When diving into the world of mechanical keyboards, you’ll encounter a wide variety of layouts, sizes, and configurations. One of the most popular layouts among enthusiasts and professionals is the 87 keyboard. If you’re wondering “What is an 87 keyboard? A complete guide for beginners” will walk you through everything you need to know about this compact yet functional keyboard type.
Understanding Keyboard Layouts
Before we get into the specifics of the 87 keyboard, it helps to understand how keyboard layouts are generally categorized. Keyboards are often identified by the number of keys they have:
- Full-size keyboard: Typically 104–108 keys (includes number pad)
- Tenkeyless (TKL): 87 keys (without number pad)
- 75%, 65%, and 60% layouts: More compact, fewer keys
The 87 keyboard falls under the tenkeyless (TKL) category, offering a middle ground between size and functionality.
What Is an 87 Keyboard?
An 87 keyboard is a type of mechanical keyboard that contains 87 keys and omits the numeric keypad commonly found on the right side of full-size keyboards. This design retains all the essential keys, such as:
- Alphanumeric keys
- Function row (F1–F12)
- Arrow keys
- Navigation cluster (Insert, Delete, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down)
Why 87 Keys?
The name comes from the total number of keys – 87 in standard ANSI layout (used mainly in the U.S.). ISO layouts, common in Europe, may have 88 keys due to an additional key. However, “87 keyboard” is the commonly accepted term for tenkeyless keyboards globally.
Benefits of Using an 87 Keyboard
1. More Desk Space
Without the number pad, the 87 keyboard takes up less space. This frees up your desk for other items like a mouse, notebook, or tablet — especially useful in smaller workspaces.
2. Better Ergonomics
With a narrower width, the keyboard allows you to keep your mouse closer to your body. This can reduce shoulder strain and improve overall comfort during long typing or gaming sessions.
3. Portability
The compact size of an 87 keyboard makes it easier to carry around. Many users who attend LAN parties, conferences, or just like a tidy setup prefer this layout.
4. Retains Functionality
Despite its smaller size, the 87 keyboard still includes all the essential keys for productivity, coding, and gaming. Unless you heavily rely on the number pad (for data entry, for example), you’re unlikely to miss it.
Who Should Use an 87 Keyboard?
This layout is perfect for:
- Gamers: Compact enough for better mouse movement, but still has essential function keys.
- Office users: Ergonomic and practical for general typing tasks.
- Writers and coders: Full-sized typing experience without the bulk.
- Travelers: Smaller and easier to pack than full-size keyboards.
Conclusion
So, what is an 87 keyboard? A complete guide for beginners shows that it’s a smart, space-saving alternative to the traditional full-size keyboard. It delivers nearly all the functionality you need while being compact, ergonomic, and highly portable. Whether you’re gaming, working, or just looking for a cleaner desk setup, an 87 keyboard might be the perfect fit for your needs.
