When we ponder keyboards, the first thought is their keys, the parts we directly engage with to command our computers. Some keys see constant use, while others gather dust, and their functions are rarely needed. Amidst this uneven importance, estimating the keyboard’s key count might fall surprisingly short.

So, how many keys are there on a computer keyboard?

Key numbers wildly differ across layouts and forms. A typical full-size US keyboard (ANSI) boasts 104 keys. Interestingly, a European equivalent (ISO layout) squeezes in 105.

Did you anticipate so many keys?

In the following, we’ll delve deeper into your keyboard’s keys, their groupings, and why some groups seldom see the light of day.

How Many Keys Are There on a Computer Keyboard-Exploring Types

A regular Microsoft Windows keyboard is more than just a bunch of keys – it’s a tool designed with various key types, each with its purpose. Understanding these key types can make using your keyboard much easier.

1. Alphabet Keys

You’ve got the alphabet letters, A to Z. Count them – that’s 26 keys. These keys aren’t all lined up in perfect order, though. Some other symbols hang out with them, making it a total of 54 keys with 76 characters. So, when you type “Hello,” it’s these keys you’re hitting.

2. Number Keys

The numbers we use for math or codes? They’re right on your keyboard too, from 0 to 9. If you’ve got a special number pad on the right side, that’s 17 keys altogether. These keys live at the top of the key, above the letters.

3. Special Keys or Control Keys

Ever seen those keys that don’t type letters but do cool things on your computer? They’re control keys. Think of Tab, Shift, Caps Lock, Backspace, Space bar, Enter, and Ctrl. They help you navigate and control what you’re doing.

4. Function Keys

Function keys sound fancy, right? They’re actually simple. Look at the row of keys on top, labeled F1 to F12. These keys have different jobs in different programs. Sometimes they do things like saving your work or making a screen brighter. It depends on what you’re using.

5. Navigation Keys

Navigation means moving around. These keys help you move around in what you’re working on. The arrows – up, down, left, and right – they’re navigation keys. So are keys like Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, and Delete. They’re like your map in the world of your document.

Knowing these key types can make you a keyboard pro. Whether you’re typing a report, playing a game, or exploring your computer, these keys have your back. So, next time you’re tapping away, remember – you’re not just pressing keys, you’re commanding your computer!

Keyboard Form Factors and Key Numbers

In the olden days, full-size keyboards were all you could find. Nowadays, keyboard options have exploded into different shapes and sizes, each with varying numbers of keys.

But first, a little reminder. We’ll be talking about ANSI keyboards here, but if you want the ISO version, just add one key to the total count.

Tenkeyless (TKL / 80%) Keyboards

The second most popular type after the full-size, the tenkeyless keyboard is everywhere. It gets its name from the missing number keys on the Numpad. It’s got 17 fewer keys than the full-size 104-key keyboard.

Doing the math, an ANSI tenkeyless keyboard totals 87 keys. This design gained fame in gaming, where Numpad keys are about as useful as a trapdoor on a boat.

Considering the huge gaming industry, it took manufacturers only a short time to make tenkeyless keyboards for gamers. And now, they’re all over the place.

75% Keyboards

You won’t find 75% of keyboards commonly, as many popular brands don’t bother with them. These are smaller than tenkeyless keyboards, but they both sport the same 84 keys. The size difference comes from cramming the keys closer, leaving no gaps.

While 75% of keyboards might feel a bit snug due to the absence of gaps between the keys, enthusiasts love them. They look sleek and are super compact.

65% Keyboards

If compact is your thing, 65% of keyboards will tickle your fancy. They are seriously tiny and might seem uncomfortable due to the missing keys.

Generally, they have around 65 to 68 keys. Some control and navigation keys like Print Screen, Scroll Lock, and others get the boot compared to the slightly larger 70% form factor.

They’re a bit cramped, but if you’re used to a 70% keyboard, you’ll likely adjust fine since the function keys are often still accessible with modifiers.

60% Keyboards

Imagine hacking away 40% of a regular keyboard – that’s a 60% keyboard. It’s about half the size of a full-size one and has even fewer keys than a 65% keyboard.

Unlike a 65% keyboard, the navigation and lesser-used control keys like Insert and Delete are also gone. This leaves 61 keys, mainly just the letters and crucial control keys.

If arrow keys are your jam, 60% of keyboards might not be your cup of tea. They can feel pretty foreign. But, if you’re all about space-saving, a 60% keyboard is ace.

40% Keyboards

The ultimate space savers, 40% keyboards are about as tiny as a keyboard can get while still being functional.

They pack in around 45 to 50 keys. The big change? No more number rows. With so many keys gone, you might need two modifiers to do stuff you’re used to, which can be annoying.

These are strictly for folks who crave compactness. Typing on them takes some getting used to, even more than a 60% keyboard.

In the world of keyboards, it’s not just one-size-fits-all anymore. There’s a board for everyone, whether you’re a hardcore gamer, a space-saving enthusiast, or just someone who likes things differently.

FAQs

1. How many function keys are on a keyboard?

A standard PC keyboard has 12 function keys labeled F1 through F12. However, you might find up to 24 function keys labeled from F1 through F24 on specialized PC keyboards. Apple desktop computer keyboards with a number pad typically have function keys ranging from F1 to F19.

2. How many number keys are on a keyboard?

The top row of a keyboard contains ten number keys, representing the digits 1 through 0. If your keyboard includes a numeric keypad on the right side, there will be an additional ten number keys, making a total of twenty.

3. How many alphabetic keys are on a keyboard?

There are 26 alphabetic keys for English computer keyboards, each corresponding to one of the 26 letters in the English alphabet. These keys are used for typing letters and forming words.

4. How many symbols are on a keyboard?

An English QWERTY keyboard contains 40 symbols, like @, #, $, etc. These symbols are spread across 28 keys. These keys are not considered letters or numbers but are important for various purposes. Sometimes a key might have two symbols, leading to a slight difference in the total count.

5. How many arrow keys are on a keyboard?

Most keyboards have four arrow keys: right, left, up, and down. These keys are used for navigation within documents and web pages. On the number pad of many PC keyboards, you can find an additional four arrow keys, bringing the total count to eight arrow keys.

6. How many rows of keys are there on a keyboard?

A keyboard consists of six rows of keys if you count the row containing the function keys. The three rows that contain the alphabetic letters (top, home, and bottom rows) are not in alphabetical order. It’s recommended to place your fingers on the home row when positioning your hands on the keyboard for typing. This helps with touch typing and finding the right keys without looking.

Final Thoughts

That’s all about the query of how many keys are there on a computer keyboard. Well, keyboards have various keys with specific functions. Function, number, alphabetic, symbols, and arrow keys play important roles in typing, navigating, and interacting with computers. Understanding the layout and functions of these keys can significantly improve your efficiency and ease of computer use.