Which Keyboard Has 97 Keys?

What do the terms 60%, 75%, 96%, 97 keys, or Full-Size keyboard mean? How do these sizes and sections relate to your specific needs as a potential keyboard buyer? Before we delve into these details, let's familiarize ourselves with the terms associated with keyboard layout and size.

Understanding a keyboard's sections and sizes is crucial when purchasing. It helps you identify which sections are essential for your needs and which ones you can do without. In this guide, we'll walk you through the basic terms and then delve into the 97 keys keyboard and why it was designed. Let's begin!

Keyboard Anatomy: Sections and Their Purpose

Multiple sections on a keyboard cater to different types of users. Whether you are an accountant, corporate employee, industrialist, or gamer, there is a suitable keyboard size for you. To understand the keyboard sections, we need to study the keyboard size with the most keys, i.e., the full-size keyboard. There are a total of five sections on a full-size keyboard:

Numpad or the "Tenkey" Section

Key Configuration

These are the keys to serve numeric inputs. They are located at the right size of a full-size keyboard. Some keyboards come with the Num Lock feature on these sets of keys. The Numpad acts as a numeric input when turning ON the Num Lock section. However, when the Num Lock is turned OFF, the numpad converts to navigation and arrow keys. We will discuss the purpose of these navigation and arrow keys in the upcoming section. The Numpad consists of:

● Numeric Keys “0-9”

● Mathematic Symbols “/*-+”

● Num Lock and Full Stop Key

Users of Numpad

Users frequently type in numbers are receptionists, bank tellers, brokers, and data specialists. David Sundstrand introduced the first commercial mechanical device with the “Tenkey” section 1914. Due to its benefits, the numpad is still integral to all modern input devices.

Function Row

Key Configuration

The top row on a full-size keyboard is the function row or the “F Key” section. There are usually 12 F keys and one Esc key in this section. On a full-size keyboard, they are grouped into three blocks of four keys per block. They may be in a row without block separation on a smaller keyboard layout.

Users of Function Row

Function keys are useful for all kinds of users. Each key may have a unique function depending on the application and operating system that the user has on their computer. In general, the most common use of function keys are:

● F1 – Help

● F2 – Change The Name of a Specific File or Folder

● F3 – Launches a Search Function for a Currently Active Application.

● F4 – Alt + F4 Close Active Window

● F5 – Refreshes Page

● F7 – Spell and Grammar Check

● F8 – Connect The Boot Menu In Windows

● F9 – Sends and Receives Emails

● F10 – Menu Bar or Shift + F10 for Right-Clicking

● F11 – Full-Screen Mode In Internet Browsers.

● F12 – Save As Dialogue Box

Navigation and Arrow Keys

Key Configuration

The keys are present between the numpad and the alpha key section. They help navigate documents, pages, and explorers and quickly access editing tools. The keys consist of delete, insert, home, end, page up, page down, and arrow keys.

Users of Navigation and Arrow Keys

All PC users utilize these. They are meant to provide quick navigation without clicking and dragging actions with the mouse. However, users can use the Num Lock in the numpad section to use the numeric keypad as a navigation key. It is a redundant feature on a full-size keyboard. Some keyboard layouts omit this section.

Modifiers

Key Configuration

They are present around the alpha-numeric keys. Their purpose is to modify the output of the key. Combining these with other keys results in unique outputs. Here are some of the examples:

● Ctrl-Alt-Del - Lock Screen or Close Application

● Alt-Tab - Switch Windows

● Shift-Del - Permanently Delete

● Ctrl-S - Save

● Ctrl-Z - Undo Recent Action

● Ctrl-C - Copy

● Ctrl-V - Paste

● Ctrl-X - Cutting

● Ctrl-A - Select all

Users of Modifiers

Every keyboard needs modifier keys. They are essential as users can only perform their daily tasks with them. Computer users' most commonly used combinations are capitalization, copy, pasting, and cutting.

Alphas

Key Configuration

Of course, if we want to type in the test, we will need a section with the alphabet and number keys. The Alpha section is at the center of the keyboard. Its purpose is to allow users to input text.

Users of Alphas

Everyone can utilize alpha keys. Gamers and corporate employees are great users of the alphabet-numeric section on the keyboard.

Understanding Keyboard Sizes: 60%, 75%, 96%, 97 keys, or Full-Size

After we learn about the sections on a keyboard, it's safe to enter the world of keyboard sizes. There are multiple options to select for keyboard sizes. It can be confusing, but we are here to help clear it up. Let's discuss the most popular keyboard sizes and see what they feature and what they do:

60% Layout Keyboard

It is the most practical yet small keyboard size, with a symmetric layout suitable for gamers and writers. It does not feature a numpad or separate function keys; the function keys are embedded into the number keys in the alpha section. The 60% keyboard provides the minimum required keys for a compact design. FPS gamers love this size as it leaves space for mouse movement.

75% Layout Keyboard

The layout features the numeric keypad, alpha, and function section. However, the function section is embedded into the numbers of the alpha section. It is also a popular keyboard layout, which features all the necessary keys most users utilize.

96% Layout Keyboard

The keyboard with the 96% layout incorporates a numeric pad, a navigation section, a function section, modifiers, and the alpha section. However, it smartly incorporates them to make the keyboard more compact and leave more table space for accessories. Users who require a smaller keyboard than the full-size keyboard but still want to retain all the necessary sections can choose the 96% keyboard layout.

Full-Size Keyboard

It is the most common keyboard design that incorporates all the sections of a keyboard. Most office or industrial keyboards consist of this layout and size, which is the preferred size due to its comprehensive design.

Do You Need a 97 Keys Keyboard?

We know what a 97-key keyboard is and what benefits it holds. Let's dive deeper into how it can be a promising layout for gamers and corporate professionals. Here are the top benefits of a 97 keys keyboard, otherwise also known as a 96% keyboard:

● It has a lower footprint on the tabletop, thus leaving more space for files or a gaming mouse.

● The numeric keypad is still in its original location, so no learning curve is required.

● The presence of arrow keys and navigation keys is vital for some applications.

● It still features the dedicated function keys so that they are accessible directly.

● There is no need to utilize keypress combinations for function frequently.

What's Missing in a 97 Keys Keyboard?

There are a total of 7 keys are omitted from the 97 keys design. Some of them are redundant, while users rarely utilize some of them. Here are the missing keys in a 97 keys keyboard:

● The redundant Ctrl and Menu key on the right of the alpha section are not present in the 97 key keyboard.

● The Home, End, Print Screen, Scroll Lock, and Pause/Break keys are removed.

Example of a 97 Keys Keyboard

One good example of a 97 Keys keyboard is the MEETION 97 Keys DIY Wireless Keyboard Kit.

BTK011 is a mechanical keyboard with a gasket mount design for silent operation. Users can fit any MX mechanical switch within its socket for maximum customization. It is the ultimate keyboard for gamers, typists, industrialists, and corporate employees.

Conclusion

So, the 97-key keyboard is an ideal choice for users who do not require the extra Ctrl, Menu, Home, End, Print Screen, Scroll Lock, and Pause/Break keys on their keyboard. The keyboard's design makes its overall dimensions compact and manageable for a computer tabletop. It is ideal for gamers, corporate employees, and industrialists alike. We hope you found value in our article. Check out the MEETION official blog for more information on mechanical keyboards and mice!