The number of keys on a keyboard depends on the keyboard layout and size — and there are more options than most people realize. A standard full-size US keyboard has 104 keys, a UK/ISO full-size has 105, a TKL (tenkeyless) has 87, and compact layouts like 75%, 65%, and 60% have progressively fewer keys. This guide covers exact key counts for every major keyboard size, what each section of keys contains, how many function keys and number keys are on a keyboard, and which layout makes the most sense for gaming versus everyday use.
For gaming keyboard polling rate, how to test your keyboard, and why gamers tilt their keyboards, see our article on gaming keyboard polling rate guide — how to test, what it means, and why gamers tilt their keyboard.
How Many Keys Are on a Keyboard — Quick Answer by Size
| Keyboard Size | Key Count | What’s Missing | Best For |
| Full size (100%) | 104 (US) / 105 (UK) | Nothing — complete layout | Office, data entry, all-around use |
| Tenkeyless (TKL / 80%) | 87 (US) / 88 (UK) | Numpad removed | Gaming, desk space saving |
| 75% | 84 | Numpad + some nav cluster | Gaming, compact desks |
| 65% | 68 | Numpad + F-row + most nav | Gaming, portable use |
| 60% | 61 | Numpad + F-row + all nav + arrows | Esports, ultra-portable |
| 40% | ~40-45 | Everything except alphas + modifiers | Enthusiast, specialized |
| Numpad only | 17-21 | Everything else | Data entry supplement |
How Many Keys on a Full Size Keyboard?
A full-size keyboard has 104 keys on the US ANSI layout and 105 keys on the European/UK ISO layout. The extra key on ISO keyboards is an additional key between the left Shift and Z keys, plus a different Enter key shape. Here is the breakdown of what those 104 keys consist of on a standard US full-size keyboard:
| Key Section | Number of Keys | Keys Included |
| Alphanumeric (letter) keys | 26 | A through Z |
| Number row keys | 10 | 0 through 9 (top row) |
| Function keys (F-row) | 12 | F1 through F12 |
| Modifier keys | 8 | Shift (×2), Ctrl (×2), Alt (×2), Win (×2) |
| Navigation cluster | 6 | Insert, Delete, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down |
| Arrow keys | 4 | Up, Down, Left, Right |
| Numpad keys | 17 | 0-9, Enter, +, -, *, /, ., Num Lock |
| Special/punctuation | 10 | Space, Tab, Caps Lock, Enter, Backspace, Esc, and symbols |
| System keys | 6 | Print Screen, Scroll Lock, Pause/Break, Menu, and others |
| TOTAL | 104 | Standard US ANSI full-size keyboard |
Why Do Some Full-Size Keyboards Have 105 or 106 Keys?
The UK ISO layout adds one key — the extra key between left Shift and Z, typically used for the backslash and pipe characters (which are placed differently on ISO vs ANSI layouts). This gives ISO full-size keyboards 105 keys. Some keyboards include additional media keys (mute, volume up/down, play/pause) above the numpad, which can push the total to 108 or more — but these are supplementary and not part of the standard 104-key count.
How Many Keys on a TKL (Tenkeyless) Keyboard?
A TKL (Tenkeyless) keyboard has 87 keys on US ANSI layout and 88 keys on UK ISO layout. The name ‘tenkeyless’ refers to the removal of the 10-key numpad — the numeric keypad that sits to the right of the main keyboard. Everything else remains: the full alphanumeric section, function row, modifier keys, navigation cluster, and arrow keys are all present on a TKL.
TKL keyboards are the most popular choice for gaming because they provide a complete typing experience (with function row and arrow keys) while freeing up desk space where the numpad was — giving you more room for wide mouse movements, which is valuable for low-DPI FPS gaming.
How Many Keys on a 75% Keyboard?
A 75% keyboard typically has 84 keys. It removes the numpad (like TKL) and also compresses or removes parts of the navigation cluster, but retains the function row and arrow keys. Navigation keys like Insert, Delete, Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down may be present as single keys without a dedicated navigation cluster area — instead they are often placed in a single column to the right of the main keys. The 75% form factor is significantly more compact than TKL while retaining more functionality than 65% or 60% layouts.
How Many Keys on a 65% Keyboard?
A 65% keyboard typically has 68 keys. It removes the numpad, the entire function row (F1-F12), and most of the navigation cluster — but crucially retains dedicated arrow keys and usually a few navigation keys (Delete, Page Up, Page Down) accessed directly. This makes 65% the sweet spot for many gamers who do not use function keys during gameplay and want a compact board with arrow keys still accessible without function layers. Popular 65% keyboards include the Ducky One 2 SF, Keychron K6, and the Anne Pro 2.
How Many Keys on a 60% Keyboard?
A 60% keyboard typically has 61 keys. It is the most minimal popular layout — removing the numpad, function row, navigation cluster, AND the dedicated arrow keys. Arrow keys and function keys are accessed via a function (Fn) layer, meaning you hold Fn and press another key to get those inputs. 60% keyboards are popular in esports and competitive gaming communities because of their minimal footprint, low profile, and the space they create for mouse movement. Popular 60% keyboards include the Ducky One 2 Mini, Anne Pro 2 (in 60% mode), and the Royal Kludge RK61.
60% Keyboard for Gaming — Is It Worth It?
60% keyboards are genuinely popular among competitive FPS players for several reasons: the small footprint allows the keyboard to be pushed further to the left, giving maximum mouse space for low-DPI play; the fewer keys mean less weight and a smaller physical keyboard; and many 60% keyboards have excellent build quality in a compact chassis. The trade-off is the Fn layer for arrow keys and function keys — in games that require F-keys (F5 to quicksave, F1-F4 for loadouts), you need to use the Fn key simultaneously. Most gamers adapt quickly, but it is worth knowing before buying.
How Many Keys on a Keyboard — By Section
How Many Letter Keys Are on a Keyboard?
There are 26 letter keys on a keyboard — one for each letter of the English alphabet, A through Z. This is consistent across all keyboard sizes from 40% to full-size, as the alphabetic keys are always included. The letters are arranged in the QWERTY layout (standard in the US and most English-speaking countries), named after the top-left row of letter keys.
How Many Number Keys Are on a Keyboard?
A standard keyboard has 10 number keys in the top row (0 through 9), plus an additional 10 number keys on the numpad (0-9 again) on keyboards that include a numpad. So full-size keyboards with a numpad have 20 number-related keys total. TKL and smaller keyboards have 10 number keys (top row only). The numpad 0 key is larger than the others, and the numpad includes additional keys (Enter, decimal point, and arithmetic operators) that are not number keys per se.
How Many Function Keys Are on a Keyboard?
A standard keyboard has 12 function keys: F1 through F12. These are present on full-size, TKL, and 75% keyboards as a dedicated row. On 65% and 60% keyboards, function keys are accessed via an Fn layer — physically there are no dedicated F-key buttons, but pressing Fn + a number row key (1-12) activates the function key. Some keyboards include F13-F24 as a secondary function layer, though software support for these beyond F12 is limited.
How Many Arrow Keys Are on a Keyboard?
A standard keyboard has 4 arrow keys: Up, Down, Left, and Right. These are present on full-size, TKL, 75%, and 65% keyboards as dedicated keys. On 60% keyboards, arrow keys are accessed via the Fn layer (typically Fn + WASD or Fn + IJKL, depending on the keyboard’s layout programming). Some 60% keyboards include arrow keys in a compressed arrangement (a split right Shift that gives room for arrows), while others require the Fn layer entirely.
How Many Modifier Keys Are on a Keyboard?
A standard US keyboard has 8 modifier keys: Left Shift and Right Shift, Left Ctrl and Right Ctrl, Left Alt and Right Alt (the right Alt is often labeled AltGr on international keyboards), and Left Windows and Right Windows keys. Some keyboards omit the Right Windows key to fit a Menu key instead. Mac keyboards replace Windows keys with Command and Option keys. The total modifier count can vary between 6-8 depending on the specific keyboard design.
Keyboard Layout Comparison — Which Key Count Is Right for You?
| Layout | Keys | Best For |
| Full size 104 | 104 | Data entry, spreadsheets, office work, all-around desktop use |
| TKL 87 | 87 | Gaming, desk space saving, still want arrow/nav keys |
| 75% ~84 | 84 | Compact gaming setup, travel, want F-keys without numpad bulk |
| 65% ~68 | 68 | FPS gaming, portability, comfortable with minimal nav keys |
| 60% 61 | 61 | Esports, maximum mouse space, willing to use Fn layers |
| 40% ~40 | ~40-45 | Enthusiast use, extremely minimal, not practical for most gaming |
How Many Buttons Are on a Gaming Keyboard vs Regular Keyboard?
Gaming keyboards and regular office keyboards of the same size have the same number of physical keys — the difference is not in key count but in features. A full-size gaming keyboard has the same 104 keys as a full-size office keyboard. What differentiates gaming keyboards:
- Switch type: Mechanical switches (Cherry MX, Gateron, Kailh) vs membrane rubber dome — gaming keyboards almost always use mechanical or optical switches
- Polling rate: Gaming keyboards run at 1,000 Hz vs 125 Hz default for most office keyboards
- RGB lighting: Per-key or zone RGB is standard on gaming keyboards; absent or minimal on office keyboards
- Anti-ghosting and N-Key Rollover: Gaming keyboards support more simultaneous key presses
- Macro keys: Some gaming keyboards add extra macro keys (G1-G6 on some Logitech models), increasing total key count beyond 104
- Dedicated media keys: Volume wheel, mute button, and media controls may add physical buttons above the standard layout
If a gaming keyboard includes macro keys or media buttons beyond the standard layout, its total button count can exceed 104. The Logitech G710+ has 110 keys (6 macro keys + 4 media keys added), for example. Always check the specific product’s key count if you need an exact number.
ANSI vs ISO Keyboard — How the Key Count Differs
| Feature | ANSI (US) | ISO (UK/Europe) |
| Full-size key count | 104 | 105 |
| TKL key count | 87 | 88 |
| Enter key | Wide single-row (horizontal bar) | Tall two-row (L-shaped) |
| Left Shift | Wide | Narrow — extra key next to it |
| Backslash key | Above Enter | Left of Enter (changes position) |
| Common in | United States, Canada | UK, Europe, most of the world |
For gaming keyboard polling rate, testing your keyboard, and choosing the right keyboard for competitive gaming, see our article on gaming keyboard polling rate guide — how to test, what it means, and why gamers tilt their keyboard.
For keyboard switch guides and mechanical keyboard reviews, see Rtings.com — keyboard reviews and buying guides. For keyboard specifications and layouts, see Keyboard University — keyboard layout and sizing guide.
For more gaming peripheral guides including gaming PCs, setups, and optimization, see our article on best gaming PCs 2026 — prebuilt vs build, budget picks, and complete buying guide.
Keyboard Key Groups — What Every Section Does
Understanding what each key group on your keyboard does helps you appreciate why different layouts remove specific sections. The alphanumeric section — the 26 letters and 10 number row keys — is the core of every keyboard and is present in every layout from 40% to full size. The function row (F1-F12) serves different purposes in different contexts: F1 typically opens help, F2 renames a selected file, F5 refreshes pages, F11 toggles full screen, and F12 opens developer tools in browsers. In games, function keys are used for quicksaves (F5/F9 in many RPGs), scoreboard overlays (F1 in some games), and HUD toggles. The modifier row — Shift, Ctrl, Alt, and Windows keys — enables keyboard shortcuts that multiply the effective number of commands available. Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, Ctrl+Z, Alt+Tab, and Windows+L are among the most used shortcuts across all productivity contexts. The navigation cluster — Home, End, Insert, Delete, Page Up, Page Down — is most useful in word processing and coding. In gaming, these keys are rarely used during active play, which is why 65% keyboards (which remove most of the navigation cluster) remain fully functional for gaming. Arrow keys are more contentious: many gaming keyboards are 65% specifically because they retain dedicated arrow keys, which are used in strategy games, menu navigation, and text editing. The numpad is primarily a data entry and accounting tool — useful for people who enter large amounts of numbers but largely unused during gaming, which is why its removal for TKL keyboards is the most universally accepted size reduction in gaming.
Bottom Line
| Full-size keyboard keys | 104 (US ANSI) / 105 (UK ISO) |
| TKL keyboard keys | 87 (US ANSI) / 88 (UK ISO) |
| 75% keyboard keys | ~84 keys |
| 65% keyboard keys | ~68 keys |
| 60% keyboard keys | ~61 keys |
| Letter keys | 26 (A-Z) — same on all layouts |
| Number keys (top row) | 10 (0-9) — same on all layouts |
| Function keys | 12 (F1-F12) — dedicated on 75%+; Fn layer on 65%/60% |
| Arrow keys | 4 — dedicated on 65%+; Fn layer on most 60% |
| Best for gaming | TKL (87) or 65% (68) — most popular gaming sizes |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many keys are on a full-size keyboard?
A standard full-size keyboard has 104 keys on the US ANSI layout. This includes 26 letter keys (A-Z), 10 number keys in the top row, 12 function keys (F1-F12), 17 numpad keys (0-9 plus operators and Num Lock), 4 arrow keys, 6 navigation cluster keys (Home, End, Insert, Delete, Page Up, Page Down), and various modifier and special keys. UK ISO layout full-size keyboards have 105 keys — the extra key sits between the left Shift and Z keys. Some keyboards with extra macro or media buttons can exceed 104 keys.
How many keys are on a TKL keyboard?
A TKL (Tenkeyless) keyboard has 87 keys on the US ANSI layout and 88 keys on the UK ISO layout. TKL keyboards remove the numpad (the 17-key number pad on the right side of a full-size keyboard) while retaining everything else — the complete alphanumeric section, function row (F1-F12), all modifier keys, the 6-key navigation cluster, and 4 arrow keys. TKL is the most popular gaming keyboard size because it saves significant desk space without sacrificing any keys that are commonly used during gaming.
How many keys does a 60% keyboard have?
A 60% keyboard typically has 61 keys. This is the most minimal practical keyboard layout — it removes the numpad, the entire F1-F12 function row, the navigation cluster (Home, End, Insert, Delete, Page Up, Page Down), and the dedicated arrow keys. These missing functions are accessed via an Fn (function) layer — holding Fn while pressing other keys activates the secondary functions. 60% keyboards are popular in competitive gaming and among keyboard enthusiasts for their minimal footprint, maximum mouse space, and compact size.
How many buttons are on a keyboard?
The number of buttons (keys) on a keyboard depends on the layout: a standard full-size US keyboard has 104 keys; a UK full-size has 105; a TKL has 87-88; a 75% has approximately 84; a 65% has approximately 68; and a 60% has approximately 61 keys. Gaming keyboards of the same size as regular keyboards have the same number of keys — they differ in switch quality, polling rate, RGB lighting, and anti-ghosting features rather than key count. Some gaming keyboards add dedicated macro or media keys beyond the standard layout, which can push the total above 104.
