Keycap Layout Guide

January 28, 2026

Keycap Layout Guide: 60%, 65%, 75%, 80% (TKL), and 100% (Full-Size) Explained

Before buying keycaps, one of the most important things to understand is keyboard layout. Two keyboards can look similar at a glance but require very different keycap sets. Choosing the wrong layout can lead to missing keys, incorrect sizing, or unused extras.

This guide breaks down the most common mechanical keyboard layouts; 60%, 65%, 75%, 80%, and 100% (full-size), including what keys each layout uses, who each one is best for, and important compatibility notes to keep in mind when shopping for keycaps.

Whether you’re upgrading an existing keyboard or planning your first customization, understanding layouts upfront can save time, money, and frustration.

Why Keyboard Layout Matters for Keycaps

Keyboard layouts determine:

Which keys are present
What sizes those keys are
How many keycaps you need in a set

Unlike switches or cables, keycaps are layout-dependent. A set designed for one layout may not fully support another without additional keys.

This is why checking layout compatibility is just as important as choosing a design you like.

60% Layout

What Keys Are Included

A 60% keyboard removes the function row, navigation cluster, and number pad, keeping only:

Alphanumeric keys
Modifier keys (Shift, Ctrl, Alt, etc.)
Arrow keys are typically not included

Keys like Delete, Home, and arrow functions are accessed through function layers.

Who It’s For

The 60% layout is popular with:

Minimalists
Gamers who want maximum mouse space
Users who prefer compact setups
People who rely heavily on key layers

It’s one of the smallest layouts available while remaining fully functional.

Keycap Compatibility Notes

60% layouts usually require:

Standard alphas
Standard modifiers
A 1.75u right Shift (common but important to confirm)

Most keycap sets support 60% layouts, making it one of the easiest layouts to find compatibility for, especially with Cherry and OEM profile keycaps.

65% Layout

What Keys Are Included

A 65% keyboard builds on the 60% by adding:

Dedicated arrow keys
A small navigation column (Delete, Page Up/Down, etc.)

It keeps the compact width while improving usability.

Who It’s For

65% layouts are ideal for:

Users who want arrow keys without a large keyboard
Productivity-focused users with limited desk space
People who want fewer function layers than 60%

It’s often considered the most balanced compact layout.

Keycap Compatibility Notes

65% layouts may require:

A 1.75u right Shift
Additional 1u or 1.25u keys for the navigation column

Not all base keycap kits include these extras, so it’s important to check what’s included. Dip Keys keycap sets are designed with common compact layouts in mind, making 65% compatibility easier to achieve without hunting for add-ons.

75% Layout

What Keys Are Included

The 75% layout keeps nearly all keys from a 80% keyboard but compresses them into a tighter arrangement:

Function row (F1–F12)
Arrow keys
Navigation cluster
No number pad

Everything is present, just more compact.

Who It’s For

75% keyboards are best for:

Users who want full functionality in a smaller footprint
Programmers and power users
Anyone who frequently uses function keys

It’s a strong choice for productivity without committing to a full-size keyboard.

Keycap Compatibility Notes

75% layouts can be trickier because:

Some keys may be non-standard sizes
Layouts vary slightly between brands

Most Cherry and OEM profile sets support 75% layouts, but checking included modifier sizes is important. A well-designed keycap set should account for these variations.

80% aka TKL (Tenkeyless) Layout

What Keys Are Included

80% keyboards remove only the number pad, keeping:

Full alphanumeric section
Function row
Arrow keys
Navigation cluster

This results in a familiar layout with reduced width.

Who It’s For

80% layouts are popular among:

Gamers who want more mouse space
Office users who don’t need a number pad
Users transitioning from full-size keyboards

It’s often seen as the safest middle ground.

Keycap Compatibility Notes

80% is one of the easiest layouts to support:

Most keycap sets are designed with 80% in mind
Standard modifier sizes are common

If a keycap set supports full-size keyboards, it almost always supports 80% as well.

100% (Full-Size) Layout

What Keys Are Included

A full-size keyboard includes:

Alphanumeric keys
Function row
Arrow keys
Navigation cluster
Dedicated number pad

It’s the most complete and traditional layout.

Who It’s For

Full-size keyboards are ideal for:

Data entry and accounting
Users who rely on the number pad
Anyone who prefers a familiar layout

Despite their size, they remain popular for productivity-focused setups.

Keycap Compatibility Notes

Full-size layouts require:

Additional number pad keycaps
Matching profile consistency across all keys

Not all keycap sets include numpad support, so it’s important to verify this before purchasing.

Profile Compatibility: Cherry vs. OEM

Beyond layout, keycap profile also matters.

Cherry Profile

Slightly shorter than OEM
Sculpted rows for ergonomic typing
Popular among enthusiasts

OEM Profile

Slightly taller
Common on prebuilt keyboards
Comfortable and familiar for most users

Dip Keys focuses on Cherry and OEM profiles, which are the most widely compatible and easiest to adapt to, especially for users upgrading from stock keycaps.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Layout and Keycaps

Understanding keyboard layouts is essential when upgrading keycaps. Knowing which keys are included, who a layout is best for, and what compatibility requirements exist helps ensure a smooth upgrade.

Keycaps are one of the most noticeable upgrades you can make, but only when they fit properly.

By choosing a layout you’re comfortable with, and a keycap set designed to support it, you can upgrade your keyboard with confidence and avoid common mistakes.

A well-matched keycap set doesn’t just improve how your keyboard looks. It improves how it feels to use every day.