15 Best Tenkeyless (TKL) Mechanical Keyboards [2024]
Keycaps 101
Posted by:
amy-golden
Oct 17, 2022
When a Numpad becomes unnecessary for everyday use, how about taking a look at this list of 15 best TKL mechanical keyboards to find a better replacement for the standard keyboard layout?
TKL stands for tenkeyless, which means that the keyboard does not have a number pad on the right side. TKL keyboards are also great for gaming, as they offer more space for your mouse and allow you to position your hands more comfortably.
To help you narrow down your choices, here are some of the best TKL mechanical keyboards that you can find online:
Switches
Number of keys
Wired or Wireless
Price
Durgod Taurus K320
Cherry MX switches
81
wired
$162
Ducky One 2 TKL
Cherry MX switches
87
wired
$135
Drop CTRL
Halo switches, Cherry MX switches,
Kaihua switches
87
wired
$200
GMMK TKL Hot Swap Edition
Gateron Brown switches
87
wired
$109.95
HyperX Alloy Origins Core
HyperX mechanical switches
87
wired
$100
WASD Code V3
Cherry MX switches
87
wired
$175
Varmilo VA87M
Cherry MX switches
87
wired
$166.37
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL
OmniPoint switches
84
wired
$189.99
Keychron K8
Gateron G Pro mechanical switches.
Gateron optical switches
87
wired and wireless
$72.10
Tecware Phantom
Outemu switches
87
wired
$45.99
Logitech G Pro X
GX mechanical switches
87
wired
$149.99
iKBC CD87
Cherry MX switches
87
wired
$76.99
Realforce R2 TKL
Topre Electrostatic Capacitive Silent switches
87
wired
$226.00
Razer Huntsman TE
Razer linear optical switch
87
wired
$69.99
Corsair K63 Wireless
Cherry MX Red switches
87
wired and wireless
$79.99
Note that the price list is for reference only. It will change depending on the time you look at it due to the sellers' and manufacturers' promotions.
Durgod Taurus K320: Best TKL for Typing
Features:
Detachable USB-C cable
Media control hotkeys
Pros:
Programmable keys
Different Cherry MX switch choices
Good build design
Doubleshot PBT keycaps
Buttery smooth typing
Cons:
No backlighting
High latency
A few special features
The first best TKL mechanical keyboard we want to introduce is Durgod Taurus K320 keyboard. Our first impression is its high-quality solid build with PBT keycaps, making it last for a long time even with rough handling. Besides, the keyboard has five stable rubber feet to prevent the keyboard from running or sliding when it is typed fast or heavy.
If your first priority is the typing experience, the Durgod Taurus will be your excellent choice. You can pick out your favorite switch types from the Cherry MX lineups with this keyboard, ranging from regular lineups to Silent variants.
However, we won’t recommend this TKL keyboard for those who are into fast-paced games since the latency is a little bit higher than regular gaming keyboards. In addition, it does not go with the backlighting and has fewer extra features than other best tenkeyless keyboards.
Ducky One 2 TKL: Best TKL mechanical keyboard for typing
Features:
Detachable USB-C cable
1000Hz polling rate
3-level angle keyboard leg
RGB light effects
N-key or 6-Key Rollover
Pros:
Programmable keys
Different switch choices
Doubleshot PBT keycaps
Excellent typing feels
Cons:
Hard to adjust RGB effects
Another best tenkeyless mechanical keyboard for typing is Ducky One 2 TKL keyboard. This keyboard has a great build with a plastic body and PBT keycaps. It also has solid stands that can be adjusted the angle, so you can choose the incline angle you prefer for ultimate typing feels.
There is a backlighting version and a non-backlighting keyboard for you to choose from. Regarding the keyboard with backlit, you will have the freedom to customize the effect with Ducky RGB Software, as well as control the level of brightness.
Typing on the Ducky One 2 TKL is smooth and stable thanks to the high-end PBT keycaps. Moreover, you can choose your favorite typing preferences among Cherry MX selections. Unlike the candidate above, the latency of Ducky One 2 TKL is good enough so you won’t meet the lagging issue.
Drop CTRL: Best Hot-Swappable TKL Mechanical Keyboard
Features:
QMK software for customization
Two USB type-C cables
Customizable RGB backlit and underlighting
Pros:
Aluminum frame
PBT keycaps
A lot of switch choices
Hot-swappable
Low latency
Cons:
No wrist rest
If you prefer a hot-swappable keyboard for easy switch customization, we have Drop CTRL keyboard in our list of best tenkeyless mechanical keyboards. With a top-grade aluminum body and PBT keycaps, this keyboard is truly well-made that lasts for a long time.
On top of that, it has many different variants with different types of switches, which are Halo, Kaihua, and Cherry MX switches. Furthermore, they come with hot-swap sockets, so you don’t need soldering to change them.
This keyboard also has its own QMK firmware. Hence, you can customize the RGB backlighting and program the keys to meet your daily needs. What’s more? The latency is nicely low, meaning you will rarely suffer from the low responding issues.
GMMK TKL Hot Swap Edition: Best hot-swappable TKL keyboard
Features:
USB-C connector
16.8 million color RGB backlight
Adjustable built-in stands
Pros:
Good keyboard build
Hot-swappable
Customizable RGB effects
Cons:
ABS keycaps
High latency
We cannot forget to mention GMMK TKL Hot Swap Edition keyboard in our list of best tenkeyless mechanical keyboards in 2022. It is a hot-swappable keyboard, so you can easily pull in and out the switches to customize the keyboard as you want, provided that they are Cherry MX-style switches.
Besides, this keyboard is well-made with able-to-change-angle legs, so it is not only sturdy but also flexible for your typing experience. However, they use ABS keycaps which are quite shiny after a long time, but you can change them to the better ones. If you do not know what keycaps to choose, read the article here for full detail.
Apart from that, GMMK TKL is pre-built with Gateron Brown, which is an excellent tactile switch with top-class smooth typing. Despite all the good parts about this keyboard, the latency is quite high, making it not a perfect keyboard for a well-balanced gaming experience.
HyperX Alloy Origins Core: Best Mid-Range TKL For Gaming
Features:
Detachable cable
Onboard memory for 3 profiles
HyperX NGENUITY software
Pros:
Aircraft-grade aluminum body
Individual backlit customization
100% anti-ghosting
Three different HX switches to pick from
Cons:
Customization software only compatible with Windows
ABS keycaps
If an expensive keyboard is not a feasible choice at the moment, we believe HyperX Alloy Origins Core gaming keyboard is the best mid-range tenkeyless mechanical keyboard for you. The price is quite a bargain for a keyboard made of world-class aluminum. Furthermore, the overall quality, ranging from typing feels to in-built software, is outstanding.
It has two incline legs that are pretty strong so there won’t be a problem of sliding or collapsing. However, the ABS keycaps installed are quite a miss than a hit for a good keyboard as HyperX Alloy Origins Core.
Talking about the RGB effects, aside from the ability to customize the effect for each key, the brightness level of HyperX is more dramatic than other RGB backlit keyboards. In contrast, the minor issue is the HyperX NGENUITY software only works with Windows.
But if you still find it too pricey, consider checking out some keyboards under $50 for game that come with all the essential gaming features without the added cost of unnecessary extras.
WASD Code V3: A Super Customizable TKL Keyboard
Features:
White LED backlighting
USB type-C
Programmable hotkeys
5-way cable route
Anti-sliding rubber pad
Pros:
Programmable hotkeys
Aluminum cases or ABS cases
Different switch options
Cons:
Hard-to-use cable
ABS keycaps
Best TKL mechanical keyboard list cannot be completed without the mention of WASD Code V3 keyboard. It has two case material options, ABS or airplane-grade aluminum (you will need to pay more).
Under the keyboard, there is a rubber pad that helps prevent WASD Code V3 from running around your table with every keystroke. It also has a unique feature which is a 5-way custom cable, which means you can change the direction of the cable to the way convenient for your table setting. However, it’s quite difficult to get used to setting up the cable at first.
Apart from being able to choose the case, you can also pick up your favorite Cherry MX switches. There will be nothing more to say about the quality of switches from Cherry MX besides they are sitting on the throne of the mechanical switch kingdom.
Varmilo VA87M: A Super Smooth Typing Experience
Features:
Different case versions (lovebirds, sea melody, etc)
White backlighting
Custom cable
Pros:
Sturdy build keyboard
Art-design doubleshot PBT keycaps
4 types of Cherry MX switches to choose
Cons:
High latency
No programmable keys
Weak leg stands
The next best TKL mechanical keyboard we want to introduce is Varmilo VA87M keyboard. At first check, the keyboard impresses us with its high-quality build with a metal frame and durable plastic case. However, the incline legs are not strong enough to withhold the standing position, hence, heavy typing may result in a collapsed keyboard.
On top of that, the case and PBT keycap of the Varmilo VA87M is designed with different art themes, making it a selling point for this beautiful tech piece. The pictures are set by applying UV-printing, promising to keep the vivid appearance for a very long time.
Another issue is the high latency, which means being unsuitable for pro gamers. Next, it does not have a key programming function so keyboard enthusiasts may feel bored and restrained.
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL: Best high-end TKL mechanical keyboard
Features:
OLED Smart display
Adjustable mechanical switches for customizable per-key sensitivity
Magnetic wrist rest
3-way cable routing
Pros:
Mega fast OmniPoint switches
Great typing comfort
Aircraft-grade aluminum frame
Cons:
No dedicated keys
Wrist rest attracting dust
In this series of best TKl mechanical keyboards, SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL keyboard is one-of-the-kind with its pioneering OmniPoint switches. They are extremely fast and able to adjust the receiving signal due to different pressing forces.
Overall, the world-grade aluminum frame gives us a luxury feel when using this keyboard. Typing on the keypresses is solid and even, making the whole experience easy and comfortable.
Besides, with a soft wrist rest, you won’t feel tired on your wrist after typing a whole day. However, it is easy to collect dust, so you will need to sanitize the wrist rest occasionally.
How about an unboxing video to explore more of this keyboard’s beauty?
Keychron K8: The Best Wireless TKL Mechanical Keyboard
Features:
2 RGB versions
USB type-C
4000mAh battery
Pros:
Various switch types to choose from
Hot-swappable version
Wired or wireless mode with
Connect to 3 devices
Aluminum frame
Cons:
ABS keycaps
The aluminum frame of Keychron K8 keyboard creates a solid feel when pressing the keys. However, it uses ABS keycaps, so despite being comfortable to type on, they may come off as shiny keycaps after a long time using.
You can choose a hot-swappable edition of Keychron K8 if you prefer to customize the keyswitches. Besides, there are three RGB variants, which are white backlit and RGB backlit.
This keyboard is pretty convenient thanks to a wireless mode function. Thus, it is preferable to be carried with you and moreover, the battery is like a giant with 4000 mAh. This means 240 hours using without the backlit.
Tecware Phantom: The Best Budget TKL Keyboard
Features:
16.8 million color RGB backlit
18 pre-set lighting modes
‘Floating key’ design
N-key rollover
Pros:
Modular switch socket
Three Outemu switch options
Sturdy keyboard construction
PBT keycaps in different color variations
Cons:
Only change to other Outemu switches
Wobble keys
Tecware Phantom keyboard is a budget keyboard among other best tenkeyless keyboards in the top 15. The backlit effects are undeniably beautiful with 18 different RGB backlit modes. Want to see the effects? Play the video below.
In addition, you can also pick up your favorite type of Outemu switches and the quality of them is nice enough to type on smoothly. Nonetheless, as they are budget switches, there is a wobble issue among the keypresses but you can tackle them by using film or lube.
This keyboard is hot-swappable, so you can easily exchange the keyswitches as you like, which is a hard-to-find function in cheap keyboards. Of course, at that price, there is a minor problem which is you can only change the switches to other Outemu versions.
Logitech G Pro X: Strong build quality TKL Keyboard
Features:
Lightsync RGB
Detachable cable
3-level angle incline adjustment
12 programmable f-key macros
Pros:
Hot-swappable keyboard
Exceptionally low latency
Great keyboard construction
Cons:
Not a full-key programmable keyboard
No wrist rest
Logitech always have good PC necessities f so it will be a miss if we forget to mention Logitech Pro X keyboard in this list of best TKL keyboards. At a first glance, this keyboard is made greatly to stand solid despite the heavy strokes. Moreover, the leg stands can be adjusted to three different incline levels to match your typing preference.
In addition, you can customize the GX switches to meet your taste easily thanks to the hot-swap socket. Apart from that, Logitech Pro X is recommended for gaming users as it has very low latency. Thus, you will hardly suffer from lagging issues which is a terrible disaster when playing heavy games.
However, this keyboard is not full-key programmable despite the high price.
iKBC CD87: A No-Frills TKL Keyboard
Features:
100% anti-ghosting with full key rollover
3-level adjustable feet
Multimedia keys & calculator key
3-way cable routing
Pros:
Various Cherry MX options
Doubleshot PBT keycaps
Good keyboard build
Cons:
No extra functions
Not programmable fn keys
iKBC CD87 keyboard is one of the best TKL mechanical keyboards with a minimalist design. It is simple and functional. In general, the metal frame and high-quality plastic produce a heavy and strong keyboard that seems to last pretty long.
In addition, this keyboard has thick and solid PBT keycaps. It also has incline stands that can be changed to three levels, hence, you can set up the keyboard based on your preferred height.
Furthermore, under the keyboard, there is a 3-way cable routing for you to set up the wire direction. Thanks to that, the cable won’t be tangled and make a mess on your working desk. At that price, it’s a big surprise to see Cherry MX switches. Besides, you can pick between Chery MX Clear linear switches and Cherry MX Brown tactile switches.
However, there are not as many special key functions as other gaming keyboards. But, it still has some media keys for you to play with.
Realforce R2 TKL: Best TKL Topre Keyboard
Features:
Full n-key rollover
3-way cable routing
2-level tilt adjustment
Pros:
Doubleshot PBT keycaps
Minimalist design
Good keyboard construction
Cons:
Undetachable cable
Expensive
Realforce R2 TKL keyboard stands out from other best tenkeyless mechanical keyboards thanks to the unique Torpe switches. They use the electro-capacitive method to activate the key. By adjusting the force of your fingers a little bit, the keyswitches can detect and immediately register.
Besides, the build of this keyboard is well-made to be pretty solid and sturdy. Therefore, it feels safe and stable to type on Realforce R2. With a minimalist keyboard design, it’s suitable for office workers who need something simple but elegant to work for 8 hours a day.
On top of that, you can also change the direction and tilt level of the Realforce V2 keyboard thanks to the adjustable stands. However, given that the price is over $200, a non-detachable cord is pretty disappointing when most newborn keyboards come with a detachable USB cable.
Razer Huntsman TE: The Best TKL For Gaming
Features:
Razer Chroma RGB
Detachable Type-C cable
N-key roll-over with built-in anti-ghosting
1000 Hz polling
Pros:
Doubleshot PBT Keycaps
Aluminum top plate
Fully programmable keys
Awesomely low latency
Cons:
Typing is quite shaky
Poor stabilizer
The overall construction of Razer Hunstman TE keyboard is well-made with hard plastic outside and an aluminum plate inside. With a high polling rate and super low latency, we cannot opt it out of the best 15 TKL keyboards in 2022, extremely great for competing in games.
Moreover, this keyboard is full-programmable, so you have control over rebinding the keys to meet your needs. And, this is extremely useful for those who have different game profiles. However, some keyswitches showing wobble issues and poor stabilizer are what downplays the overall typing feels.
The RGB effects are ready to rock your gaming experience. See for yourself with this video.
The RGB effects of this keyboard are really worthy of Razer‘s name. With 16.8 million colors, the RGB effects are lively and charming that will rock your gaming experience.
Corsair K63 Wireless: Best budget wireless TKL mechanical keyboard
Features:
Per-key, red LED backlighting
Dedicated volume and multimedia controls
100% anti-ghosting with full key rollover
iCue software
Pros:
Fully programmable keys
Very low latency
Multi-device connections
Cons:
No on-board memory
Unchanging RGB colors
ABS keycaps
The last keyboard of the top 15 best TKL mechanical keyboards will beCorsair K63 keyboard. The build is decent with strong plastic, however, ABS keycaps produce a cheap feel. Apart from that, there are incline stands and a so-so wrist rest.
About the RGB effect, you are allowed to alter the brightness but the color can be only blue. This is quite boring for keyboard lovers who prefer vivid light effects.
If a wireless keyboard is not preferable to gaming, you can easily switch to the wired cord to compete in fast-paced games. The wired mode’s latency of Corsair K63 is wonderfully low. This means you can rest assured because lagging rarely happens.
On the downside, this keyboard does not have onboard memory. However, as it is not an expensive tenkeyless keyboard, we can look past this issue.
What is a Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard?
A TKL keyboard or tenkeyless keyboard is a space-saved keyboard without the Numpad. Since a lot of users won’t touch the Numpad pretty much in their daily use, the tenkeyless keyboard appeared, cutting down from standard 104 keys to 81-87 keys. The result is a smaller keyboard that meets the minimalist space requirements.
Tenkeyless Keyboards: The Perfect Size for Most
Unlike the standard full layout with excessive keys and the compact layout lacking necessary keys, the tenkeyless keyboard is the perfect layout that is in the middle.
You will move the mouse more comfortably when it’s nearer your PC. You won’t have to move stuff on the desk around to find space that is taken up mostly by the standard keyboard.
You don’t have to feel annoyed when the keys are missed on the 60% keyboard since there are arrow keys and function (fn) keys on the TKL keyboard.
HyperX Alloy Origin TKL Keyboard
Conclusion
TKL mechanical keyboards are a great choice for gamers, programmers, and anyone who values portability, performance, and personalization. There are many options of TKL mechanical keyboards online, but some of the best ones are: Ducky One 2 RGB TKL, Logitech Pro X keyboard, and SteelSeries Apex Pro 2023 TKL. They have different types of switches, keycaps, and design that suit different preferences and use cases. Depending on your personal preference and use case, you can choose the one that suits you best.
I work as a freelance blogger in Seattle, Washington. I've been freelancing full-time for 5 years. I'm interested in anime, resin art, and mechanical keyboards.
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