With more compact form factors on the rise, users of the number pad for productivity may feel left out in their quest for the perfect keyboard. This factor is where the 96% form factor, also known as the 1800 Compact Keyboard, can come into play. This keyboard size is a minimalist’s take on the full-sized layout, where keys are jampacked with little to no white space in between keys.
The 96% keyboard gives you the full functionality found in full-sized keyboards without taking up too much desk area. Using a 96% keyboard is excellent for those who do data entry and need a numeric pad. Moreover, this keyboard allows users to utilize their desk effectively for other means too.
In this article, we will discuss why people favor the use of 96% keyboards. We will also be recommending our top 96% keyboard picks if you wish to acquire one yourself.
What are 96% (1800 Compact) Keyboards?
1800 Compact Keyboards, more commonly known as 96% keyboards, are keyboards with 96-104 keys. These keyboards reposition the number pad and special navigation keys closer to the alphanumeric cluster. This is done by doing away with the box-type arrangement of the home cluster and eliminating as much white space as possible. Sometimes, some special navigation keys are also done away with or put onto another functional layer. The result is a compact version of a full-sized keyboard (sometimes called “alternative full-size keyboard”) that saves up massively on desk footprint.
Why 96% of people like the 1800 Compact Keyboard?
Save up to 35% on Desk Space
One of the reasons why the 96% form factor has gotten popular is the fact that it saves up so much desk space. Epomaker, in specific, boasts that their iteration of the 96% keyboard saves up to 35% desk space compared to the full-sized layout.
This acquired desk space can be extra helpful for gamers who need precise mouse movements or professionals like designers who need extra mouse space. Likewise, added desk space can also be useful for those who use their desks for other activities outside the computer.
Full Functionality Comparable to a Full-sized Keyboard
Another plus of the 96% keyboard is its great deal of functionality. As aforementioned, the 96% or 1800 Compact keyboard is also an alternative to a full-sized keyboard. This is because there are a minimal number of keys (if there are any at all—it depends on the manufacturer or brand that makes its take of the 96% keyboard) that are sacrificed by acquiring the 96% keyboard, compared to smaller builds such as the 60%, 75%, and even the TKL (Tenkeyless) form factors. The 96% keyboard still has a number pad and other special navigation keys that you might already be used to, coming from a 100% or full-sized keyboard.
Unique Form Factor
Unlike other form factors, which have already gone mainstream, the 96% keyboard has a limited number of iterations in the market (especially in the custom keyboard scene), making it fun to collect and store. In addition to this, this form factor currently runs exclusively to the mechanical keyboards as of this time in writing.
