In previous articles I have discussed what form factor means in terms of keyboards.  It essentially just refers to the size and orientation of the keyboard.  You’re probably most accustomed to seeing full size keyboards or maybe TKL, which should have all of the keys that you are already familiar with.  There are, however, some form factors which are strange – to say the least.  One such form factor is the 40%.  The 40% is an extremely small layout, only featuring standard letters and a couple necessary inputs, such as space, shift, and caps lock.  It doesn’t even have a number row, let alone fn keys, a numpad, or arrow keys.

You might, be wondering, “How do you even use it then?” or, “What’s the point.”  The answer, while strange, is the function key.  There exists a software called VIA that is compatible with both the PCB, and the micro-controller of nearly all custom keyboards.  VIA allows the user to remap any key on the keyboard, as well as create multiple layers.  So, when 40% users need to type a number – or use any other key for that matter – they either hold the function key, or press it a designated amount of times to access different layers.  Why is this useful? I’m not too sure.

While it certainly is possible to use a 40% board as well as a more standard form factor, not many people, myself included, are willing to dedicate hundreds of hours towards completely re-learning to type.  It’s just too much effort.  There’s not really a concrete reason for making the switch either, as not really any user of a 40% board has shown significant improvement in typing speed, like you might expect when making the switch to a different keymap layout.  (Examples of such layouts include DVORAK or Colemak, which arrange the position of the keys differently than the standard QWERTY layout.)  The only notable benefit of a 40% board is the space you’re able to save on a smaller desk, but a 60% accomplishes that perfectly fine on just about any small desk setup I’ve seen.  Even still, some people may just prefer the aesthetic of a small board like this.  In my opinion, though, you’re definitely better off opting for a 60% which includes a number row – something that probably all people view as a necessity.  Nevertheless, the 40% will probably stick around due to how much of an oddity it is.  Some renditions of the layout from popular manufacturers can resell for hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.  I guess it’s up to you, but I think the novelty alone just isn’t enough to sell me on the concept.