75% keyboards

A 75% keyboard keeps the function row and the arrow keys but drops the numpad, and squeezes Home, End, Page Up and Page Down into one column down the right-hand side. The blocks sit tight against each other with little or no gap, so the board is barely wider than a 65% but you still get F1 to F12.

That makes it a sensible size for most desks. There's room for a mouse, and you rarely need a shortcut layer for everyday keys. It's also the most common size among enthusiast boards right now, so cases, switches and keycap sets are easy to find.

Before you buy, look at the right-hand column on the layout picture, because makers fill it differently and a knob often replaces one key. If you plan to change keycaps later, a 75% needs a few odd sizes on the bottom row and right side, and UK ISO versions add the tall Enter and a short left Shift.

Prices include VAT. Sound tags are our summary of what owners and reviewers report, not measurements.