Should I Get a 65% or 75% Keyboard for Gaming?
As a passionate gamer and gaming gear specialist, this is a question I get asked a lot when people are looking to purchase a new mechanical gaming keyboard. In my opinion, both 65% and 75% keyboards can be excellent options for gaming, but there are some key factors that may make one better suited for your needs. In this guide, I‘ll break down the core differences between these two popular form factors to help you decide.
My Quick Recommendation
Before jumping into the details, here is my quick take:
For gamers who prioritize portability and compact footprint – the 65% size is going to be your best bet. These streamlined keyboards ditch the function row which saves space while keeping essential keys like arrows accessible. Easy pack up and transport for mobile gaming setups.
For gamers who rely heavily on macro/keybind capabilities – the inclusion of the full function row on 75% models means more real estate for customization. Ideal if you make extensive use of macros and shortcuts when gaming.
Now, let‘s explore some of the core considerations in more detail.
Size and Portability
One of the standout differences between these two gaming keyboards comes down to sheer footprint on your desk.
65% keyboards shake things up by removing the function row that has been a staple of full-size and tenkeyless (TKL) models, resulting in a truncated layout that takes up much less horizontal space. Even with the extra width from arrow keys, 65% keyboards have incredibly compact footprints around 60% the size of a full-size board.
This condensed size makes them a superb choice if gaming portability is important to you:
- Easily fits into backpacks or gear bags
- Saves room in confined gaming stations and tournament setups
- Ideal for transporting to LAN parties or gaming on the move
By contrast, 75% keyboards add back some size from their 65% counterparts, usually about 30-40% wider thanks to the inclusion of a full function row along the top. This extra girth can make them less ideal for transport compared to more compact 65% options:
- Not as easily portable
- Take up more room for packing
- Occupies more desk space
So if having an ultra-compact keyboard for gaming is key, 65% boards edge out 75% in this category. But the extra real estate does confer some meaningful benefits…
Macro and Keybind Capabilities
That additional function row that 75% keyboards retain opens up more possibilities when it comes to customizing gaming keybinds and macros – which some gamers value over compactness.
The full complement of F1-F12 keys supplies ample buttons for assigning shortcuts, keybinds, macros, and more:
- Map complex skill/spell rotations for MMOs with ease
- Streamline strategy game control groups and camera positions
- Dedicate keys for PTT, Push-to-Talk voice programs
- Media controls, RGB lighting presets, and more at your fingertips
With a 75% board, you aren‘t limited by the lack of function row like on 65% boards. This customization flexibility makes 75% an ideal pick for certain gaming genres:
- MOBAs like League of Legends or DOTA 2
- MMORPGs like World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy XIV
- Real-time strategy games like Starcraft 2 or Age of Empires
Now – it is possible to achieve some added customization on 65% boards through using FN layers to access a secondary set of functions when holding FN. But having dedicated function keys on 75% models is undeniably more convenient and intuitive during intense gaming sessions.
Other Considerations
Beyond just size and macros/keybinds, a few other factors may sway your decision between these compact keyboards.
Arrow Keys – one clear advantage both 65% and 75% boards share over 60% models that omit arrows. Having dedicated arrow keys maintains easy navigation without compromising size too much. Nice to have for gaming and general usage.
Switch Choices – most gaming-focused 65% and 75% keyboards offer high-performance mechanical switch options like Cherry MX, Gateron, or Topre. Great for precise, fast key presses.
Underglow RGB – compact shine-through RGB lighting under the chassis delivers vibrant flair without cluttering the minimalist layouts too much. Often highly configurable via software.
Wireless Connectivity – some premium 65% and 75% models add lightweight wireless freedom via Bluetooth or low-latency solutions like Logitech LIGHTSPEED. Convenient for keeping cable clutter off your desk.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, choosing between a 65% vs 75% gaming keyboard comes down to your personal priorities and preferences around size, functionality, and aesthetics.
If portability is paramount because you game in multiple locations, pack up your keyboard often, or want to conserve desk space – 65% is the way to go. But if you want to simplify shortcuts/macros thanks to a full function row – 75% certainly has its perks.
Hopefully this overview gives you a better sense of the core pros and cons of each form factor. Let me know if you have any other questions!
