The core logic of the 87-key (Tenkeyless, or TKL) layout is to «remove the numeric keypad while retaining the full main key cluster and the F-row.» Derived from the 104-key full-size layout, it eliminates the numeric keypad—which occupies about 80mm of width on the right—while preserving the F1–F12 function keys at the top, the dedicated six-key navigation cluster (Insert, Home, PgUp, Delete, End, PgDn), and the inverted-T arrow key cluster. This layout has remained enduringly popular because it strikes an optimal balance between «freeing up space for the mouse» and «maintaining efficient access to shortcuts.»
I. Space Optimization: Removing the Numeric Keypad, Retaining the Navigation Cluster
The primary space-saving measure in the 87-key layout is the removal of the dedicated numeric keypad on the right. This eliminates approximately 80mm of horizontal width, significantly expanding the range of motion for the mouse. For FPS gamers who use low sensitivity settings, this ensures that the space on the right side of the mousepad is no longer encroached upon by the keyboard.
Unlike 75% layouts, which compress the navigation and arrow key clusters, the 87-key layout keeps the navigation cluster (the six-key block) and the arrow keys fully intact and separate from the main key cluster. Rather than embedding keys like Home, End, or Delete into the main layout or relegating them to Fn-combination shortcuts, it maintains them as dedicated, standalone keys. For programmers (who frequently use Home/End to jump to the beginning or end of a line), video editors (who rely on Delete and Insert), and office professionals, the ability to operate these keys by touch—without needing to look down—offers an efficiency that Fn-based shortcuts simply cannot match.
II. Functional Positioning of the F-Row: Physical Separation and Efficient Triggering
The 87-key layout retains the full F1–F12 function key row at the top, separated from the main key cluster by a distinct physical gap. During touch-typing, this gap serves as a «tactile anchor»—as fingers move upward, they can clearly sense the boundary of the F-row, helping to prevent accidental presses of the number keys below. In an 87-key layout, the function (F) row serves a purpose that extends well beyond simple «multimedia controls.» In both esports and productivity-focused workflows, this row hosts a wide array of frequently used shortcuts:
– FPS Games: Keys F1–F4 are commonly used for weapon switching or activating abilities, while F5–F8 are often mapped to team voice chat or tactical markers.
– MOBA/RTS Games: F1–F4 typically handle hero selection or unit group management. For the left hand, the F-row represents the furthest reach accessible without moving too far from the WASD cluster.
– Productivity Software: Functions like F2 (rename), F5 (refresh), and F12 (developer tools in browsers) have become deeply ingrained in the «muscle memory» of Windows users.
While 75% layouts also include an F-row, they eliminate the gap between the F-row and the number row, effectively «pushing» the F-keys directly above the numbers. Although this saves vertical space, it increases the risk of accidental key presses during touch-typing. The 87-key layout preserves the physical spacing found on traditional keyboards, allowing users to rely on existing muscle memory without needing to readjust to the positioning of the F-row.
III. The Distinct Role of the Inverted-T Arrow Key Cluster
The 87-key layout features a classic, standalone «inverted-T» arrow key cluster, positioned between the main typing area and the navigation/editing cluster on the right, with no other keys crowding the space below. This stands in stark contrast to 75% layouts, which often «sink» the arrow keys into the main block, necessitating a compressed right-Shift key.
The value of the inverted-T layout lies in the certainty it provides for blind operation. When typing or gaming, the right hand can reach the arrow keys without straying too far from the main key cluster; furthermore, the spacing and height of the four keys align perfectly with the natural extension of the fingers. In scenarios such as racing games—or any context requiring precise directional control—the standalone inverted-T layout offers a clear advantage over more compact, compressed configurations.
IV. Product Positioning of the 87-Key Layout in 2026
In 2026—an era dominated by magnetic-switch keyboards and ultra-compact layouts—the 87-key configuration has not become obsolete; rather, it has carved out a distinct and well-defined product niche. TKL for Competitive Gaming: For FPS players who rely on wide, sweeping mouse movements, the 87-key layout offers an ideal balance—preserving ample space for the mouse while retaining a full row of function (F) keys and a dedicated navigation/editing cluster. Magnetic-switch keyboards like the Keychron Q3 HE and Mchose ACE 87, for instance, utilize this TKL form factor. Unlike 60% layouts, they don’t require reliance on complex «Fn» layers, and unlike 75% layouts, they avoid the need to compromise the length of the right Shift key.
TKL for Productivity: For users who frequently input numerical data but prefer not to have their desk dominated by a full-sized (104-key) keyboard, the 87-key layout provides a practical solution: it keeps the dedicated navigation/editing cluster intact while eliminating the number pad—a section that often gets in the way of mouse movement.
TKL for Custom Keyboards: Within the custom keyboard community, the 87-key layout serves as a classic platform for Gasket-mounted designs, full-aluminum chassis, and sophisticated acoustic dampening configurations. It offers sufficient internal volume to accommodate multiple layers of sound-dampening material, while also making it easier to achieve a compact, solid, and premium aesthetic compared to a full-sized 104-key board.
