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Benefits of tiny keyboards

There are a bunch of small and nice mechanical keyboards out there, but the size can be intimidating for newcomers. So, why do people build and use tiny keyboards?

Some benefits are:

  • Lower cost. Fewer parts (especially switches and caps) result in a smaller pricetag.
  • Easier to build. Especially if it’s a handwired one.
  • Ergonomy: with clever use of layers they require less hand and finger movement.
  • Small footprint. More place for other things on your table, eg. for your mouse.
  • More portable.

    • Smaller size = lower costs

    Smaller size means fewer parts and lower production costs.

    Switches are available for about 0.3-1USD/piece. If you need 107 keys for a full size keyboard, you are at 32-107USD. If you build an Iris (54-56 keys), you pay half of the original sum. With an Atreus, Corne or my S.Torm (46 keys) you pay even less.

    The same for keycaps. Fewer caps, less material, lower cost.

    Manufacturing cost of a plate and case is lower as well if it’s a smaller one. Plate price is defined by its dimensions and the length of path the laser beam travels. With a smaller plate and fewer cutouts, the price is considerably lower. Whether the case is cut from acrylic, carved from a piece of exotic wood or a slab of aluminium, the smaller size lowers the pricetag again.

    Other materials and components like soldering wire, wires, diodes etc. are usually quite cheap, but less of them still costs less.

    Easier to build

    Fewer switches need less soldering, can be designed with cheaper controller, and their keyboard matrix is simpler.

    Eg. the popular Pro Micro controller (~3USD) has 18 easily accessible pins. This means the largest board you can build with it (without removing the onboard leds) is a 81-key one (9x9 matrix). For a fullsize board you would need a costlier controller.

    Ergonomy

    Repetitive movements can harm your joints (RSI). Placing the most common characters on the home row, you reduce arm, hand and finger movement. With eliminating the numpad (TKL layouts) and the arrow part (60% boards) your right shoulder travels shorter distances to grab the mouse and back.

    Small footprint

    Well. If your mouse is constantly hitting the side of your fullsize keyboard, you will appreciate a TKL board.

    More portable

    You can easily carry around a small keyboard: put it in your bag, take it to your uni, your workplace, or with you on travel. Why would you carry around a keyboard? Well, you probably wouldn't take a classic cheap rubberdome keyboard with you on a trip. But a custom board tailored to your fingers (physical layout) and typing habits (logical layout) is maybe worth taking with you.

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