60% Keyboard: How to Use Arrow Keys

Hold the Fn key and press I, J, K, or L to use arrow keys on a 60% keyboard. Fn+I moves up, Fn+K moves down, Fn+J moves left, and Fn+L moves right. This IJKL layout sits on your right hand's home row, so your fingers stay in the correct typing position.

Most people get comfortable with this method in about one to two weeks. Your muscle memory adapts quickly because your fingers barely move from where they normally rest. Many users find they actually navigate faster on a 60% keyboard once they learn the shortcuts, since reaching for a separate arrow cluster takes more time and effort.

What Makes 60% Keyboards Different

A standard full size keyboard has about 104 keys. A 60% keyboard has only 61 to 68 keys, which is roughly 40% fewer. To fit everything into a smaller space, manufacturers removed the number pad on the right side, the function row across the top (F1 through F12), and the arrow key cluster. However, you can still access all these functions through key combinations using the Fn key. Think of it like holding Shift to type capital letters, but for navigation and special functions instead.

Keyboard Size Comparison

What Gets Removed

• Function row: The F1 through F12 keys across the top are gone, but you can access them with Fn plus the number row
• Arrow cluster: No dedicated up, down, left, right keys, which is why you use Fn+IJKL
• Number pad: The calculator style keypad on the right is removed entirely
• Navigation block: Insert, Delete, Home, End, Page Up, and Page Down are accessed through layers

Why People Choose 60% Keyboards

• More desk space: Your mouse can sit closer to your keyboard, which means less arm movement and shoulder strain throughout the day
• Better for gaming: Gamers like having more room to move their mouse, and the compact size is easy to bring to tournaments
• Faster typing: Your fingers stay on the home row more often since you do not reach for distant keys
• Easy to travel with: These keyboards fit in laptop bags and backpacks without taking up much room
• Highly customizable: Most 60% keyboards let you reprogram keys through firmware to match exactly how you work

Different Ways to Use Arrow Keys

Every 60% keyboard handles arrow keys a little differently, but most use the same basic idea: hold a modifier key (usually Fn) and press letter keys that act as arrows. Here are the most common methods, from easiest to most advanced.

Quick Reference: Arrow Key Methods

Standard Fn+IJKL Method

This is the most common setup and works on most 60% keyboards right out of the box. Your right hand stays in its natural typing position while you hold Fn with your thumb or pinky.

Dedicated Arrow Mode Toggle

Some keyboards let you lock certain keys into arrow mode so you do not have to keep holding Fn. This is helpful when you need to navigate through a long document or spreadsheet.

Custom Programming Options

If the default arrow key setup does not work for you, many keyboards let you create your own layout. You can change which keys do what, either through software on your computer or by reprogramming the keyboard itself.

Firmware Remapping

Some 60% keyboards store their settings directly in the keyboard's memory. This means your custom layout works on any computer you plug the keyboard into, with no extra software needed.

Using Software on Your Computer

If your keyboard cannot be reprogrammed, you can use software on your computer to remap keys. This works with any keyboard but only on the computer where you install the software.

#NoEnv
#SingleInstance Force
SetWorkingDir %A_ScriptDir%

; CapsLock + IJKL as arrow keys
CapsLock & i::Send {Up}
CapsLock & k::Send {Down}
CapsLock & j::Send {Left}
CapsLock & l::Send {Right}

; Preserve CapsLock functionality with double-tap
CapsLock::
KeyWait, CapsLock
KeyWait, CapsLock, D T0.2
if ErrorLevel
return
SetCapsLockState, % GetKeyState("CapsLock", "T") ? "Off" : "On"
return

Comparing Your Options

Each method has strengths and weaknesses. The right choice depends on what you use your keyboard for most often.

How Popular Keyboards Handle Arrows

Different keyboard brands have their own ways of setting up arrow keys. Check your keyboard's manual or look up your specific model online for exact instructions.

Common 60% Keyboards

• Anne Pro series: Magic Fn feature with automatic layer switching plus standard Fn+IJKL
• Ducky One 2 Mini: DIP switch customization with Fn+WASD default mapping
• Vortex POK3R: Three programmable layers with Fn+IJKL and custom assignments
• Keychron K6 series: Mac/Windows compatibility with Fn+IJKL standard implementation
• Drop ALT/CTRL: QMK firmware support for complete layout customization

Setup Tips for Different Users

The best arrow key setup depends on what you do most. Here are some suggestions based on common use cases.

For Gamers

• Try Fn+WASD: If you play shooters or other games that use WASD for movement, your fingers already know where these keys are
• Remap Caps Lock: Consider turning Caps Lock into a second Fn key for faster arrow access
• Use mouse buttons: Some gaming mice have extra buttons that can be set to arrow functions
• Create game profiles: If your keyboard supports it, save different layouts for different games

For Work and Writing

• Stick with IJKL: This keeps your hands in proper touch typing position
• Learn Ctrl combinations: Ctrl plus arrow keys jumps by whole words instead of single characters
• Use toggle mode for spreadsheets: If you work in Excel or Google Sheets often, toggle mode saves your fingers from holding Fn constantly
• Set up Home and End: These keys help you jump to the beginning or end of lines quickly

Beyond Basic Arrows

Once you get comfortable with Fn+IJKL, you can add more navigation shortcuts to move around even faster.

Useful Key Combinations

• Jump to line start or end: Many keyboards map Home and End to Fn+H and Fn+N (or similar)
• Select text: Hold Shift while pressing Fn+arrow to highlight text as you move
• Move by word: Hold Ctrl while pressing Fn+arrow to jump whole words at a time
• Page up and down: Look for Fn+U and Fn+D or similar combinations in your keyboard's manual

Keeping Your Hands Comfortable

• Use your thumb: Press Fn with your thumb instead of stretching your pinky, if possible
• Switch methods: If one hand gets tired, try a different arrow key layout for a while
• Take breaks: Learning new key combinations can strain your hands, so rest often at first
• Check your posture: Make sure your keyboard sits at the right height and angle for comfortable typing

Fixing Common Problems

If your arrow keys are not working, here are the most common causes and how to fix them.

When Fn Combinations Do Not Work

• Check Fn Lock: Some keyboards have an Fn Lock feature that changes how the Fn key works. Try pressing Fn+Esc or look for an Fn Lock indicator light
• Confirm your layout: Not all keyboards use IJKL. Check your manual to see if your model uses WASD or another layout
• Reset to factory settings: If you changed settings and something broke, most keyboards have a reset combination (often Fn+Esc held for several seconds)
• Update your drivers: Visit your keyboard maker's website and download the latest software for your model

When Arrows Work Sometimes But Not Always

• Turn off gaming mode: Gaming mode disables certain keys to prevent accidental presses, and this might affect your Fn layer
• Close conflicting software: Macro programs or other keyboard software can interfere with Fn combinations
• Check Windows shortcuts: Some Windows hotkeys might use the same combinations. Try your arrow keys in a simple program like Notepad first
• Test different programs: If arrows work in some apps but not others, the problem might be with that specific program's settings

How Long It Takes to Get Used to It

Switching to a 60% keyboard feels awkward at first, but most people adapt faster than they expect. Here is a typical timeline.

First Week

• You will be slower: Expect to navigate at about 60-70% of your normal speed while your brain learns the new key positions
• Start simple: Focus only on Fn+IJKL at first, and ignore advanced shortcuts until the basics feel natural
• Practice the same way: Pick one method (like IJKL) and use it every time, so your fingers learn faster
• Mistakes are normal: You will press the wrong keys often, and that is completely expected

Weeks Two and Three

• Speed picks up: Navigation usually reaches 80-90% of your old speed by this point
• Add more shortcuts: Start learning Ctrl and Shift combinations for selecting and jumping text
• Use it everywhere: Practice in different programs like your browser, text editor, and email
• Fine tune comfort: Adjust your keyboard position or try different hand positions if something feels off

After One Month

• Back to full speed: Most people match or beat their old navigation speed by this point
• Personal shortcuts: You start developing your own favorite combinations and workflows
• Less hand movement: You may notice your overall typing feels faster because your hands stay in one place
• Hard to go back: Many users find full size keyboards feel awkward after getting used to 60%

If 60% Is Not Right for You

Not everyone wants to learn Fn combinations for arrow keys. If that sounds like you, there are other compact keyboards that keep dedicated arrows while still saving desk space.

Other Compact Options

• 65% keyboards: These add a dedicated arrow cluster on the right side with only a small increase in size over 60%
• 75% keyboards: These keep both the function row and arrow keys in a tight layout
• Split keyboards: These come in two halves and let you put arrow keys wherever you want
• Ortholinear keyboards: These use a straight grid pattern instead of staggered rows, which some people find easier to learn

When a Different Layout Makes Sense

• Heavy spreadsheet work: If you spend hours in Excel or similar programs, dedicated arrows are easier on your hands
• Difficulty with key combinations: Some people have hand conditions that make holding multiple keys uncomfortable
• Shared keyboards: If others use your keyboard who have not learned Fn layers, consider 65% instead
• No time to learn: If you need to be productive right away, a keyboard with real arrow keys has no learning curve

Getting the Most from Your 60% Keyboard

Once arrow navigation feels automatic, you will start noticing bigger benefits from using a smaller keyboard.

Better Desk Setup

• Mouse closer to center: Less reaching means less shoulder and arm strain over long work sessions
• More room for other things: Extra space for notebooks, phones, or a drawing tablet
• Easier multi monitor use: A centered keyboard position helps when working with screens on both sides

Better Performance

• Gaming advantage: More mouse space and less reaching between keyboard and mouse
• Faster typing: Your hands stay in position instead of reaching for distant keys
• Take it anywhere: Use the same keyboard at home, work, or on the go, with all your custom settings saved in the keyboard itself

Summary

Using arrow keys on a 60% keyboard comes down to one simple pattern: hold Fn and press I (up), K (down), J (left), or L (right). Most keyboards work this way right out of the box. The learning curve is short, typically one to two weeks before the key combinations feel natural. Once you adapt, many people find they navigate faster than they did on a full size keyboard because their hands never leave the home row.

If Fn layers are not for you, 65% keyboards offer the same compact benefits with dedicated arrow keys. Either way, compact keyboards free up desk space, improve your posture by keeping the mouse closer, and often feel faster once you get used to them.