In recent years, mechanical keyboards have seen a resurgence in popularity, with users becoming increasingly particular about form factor, aesthetics, and typing experience. Among the various layouts available, one has quietly risen to dominate both enthusiast setups and workplace desks alike: the 75% keyboard. In 2025, the rise of the 75 keyboard has become a defining trend in both tech and productivity communities — and it’s not just hype.
What Is a 75% Keyboard?
Before diving into why it’s taking over, it’s important to understand what a 75% keyboard actually is. A 75% keyboard offers most of the keys found on a standard tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard but arranges them in a more compact layout. This means it includes:
- The full set of alphanumeric keys
- Function row (F1–F12)
- Arrow keys
- Navigation cluster (like Home, End, Page Up/Down)
However, unlike a full-sized or TKL keyboard, the keys are packed tightly together in a cleaner, more condensed form — often without gaps between clusters. This design saves space while retaining essential functionality.
Why the 75% Keyboard Is Winning in 2025
1. Space Efficiency Meets Functionality
One of the biggest reasons behind the rise of the 75 keyboard is the balance it strikes between compactness and usability. Unlike 60% and 65% keyboards, which often drop function keys or navigation clusters, the 75% keeps these essentials in a tight layout — making it ideal for professionals who need access to shortcuts but want to maximize desk space.
With the increase in remote work and minimalist desk setups in 2025, people are prioritizing clean, uncluttered workspaces. A 75% keyboard offers the perfect solution.
2. Aesthetic Appeal
Let’s face it — aesthetics matter, especially in 2025, when personal setups are being showcased on social media, video calls, and YouTube channels. The 75% layout provides a symmetrical, sleek design that looks great with custom keycaps, RGB lighting, and artisan modifications. Enthusiasts appreciate the way this layout offers visual balance while still being practical.
3. Custom Keyboard Culture
The custom mechanical keyboard hobby has exploded over the past few years, and with it, the demand for more niche layouts. The rise of the 75 keyboard can be credited in part to this movement, as hobbyists sought a layout that offered full functionality without the bulk of a TKL or full-size board. Many group buys and keyboard kits in 2025 now feature 75% layouts as the default.
How It Compares to Other Layouts
| Layout | Key Count | Pros | Cons |
| 60% | ~61 | Compact, portable | Lacks arrow keys and F-row |
| 65% | ~67 | Adds arrow keys | Still lacks F-row |
| 75% | ~84 | Full functionality in compact form | Slightly cramped key spacing |
| TKL | ~87 | Familiar layout | Larger footprint |
| Full-size | 104+ | Complete key set | Bulky, takes more desk space |
As shown, the 75% keyboard hits the sweet spot between utility and desk real estate, explaining why it’s taking over desks in 2025.
Final Thoughts
The rise of the 75 keyboard has been steady, but in 2025, it has truly cemented itself as the preferred choice for those who want both form and function. Whether you’re a coder, designer, gamer, or writer, the 75% layout offers a satisfying typing experience without sacrificing valuable desk space.
As tech trends continue to lean toward personalization, minimalism, and ergonomic efficiency, the popularity of this compact yet powerful layout shows no signs of slowing down. It’s safe to say that the rise of the 75 keyboard is not just a phase — it’s a permanent shift in how we think about productivity tools.
