#40% anyone ?

1 messages · Page 1 of 1 (latest)

long karma
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So, seeing how popular the 60he has been, and the advantage on desk space it offers, why not go even further in this regard and make a 40% HE build ? I'm deep into the minimalist keeb rabbit hole admittedly, but there's something very alluring to the aesthetics of small keyboards with clean looks

solar fog
wet warren
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Very sad to see this thread get so little attention :(

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Even just a module would be incredible I'm sure many 40% people would be comfertable procuring their own case

long palm
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At this point vote for a numpad and swap the keys for

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wet warren
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I'm not super interested in sub 26%

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and the point is to have a keyboard which I can use for gaming and also maining and not have to switch between different keyboards

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I dont think the current community would be super up for it but there are a lot of people who use small keyboards and also play video games, and there are very few prebuilt 40%s

austere jay
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Honestly, I prefer either an 80% or a 100% keyboard. Personally, 80% already gives plenty of room for the mouse. If you're eating at the same desk and want more space, I'd recommend getting a keyboard tray that holds your keyboard, mouse, and mousepad. That's what I currently use—I mounted a keyboard tray onto my standing desk to free up more surface space.

This setup keeps the entire desktop clear for anything else, while the tray handles the main peripherals.

For me, I'm planning to get a full-size Wooting keyboard, unless they release an 80% model that still includes all six keys above the arrow cluster. Maybe I'll end up getting both—who knows. A 60% board just feels too small and misses important keys for work.

I feel once you go too small (60% and below), it starts to feel closer to a console-style input device—like you're holding a controller instead of using a full workstation keyboard setup.

wet warren
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For me its not about space, and I get that but with layers I have the full functionality of a 100% keyboard on my tiny 30%. One of the reasons I'm so interested in a HE 40% keyboard is for dual functionality on keys, half press full press, I think it could be really cool for that in depth stuff. And having something that updates on the fly rather than needing to compile and flash the firmware would also be very nice. I don't fully understand what you mean by a console style input, from what it sounds like from your message you just don't know about layers, don't use them, or don't like using them so I can somewhat understand what you mean if thats the case

austere jay
# wet warren For me its not about space, and I get that but with layers I have the full funct...

Just to clarify up front — I do understand layers and have used layered setups before. They work, but in my experience they’re still a compromise to support compact layouts rather than a true replacement for dedicated keys.

I get the charm of 30–40% boards from an engineering and design perspective, and they’re cool as a concept. But in high-flow production pipelines and gaming, layers are a workaround, not an upgrade. Dedicated keys just scale better with deep-flow tasks.

When I’m coding or working in DCC tools for long sessions, even an extra key combo interrupts flow and adds friction. I don’t want to think about accessing a layer — I just want the key, instantly. Same for games: F-keys, the cluster above the arrows, macros, and ability bindings matter a lot in real-time situations. Layer-switching in the middle of a boss fight isn’t something I ever want in the mix.

So it's not about space or unfamiliarity — I’ve tried compact + layers, and for my workflow it trades smoothness and throughput for minimalism. For me, 80% or full-size just keeps everything fast and direct.

Totally fair that compact boards are fun for those who enjoy them, but they don’t offer upside for how I work and play. Different tools for different priorities — I simply prefer zero friction and full physical access.

wet warren
austere jay
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I hear you — different setups work for different workflows. I’ve shared my perspective based on my experience, and it sounds like we simply prioritize different things in our environments. All good there.

I’ll leave it here, but thanks for the exchange. Take care.

wet warren
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:)

long karma
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Lol i never saw the thread has replies.

nimble arrow
long karma
nimble arrow
long karma
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Tbh today i don't think i'd go for a 40%, 60 is in the sweetspot for me

nimble arrow
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nvm I like 40%

wet warren