Best Compact 1800 Layout and 96% Keyboards for 2022

For gamers, having the right keyboard is essential. A keyboard that’s awkward or unresponsive makes it harder to control your game. The better your keyboard, the less time you’ll spend staring at a “Game Over” screen.

Under ideal circumstances, you’ll want to use a full-sized mechanical keyboard. A mechanical keyboard gives you more responsive keys that are significantly more durable. And a full-sized keyboard ensures that you’ll have all the potential controls and hotkeys. You don’t have to worry about holding down a function key to access some of your commands.

但是全尺寸键盘可能很笨拙。一方面，您的桌子上可能没有足够的空间来容纳全尺寸板。另一方面，您可能会花很多时间在路上。全尺寸键盘可能会大而重，尤其是当它们是坚固的游戏键盘时。这使得它们不太理想出于旅行目的。

有些人选择使用无人机键盘，以消除数字垫和许多其他键。这对商务旅行者来说很好，但这对游戏玩家来说并不理想。许多游戏，尤其是经典游戏，使用数字板与键盘的其余部分一样多。如果您没有数字垫，那么您将很难玩。

A compact 1800 layout keyboard is a good compromise. These keyboards eliminate most of the dead space on the keyboard, along with a handful of keys. Normally, these are some of the keys above the arrow keys. This gives you almost all of the keys you’d get with a full-sized board, but with a significantly smaller profile.

Today, we’re going to review five of the three best compact 1800 layout keyboards available in 2022. We’ll look at their physical design, and the materials used to construct them. We’ll discuss the quality of the keycaps, as well as what switches are used. In addition, we’ll also talk about connectivity, backlighting, and all the other relevant features. After that, we’ll be able to make a fair comparison between them all. Let’s begin!

最佳总体：Drop Shift机械游戏键盘

这Drop Shift Mechanical Gaming Keyboardhas an aluminum frame with an attractive silver finish. This makes it fairly durable compared to a similar plastic keyboard. The total size is 15.2 inches wide, 5.5 inches tall, and 1.7 inches thick. At a little over 2 pounds, it’s not the heaviest keyboard on our list. But it still feels reasonably hefty when you hold it in your hand. A set of chunky rubber feet keep it from sliding around, as well as preventing scratches.

99键的设计经过深思熟虑，您只会丢失打印屏幕，滚动锁和暂停按钮。也没有正确的“ ctrl”键，但是很少使用正确的键。这些钥匙是可热门的，这意味着它们不需要焊接才能更换。如果您决定不喜欢这些交换机，则可以将它们拉出并直接插入新的开关。如果一个开关失败，这也可能会派上用场，因为您只需要替换开关即可。

钥匙扣在字母数字键上是灰色的，而其他大多数键则是黑色。它们是由PBT塑料制造的，这是传统的ABS钥匙扣的重大改进。PBT帽的感觉稍微柔软，并且不容易收集手指油脂。它们的耐用性也更耐用，不会磨损时变老。可定制的RGB背光从后面闪耀。这可以为您提供完美的美学，以匹配其余的电子产品。

这个键盘是可用的和几个不同的types of switch. The version we reviewed came with the Kaihua Speed Silver switch. This has the same form factor as Cherry MX switches, and they have a linear construction. There’s a total of 3.5mm of travel, with 1.1 to 1.4mm of pre-travel, and the click is not very loud. Resistance is minimal, and you get a durability rating of 70-million clicks.

That said, there are several versions available. These include Cherry MX Blue and Brown, Kaihua Box White, and Halo Clear and True. You can also order a “stripped” version of the board, with no switches or keycaps. This isn’t much use to most people. But if you’re a hobbyist building a custom board, it’s a great starting point, with a well-designed layout.

Drop Shift键盘通过可移动的56英寸USB连接到您的计算机。我们赞赏可移动的电缆，因为如果它损坏，您可以轻松更换它。与电缆和板一起，该套件还配备了开关拉拔器和一个钥匙扣拉拔器。

Pros

• Beautiful, high-end design with a burly aluminum frame.
• Feels high-quality, chunky and durable.
• Keycaps made from PBT plastic rather than ABS.
• Available with several types of switches.

Cons

• Relatively expensive.
• 一些用户抱怨稳定器。

最佳亚军：KeyChron K4

这Keychron K4‘s housing is constructed from durable black aluminum. It’s the lightest of all of today’s options, at only 1.62 pounds in weight. It’s also fairly compact, at 14.8 inches wide, 5 inches tall, and 1.5 inches thick. On the bottom, you’ll find a pair of little feet which can be flipped into two positions, for two typing angles.

这K4 has a 100-key layout, and preserves most of your standard keyboard keys. The only keys you lose are Print Screen, Scroll Lock, Pause, and Insert, which are rarely used in gaming. The OS keys are marked with a Mac symbol, not for Windows. But like all of these five keyboards, it can be used with either type of system, without any trouble.

这re are six different versions of this keyboard. All of them sport grey and black keys, with a bright orange Escape key for easy visibility. All of them also come with customizable RGB backlighting. As for switches, you can choose between red, blue, and brown options. We particularly loved the Gateron G Pro Brown keys. Like most brown switches, they produce a loud, satisfying click, with medium resistance. Besides excellent tactile responsiveness, you also get a 50-million keystroke durability rating. All three types of switches can be ordered either soldered or hot-swappable. The soldered switches are a little bit more secure. But the hot-swappable ones are much easier to replace.

这K4 can connect via USB Type-C or Bluetooth. Using USB, you can connect to one device, and you’ll have a constant source of power. Using Bluetooth, you can connect to up to three devices simultaneously. Then, you can use a keyboard shortcut to swap seamlessly between those devices. The 4,000mAh battery has enough power to run for up to 10 days with the backlight turned off. That’s more than enough for most people’s needs, and USB Type-C charging is easy.

Pros

• Incredibly lightweight, aluminum-framed design.
• Available in 6 different versions with a variety of switches.
• 支持有线或无线连接。
• Built-in battery has enough capacity to last over a week (if used wirelessly).
• Adjustable feet for finding the proper angle.

Cons

• Underwhelming RGB features.
• Some users report issues with Bluetooth connection.
• Somewhat cheap feeling compared to other options.

Best Budget Option: ROYAL KLUDGE RK100

这ROYAL KLUDGE RK100has a white aluminum frame that’s relatively compact. It measures 15.5 inches wide, 6.5 inches tall, and 2.3 inches thick. With a weight of 2.49 pounds, it’s right in the middle of the pack today in terms of weight. It also has PBT keycaps, so you don’t have to worry about finger grease or excessive wear.

这layout has a 100-key design with most of the standard keys, including a Print Screen key. You’ll appreciate that if you’re trying to take screenshots and your game’s launcher doesn’t support them. The keys are available in two different color schemes, depending on your preference. The “Classic” has a more traditional look, with grey and white keys and an orange escape key. The “Carbon” is far more colorful, with blocks of cream, grey, and orange keys. Both color schemes come with customizable RGB backlighting.

你可以秩序RK100棕色,红色,和蓝色keys. All versions are hot-swappable, so you can always change your switches later if you so desire. We specifically reviewed the blue keys, which are the heaviest of the bunch. They provide a ton of tactile feedback, with a very loud clicking sound. If you want the people in voice chat to hear your keyboard, you’ll appreciate this one.

像Keychron K4,键盘可以连接到up to three devices via Bluetooth 5.1. Alternatively, you can use the 2.4GHz wireless dongle. This only allows a single connection, but it’s even lower-latency than Bluetooth 5.1. When you’re using either wireless mode, the 3,750mAh battery will last for several days. You’ll get shorter battery life if you’re leaving your RGB backlights on.

第三个替代方法是直接通过USB Type-C连接。这会给您无限的上场时间，无论您的背光是否处于活动状态。它还使您可以通过侧面的一对USB通行端口来插入其他设备。

Pros

• Equipped with two built-in USB pass-through ports.
• Connects via 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth or USB-wired.
• Keycaps made from PBT plastic rather than ABS.
• 配有棕色，红色或蓝色开关。

Cons

• Some switches cannot be swapped out.
• Not recommended for modding.
• 软件使用可能是有问题的。
• A bit cheap feeling when compared to other, more-expensive options.

Best Alternative: AJAZZ B16 Gentiana

这AJAZZ B16 Gentianais another mid-weight keyboard, tipping the scales at 2.42 pounds. It’s also medium-sized, at 15.08 inches wide, 5.35 inches tall, and 1.57 inches thick. The frame is made from a grey and white plastic, which was somewhat disappointing. Still, it seems reasonably durable, and we didn’t have concerns about its construction quality.

这PBT keycaps come in two possible layouts. You can order it with two-tone blue and cyan keys, or with grey and yellow keys. You can also order it with Cherry MX Blue, Red, or Brown switches, for any type of playing style. They’re not hot-swappable, so take your time and choose carefully. The backlight is only white, not RGB, but it does have 21 lighting modes.

这个键盘最突出的是其独特的布局。右CTRL键旁边有一个附加按钮，用于复制右键单击。这对于需要您在键盘和鼠标之间来回弹出的游戏可能非常有用。另一方面，没有插入或删除键。这些天，插入密钥很少用于任何东西。但是删除键用于各种程序，因此您可能必须进行相当多的重新映射。

B16 Gentiana配备了一个可选的磁吸力面板。该面板越过键盘的前部，被骨骼固定在钥匙上。这纯粹是化妆品的功能，它只是使钥匙看起来更高或更低。这也会导致背光的闪耀方式不同。

This keyboard connects to your computer with a 63-inch built-in USB cable. That’s reasonably long, enough to get where you’re going in most configurations. There are also a key puller and an extra keycap, which click into sockets in the bottom of the keyboard.

Pros

• Very unique layout.
• Keycaps made from PBT plastic rather than ABS.
• 有多种鲜艳的色彩。
• Comes with an optional magnetic suction panel.

Cons

• Frame is made from cheap-feeling plastic.
• 开关不可热门。
• Backlight is white-only; no RGB features.
• No delete key.

Best 2nd Alternative: FL ESPORTS FL980

这FL ESPORTS FL980还有一个塑料框架，但也是最重的塑料框架，体重为3.43磅。框架本身是黑色的，带有黑色和灰色的PBT钥匙扣和一些红色钥匙。替代变体带有黑色和白色钥匙和珊瑚亮点。底部有一组脚，几乎没有橡胶尖和两个可能的调节角度。

这是一个98键的板，删除了很少的按钮。将钥匙扣注入DoubleShot，以获得最大的耐用性。可自定义的RGB背光非常吸引人。删除，页面向上，向下和插入键都可以在数字板上易于访问。只有几个标准键不存在。Windows/Mac键在两个操作系统上都充分发挥作用。

这FL980 switches are not hot-swappable, and come in one variety: Kailh Box White. The Box White switch is designed for medium weight and maximum click. It’s certainly one of the most tactile switches on the market. But loud switches can sometimes cause keyboards to rattle. To compensate for this, there’s a silicone pad embedded in the surface, beneath the switches. This pad absorbs rattles, echo, and other irritating sounds.

该套件包括USB Type-A到type-C和type-C type-C type-C电缆。这使您可以连接到缺乏传统A型端口的USB Type-C笔记本电脑。

Pros

• 99& hot-swappable.
• Silicone pad embedded beneath the switches to reduce rattling.
• Keycaps made from PBT plastic rather than ABS.
• 10+ lighting presets built-in.
• Very tactile, retro-like feeling.

Cons

• Software doesn’t work that well.
• 开关不可热门。
• No instructions included.

Which 1800-Layout Keyboard is Best?

All five of these compact 1800-layout keyboards have something to offer. But which one is the right choice for you? Let’s quickly recap each one of them.

这Drop Shift Mechanical Gaming Keyboardhas a durable design and a quality set of keycaps. It stands out most for its layout, which preserves more keys than most. Not only that, but the stripped version is an excellent choice for hobbyists.

这Keychron K4‘s most attractive feature is the ability to connect to three devices. You can switch from your game to your phone to fire off a text, without taking your hands off your keyboard. The layout is also easy to use, with hardly any keys missing.

这ROYAL KLUDGE RK100can also connect to up to three devices simultaneously. When used in wired mode, it offers two pass-through ports, so you can connect other accessories via the keyboard. The presence of a Print Screen key is valuable for older games, which don’t have native screen capture capability.

Moving on, theAJAZZ B16 Gentianais a great choice but gamers, and only for gamers. The right mouse button shortcut key can be incredibly useful for many types of games. But the lack of a Delete key makes it unsuitable for most other applications.

Last but certainly not least, theFL ESPORTS FL980is the biggest keyboard of the bunch, and the closest to a traditional keyboard. It’s great for someone who wants full keyboard functionality in a slightly smaller design. We also liked the Kailh Box White switches, which gave incredible tactile response.