Learn about key terms and concepts in the keyboard world.

These are some keyboard terms and concepts that we use in our articles and reviews. We are gradually building this section and will continue to add more information.

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Contents

Diagram and Key Definitions

As a baseline, the diagram below shows the anatomy of a keyboard, and groups the keys into sections.

Alphanumeric keys: Also called "alphas" for short, these are the core typing keys consisting of letters (A-Z), numbers (0-9), and punctuation.
Function Keys: Located at the top row (F1-F12), these keys perform specific tasks depending on the software.
Modifier Keys: These include Shift, Ctrl, Alt, and the Windows or Command key on Macs. They modify the behaviour of other keys when pressed together (e.g., Ctrl+C for copy).
Navigation Keys: Moves the cursor or scrolls through documents.
Number Pad: A dedicated grid of numbers and math symbols, usually on the right side.

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Keyboard Layout Types

Staggered keyboard

The vast majority of keyboards have keys which are arranged in offset rows, which originated from mechanical typewriters. Virtually everyone learns to type on these.

Ortholinear keyboard

These keyboards offer a grid-like layout with keys aligned in straight rows and columns. It definitely comes with a learning curve. Advocates claim that these are better ergonomically, but there is little to no peer-reviewed research to prove or disprove this yet.

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Split Keyboard Variations

Split keyboards basically cut the keyboard in half, to allow for a more ergonomic posture when typing. There are two primary variations:

Unibody split keyboard (aka Alice keyboards):

Both halves of the keyboard are split at the centre, at around a 30-degree angle. Examples are the Incase/Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard, or the Keychron K11 Pro/Max. Some people call these "Alice" keyboards, although unibody split keyboards predate the term.

Dual body split keyboard

The two halves are completely separate, meaning you can place them at any angle, or distance. These usually need a cable connected to both halves to function, although the Nocfree & has removed the requirement, and made both halves completely wireless. Other examples include the SpiderIsland Split Keyboard.

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Keyboard sizes

Keyboard sizes refers to how many keys on the keyboard you keep - the fewer the keys, the smaller the keyboard. These are often referred to in percentages.

Full size (100%)

Most of us would be familiar with the full sized keyboard, which is the baseline for all other keyboards on this list. It contains the alphanumeric keys, function row, arrow keys, a number pad, modifier keys (e.g., Shift, etc), and other keys such as page up, home, and so on.

Tenkeyless (TLK; 80%)

This variation simply removes the number pad.

75%

The 75% keyboard is similar to the tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard, but it rearranges the keys so they fit into a more compact space, while still omitting the number pad. An example of this is the Incase/Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard, and the SpiderIsland Split Ergonomic Keyboard.

65%

The 65% keeps the key basics, providing arrow keys, but omitting the function row. Keyboards like this include the Keychron K11 Pro/Max.

Compact (60%)

The 60% layouts removes everything except the alphanumeric keys.

40%

One of the smallest keyboards possible, the 40% keyboard contains only alphanumeric keys. Accessing any other functions relies on layers, or the use of multiple buttons. This layout is the most difficult to adjust to.

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Keyboard Switches

In keyboards, a switch is the mechanism beneath each keycap that registers a keypress. It’s the heart of the keyboard’s tactile feel, responsiveness, and sound profile.

Mechanical Switches

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, broadly speaking there are three types of switches: linear, tactile, and clicky. They are generally identified by a colour:

Linear (or red switch): Offers a smooth press, with no tactile bump or click. Some people like this because it is quiet, but others don't because it offers little feedback when you press the key.
Tactile (or brown switch): Has a noticeable bump mid-press, with a mild click. This is a compromise between the linear and clicky switches, offering physical feedback without significant noise.
Clicky (or blue switch): Provides a tactile bump and loud click. People love these for the feedback it offers, but it is also louder than the other options which may make you public enemy number one in a quiet, but crowded space.

Other Switch Types

Other switches seen in split keyboards include scissor switches, which are the type usually seen in laptops and low-profile keyboards. It offers a slight bump, and relatively quiet. It works by having a plastic scissor-like mechanism stabilising the keycap, guiding its downwards movement when pressed. This then activates a rubber dome underneath that provides resistance and registers the press.

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ANSI vs ISO keyboards

There are two primary keyboard layout types: the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), or the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) format. ANSI keyboards more more common in the United States and US influenced countries, while the ISO format is more common in Europe and European influenced countries. The key differences are highlighted in purple below, with the enter key being the most obvious difference.

ANSI Layout

ISO Layout

Updates

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2025

9 Oct 2025 First published
14 Oct 2025: Added narrative on switches
16 Oct 2025: Added keyboard diagram, ISO vs ANSI

Image source: https://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com

Karn Bulsuk: Full Speed Ahead

Keyboard Encyclopedia: Key Things to Know

Diagram and Key Definitions