard.
In portable and handheld computers, every inch of space is important.
Many models don’t have enough space to keep all the conventional keys.
Enhanced Accessibility
Many new users and children will find keyboards with many keys to be challenging to navigate.
Specialized Use
Some people use a separate computer for specific tasks or activities, such as gaming.
Since most gaming software comes with navigational tools to operate using a few keys or through a mouse, games won’t need most of the keys available on a standard keyboard.
In some industries, you only enter numeric data.
Having fewer keys enables you to enter data faster than using a full-sized keyboard.
Challenges With Smaller-Sized Keyboards
While they are highly portable and sleek, keyboards with fewer keys or buttons have disadvantages too.
The main challenge with reducing the number of keys is that it doesn’t allow manufacturers to generate all the required characters and functions using separate keys.
That means you may have to use two or more strokes to generate a character.
For existing users, shifting to a smaller-sized keyboard can be challenging at first as they have to familiarize themselves with the different strokes.
Should You Go With a Full-Sized Keyboard?
Needless to say, extra keys suggest extra functionality.
The increased size allows manufacturers to get more creative and fill the keyboards with more features.
You might notice that bigger, more robust keyboards have extra keys for better computer interaction.
These include media dials and buttons that give you control over your device’s audio.
That said, you can increase or decrease the size and even mute your audio in just one tap on your keyboard.
Some brands, such as Logitech and Razer, create premium full-sized keyboards that allow you to customize the binds of your keys or even use macros.
Challenges With Full-Sized Keyboards
A full-sized keyboard has many advantages, but they come at the expense of size.
If you don’t think you’ll use all those added features and functionalities, downgrading the size of your keyboard might be more preferable, especially if you’re concerned about your space or you’re always on the go.
If you’re after more space, better positioning, and travel convenience, computer keyboards with TKL or 60% format are a good choice.
They are also ideal for gamers.
However, if your work involves extensive use for programs and multi-functionality, you should look for full-sized keyboards.
How Many Keys in Computer Keyboards: In Conclusion
There is no standard rule for determining how many keys in computer keyboards should be there.
It varies by manufacturer.
Typically, keyboards for home and office use have 101 to 104 keys.
They are considered full-size keyboards, which means there is a separate key for each character.
Some keyboards can have more keys, depending on their purpose.
For those looking for sleeker models, there are keyboards with smaller layouts or formats.
If you’re looking to downgrade your keyboard, your choices include tenkeyless, 75%, and 60% keyboards.
They aren’t too big and bulky, but they still have a good level of functionality.