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Generally there are few things to say:

  • Standards are easier to get caps for

Keyboard layouts

Key layout

  • ARTSEY is a one-handed keyboard system using 8 keys in a 2x4 layout. The system is designed to be easy to learn, comfortable to use, and fast enough for practical use.

"ISO vs ANSI"

ANSI-vs-ISO

Bottom Row

keyboard-bottom-row-standard

Profile

keyboard-keycap-profile

100-40% Keyboards

TODO

TODO

TODO

TODO

TODO

TODO

Winkeyless (WKS)

A WKL keyboard, also known as a Winkeyless keyboard, is a keyboard that does not have the Windows (between left CTRL and left ALT) and the application (between right CTRL and right ALT) key.

In a standard WKL layout, the places of these keys are left empty with no other key to replace them.

Tenkeyless (TKL)

While tenkeyless gets its name from 10 number keys on the Numpad, tenkeyless keyboards do not contain a Numpad at all, so they actually have 17 keys less than a full-sized 104-key keyboard.

Features

Wireless (WK)

Wireless Keyboard

Bluetooth vs ?

Backlit keyboard

LED, RGB

On/off vs controlled LED per key

Switches

Gateron

gateron-switches

Key Caps

Form

Rember that depending on the profile the key caps need to be formed differently, depending in which row they are.

keycap-profile

Depending on the brand, the key caps may not be standard. In this example there is a logitech cap (left) next to a regular cap (right):

logitech-vs-standard

Printing

Double-Shot vs Laser Engraved

Material

ABS vs PBT Keycaps

ABS Keycaps PBT Keycaps
Cheaper More Expensive
Shiny/Greasy Matte
Smooth Textured
Thinner Thicker
Quieter Louder
Flexible Brittle
Wears Over Time More Durable

Keycap Profile

Keycap Profile Description
OEM The keycap profile you’ll find on most keyboards. Mass produced, considered standard. Angled top.
Cherry Very similar to OEM profile, but shorter.
DSA Slightly shorter profile with spherical top.
XDA Medium height profile with spherical top.
SA Tall height profile with slightly spherical and angled top.

O-rings

O-rings can be a good option if you want to dampen the noise and make your keyboard more quiet. O-rings can ruin the typing experience of your keyboard if you’re not careful.