40% of keyboards have an extremely compact layout that focuses on minimizing physical size by retaining only the most basic alphanumeric keys. These keyboards typically do not include a function row, navigation keys, a number pad, and sometimes directional arrow keys. Users of 40% keyboards rely on multilayer key mapping, which means that different functions or keys can be assigned to a single physical key and activated in combination with modifiers or by switching between different layers. This approach requires a considerable amount of habit and adaptation, but for some users it can provide benefits in the form of greater efficiency and ergonomics.
40% keyboard layout sample