If you're old enough to remember the humble beginnings of PC gaming, chances are the keyboard you started gaming with came included with your family PC. However, the rise of video games has made it an essential peripheral that evolved, giving rise to mechanical keyboards and multiple designs and form factors including options such as full-size or full size, Tenkeyless or TKL and 60%. This variety can be a little overwhelming, so HyperX, HP Inc.'s gaming peripherals team and the leading gaming and esports brand, presents the available variants so you know all the options when choosing a keyboard.

Full size keyboards (aka 100%)

Full-size gaming keyboards have more than 100 keys (between 104 and 108 depending on region and function key layout). They have the full alphanumeric keyboard, a numeric keypad on the right side and, in between, a group of navigation keys. They are useful for people who work a lot with numbers, spreadsheets, accounting, and data entry. They are also good for fans of more complex simulation games, such as ARMA, or flight simulators, such as Elite Dangerous, because the huge number of keys gives them a shortcut for every possible command.

Most HyperX keyboards are full size. The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 is designed for gamers, streamers, and multi-taskers who need more control in their fingers. With dedicated multimedia keys and an oversized volume wheel, this keyboard has mechanical switches with exposed LEDs covered by translucent HyperX Pudding keys so that the RGB lighting has an extra shine.

Featuring HyperX's exclusive light bar and dynamic RGB lighting effects, the HyperX Alloy Core RGB is a full membrane keyboard ideal for gamers looking to expand style and performance with a moderate investment. With six different lighting effects and three brightness levels, it's the ideal balance between splendor and budget. It includes special media controls and quick access buttons to, for example, easily start and stop music while playing games.

Tenkeyless or TKL (alias 80%)

The literal translation of “Ten key less” is 10 keys less. But in this case "tenkeyless" refers to the fact that the keyboard does not have the part that is configured as the "ten-key adding machine", not to the fact that there are ten fewer keys. In fact, TKL keyboards only have about 87-88 keys, the alphanumeric block, the navigation group and a row of function keys.

In this category, the HyperX Alloy Origins Core stands out, an ultra-compact and robust tenkeyless keyboard that frees up space on your desk for mouse movement. It has mechanical switches with exposed LEDs that allow you to customize your lighting, create macros and adjust Game Mode with HyperX NGENUITY software. It is built with a solid aluminum body that keeps it rigid and stable when the action requires it,

These types of keyboards are suitable for FPS, MMO, MOBA or any other competitive game that does not have simulation elements.

Keyboards 60%

If you want a portable keyboard, or just need WASD to stay on top of your game, then a 60% keyboard may be for you. This keyboard eliminates all key groups other than the alphanumeric block, including the row of function keys at the top. Most 60% keyboards also eliminate the edge coating, resulting in a very tight, thin and medium data entry machine.

The HyperX Alloy Origins 60 keyboard is a heavy-duty keyboard. Its small size is ideal for keeping smaller desks tidy, makes it easy to transport, and is easy to cover with one hand while drawing or moving the mouse with the other. It has an all-aluminum structure and HyperX switches that are tested to withstand 80 million clicks. Includes PBT keycaps with printed secondary functions to easily locate any additional functionality. With HyperX NGENUITY software it is possible to customize the keyboard with macros and configure lighting profiles. Additionally, it includes per-key RGB effects, additional key caps, as well as an HX ESC key.

Of course, one of the great advantages of mechanical keyboards as an input device is that they are customizable and modifiable according to your own preferences. There are more exotic and eclectic configurations such as 75% and 65%. You may feel that you would play better with a micro keyboard that only has WASD and the space key. You are free to play as you want.