What Is an 1800 Keyboard? The Complete Compact Keyboard Guide

1. What Exactly Is an 1800 Keyboard?

An 1800 keyboard—often called an 1800 compact keyboard or compact 1800 keyboard—refers to a family of full-function mechanical keyboard layouts that preserve all essential keys of a traditional full-size board while reducing unused space. Unlike standard 104-key keyboards, which separate the function row, navigation cluster, and numpad into wide blocks, the 1800 layout compresses these clusters into a tighter and more efficient arrangement.

Traditionally, the term comes from the iconic Cherry G80-1800, a 104-key standard 1800-layout keyboard that keeps every key of a full-size layout but shrinks the physical footprint by tightening the spacing between clusters. Over time, the 1800 family expanded to include modern compact variants with 96 to 99 keys, which streamline or merge certain keys while still retaining the numpad, F-row, and arrow keys.

This unique combination of full-size functionality and reduced desk space is why the 1800 layout has grown so popular. For gamers, the narrower width offers more comfortable mouse room; for office and productivity users, the dedicated numpad delivers efficiency without requiring a full-size board. As a result, the 1800 keyboard has become a favorite among people who want performance, usability, and compact design all in one keyboard—without sacrificing the features they rely on.

2. What Is an 1800 Keyboard Layout?

2.1 1800 Keyboard Layout Definition

The 1800 keyboard layout—sometimes written as an 1800 layout keyboard or even the commonly mistyped class 1800 keyboard—originated from the classic Cherry G80-1800 series. Cherry’s design took the traditional full-size keyboard and condensed it into a much tighter and more efficient form factor.

The name “1800” simply comes from that original model number. Over time, enthusiasts adopted the term to describe any keyboard that follows this compact full-size style: a layout that keeps all the essential keys but removes the wasted space found on a standard 104-key board.

In other words, an 1800 keyboard layout delivers the full-size experience in a significantly smaller frame, making it one of the most practical and user-friendly compact layouts on the market today.

2.2 Key Characteristics of the 1800 Layout

What makes the 1800 compact keyboard so unique is how it reorganizes the keys without sacrificing functionality. Its defining characteristics include:

• Full numpad remains intact for fast number entry
• F-row (F1–F12) is fully preserved
• Dedicated arrow keys for intuitive navigation
• Reduced spacing between clusters to minimize wasted area
• More compact footprint, offering better desk space and improved ergonomics

Because of this design, a compact 1800 keyboard gives users the convenience of a full-size board while freeing up more room for mouse movement and multitasking.

2.3 Typical Key Count

When people talk about an 1800 keyboard, they usually mean one of two closely related layouts:

• Standard 1800 layout (104 keys) — This follows the classic Cherry G80-1800 style. It keeps all 104 keys of a traditional full-size keyboard, but compresses the gaps between the function row, navigation cluster, and numpad to reduce the overall footprint.
• 1800 compact layout (96–99 keys) — Modern compact 1800 keyboards remove or merge a few keys and tighten the layout even further, typically resulting in **96 to 99 keys** while still keeping the numpad, F-row, and arrow keys.

Many popular boards on the market use a 98-key compact 1800 layout, which is why you’ll often see terms like “98-key compact keyboard” and “1800 compact keyboard” used together. The key idea is the same: full-size functionality in a more space-efficient design.

3. 1800 Keyboard vs Full-Size Keyboard (100%)

When people first hear about an 1800 keyboard, their biggest question is usually: “How is it different from a regular full-size keyboard?” Surprisingly, the two layouts are far more similar than most users realize—just arranged in a smarter, more compact way.

3.1 Key Differences

Here’s a quick breakdown of how a standard full-size keyboard (100%) compares to an 1800 compact keyboard:

In short: the 1800 layout gives you everything a full-size keyboard offers—just without the wasted space.

3.2 Advantages for Work & Gaming

What makes the 1800 layout stand out isn’t just its compact design. It’s the practical advantages it brings to everyday use, especially for people who work long hours or game competitively.

1. More Room for Your Mouse (Huge for FPS Gamers)

By trimming the keyboard’s width, an 1800 layout frees up valuable desk space. For FPS players who rely on quick flicks and low-sensitivity aiming, this extra room can translate to better accuracy and comfort.

2. Full Productivity With a Smaller Footprint

Unlike TKL or 75% boards, the dedicated numpad is still there. If you work with spreadsheets, analytics, accounting, or anything involving heavy numeric input, an 1800 layout hits the sweet spot between efficiency and compactness.

3. More Comfortable Ergonomics

Less horizontal reach means:

• your shoulders stay more relaxed,
• your arms stay closer to the body,
• and the keyboard + mouse setup feels more natural.

4. Ideal for Minimal or Small Desks

For users with limited workspace or ultra-clean desk setups, the 1800 keyboard reduces clutter without sacrificing usability.

4. 1800 Keyboard vs TKL / 75% / 96% / 100%

If you’re exploring mechanical keyboards, you’ve probably come across TKL (Tenkeyless), 75%, 96%, and full-size 100% boards. Understanding how an 1800 keyboard fits in can help you choose the right keyboard for your workspace or gaming setup.

4.1 Comparison Table

This table gives a clear overview: the 1800 keyboard combines the compact footprint of a smaller board while still keeping the full numpad, making it ideal for users who need both functionality and space efficiency.

4.2 How 1800 Layout Differs from 96% / 98%

While 1800 keyboards and 98-key keyboards are closely related, they’re not always identical.

• Standard 1800 layout (104 keys) keeps the same key count as a traditional full-size keyboard, but compresses the gaps between clusters. Cherry’s G80-1800 is the classic example.

• 1800 compact layouts (96–99 keys) take the same idea further by slightly reducing or merging certain keys, resulting in popular variants like 98-key compact keyboards.

• 96% keyboards are usually even denser. Some designs keep the numpad but significantly compress or modify the function row and navigation cluster to minimize width.

In other words, many modern 98-key compact mechanical keyboards are based on an 1800 compact layout, but the broader 1800 family also includes the classic 104-key 1800-layout boards.

5. Why Choose an 1800 Compact Keyboard?

The 1800 compact keyboard has become a go-to choice for users who want the full functionality of a standard keyboard without sacrificing desk space or comfort. Whether you’re a gamer, professional, or simply someone with a small workspace, the 1800 layout provides the perfect balance of performance and convenience.

Rapoo V700DIY-98 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (1800 Layout)

5.1 Benefits

1. Full Functionality in a Smaller Footprint Unlike TKL or 75% boards, an 1800 keyboard keeps the F-row, arrow keys, and numpad intact. You get everything you need without the extra bulk, making it ideal for tight workspaces or minimalist setups.
2. Perfect for Gaming Gamers benefit from the compact width, which provides more room for mouse movement and better ergonomics for FPS and MMO gameplay.
3. Ideal for Office Productivity The dedicated numpad allows for fast and accurate number input, making the 1800 keyboard perfect for accountants, data analysts, or anyone who works extensively with spreadsheets.
4. Reduced Hand Movement By bringing all keys closer together, the 1800 layout minimizes the distance your hands need to travel, reducing fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions.
5. Efficient Desk Space Usage The compact design frees up valuable desk real estate for other essentials, such as notebooks, monitors, or peripherals, without sacrificing keyboard functionality.

5.2 Who Is It Best For?

The 1800 compact keyboard is highly versatile and suits a wide range of users, including:

• Programmers – for comfortable coding without losing the numpad or F-keys.
• Accountants & Data Entry Professionals – for faster numeric input and spreadsheet efficiency.
• Gamers – especially those who need extra mouse room for FPS and MOBA games.
• Designers & Creatives – for clutter-free desks while keeping full keyboard functionality.
• Small Desk Users – anyone looking to maximize workspace without compromising on a full set of keys.

6. Types of 1800 Compact Keyboards

The 1800 compact keyboard category has evolved over the years to meet the needs of gamers, typists, and professionals alike. Whether you are looking for a classic 1800 keyboard layout or a modern custom kit, there is a board to fit every preference and setup.

6.1 Standard 1800 Layout

The standard 1800 layout keyboard stays true to the original Cherry G80-1800 design:

• Maintains the full numpad, F-row, and arrow keys
• Slightly condensed width compared to full-size keyboards (~10–15% smaller)
• Ideal for users who want classic compact full-size functionality without any gimmicks

This type of 1800 keyboard is perfect for office workers, data entry professionals, and gamers who prefer a familiar layout with minimal learning curve.

6.2 Modern 1800 Compact

Modern 1800 compact keyboards are designed with today’s enthusiasts in mind:

•  98% layout
• Features like hot-swappable switches, tri-mode wireless connectivity, and RGB lighting
• Often built with high-quality materials like PBT keycaps and aluminum frames
• Maintains the classic compact full-size layout while adding modern conveniences

These boards are perfect for gamers, programmers, and anyone looking for a premium typing or gaming experience.

6.3 Custom & DIY 1800 Keyboards

For keyboard enthusiasts, DIY 1800 keyboards offer unmatched customization:

• Fully customizable layouts and key mapping
• Gasket mount or foam layers for sound dampening
• Hot-swappable switches and keycaps for personalization
• Compatible with a wide range of accessories and mechanical switches

This type is ideal for hobbyists and enthusiasts who enjoy building and fine-tuning their perfect compact 1800 keyboard.

7. How to Choose the Right 1800 Keyboard

Choosing the perfect 1800 compact keyboard can be overwhelming with so many options available today. Whether you’re buying for gaming, office work, or a mix of both, understanding the key factors can help you find a board that fits your needs and preferences.

Key Factors

8. Common Questions (FAQ)

This FAQ covers the most common questions about 1800 keyboards, helping users understand the layout, usage, and benefits.

How big is an 1800 compact keyboard?

Size varies slightly by manufacturer, but the Rapoo V700DIY-98 measures 15.27 × 5.63 × 1.65 inches (38.8 × 14.3 × 4.2 cm) and weighs 2.27 lbs (1.03 kg). It’s compact enough to save desk space while retaining full functionality.

Is a 98-key keyboard the same as an 1800 keyboard?

Yes! Most 1800 keyboards use 98 keys, which is why “98-key keyboard” and “1800 compact keyboard” are often used interchangeably. Both layouts keep the full numpad, F-row, and arrow keys in a condensed frame.

Is an 1800 keyboard good for gaming?

Absolutely. The 1800 compact layout provides a full-function keyboard with a smaller footprint, giving gamers extra mouse room and ergonomic advantages—perfect for FPS, MOBA, and MMO games.

What is the difference between 1800 and 96% keyboards?

A 96% keyboard is slightly smaller and may omit or compress certain F-row keys to save space. The 1800 layout maintains a traditional compact full-size design, keeping all essential keys intact.

Does an 1800 layout support custom keycaps?

Yes. Most 1800 keyboards, especially modern 98-key or hot-swappable versions, support standard keycap sets, allowing customization of colors, textures, and profiles.

Why do some brands call it 98%, and some call it 1800 layout?

Different manufacturers use different naming conventions: “98% keyboard” emphasizes the percentage of keys compared to full-size, while “1800 keyboard layout” references the classic Cherry G80-1800 design. Functionally, both refer to the same compact full-size layout.

How many keys are in an 1800 keyboard?

It depends on the exact variant.

• Standard 1800-layout keyboards usually have 104 keys, just like a traditional full-size board, but packed into a more compact footprint.

• 1800 compact keyboards typically have 96 to 99 keys, with 98-key layouts being very popular among modern mechanical keyboard brands.