A full size keyboard usually refers to some of the larger keyboards that are purchased with computers. They typically include all alphabet keys, most often arranged in the Qwerty configuration, which include the row of numbers and symbols above the letters, function keys, shift, space, directional keys with arrows, and a number pad located to the right of the keys, which may be helpful in ten-key and data entry operations. Such keyboards are generally at least 17 inches (43.18 cm) wide and about 6 inches (15.24 cm) or more deep.
Types of Keyboards
You might be surprised to find out there is a whole range of different types of keyboards out there. In fact, you can find one optimized for almost any situation. Each one has a different number of keys.
Full-Size Keyboards
If you want to have your numeric pad built into your device, having a full-size keyboard should be an option you keep in mind. A full-size keyboard will include all of the input options that you need.
You’ll have 104 keys total with 100 percent keyboards. These are excellent beginner keyboards, as well.
Non-Standard Keyboards
There is a wide variety of best keyboard kits on the market, especially when looking at modernized desktop computer keyboards. They have more specialized functions than your standard keyboards. For professionals, special characters and specialized PC keyboards are a must.
Some of them don’t even include a numeric pad. Instead, you only have the number input keys through the top row combined with your function keys row. The type drastically changes the number of keys. For example, a TKL keyboard has 87 keys total, while a 60 percent has a modest 61 keys.
Even though a full size keyboard may be desirable, many people prefer smaller keyboards. They may be easier to set in the lap, they’re usually lighter and they take up less space on a desk. They pack quickly into laptop bags, and this may be helpful for those who prefer a keyboard larger than one that comes with their laptop and yet not a full size version. Some feel that elimination of certain keys on smaller keyboards is no problem because they don’t routinely use things like direction pads or 10-key pads in any case.
There is another definition for this term. A full-sized keyboard can also refer to synthesizers or electric pianos that contain a certain amount of keys or that have key size and spacing similar to that on most pianos. This may be a little confusing since a synthesizer called full size might only have 61 keys, while the average piano has about 88. However what is meant by full size here is that key size and space between keys is close to standard piano size.
How Many Keys Are on a Full-Size Keyboard?
There are 104 keys on a full-size keyboard. These include a number pad on the right side, arrow keys, Home cluster keys, function keys, and the main cluster of letters and a number row.
Compare this to other types of Keyboards for Accountants. For example, the 1800 compact keyboard, sometimes called a 96% keyboard, is slightly smaller than a full-size keyboard and can be considered an alternative type of full-size keyboard because it contains the same number of keys. Space is saved by placing the number keys below the Enter key, for instance, and the Home key cluster rests higher up near the number pad.
A third type is the Tenkeyless or TKL keyboard, sometimes referred to as an 80% keyboard. A TKL keyboard does not have a number pad and contains 87 keys. Because many people have little need for a number pad, they may prefer the smaller size of the TKL.
The 75% keyboard is slightly smaller than a TKL. The arrangement on a 75% keyboard is modified to fit the smaller size. Gaps between keys are omitted, and the arrow keys are placed directly beneath the Enter key. The Home key cluster, which typically has a horizontal alignment, is placed vertically. Some 75% keyboards lessen the size of the Shift key.
There are even smaller types of keyboards, such as the 65%, 60%, and 40%. 60% keyboards have 61 keys. In addition to the number pad being removed, the Home cluster and arrow keys are omitted. Function keys are subtracted. With 40% keyboards, there are only 47 keys that contain only the main cluster keys.
Which Keyboard Is Right For You?
The size of your keyboard is totally up to you and depends on your needs. Many prefer full-size keyboards for the sake of convenience or productivity. Others find smaller keyboards more comfortable and like to save space on their desk. Smaller keyboards tend to be lighter and also less expensive.
Your profession matters, too. If you’re an accountant or in any job involving data entry, you probably would prefer to keep the number pad. Gamers may benefit from Qwerty keyboard, which omit keys that are generally not used in games.
What is the Reason for Different Keyboard Sizes?
We briefly touched on this above, but there are three main reasons why you may want to invest in a piano keyboard that has less than 88-keys, they are:
1. Budget
Generally speaking, a keyboard with fewer keys will be less expensive than a larger instrument. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, because you can get larger budget keyboards and smaller keyboards that are higher in quality. But, when it comes to buying a piano on a budget, it’s likely that you’re going to be getting a smaller keyboard. This is also a good idea if you’re very new to playing and you don’t want to invest too much. This is especially true when it comes to fickle children that may not want to keep up with their musical studies.
2. Function
More casual players may seem to play their piano and not even touch the majority of the keys. The extra keys can help to generate the overtones that add depth to the sound but they serve no other purpose. If you just want an instrument to play simple tunes, radio jingles, or other simple applications you may find that a full sized 88-key piano is overkill. Many people can get by with fewer octaves to play and they don’t feel the need for a larger keyboard.
3. Size
Many people learning the piano live in college dorms, apartments, lofts, and other smaller locations. In these residential environments, space is at a premium and a full sized piano would simply dominate the available space. For this reason, many people choose a smaller upright piano or a portable keyboard that they can set up when they want to play.
Conclusion
So, I hope you just saw how much variation in the number of keyboard keys can there be with different sizes of keyboards available in the market.
Now, you need to decide on one accordingly to your need.
I hope you enjoyed reading this post and found it helpful.
