Count useful keys, not percentages
Compact keyboard labels are convenient shorthand, but two boards with a similar size description may keep different keys. Inspect the actual layout. A missing number pad is obvious; a moved Delete key or a navigation function hidden behind a modifier can be easier to overlook until you begin working.
For a week, notice whether you use the number pad, function row and dedicated navigation keys. Frequent number entry may justify a full-size board. Occasional entry may be manageable on the top row or a separate number pad that can be moved away when not needed. Neither arrangement is automatically more efficient for every person.
Measure the whole working area
Place a paper outline of the proposed keyboard on your desk, then position the mouse where you would use it. Include the mouse's movement area rather than only its resting footprint. A narrow keyboard can create more room beside the typing position, but the benefit depends on the desk and how you sit.
Check depth as well as width. A large front edge, wrist support or cable connector can change the space needed between you and the screen. If you move the keyboard aside for writing, consider its weight and whether cables make that awkward. Portability is a separate question from simply having fewer keys.
Understand the hidden combinations
On a small board, try the shortcuts your applications rely on. A missing key may be available through a layer, but frequent multi-key combinations can become cumbersome. Read whether layers can be changed without extra software and whether settings are stored on the keyboard. This matters when moving between computers.
Choose a size that removes genuinely unused space while preserving a workable routine. A compact board is not a requirement for an orderly desk, and a full-size one is not wasteful if its keys are used throughout the day. Confirm the exact regional layout as well: a size decision should not accidentally change the punctuation and Enter key you expected.
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