Hardware

6 alternative keyboard formats you have to try instead of full-size

  • We are living in the era of mechanical keyboards and weird keyboard layouts.
  • The full-size keyboard is no longer the de facto choice for many users.
  • Learn about some of the alternative keyboard layouts you have to try today if you’re in the market for a new keyboard.
weird keyboad layouts

One of my hobbies is weird, but also understandable considering I’m into computers and tech. That weird hobby is mechanical keyboards.

I have spent days lubing switches, rattling stabilizers, changing keycaps, and hot-swapping mechanical switches, all in the name of getting that thocky sound, the Nirvana of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.

Did I reach Nirvana? No. Did I stop? Also no.

But today it’s not about me. I already told you I love the 75% keyboard layout, but I wanted to see if there’s anything better out there. So, I’ve taken the liberty of reaching out to industry experts.

If you consider reading, you’ll see that some people prefer slightly smaller layouts, variants of the QWERTY full-size layout, others go for complete madness by choosing layouts that are very niche.

But we’re not judging here, we’re just presenting people’s preferences. So, here we go:

Split Ergonomic Keyboard Eases Wrist Pain

I’ve experimented with split ergonomic keyboards, such as the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard, which is an uncommon keyboard structure. This design, in contrast to the conventional keyboard, divides the keys into two distinct parts that are tilted to correspond with the hands’ and wrists’ natural positions. It also has a separate numeric keypad and a curved key layout.

At first, it seemed strange in comparison to a regular keyboard, and it took some getting used to the layout and spacing. But with time, it greatly lessened wrist pain and enhanced typing posture, which made it perfect for prolonged typing sessions. Although it isn’t appropriate for all use cases, its ergonomic advantages make it a valuable substitute for anyone who values comfort over familiarity with a standard layout.

Khurram Mir, Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Kualitatem Inc

Ortholinear Keyboard Enhances Typing Efficiency

My experience with a variety of keyboards leaves me inclined to believe that an ortholinear keyboard is my favorite because it diverges from the norm quite a bit, albeit being the most efficient option. The keys on an ortholinear keyboard are aligned in columns, unlike the more common staggered placement. Considering this layout is aimed at improving access to the keyboard by minimizing movement of the fingers.

When Compared with the Traditional Keyboard:

  • Learning Process: It wasn’t easy, to say the least. I did have quite a bit of difficulty adjusting to the new layout due to my fingers being trained on the old layout. This would cause a little bit of a delay because an effort had to be made to type on this keyboard made with a different layout.
  • Speed: I was able to achieve a significant typing speed as the distance my fingers had to travel was minimal after I had gotten adjusted. Unfortunately, to reach this point was more difficult than I had anticipated; the mental block I had been experiencing made it difficult to become accustomed to the functioning. Tasks that require the regular usage of special keys were difficult to familiarize myself with too.
  • Comfort: There were a few ergonomic benefits that were quite observable, such as wrist placement; however, the main benefit was the potentially lowered strain during long typing sessions.

Compacting the ortholinear layout, Keyboards that are TKL and 60%: Lacking a numpad and F-keys, 60% of keyboards are space-saving and easy to carry. But to get used to it takes longer. It is not as constricting as a 60%, but it is more of a challenge than a traditional staggered layout.

Hiren Shah, Founder and Tech expert, Anstrex

ErgoDox EZ Boosts Typing Comfort

One unusual keyboard format I’ve tried is the ErgoDox EZ. It’s a split keyboard, where the two halves are angled to promote a more ergonomic posture. Each half features a columnar layout, which is quite different from the traditional row-based design.

At first, the adjustment was challenging because the layout felt unfamiliar, and I had to retrain my fingers to find the right keys. However, over time, the benefits became clear. The split design allowed me to keep my wrists in a more natural position, which helped reduce strain during long typing sessions. Once I got used to the layout, I found it much more comfortable for extended use compared to a standard keyboard. Ultimately, it provided a significant improvement in comfort and ergonomics.

Spencer Romenco, Chief Growth Strategist, Growth Spurt

Planck Keyboard Improves Workflow Efficiency

I think one unusual keyboard format I’ve tried that stands out is the ortholinear keyboard, specifically a Planck. It’s a compact, 40% layout with keys arranged in a perfect grid instead of the staggered rows we’re used to. At first, I found it strange because muscle memory from a standard keyboard doesn’t translate perfectly. But once I got used to it, I realized it offered a lot of benefits.

The grid layout feels more ergonomic for typing because your fingers travel shorter, more predictable distances. It also forces you to rely heavily on layers for function keys, punctuation, and numbers, which made me more conscious of my workflow. I think this helped me become more efficient over time.

However, it’s not for everyone. Adjusting to layers can slow you down at first, and it’s not ideal if you use the numpad or function keys frequently. Overall, it’s a minimalist and portable option, but definitely a niche choice compared to standard keyboards.

Jason Wong, General Manager, Rosedwell machinery LTD

60% Keyboard Saves Space, Requires Adaptation

I once tried a 60% keyboard, which omits the function keys, numpad, and dedicated arrow keys. This design is compact, making it more portable, which was especially useful for travel or working in tight spaces. Compared to a standard full-size keyboard, it took some time to adjust, as I had to rely on combinations like FN keys to access commonly used functions like volume control or screen brightness.

While it required a bit of adaptation, I found that for typing and general productivity tasks, the 60% layout was efficient, especially in terms of space-saving. However, when it came to more intensive work like coding or tasks requiring frequent numeric input, I missed the numpad and function row.

Overall, the 60% keyboard forced me to streamline my workflow, and for casual work, I appreciated the smaller form factor. But for those who frequently need the full range of keys, a larger layout like the TKL or full-size might be more suitable.

Fawad langah, Director General, Best Diplomats

TKL Keyboard Balances Space and Functionality

I’ve been using a TKL (Tenkeyless) keyboard for a while now, and honestly, I don’t see myself going back to a full-size one anytime soon. At first, I thought I’d miss the Numpad since I use it occasionally for work, but I quickly realized how much I love the extra desk space. It makes a huge difference, especially for gaming or when I need more room to move my mouse freely.

What I really like about TKL is that it strikes the perfect balance. It’s smaller and easier to manage than a full-size keyboard, but it still keeps the function and navigation keys, so I don’t feel like I’m compromising too much. That’s a big deal for things like gaming shortcuts or even just quick navigation when typing up documents or emails.

Compared to something even smaller, like a 60% keyboard, I think TKL wins for versatility. Those tiny keyboards look cool, but losing dedicated arrow keys and other important buttons feels limiting for me. TKL keeps it compact without sacrificing too much functionality, and it feels more comfortable since my hands aren’t spread too far apart on the desk.

If you’ve got a smaller desk or want something more minimalist, TKL is a great option. It’s been a total game-changer for both gaming and everyday use!

Hicham Badri, Blogger, SEO Expert, GamerProspect

Avatar for Ionuț-Alexandru Popa
I'm a writer and Editor-in-Chief at BinaryFork. I am passionate about technology, science, space exploration, and movies. I started writing about tech more than 20 years ago, after graduating in Computer Science.
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