A 60% keyboard packs everything you need into 61 keys, but only if you know how to unlock the layers hiding behind the FN key. Without a function row, dedicated arrow keys, or navigation cluster, the FN layer becomes the backbone of your entire workflow. Master it and the 60% form factor becomes faster and
A 60 percent keyboard is a compact mechanical keyboard form factor that retains only the alphanumeric cluster, modifier keys, and a handful of essential control keys, with the function row, navigation cluster, and numpad removed entirely. The result is a keyboard that occupies roughly 60% of the footprint of a standard full-size board, typically housing
Quick Answer Optical switches actuate faster and last longer, making them best for competitive gaming on a budget. Mechanical switches feel better, cost less, offer more variety, and are easier to mod, making them the best choice for typing and hobbyists. Magnetic Hall Effect switches like those in the Epomaker HE80 and Wooting 60HE combine the speed of optical with
What Is a Hall Effect Keyboard A Hall Effect keyboard uses magnetic sensors instead of physical metal contacts to register keypresses. Inside each switch, a small magnet moves closer to a Hall sensor on the PCB as you press the key. The magnetic field changes allow the keyboard to detect exactly how far a key
Mechanical keyboards are more popular than ever, and one of the first choices people face is which switch type to buy. The answer usually comes down to three families: linear, tactile, and clicky. At first glance, the difference seems simple. Linears are smooth, tactiles have a bump, and clickies make a click. In reality, each
If you’ve been researching mechanical keyboards, you’ve probably seen “N-key rollover” (NKRO) and “anti-ghosting” listed as features. They sound technical, and in many reviews they’re treated as a selling point but what do these terms actually mean? And do they really matter when you’re typing or gaming? In this guide, we’ll break down the idea
Mechanical keyboards come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and one of the most popular layouts in recent years is the TKL keyboard. Also known as Tenkeyless or 80% keyboards, these boards strike a balance between compactness and usability. By removing the number pad but keeping most of the familiar keys, TKL keyboards
Keycaps are the most visible part of your mechanical keyboard, shaping its look, feel, and sound more than nearly any other component. This expert-backed guide combines first-hand experience, community consensus, and trusted references to give you accurate, actionable advice on everything from sizes and profiles to materials and production methods. By the end, you’ll be
If your keyboard is the car, then the switches under each key are the engine. They define how your keyboard feels, sounds, and performs—whether you’re writing a novel, climbing the ranks in Valorant, or just vibing in Notion. Welcome to the ultimate guide to mechanical keyboard switches: explained in plain English, nerdy where it counts,
Mechanical keyboards come in five main sizes: Full-Size (104 keys) with numpad and all function keys, Tenkeyless/TKL (87 keys) without numpad, 75% (84 keys) with compressed layout, 65% (68 keys) without function row but with arrow keys, and 60% (61 keys) with only alphanumeric keys. Full-size keyboards are best for data entry and office work,