Comparison Hator Skyfall 65 vs Hator Skyfall 80

— 100% (full-sized). Classic layout with 104/105 keys featuring a full NumPad, dedicated F1–F12 row, and navigation cluster including Insert/Delete, Home/End, PgUp/PgDn; this version is valued for its familiar geometry, typing speed, and ease of frequent number entry, making it optimal for work in Excel, accounting, IDEs, and editing programs, while in games, the NumPad is often used for binds and macros; compared to TKL/80% without a numeric block, as well as 96% and 1800-compact, the 100% format offers maximum comfort and requires less retraining, but takes up more desk space and pushes the mouse further away, so for compact workplaces, it might be wiser to consider smaller formats.

— 1800 (compact full-sized). A full-featured layout with a numeric block but in a narrower body: the NumPad is shifted closer to the main field, and navigation is often placed above it or compacted next to the arrow keys. It feels like "100%", but is shorter by a few centimeters, so the mouse is closer to the center, offering more comfort for wrists. Compared to TKL, you retain fast number entry, and against 96%, you gain a slightly more "airy" geometry with clear orientation. Note the non-standard sizes of some keys and the right block, which sometimes require special keycap sets. This format is convenient for Excel, accounting, IDEs, and editing, while offering gamers the NumPad for macros while saving desk space.
...r> — 96% (compact full-sized). Keyboards that preserve all key zones of 100% (F1–F12 row, arrow keys, navigation, and NumPad) but place them in a tight "grid" layout, almost like TKL in width. The numeric block is shifted closer to the main area, while Insert/Home/End and PgUp/PgDn are often reduced to 1u and grouped above the arrows or next to the NumPad. Compared to the 1800 format, 96% is even more compact and visually "smoother," and against TKL, you do not lose the speed of number entry. Note the possible non-standard sizes of the right shift, zeros, and plus on the NumPad, requiring a more selective keycap choice. This format is chosen for Excel and accounting, editing and coding, while gamers use the NumPad for macros, gaining maximum functions with minimal table width.

— 80% (TKL, without Num-block). A full-featured keyboard without a numeric block: retains the F1–F12 row, arrow keys, and navigation Insert/Delete, Home/End, PgUp/PgDn, but is considerably narrower, bringing the mouse closer to the center, which is easier on the shoulders and wrists. Gamers and developers favor this format: there’s more desk space, while familiar keys and hotkeys remain in place. Compared to 100%, you only lose quick number entry, which can be supplemented with a separate wireless NumPad. In comparison to 75%, TKL is more readable and "airy" thanks to its separate navigation block; unlike 96%, it is more compact for mouse grip, though lacking a NumPad. The 80% (TKL) format is optimal for FPS, work in IDEs, editing, and everyday office tasks where numbers aren’t entered continuously.

— 75% (compact TKL, without Num-block). "Almost TKL," where all main keys are within reach, but the body is shorter by several centimeters due to a tight "staircase" arrangement of arrows and navigation. Compared to 80%, it decreases the distance between hands and mouse, enhancing ergonomics for prolonged use, and relative to 100% and 96%, you lose only the numeric block, gaining space for the mouse and a more neutral shoulder posture. This format is chosen for IDEs and design packages, FPS and MOBA, mobile setups with narrow desks, when numbers are entered infrequently or supplemented with an external NumPad. Note: 75% may have non-standard sizes in the right block and individual keys, which is important when selecting keycaps and stabilizers.

— 65% (ultra-compact, without F-row). "Condensed TKL": the alphanumeric block, arrow keys, and a pair of navigation keys remain in place, while the NumPad and the top F1–F12 row are accessed via Fn. This layout is significantly narrower in width, moving the mouse closer to the center, which reduces the spread of arms — ideal for narrow desks, when working on a laptop, and for travel. Compared to 60%, the 65% format is more practical thanks to dedicated arrows and Delete; against 75% and 80%, it is more compact but often requires getting accustomed to layers. Possible non-standard sizes of the right shift and navigation keys are important when choosing keycaps. In real-world scenarios, the 65% format is excellent for IDEs, streaming, and FPS/MOBA games, while regular number entry is complemented by an external wireless NumPad.

— 60% (mini). Classic "trimmed" layout with ~61/62 keys without NumPad, no F1–F12 top row, and no separate navigation cluster: all accessed through the Fn layer, with arrows usually assigned to combinations. Compared to 65%, this format is even more compact but often requires acclimatization to layers; against 75%/80%, you save desk width and achieve a more neutral shoulder posture, at the cost of losing "quick" F-keys. The strong points of 60% are portability, free space for the mouse and mat, and reduced arm movement between keyboard and mouse, making it popular with FPS gamers, streamers, and those working on laptops at narrow desks or traveling. If active number entry or "hot" F-keys are needed, an external wireless NumPad and well-thought-out layer layout help.

— 40% (ultra-mini). Radically compact layout with about 40–50 keys, lacking a number row, arrows, and F-keys: all are accessed via Fn layers, combined presses, and macros, often with an ortholinear matrix. Due to the minimal width, the mouse is closer to the center, reducing hand spread and freeing up desk space, appreciated by mobile users and minimalists. Compared to 60% and 65%, the 40% format requires more serious adaptation and thoughtful firmware (QMK/VIA, home-row mods, tap-dance), and keycap selection is more challenging due to non-standard sizes. The strong point is portability and speed after getting used to it; weakness — reliance on layers and inconvenience of frequent number entry and arrow navigation. The 40% format is practical for travel, work on laptops with docking stations, text editing with hotkeys, and streaming, while numbers are usually supplemented with an external NumPad.

The model of switches (switches) used in the keyboard - switching mechanisms installed under each individual key. These details are given if the design uses advanced mechanics, positioned as a better option than traditional switches. Mostly gaming keyboards are equipped with such mechanics.

The most popular switch brands in our time are Cherry MX, considered the "classic of the genre" for high-quality mechanics; Gateron, practically not inferior to him; not so advanced, but also cheaper Kailh and Keychron, as well as ultra-budget Outemu. For all these brands, different types of switches have a different stem color, which can be used to determine the features of the keyboard. It is also worth saying that modern mechanical switches are divided into three main varieties: linear, tactile and clicky.

- Linear. Such solutions are closest to conventional membrane keyboards: the key travel is uniform along the entire length, with minimal resistance and the absence of a clear actuation point. There is an opinion that the linear "mechanics" is best suited for games where you have to deal with fast and frequent clicks; however, in practice, this moment largely depends on the personal tastes of th...e user, nothing prevents the use of such keyboards for working with texts.

- Tactile. Switches with a clearly defined actuation point - a kind of barrier to the path of the key. Such a "barrier" allows you to clearly determine by touch whether the key has worked or not. Tactile keyboards are valued primarily by tech who have to type large volumes of texts.

- Tactile-auditory (Clicky). In such switches, the actuation point is felt not only by touch, but also by ear: the actuation of the key is accompanied by a clearly audible click, which is often compared to the sound of the keys of a typewriter. Due to this, this option is also very popular among users dealing with texts. Some people consider switches of this type not very suitable for games, since they are supposedly not very convenient for frequent, fast pressing; however, a quality Clicky switch is as good as a linear switch in this regard, and the choice depends solely on personal preference. But the unequivocal disadvantages of such keyboards include a rather loud click sound, which in some situations may be superfluous.

As for specific colors, here are their features:

- Red (red). Linear type switches with minimum resistance. They are popular, in particular, among professional gamers who deal with dynamic games and try by all means to speed up their reaction to gaming events. On the other hand, a low force increases the likelihood of accidentally pressing an unnecessary button.

— Black. Another type of linear switches. They have a tighter move compared to Red, which, on the one hand, requires a little more effort, on the other hand, minimizes the chance of accidentally pressing the wrong key.

Blue. Switches in clicky format, with tactile feedback and a click.

— Brown. Switches with tactile feedback, but no "click". The Brown action is great for when you want a keyboard with tactile feedback and at the same time you want to avoid unnecessary noise (although the sound is still louder than on a membrane keyboard). In addition, it is considered a good option for tech who are just starting to get acquainted with mechanical keyboards.

— Silver. Linear switches designed for maximum operating speed. They have a very low stroke - about 1 - 1.2 mm - as well as a very small pressing force, which contributes to high speed. At the same time, the use of such a keyboard requires a certain skill, since even a small effort from an accidental touch usually leads to the operation of a key.

The distance a key travels from its initial position to the point of actuation by the switch. Usually measured in millimeters, it ranges from 1 to 2 mm in gaming models and around 2 – 2.5 mm in standard mechanical keyboards. A shorter travel distance provides quicker response and is suitable for dynamic gaming, while a longer distance offers a more pronounced tactile feel and reduces the risk of accidental key presses. This parameter is important for selecting a keyboard based on specific tasks and personal preferences.

A connector in the keyboard case for attaching a removable cable, found in both wired models and wireless ones with a battery, where through this port the keyboard is charged and, if necessary, operates "wired" without delay.

— microUSB. One of the miniature versions of the USB connector, still popular in gadgets despite the emergence of the more advanced USB-C. It has comparatively modest capabilities (in particular, it is inferior to USB-C in terms of maximum possible charging power), but this rarely proves critical. Meanwhile, there is an abundance of microUSB cables and chargers.

— USB-C. The latest (as of the end of 2025) type of USB connector. It is symmetrical, allowing the cable to be inserted either way, eliminating the possibility of incorrect connection. USB-C is more reliable, has an extended lifespan, and supports higher data transfer and charging speeds. Additionally, it is compatible with modern devices and is gradually becoming a universal standard, making keyboards with this connector more convenient and relevant for users.

Mounting the internal unit (boards and plates) through elastic gaskets around the perimeter of the case, without rigid “pulling” with screws directly. Gasket Mount often provides a more even, less resonant sound and reduces unwanted overtones, and the keystrokes feel softer compared to hard mounting schemes, though fans of a very firm setup may find it overly springy. A practical example is a keyboard for working with texts and nighttime gaming sessions, where it's important not to be noisy and to avoid catching case resonance.