TKL Keyboards

A TKL (Tenkeyless) keyboard offers the perfect blend of functionality and space-saving design. By eliminating the number pad, TKL keyboards are smaller and more compact, making them ideal for gamers and professionals who want more desk space for mouse movement or a cleaner workspace. While it sacrifices the numeric keypad, it retains essential keys like the function row, arrow keys, and other navigation buttons, making it an efficient choice without sacrificing productivity or gaming control.

What Is a Tenkeyless Keyboard Layout?

A Tenkeyless keyboard removes the number pad from a traditional full-sized keyboard, resulting in a more compact design. Typically, TKL keyboards feature around 87 keys, including all the critical keys like the function row (F1-F12), arrow keys, and navigation keys (home, end, and delete), making them more portable and ergonomic while still offering the core functionality needed for most tasks.

Benefits of TKL Keyboards

One of the main benefits of a TKL keyboard is the space it frees up on your desk. This extra space can be a game-changer for gamers who need more room for precise mouse movements or for professionals working with smaller desks. Its compact design also improves ergonomics, positioning the keyboard and mouse closer together, reducing strain during long typing or gaming sessions. TKL keyboards are also lighter and easier to transport, making them great for users who move between workstations or attend gaming events.

Customization and Features

Many TKL keyboards offer customization options such as programmable keys, RGB lighting, and swappable keycaps. These features allow users to tailor their keyboards to their specific needs, whether it's for gaming or professional tasks. Both wired and wireless versions are available, and many models come with mechanical switches, providing a tactile and responsive typing experience.

What's the Difference Between TKL (Tenkeyless) and Other Size Keyboards?

TKL vs. 60% Keyboard
A TKL keyboard is larger than a 60% keyboard. The 60% layout removes the number pad, function row, and arrow keys, leaving only the alphanumeric section. This makes the 60% keyboard extremely compact, perfect for users who prioritize minimalism and portability. TKL, on the other hand, retains essential keys like the function row and arrow keys, which makes it more suitable for users who rely on these keys for productivity or gaming, but still want a space-saving design.

TKL vs. 65% Keyboard
The 65% keyboard falls between the 60% and TKL sizes. It includes arrow keys and some additional navigation keys (like home and end), but it doesn't have the full function row that a TKL keyboard offers. The 65% layout is ideal for users who want a more compact design than TKL but need the convenience of dedicated arrow keys and a few extra shortcuts.

TKL vs. 75% Keyboard
A 75% keyboard is slightly more compact than a TKL keyboard but offers most of the same functionality. It retains the function row and arrow keys like the TKL, but it condenses the layout slightly by removing some spacing between keys. This gives the 75% keyboard a more compact form factor while still maintaining a familiar key arrangement. For users who want all the key functionality of a TKL but in a slightly smaller design, the 75% keyboard is a great option.

TKL keyboard vs. Full-Sized Keyboard
The main difference is that TKL keyboards lack the numeric keypad on full-size keyboards, making them more compact and portable. However, they still include the function keys and other essential keys for productivity and gaming.

More FAQs About TKL Keyboards

Is a TKL keyboard good for gaming?
Yes! Gamers often prefer TKL keyboards because the compact design allows for more space to move the mouse, making it easier to execute precise movements in games.

Are TKL keyboards good for work?
Absolutely. TKL keyboards offer a more ergonomic typing experience by reducing the distance between the keyboard and mouse. This makes them a great option for professionals who need a comfortable, compact, and functional keyboard for everyday use.

Is a TKL keyboard better than a full-sized keyboard?

It depends on the user's needs. If you don’t use the number pad frequently and want a more compact, ergonomic design, a TKL keyboard is a better option. However, if you rely on the number pad for data entry or other tasks, a full-sized keyboard might be more suitable.

Do TKL keyboards have mechanical switches?

Many TKL keyboards come with mechanical switches, making them a popular choice for both typing and gaming enthusiasts. Mechanical switches provide tactile feedback and durability, enhancing the overall typing or gaming experience. Users can often choose from a variety of switch types, including tactile, clicky, or linear.

Explore our selection of TKL keyboards to find the perfect balance of style and functionality. You can also browse other options, including mechanical keyboards and ergonomic keyboards, to create your ideal workspace.