One of the most essential things that a PC user needs to have is a keyboard, and alongside the mouse, they can do anything, from work to gaming and more. To do this, people need the best keyboards that they can get, something that combines not only the form, but also functions, and the utility of space. The 75 percent keyboard is exactly this. Today, we’re going to talk about our picks of the 11 best 75% keyboards available on the market right now. But first, what are 75% keyboards?
What Is a 75% Keyboard?
75% keyboards are a bit of a generalization. Why? Because it refers not only to 75% keyboards, but all keyboards with a more compact form factor, aka the keyboard design. Usually, these keyboards have a 75% to 70% keyboard size and width and took out the number pad on the right side of the keyboard. However, they retained the F key row, just placed it closer to the number row keys below it. Because of this, they’re pretty popular due to how they saved space by taking out a few of the keys on standard keyboards to streamline the keyboard even more.
In addition to this, most of the space being saved by a 75% keyboard is due to the makers putting keys like Delete and Home on 1 column. The said column is located on the far right side of the keyboard for ease of use. In total, a 75% keyboard has 84 keys in it, but due to the key sizes being different from a lot of keyboards, finding replacement keycaps might be a challenge.
11 Best 75% Keyboard Models
The Glorious GMMK Pro is a glorious keyboard, but it’s an incomplete keyboard and requires the user to modify it for their needs. However, the addition of necessary parts like keycaps and switches are more on the “slot them in” side rather than anything else. Simply push the switches into the keyboard followed by the keycaps on the switches. In addition to this, the Glorious GMMK Pro is pretty versatile, given the fact that it’s hot-swappable. The keyboard can accept a lot of keycaps and switches so long as they follow either ANSI or ISO layouts.
In addition, the Glorious GMMK Pro comes in either black or white and has a lot of customization options. Even on the Glorious website, the GMMK Pro has a lot of customizable parts. From gasket-mounted plates, programmable rotary encoders, and customizable software on either QMK or their own Glorious Core software suite. That’s not all; the keyboard’s customization options are seemingly endless, with a lot of combinations just from their website’s offerings.
Because of this, the Glorious GMMK Pro is pretty versatile. It can be used for work, gaming, and other PC-related endeavors. The website also offers other miscellaneous, but useful things like keycap pullers, lube, and O-Rings to help in maintaining the keyboard.
All in all, the Glorious GMMK Pro is well worth the purchase if the user is looking for a customizable 75% keyboard. Its base kit is also pretty cheap, at around $170. However, buying their keycaps and switches can add to the cost, making this keyboard more or less around $250, or $400. Overall, affordable, but it’s recommended to already have keycaps and switches available before considering a purchase.
There are many reasons why the Drevo Excalibur is on this list. However, the main reason is due to its sleek design and decent price. There are also some customization options for the keyboard, though it’s not as prevalent as the Glorious GMMK Pro.
The Drevo Excalibur can be purchased on a black/white case design and the keycaps look as if they’re floating off the keyboard’s base. The keycaps are an acquired taste, but users can change them up if they don’t like them. In terms of switches, users have the option of choosing either Black, Brown, Blue, or Red from the Cherry MX series.
Overall, it’s a pretty good keyboard that already comes complete when the user opens the box. Not only that, it only costs around $156, so it’s also one of the cheaper options on this list. Customization-wise, it’s not as outstanding as the Glorious GMMK Pro, but users can change up the keycaps and switches as they please so that’s a good thing.
Next on the list is the Keychron K2, which sets a pretty high standard when values are concerned. Why? Because the Keychron K2 is pretty well made and comes with a lot of options when it comes to switches and backlighting. Not only that, but the price is also pretty reasonable at only $70 without shipping. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves here, what does the Keychron K2 give specifically?
Well, the Keychron K2 is a well-made, and well-built keyboard that gives users a lot of options when it comes to switches and backlighting. However, users can also use this keyboard on either Mac or Windows PCs because the keycaps for both are on the same box. In addition to this, Mac’s function row is also added to the Keychron K2’s kit, which adds to the keyboard’s customization options. Not only that but the Keychron K2 can also be used on Linux PCs.
The Keychron K2 comes with Gateron Blue, Red, or Brown switches in its default state. It’s also on a plastic frame, as well as white key backlighting. If the user has the money, they can also spend some more to add in RGB, modify the frame to aluminum, or both. All in all, a pretty good deal. One thing that holds it back is the fact that its latency is on the higher end. Not that much, but it might be detrimental to hardcore gaming enthusiasts. Casual play is all-good, though.
If you are looking for an old-school-looking 75% keyboard, then look no further.
EPOMAKER’s Niz keyboard showcases old-school aesthetics with modern function. Aside from modern reliability and responsiveness, you can also customize your layouts to suit your needs.
The next keyboard we’ll need to talk about is the Royal Kludge RK84, another affordable keyboard that has both wired and wireless connections. Combine this with a pretty compact layout and the fact that it’s hot-swappable and you have a pretty good contender for the best 75 Keyboard in this list. First, we need to talk about what it’s got.
The Royal Kludge RK84’s body is made out of quality plastic. It’ll bend, sure, but only if the user’s flexing it. Otherwise, the plastic wouldn’t be affected. The keyboard can be connected on either Bluetooth or using its 2.4Ghz wireless connections in addition to its wire. The Bluetooth is a bit spotty sometimes but the wireless connections are pretty great and don’t have any delay when it comes to keypresses.
Another thing to take note of is the fact that the base switches of the Royal Kludge RK84 aren’t the best. However, the RK64 is a hot-swappable keyboard, and users can replace the switches and keycaps with their preferred ones. In terms of switches, the RK84 can support 3-pin or 5-pin switches, though 5-pins are usually the better of the two. The keyboard also has RGB lighting, but it’s not the focus of the keyboard as the light is facing northwards. However, users can remove the RK84’s outer frame to get a floating keycap aesthetic and allow the RGB to pop.
Overall, the Royal Kludge RK84 is a really good keyboard and is definitely worth the price it asks for.
The next keyboard on the list is the Velocifire TKL78 Wired MK. This is another budget keyboard that makes use of what it has. Yes, it’s pretty cheap, at only $30 to boot. However, there’s an exchange to these things, and for the Velocifire TKL78 Wired MK, it’s the Build Quality.
Don’t get us wrong, the keyboard’s pretty sturdy, and the mechanical switches are pretty good. However, the keycaps are the problem. They’re pretty good in terms of comfort, but they wouldn’t last that long when compared to PBT keycaps. It’s usually a better idea to replace the keycaps with better ones if the user has the money to do so. In addition to this, the keyboard’s wire couldn’t be detached, though at this point we’re just picking at straws. The blue backlighting is pretty cool, nonetheless.
Overall, the Velocifire TKL78 Wired MK is a pretty good keyboard in terms of performance. However, its build is a bit on the weak side, though it can be overcome easily by spending some time tinkering with its parts.
Next is the EPOMAKER EP84, a decent keyboard all told with its hot-swappable switches and great typing ergonomics. The switches being hot-swappable adds to the keyboard’s longevity as it allows users to simply swap out the switches if they start to get iffy. No need to take the whole keyboard out, simply swap and done. In terms of typing experience, the Epomaker EP84 also does quite a bit for the user experience by having its keycaps tuned to the curves of a user’s fingertips. Overall, pretty swanky.
In addition to this, the keyboard has N-Key rollover, meaning fast-typing individuals can rest assured that this keyboard can catch up to their typing. The Epomaker EP84 also has RGB with over 19 variations and 9 single color effects to pick from. Simply stick the keyboard’s USB to the PC and you’re good to go.
However, the one thing that it skimped out on is its durability. The EPOMAKER EP84 is a pretty flimsy keyboard and can break pretty easily when compared to other keyboards on this list. Overall, the EPOMAKER EP84 is a pretty good keyboard for those that want a good typing experience. Not so much on gaming, due to its durability issues.
Next is the AJAZZ AK33 Geek Mechanical Keyboard, which upped the ante by reducing the surface area of the keyboard even more. The keyboard’s form factor is at a ludicrous 12.2 x 5.4 inches, way smaller than a lot of the 75 keyboards on this list. It helps to save on the desk space.
Other than this, the AJAZZ AK33 Geek Mechanical Keyboard has a pluggable USB port that the user can bring anywhere. In addition, it has custom switches similar enough to some switches on the market they provide almost the same sensations. Overall, pretty good.
The one drawback of the AJAZZ AK33 is the fact that some keys are reduced to get that form factor. This means that if you’re looking to replace the keycaps, you’ll have a hard time finding ones that’ll fit. It also doesn’t help that the keycaps are all bunched up together due to a lack of a gap between keys. Don’t let that stop you though; the AJAZZ AK33 is a pretty good keyboard for use in any situation, from work, games, and everyday use.
The next keyboard on this list is the AKKO 3084, a dark horse on this list of great keyboards. There are several themes to choose from when buying this, a minimalist 9009 theme, a Sakura blossom keycap theme, an ocean theme, and a dark navy horizon theme. Pretty swanky all told, but it doesn’t end there. The switches come in either Cherry MX Red, Brown, or Blue, and can be either tactile, clicky, or linear. No limits on choices here, just pure beauty.
In addition to this, the 3084’s keycaps can be replaced with the other variants if the user so decides. And the keycaps themselves are good, they’re oil-resistant and very durable. Its incline is pretty good, and it comes with two dual-angle adjustable kickstands for those that want more typing angles. Lastly, the AKKO 3084 comes with a detachable USB-C connector, making it easy for users to pick whatever USB-C connector they want to use with it.
The keyboard doesn’t have a wireless mode, which might turn off some buyers, nor does it have a backlight. But overall, the AKKO 3084 is a pretty good keyboard to get for those that want customization, but not too much while also getting something great to type or game on.
On the opposite side of the spectrum, the Vortexgear Race 3 is primarily a gaming keyboard with an emphasis on durability. Overall, it has the usual stuff that a 75 Keyboard will have, and the typing experience is pretty smooth. Sadly, the Vortexgear Race 3 doesn’t seem to have Hot-Swap capabilities, which is a sad thing.
Overall, another pretty good keyboard that prides itself on durability. If the user wants to game hard, then the Vortexgear Race 3 is the way to go.
Last but not least is the Vissles V84 2.0, which comes with a white-on-black color scheme. Black for the keyboard itself and white for the keycaps, making it visually appealing and understated. The keyboard has soft-linear switches, making it good for either work or play, and is hot-swappable. This means that if the user doesn’t like the Vissles V84 2.0’s switches, it’s a simple thing to swap them for the ones they want to use. The keyboard also comes with tools that remove keycaps and switches as well, which is a nice touch.
The Vissles V84 2.0 also comes with Bluetooth functionality and can be used on either Mac or Windows PCs. In addition to the keycaps and switch removers, the user also gets keycaps for Mac and Windows, allowing the user to swap between the two on the fly. Last but not least, the Vissles V84 2.0 comes with a functional software suite that allows the user to rebind keys, RGB lighting setups, and even macro recording. Overall, a really good keyboard to end out the list, and one of the best ones to get at only around $90.
What Should You Look for When Buying a 75% Keyboard?
Design
The first thing that a user needs to take a look at is the design of the keyboard itself. After all, if you’re not vibing with what you’re seeing, you’re not buying it. The keyboard should not only function properly, but it should also be stylish and pleasing aesthetically. Usually, though, a lot of keyboard manufacturers give buyers the option of customizing their 75% keyboards to their specifications, usually at a higher price. An example of this is the Glorious GMMK Pro, which we’ll talk about first when we get to our list.
Function
More or less, this is a subjective thing that varies with each user. This is because each user will have different uses for the keyboard they’re buying. For example, if the user is gaming using the keyboard, they’ll want one that can handle the rigors of gaming hard. So, they’ll buy keyboards with good switches, durable keycaps, et cetera.
This is usually where customizable keyboards come in, as they allow users to switch various parts of the keyboard at their leisure. Most of the time, getting good keycaps and switches is done so that users have a good ergonomic experience when typing or gaming. After all, if you’re feeling good while doing it, you’ll have a better experience.
On the other hand, someone who would only use the keyboard for typing and the occasional gaming might be a bit more lenient in the keycaps and switches part of the keyboard. After all, they don’t need heavy-duty keycaps and switches that much. Most of the time, users will just buy keyboards that fulfill a role, and these keyboards usually can’t swap keycaps and switches willy-nilly. Lastly, unless the user wants to spend some cash in doing so, a lot of users usually don’t bother with getting keycaps and switches for their keyboard.
Long story short, buy a keyboard that suits your needs. If you want to customize, go for a keyboard that you can swap keycaps, switches, and other parts easily. A lot of keyboard parts are standardized to fit a lot of keyboards, and 75% keyboards are no exception. On the other hand, there are also good 75% keyboards that have really good base capabilities as well and don’t need customization.
Value
Next on the list is the value of the keyboard you’re buying. After all, users want the most bang for their buck when buying stuff and keyboards are no different. Usually, this means additional functions on the keyboard itself, like RGB Lighting, hardware and software customizations, et cetera. Usually, customizable keyboards have an edge in this because users can just slot in new parts when old ones aren’t functioning anymore.
However, another thing to keep a close eye on is the keyboard’s build quality. After all, buying replacement parts, or even another keyboard is a hassle if the user is lacking in money. Thus, it’s a good idea to confirm the quality of the keyboard itself before making a purchase. Usually, a product’s written reviews would do the trick. But some Youtube content creators review PC parts and it usually doesn’t take much to look for a specific keyboard of the user’s choice to check its quality.
Do note that keycap and switch replacements are only on mechanical keyboards, and if the user is using membrane keyboards, they’re out of luck. Overall, if you want the best bang for your buck, it’s usually a good idea to get mechanical keyboards not only due to customization options but also ergonomically.
75% Keyboard Kits
Last on the list is the 75% keyboard kits, of which some of the keyboards on this list apply. These are usually for those that want to customize their keyboards according to their specifications. Do note that as stated, only mechanical keyboards can customize their keycaps and switches per the user’s wishes.
Because the user is buying a bare-bones keyboard kit, they can customize their keyboard however they wish.
Benefits of Using a 75% Keyboard
There are a few benefits to using a 75% keyboard not only for gaming but also for typing. Here are a few of these benefits:
A smaller keyboard means more space for other PC goodies on the PC table. In addition, the fact that the keyboard takes less space means that the mouse has more space to move around. This is particularly useful in gaming, especially in real-time strategy and first-person shooter games.
It also makes typing easier, as there’s less area for the fingers to go through when typing. The user also takes less time to go between typing and then using the mouse.
Try Out a 75% Keyboard Today
And those have been our choices of the 11 best 75 keyboard models that the user can find in the market. Overall, they are pretty solid choices, but there are others out there as well that users can look for.
