Gaming with a keyboard and mouse is the go-to for many gamers and, over the years, hardware has changed to make gaming more comfortable and accessible. Gaming mice have evolved to become much more responsive with or without wires and so have keyboards. One significant design change that gaming keyboards have experienced is the reduction in size. Manufacturers have realized that gamers don’t really make use of the numpad, and it takes extra space on the desk, and thus, TKL keyboards were born.
TKL or Ten-Key-Less keyboards, as the name suggests, are keyboards that are smaller than standard full-size keyboards (104 keys typically) and have fewer keys. This form factor retains all the essential keys but gets rid of the number pad and a few other keys, and this helps in two ways: it makes carrying the keyboard while traveling much easier but, more importantly, it frees up desk space for more mouse space. Most manufacturers have TKL offerings, which makes finding the right one a bit tricky. That’s where this guide comes in.
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Things to Consider Before Buying a TKL Keyboard for Gaming
Key Switches: Just like standard full-size keyboards, TKL offerings also come in a multitude of key switch options. They can be either clicky, linear, or tactile, and which one to go for depends on the individual preferences. To get an idea of each key switch type, it is ideal to first get a sampler which are fairly inexpensive and will allow users to better understand how the different key switches feel.
Ergonomics: Ergonomics is an important factor when looking at any keyboard or mouse. It dictates how comfortable the peripheral will be during long sessions. For a TKL keyboard to be ergonomic, it should offer height adjustability and come with a comfortable wrist rest. However, there are third-party solutions to these issues.
Build Quality: The build quality of the keyboard is not just defined by the outer frame and the chassis, but it is also dependent on the key stability, the sound that the key presses make, the quality of the feet, and more. The better the build quality, the higher the price.
Connectivity: There are three main connectivity options when it comes to keyboards, i.e. wired, 2.4G wireless dongle, and Bluetooth. Having a wireless TKL keyboard will be slightly more expensive, but it will free up even more space on the desk. Wired options will deliver infinite battery life but at the cost of an extra cable at the desk. Bluetooth allows for connecting the keyboard to a tablet or smartphone.
Price: Fortunately, TKL keyboards are available in a wide range of budgets. Even though the TKL keyboards are smaller than standard full-size keyboards, they are not necessarily cheaper. The price is affected by the brand, the build quality, connectivity options, and lighting, among other features.
Here are the Best TKL Keyboards for Gaming
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023)
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) is one of the SteelSeries' higher-end tenkeyless gaming keyboards. This compact keyboard is an excellent travel companion and suits those who want a gaming keyboard that doesn't take up unnecessary space on the desk. The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) comes with adjustable OmniPoint 2.0 switches, which allow customization of the actuation point between 0.1 and 4.0 millimeters for a more personalized feel. The smart OLED display provides information about games, delivers Discord messages, or displays Spotify songs. The build is durable and stable thanks to a frame built from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy.
- Brand
- SteelSeries
- Wireless
- No
- Backlight
- RGB
- Media Controls
- Yes
- Switch Type
- OmniPoint 2.0 HyperMagnetic
- Replaceable Keys
- No
- Wired operation
- Yes
- Material
- Aircraft grade aluminum Alloy top plate
- Keycaps
- Double Shot PBT
- Wrist rest
- Yes, Magnetic
- OLED display shows useful information
- Customizable actuation
- Bright and vibrant RGB lighting
- On the expensive side
Steelseries is no stranger to gaming peripherals and is well known for its headsets, mice, and keyboards. The Apex Pro TKL (2023) is the perfect TKL keyboard for gaming and checks all the right boxes. Not only is it the best gaming keyboard that the company offers, but it is also easily among the best in the market. It is a wired keyboard, but the USB Type-C cable is detachable.
Coming to performance, the Apex Pro TKL uses the company’s Omnipoint 2.0 adjustable HyperMagnetic switches that are faster, customizable, and allow for two actions from a single key. Compared to conventional mechanical keyboards, these switches have a significantly faster response time, faster actuation, as well as improved durability. The actuation can be adjusted between 0.1 mm and 4.0 mm depending on the game and the play style.
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There is also an OLED smart display on the top right that shows updates and key information, as well as allows for adjusting the settings, changing profiles, and more. There is an aluminum top plate for a solid build quality, durable double shot PBT keycaps, height adjustment, as well as customizable RGB lighting. Furthermore, the switches are rated for 100 million presses, which is on the higher side of what the industry offers.
The Steelseries Apex Pro TKL also comes with a magnetic wrist rest and the overall construction feels premium. There is a key puller conveniently housed at the bottom of the keyboard. Despite its relatively high price, the Apex Pro TKL is the best TKL keyboard for gaming overall.
Logitech G413 TKL SE Gaming Keyboard
The Logitech G413 TKL SE is a tenkeyless gaming keyboard designed to enhance a player's gaming skills with its high-performance features and durability. Featuring PBT keycaps, this computer gaming keyboard is both heat- and wear-resistant, ensuring longevity and reliability. With its tactile mechanical switches, the wired G413 TKL SE delivers consistent performance for gamers.
This backlit keyboard sports a premium aesthetic with a sleek, black-brushed aluminum top case and white LED lighting, making it an ideal addition to any gaming setup. Additionally, the 6-key rollover anti-ghosting performance ensures reliable key input, providing a noticeable advantage over non-gaming mechanical keyboards.
- Brand
- Logitech
- Backlight
- LED White
- Media Controls
- No
- Num Pad
- No
- Switch Type
- Long Hua Mechanical
- Compatible Devices
- Windows, Mac
- Dimensions
- 13.98 x 5.00 x 1.43 in
- Polling rate
- 1000 Hz
- White backlighting
- Mechanical key switches
- Solid build
- USB cable is not detachable
Those looking for a budget-friendly gaming keyboard will find that the Logitech G413 TKL SE is a great little gaming keyboard that performs where it matters most. It features tactile mechanical switches, an aluminum tap plate, and PBT keycaps. Even for a TKL keyboard, the G413 TKL SE is compact and will take up the least space on the desk. There is no RGB lighting but those who use their keyboard in the dark will appreciate the white backlighting.
It is, of course, a wired keyboard, so no need to worry about battery life, though it should be noted that the cable is not detachable like some of the other wired options. While the Logitech G413 TKL SE does not have any feet to raise the keyboard, it has a natural slope and curve to the keys that make it comfortable to use for longer gaming sessions. Gamers can find third party wrist rests that work with this keyboard and also solutions to raise the height if needed.
This budget keyboard comes with a 6-key rollover and anti-ghosting, which is not the best in the industry as a lot of keyboards offer N-key rollover, but no one is pressing so many keys at the same time, so a 6-key rollover is aplenty.
ASUS ROG Strix Scope NX TKL Moonlight White
The ASUS ROG Strix Scope NX TKL is a compact, tenkeyless mechanical keyboard designed for FPS gaming. It features ROG NX mechanical switches with fast actuation for better feedback. The keyboard's top plate is made of aluminum, making it lightweight and durable. The Strix Scope NX TKL has an extra-wide Ctrl key, known as the Xccurate Design, to enhance control in fast-paced games. A Quick-Toggle Switch allows easy switching between media and function keys. The keyboard also had customizable Aura RGB lighting.
- Brand
- ASUS
- Backlight
- RGB, Aura Sync
- Media Controls
- Yes
- Switch Type
- ROG NX Red Linear Switches
- Polling rate
- 1000 Hz
- Wireless
- No
- Wired operation
- Yes, USB Type-C
- Material
- Aluminum Frame
- Wrist rest
- No
- Layout
- TKL
- Stylish modern design
- Detachable USB cable
- Solid build quality
- RGB Underglow
- Combination of white and grey may not be for everyone
- No volume dial or dedicated media keys
The majority of gaming keyboards available in the market are black or a dark color with different color keycaps. ASUS is one of the few brands that offers a premium feeling, well-built white TKL keyboard called the ROG Strix Scope NX TKL Moonlight White. It is a wired keyboard and, of course, the detachable cable is white as well. ASUS offers a choice of Red, Brown, or Blue ROG NX mechanical switches for its ROG Strix Scope NX TKL.
The white aesthetic, coupled with the white keycaps, makes the keyboard pop when the RGB lighting is turned on. Besides the keycaps, there is an illuminated ROG logo as well as RGB underglow, and the effects can be customized using the company’s Aura Sync software. It should be noted that the keycaps are a combination of grey and white.
The ROG Strix Scope NX TKL uses an extra-wide left Ctrl key that is meant to make operation during intense FPS sessions easier. It features N-key rollover, 1000 Hz polling rate, six profiles, customizable macros, function keys that double as media keys, and more. The ASUS ROG Strix Scope NX TKL Moonlight White is a stunning looking keyboard that will not only work well with other ROG white peripherals but also suit an all-white or black and white gaming setup.
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Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed Gaming Keyboard
The Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed is a professional-grade gaming keyboard. It supports Lightspeed wireless connectivity, which delivers a fast connection wirelessly that is reliable enough for even the most demanding esports gamer. A single charge on the keyboard can last for up to 40 hours. With Lightsync technology, the user can create personalized RGB lighting animations and control the lighting of each key separately. The Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed comes in three mechanical switch options, GL Tactile, GL Linear, and GL Clicky, from which most people can find their preferred feel and noise levels.
- Brand
- Logitech
- Wireless
- LIGHTSPEED Wireless
- Backlight
- RGB
- Media Controls
- Yes
- Battery
- 40 hours
- Switch Type
- Low profile GL tactile switches
- Wired operation
- Yes
- Bluetooth
- Yes
- Charging
- Micro-USB cable
- Wrist rest
- No
- Sleek design
- Volume wheel
- Expensive!
Not everyone likes the standard height of keycaps, as even when the keyboard is lying flat on the desk, there is still a slight angle at which the wrists have to bend to rest on the keycaps. With low-profile keyboards, that angle is reduced quite a bit, making it more ergonomic for some users. The Logitech G915 TKL is the best low-profile keyboard but carries a price tag to match.
It is a wireless keyboard with Logitech’s LIGHTSPEED connection technology and despite its low-profile form factor, still uses mechanical switches. The wireless connection is fast and reliable as it uses a 2.4G dongle that can be conveniently stored in the back of the keyboard. On top of that, the Logitech G915 TKL can also be used in wired mode in case the battery runs out in the middle of a gaming session. Speaking of battery life, the keyboard can last up to 40 hours with RGB lighting turned on and at maximum brightness. This means turning off the lighting or having it on a single color with low brightness will extend the battery life even further.
Logitech offers the G915 TKL in black and white, both of which have a scroll wheel on the top right. The keyboard also offers Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for another mode of connecting to the keyboard. There are dedicated media controls, a game mode, and three macro profiles.
Those who have not tried a low-profile keyboard before should know that it does not have a natural slop like other standard sized keyboards. There are feet at the bottom to raise the keyboard, but it sits completely flat when not using the feet.
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL
The Huntsman V3 Pro TKL features more accurate Gen 2 analog optical switches, allowing on-the-fly actuation adjustments and Rapid Trigger mode for furious inputs. A multi-function digital dial can toggle between volume and actuation settings, while a series of LED indicators lets gamers know what settings are active. The Huntsman V3 Pro remains one of the most durable keyboards thanks to wear-resistant PBT keycaps and sturdy aluminum top plate.
- Brand
- Razer
- Wireless
- No
- Backlight
- RGB
- Media Controls
- Yes, Multi-functional dial
- Switch Type
- Razer Analog Optical Switches Gen-2
- Wired operation
- Yes, Detachable Type C Cable
- Keycaps
- Doubleshot PBT Keycaps
- Wrist rest
- Yes, Magnetic Firm Leatherette Wrist Rest
- Polling rate
- 1000 Hz
- Layout
- TKL
- Solid build
- Adjustable Actuation and Rapid Trigger Mode
- Leatherette wrist rest
- Expensive
- No wireless operation
Razer is known for its premium gaming gear and the Huntsman V3 Pro TKL stands as the best TKL gaming keyboard the company offers. It is using the company’s Gen 2 analog optical switches, that, similar to the Omnipoint 2.0 switches from Steelseries, are adjustable. The Razer switches can be customized to actuate anywhere between 0.1 and 4.0 mm but remain easy to press down throughout the range of travel. It also uses the company’s Rapid Trigger technology that allows quick repeated presses of the same key without missing registering any input.
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The Huntsman V3 Pro TKL also comes with an LED Array Indicator that allows for quick and easy actuation height or Rapid Trigger sensitivity adjustments. There is a multi-functional dial at the top right, along with a couple of buttons for media control and macros. Razer ships the keyboard with a magnetic leatherette wrist rest. Being a premium keyboard, there is per-key RGB lighting, a detachable USB Type-C cable, N-key rollover with anti-ghosting, and a 1000 Hz polling rate. The USB cable is detachable and plugs into the top of the keyboard closer to the left edge, which may make cable management a bit challenging.
Razer peripherals have some of the best build quality and the Huntsman V3 Pro TKL is a testament to that. Unfortunately, there is no wireless operation with this keyboard, but there are flip out feet to raise it to a more ergonomic position.
Mountain Everest Max Mechanical Keyboard
The Mountain Everest Max mechanical keyboard is a unique offering thanks to its modularity and customizability. It comes with a detachable numpad that can be used on either side of the keyboard. There is a detachable media dock with extra controls and a display, as well as a detachable wrist rest. This wired keyboard has beautiful RGB lighting and solid metal construction.
- Brand
- Mountain
- Wireless
- No
- Backlight
- RGB
- Media Controls
- Yes
- Num Pad
- Detachable
- Switch Type
- Cherry MX
- Replaceable Keys
- Yes, hot-swappable
- Wired operation
- USB Type-C
- Bluetooth
- No
- Keycaps
- ABS, PBT
- Internal Sound Dampening
- Yes
- Wrist rest
- Yes, magnetic with PU leather
- Highly customizable and hot-swappable
- Gamers can start get just the Core keyboard as well
- Functional accessories
- On the expensive side
- Locked accessory ecosystem
When it comes to customizability, no one does it better than the Everest Max from Mountain. To some, the Mountain Everest may seem like a random keyboard from a random brand, but the Everest Max is a very well-reviewed and highly customizable gaming and productivity keyboard. It has a modular design which seamlessly works with accessories from the company, but this closed ecosystem could be considered as one of the drawbacks of the brand.
Coming to the features, at the core of the Everest Max is a TKL keyboard with Cherry MX mechanical switches that are hot-swappable. It is a wired keyboard that uses a USB Type-C connection. With the boring stuff out of the way, the Everest Max is essentially a combo kit that includes the TKL keyboard, a customizable and removable number pad, a media dock, adjustable riser feet, and a magnetic PU leather wrist rest.
The number pad can be connected to either side of the keyboard and includes four customizable display keys for setting shortcuts and macros. The media dock has a display that allows for easy access to the media controls, monitoring the system, switching profiles, and more. The Mountain Everest Max has RGB lighting and a light bar that goes around the sides and the top.
Gamers can choose to go for just the TKL keyboard, which is called the Everest Core, and then buy the accessories later.
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FAQ
Q: Is a TKL keyboard 80%?
TKL or Ten-Key-Less keyboards are also referred to as 80% keyboards as they feature 80% of the keys of a full-size keyboard.
Q: Are 80% keyboards good for gaming?
TKL or 80% keyboards are great for gaming as they have the essential keys that most games need, and the smaller form factor allows for more space to move the mouse around.
Q: Why do gamers like mechanical keyboards?
Mechanical keyboards, compared to membrane and butter-fly keyboards, are more tactile and offer better feedback. They are also more responsive and durable, making them ideal for gaming.