If youre in search of an 1800 layout mechanical keyboard then youve come to the right place.
What is the best 1800 layout/ 96% keyboard?
Originally designed for industrial and commercial applications, it has a space-efficient, full-size layout.
This sees the arrows squeeze in along the bottom row and the home key cluster above the Numpad.
To achieve this unique layout, the G80 has a 1u zero key on the Numpad.
Apart from this, the keys follow standard sizes that you would find on a traditional ANSI keyboard.
Noticeably, the function keys are also tightly packed together to accommodate the LED indicators between F12 and Insert.
For starters, the plastic case simply clips together without any screws.
For switches, the G80-1800 comes equipped with Cherry MX Blacks.
Unfortunately, the switches arent pre-lubed out of the box.
This results in a compact design thats as space efficient as possible.
To make this keyboard layout possible, AJAZZ has excluded some of the home keys.
Instead, you will find the page up/ down, home/ end keys as secondary functions on the Numpad.
Besides the interesting keyboard layout, the case design is also quite clever.
This allows you to see the floating keycaps from the side and removes the front logo.
For switches, the AJAZZ B16 comes equipped with Cherry MXs.
Here you might choose from three popular colors including Red, Blues, and Browns.
On top are a quality set of PBT keycaps with nice clean white legends.
These come in a variety of dual-tone color combinations.
Unfortunately, the B16 does have some cons.
Additionally, the keycaps are non-shine-through.
As a result, the backlighting glows quite dimly between the keycaps.
On the plus side, the lighting effects are decent and it does come with software.
Impressively it features 21 different variations of white LED lighting modes!
All in all, the AJAZZ B16 is a solid 96% keyboard for gaming and general use.
It has a 98-key, 1800 layout with three LED indicators above the Numpad.
Although the case is entirely plastic, the build feels quite heavy and rigid in your hand.
Underneath are four rubber feet (on a slight molded incline) and a pair of two-step adjustable feet.
Apart from this, theres a centered USB bang out-C port and a three-way cable routing channel.
For switches, the board is available in two second-generation Gateron choices: Pinks and Oranges.
Both have a 55gf 15gf actuation force as well as a 2.0 0.6mm pre-travel.
In terms of the typing experience, we found the Akko 3098 to be impressive for its price.
The board doesnt sound hollow, the stabilizers have little rattle, and the keycaps feel slightly coarse.
These are PBT keycaps with an ASA Profile so theyre slightly curved in the middle.
Surprisingly, the PCB is hot-swappable and supports other 3-pin mechanical switches.
Software is also missing but it is possible to re-map and program any keys or macros on board.
Those looking for a fresh take on the 1800 keyboard layout will love the Akko 3098DS.
Click herefor the acrylic case version!
Despite being marketed as a gaming keyboard, its perfectly suited to a professional setting, too.
This is thanks to its classic, retro-style aesthetic that closely resembles the old IBM boards from the 80s.
The high-profile ABS case has square, boxy corners.
To remove some of the bulk, both sides have deep grooves with multiple steps.
This results in an L-shape profile when viewing from an angle.
Moreover, underneath youll find a center housing for a USB-C cable, plus two flip-out feet.
Considering this is a pre-build, the overall quality is high.
This quality follows through to the double-shot PBT keycaps, which have crisp, dye-sublimated legends.
For switches, the FL980 comes with clicky, Kailh Box Whites.
Finally, the RGB implementation is good, featuring 16.8m colors and ten-plus lighting preset modes.
Built into the keyboard, its possible to switch between all modes on the fly using the hotkeys.
Alternatively, download the configuration tool to customize the RGB lights, keys, and macros.
All in all, the FL980 is a great sounding keyboard for entry-mid-level mech enthusiasts.
On the back of the case is a jot down-C USB port and two jot down-A pass-through ports.
For switches, the RK100 is available in three Gateron colors.
We particularly like that the board has a hot-swappable PCB that supports three and 5-pin mechanical switches.
Tri-mode connectivity (2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.1, and wired) is another big plus of the RK100.
That gives you three different wireless modes.
We found that the Bluetooth mode works well with no pairing issues.
However, for gaming, the 2.4GHz is noticeably smoother and more responsive.
This particular RK100 model also comes with a white LED backlight.
The backlighting has multiple preset modes and offers lighting recording via the software.
Lastly, powering the board is a large 3750 mAh battery.
This gives you a relatively long seven to nine-day change even with the backlight on all the time.
Click herefor the RGB version!
It also features hot-swap usability, dual connectivity, and RGB backlighting.
Underneath are five rubber pads, plus two back rubberized flip-out feet with two levels of adjustment.
Additionally, on the back left side of the case is a USB bang out-C port.
Similar to the RK100, the GK96Ss PCB features north-facing LEDs and is fully hot-swappable with 5-pin mechanical switches.
On top are a colorful set of tri-tone dye-sublimated PBT Keycaps.
Unfortunately, the keycaps are non-shine-though.
As a result, the RGB backlighting does look quite dimly lit.
All RGB and key programming is configurable through the highly customizable GK96 software.
This is due to it being partly in Chinese.
For connectivity, the GK96S features wireless (with Bluetooth 5.1) and wired modes.
Bluetooth can connect up to four devices simultaneously while switching between them seamlessly.
Overall, its a great bit of kit for the price.
Designed for high productivity in a compact size, it has 100 necessary keys to offer full-size functionality.
Mac users will also find this board particularly appealing as its compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
In terms of the build, the K4 goes for a plastic inner body with removable aluminum sides.
As a result, it feels sturdy in your hand and is quite heavy at 2.44 pounds.
Upon receiving the board, the K4 has a Mac multimedia layout.
Even so, if youre a Windows user, its relatively simple to change this.
Connecting the K4 to multiple devices via Bluetooth is just as easy.
Next to the keyboard layout switch is a second notch for toggling between wired and wireless modes.
For switches, the K4 comes with Gateron Brown mechanical switches.
These have a 55gf 15gf actuation force for 2.0 0.6mm of pre-travel.
On top are a cheap set of ABS keycaps.
Although they do allow the RGB backlighting to shine through, they do easily pick up grease.
Click herefor the hot-swappable version!
Additionally, it flaunts three new colorways, with this one being: Prunus Lannesiana.
As a result, the board doesnt sound hollow at all.
Much like the 3098DS, the plate-mount stabilizers are flat, heavily lubed, and have little rattle.
Moreover, on top, youll find the same high-quality set of 1.6mm ASA profile keycaps.
Although they arent supposed to shine through, they do create some backlight bleed from the perky SMD LEDs.
The SMD LEDs are north facing on the PCB, and the PCB has TTC hot-swap sockets.
TTC sockets support 5-pin switches and have a life span of 2000 cycles.
As for stock switches, they are available in Jelly Pinks or Whites.
Personally, we prefer the Pink linear switches that have a 45 5gf actuation.
Finally, youll appreciate the built-in 3000 mAh lithium battery.
With the backlight off, this provides approx.
Overall, the 3098B is an all-round amazing 1800 keyboard.
Click herefor the Black&Gold model.
It also stands out for its sleek set of dual-tone PBT keycaps.
In contrast, though, it does opt for a slightly different non-standard bottom row.
This includes a one-unit Windows key, right Alt key, and a right CTRL key.
It also removes the right Windows key.
Built from a two-part ABS case with a steel mounting plate in-between, the FC980M offers excellent quality.
The case has a low front that curves ergonomically up at the back.
This is partly thanks to the pre-lubed, Cherry-style stabilizers.
Lastly, the keyboard connects via an included 6.5-foot long mini-USB cable.
Unfortunately, a wired connection is the only power source as it does not feature a battery.
Its also worth noting that the FC980M is also missing out on backlighting and onboard programmable macros.
The smaller footprint makes it ideal for a variety of games and productivity tasks.
At 2.76 lbs., it has some premium weight so its not going to slide around on your desk.
To prevent this, four grippy rubber feet on the bottom of the board.
The board itself has a minimal, low-profile design with floating keycaps.
Unlike the first iteration of GMMK keyboards, the GMMK 2 now supports both three and five-pin mechanical switches.
For stock switches, it comes with its own Glorious Fox Linears.
These are comparable to Gateron Reds with a 45g actuation force and a slightly higher 60g bottom out.
During typing, the factory-lubed switches and plate mount stabs sound surprisingly good out of the box.
Theres no rattling or spring ping like you would find on inferior boards.
Finally, per-key RGB backlighting is a key feature of the GMMK 2.
Eighteen effects are customizable on the board; however, more are configurable via the Glorious Core software.
Overall, those searching for a quality 96% keyboard cant go wrong with the GMMK 2.
Its perfect for those looking for a mid-priced option, fine-tuned in aesthetics, sound, and mechanics.
IQUNIX F97 Hitchhiker
TheiQunix F97is the successor to the popular iQunix F96.
It then introduces hot-swap functionality, some brand new keycap color themes, and updated Bluetooth 5.1.
The F97s case has a similar build to its predecessor.
Weighing 2.64 pounds, the board feels high quality in your hand and has absolutely zero flex.
On the bottom of the case are two rear-domed feet that provide a 6 typing angle.
Additionally, on the back of the case you will find a USB jot down-C port.
Then, inside is a hot-swap PCB with north-facing LEDs.
The PCB supports the iQunix software as well as both three/ five-pin mechanical switches.
Furthermore, on top are a textured set of dye-sub PBT keycaps and a quiet set of Costar stabilizers.
The keycaps have an ergonomic KDA profile that follows the slant of the keyboard.
Besides Bluetooth 5.1, the iQunix F97 includes a 2.4 GHz dongle and can also connect over a wire.
Powering the wireless is an equally large 4000-mAh capacity Li-Po battery.
Overall, the iQunix F97 is a premium 96% mechanical keyboard that provides functionality and unique aesthetics.
It does come at a bit of a cost though, starting at $265.00 for the backlight version.
Drop Shift Mechanical Keyboard
TheDrop Shiftis a modern and inventive, modular mechanical keyboard.
Significantly shorter than a traditional full-size keyboard, it goes for a space-efficient 1800 layout with 99 keys.
Besides providing plenty of rigidity, the frame also acts as a built-in switch plate for the PCB.
The PCB itself is completely hot-swappable and can house a selection of 3-pin mechanical switches.
For switches, the Shift is available in Cherry MXs, Gaterons, or Halos.
On top are a grey, dual-tone set of double shot PBT keycaps.
These arent the best quality but they do have a nice textured feel with shine-through legends.
Supporting the caps are a basic set of Cherry-style plate-mounted stabilizers.
RGB backlighting is another stand-out feature of the Drop Shift.
A diffused light bar wraps around the entire case and north-facing LEDs are soldered into the PCB.
Using the QMK firmware, all of the backlighting effects and keys are fully programmable.
Although we found the software to be a little primitive, it does perform plenty of functionalities.
What is an 1800 Layout Keyboard?
The 1800 mechanical keyboard isnt a new punch in of keyboard either.
In fact, its been around since the early days of IBM.
However, it still remains a little difficult to find.
If you dig a compact typing style, then an 1800 is definitely for you.
How to Choose the Best 1800 Mechanical Keyboard in 2025?
However, you do have a few things that you want to look for.
Switch pop in
Mechanical keyboards have three types of switches: clicky, linear, and tactile.
Theres no longevity advantage of one over the other so its really a matter of preference.
Keycaps Material
This really boils down to two choices: ABS keycaps or PBT.
The PBT keycaps have a higher degree of quality that is reflected in the overall price of the keyboard.
ABS is a decent and long-lasting material but is cheaper than PBT.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity is another choice that amounts to personal preference.
If youre not a gamer and hate cords, Bluetooth is for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 1800 Compact Keyboards good?
1800 Compact keyboards are excellent keyboards with a unique layout, however, theyre certainly not for everybody.
Are 1800 Compact Keyboards good for gaming?
It really depends on what kind of gaming you are into.
Are 1800 Compact Keyboards good for programming?
However, most programmers can also do without a numeric pad.
What is a 96% keyboard?
A 96% has 4% fewer keys than a standard, full-size keyboard.
How many keys does a 96 keyboard have?
A 96% keyboard has 100 keys.
This is 4% less than a full-size keyboard that has 104 keys.
What is an 1800 layout keyboard?
An 1800 is a compact, full-size keyboard layout inspired by the Cherry-G80-1800.
How many keys are in a 1800 keyboard?
A full-size 1800 keyboard (such as the Cherry-G80-1800) has 104 keys.
Conversely, a 96% keyboard inspired by an 1800 layout has 98-100 keys.
We hope you found a 1800 or 96% keyboard on this list.
Click herefor the 15 best 75% Mechanical Keyboards!
Click herefor the 25 best Hot-Swappable Keyboards!
