The battle between TKL vs 60 keyboards has been raging on, with enthusiasts on both sides claiming their preferred size is the ideal and ultimate choice. In this article, we will delve into the differences between TKL vs 60 keyboard, helping you make an informed decision on which one is the perfect fit for you.
| Features | TKL Keyboard | 60% Keyboard |
| Compactness | Moderate compactness with a standard layout | High compactness with a minimalist design |
| Key layout |
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| Portability | Portable | Super portable |
| Compatibility |
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| Availability | Widely available from numerous brands and retailers such as:
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Widely available from numerous brands and retailers such as:
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| Customization | Limited customization options | Higher customizability (Keycaps, switches, and lighting) |
| Price | More affordable | Pricier than TKLs due to more customization options and better compatibility |
A TKL keyboard, also known as a Tenkeyless keyboard (87%, 80%), is a type of mechanical keyboard that doesn’t include the 10-key numeric keypad found on a traditional full-sized keyboard. With the removal of these keys, a TKL keyboard becomes smaller in size, making it more convenient to use.
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Cons:
Some popular TKL keyboards: Ducky One 3 TKL, Steelseries Apex Pro TKL, Keychron K8 Pro, Logitech G915 Lightspeed and Glorious GMMK Pro.
A 60% keyboard refers to its size being approximately 60% of a standard keyboard layout that removes the number pad, function keys (F1 - F12), and arrow keys, resulting in a sleek and minimalist design. Despite having fewer keys, this smaller form factor appeals to gaming enthusiasts and programmers seeking a space-efficient setup.
Pros:
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Some popular 60% keyboards: Keychron V3, Ducky One 2 Mini, SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless, Anne Pro 2, Corsair K65 Pro Mini RGB and Royal Kludge RK61.
Compact 60% keyboards are commonly utilized for gaming, whereas TKL keyboards offer versatility and are suitable for regular computer tasks, excluding mathematical work.
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Both TKL and 60% keyboards offer significant size reductions compared to their full-sized counterparts, but they achieve this in distinct ways. TKL keyboards strike a balance between size and functionality. They retain the familiar layout of a full-sized keyboard, including the essential arrow keys and function row, while shedding the bulky number pad. This translates to a roughly 14.2-inch footprint, creating valuable desk real estate for your mouse and a potentially more ergonomic typing posture.
The 60% keyboard, on the other hand, offers a higher level of compactness with its minimalist design. It eliminates unnecessary keys and function rows, resulting in a smaller form factor. Measuring in at a mere 11.5 inches by 4.25 inches, 60% keyboards are significantly smaller than their tenkeyless counterparts, resulting in more room for your mouse and potentially improved ergonomics.
If you value a familiar layout and seamless functionality, the TKL's moderate compactness might be the sweet spot. But if you prioritize portability and a clutter-free desk, the 60%'s minimalist magic could be your perfect match.
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The TKL keyboard features a standard key layout with full Alphanumeric keys. This means that it includes all the necessary keys for typing and inputting characters such as letters, numbers, function keys, and navigation keys without a numeric keypad.
On the other hand, the 60% keyboard offers a compact layout, often without dedicated function keys. Besides, it eliminates the number pad, function keys (F1 - F12), and other extra keys such as arrow keys or Home keys, resulting in a smaller design. This keyboard has either 61 keys for the American standard (ANSI) or 62 keys for the international standard (ISO).
If you want to find out more about differences between ANSI and ISO layouts, this article is the perfect choice for you!
| TKL Keyboards | 60% Keyboard | |
| Home keys | Yes | No |
| Numpad | No | No |
| Arrow Keys | Yes | No |
| Function Keys | Yes | No |
| Number of Keys | 87 - 88 keys | 61 keys for ANSI or 62 keys for ISO |
| Width Percentage | 87% or 80% | 60% |
The portability of keyboards is an important factor to consider for users who are constantly on the move. The TKL keyboard, with its compact design and omission of the number pad, offers a more portable solution. It takes up less space in a bag or backpack, making it easier to carry around.
On the other hand, the 60 keyboard, with its smaller form factor and absence of function keys, provides even greater portability. Its compact size allows for effortless transportation, making it ideal for users who prioritize mobility and convenience.
The TKL keyboards can work with different devices and operating systems. These keyboards typically connect via USB or Bluetooth and are compatible with Windows, Mac, and even some gaming consoles.
These compact 60 keyboards are designed to be versatile, so they work seamlessly with both Windows and ChromeOS. You can connect them effortlessly through USB or Bluetooth®, depending on your device's capabilities and the keyboard model.
Besides, both keyboards are customizable to your preferences. Therefore, if the switches of TKL vs 60 keyboards are hot-swappable, you have the flexibility to switch between different types such as linear, tactile or clicky switches. Furthermore, you have the freedom to replace the keycaps with new PBT or ABS keycaps for a personalized experience.
TKL (Tenkeyless) keyboards and 60% keyboards are both popular options in the mechanical keyboard market. However, when it comes to availability, TKL keyboards appear to be more popular, which are widely offered by mainstream manufacturers such as Filco, Corsair, and Razer. While 60% of keyboards are manufacturers such as Keychron, Wooting, Anne Pro, etc.
TKL keyboards are easier to find and purchase compared to 60% keyboards, which have a more niche following. TKL keyboards are also more popular among gamers and professionals who require a more traditional layout. However, the popularity of 60% keyboards is growing due to their compact design and customizable features for gaming enthusiasts and minimalistic users.
Overall, there is a wide range of keyboard sizes and layouts available from various popular brands, which can make it overwhelming for users to choose the right one. If this is your first keyboard and you don’t know where to start, check out our beginner-friendly lists below to find your ideal match!
TKL keyboards have limited customization options in terms of keycaps, switches, and lighting compared to 60% keyboards. As for keycaps, 60% keyboards support a wider variety of keycap profiles, allowing users to personalize the look and feel of their keyboard.
Additionally, TKL keyboards typically have a limited selection of switches available, often limited to popular mainstream options. In contrast, 60% keyboards provide a greater range of switch choices, including niche options favored by enthusiasts.
Lastly, TKL Keyboards tend to have simpler lighting options, with limited RGB customization. 60% keyboards, on the other hand, often offer more advanced lighting features, allowing for greater customization and personalization.
Overall, the limited customization options of TKL keyboards compared to 60% keyboards can be attributed to their larger form factor and less specialized target audience.
The price difference between a TKL vs 60 keyboard can vary depending on the brand and features. Generally, the TKL keyboard is more affordable compared to its counterpart because 60 keyboards offer more customization options and better compatibility, leading to a higher price.
With the ability to customize key layouts and additional features such as programmability, 60% keyboards cater to a niche market that is willing to pay more for these added benefits. On the other hand, TKL keyboards provide a cost-effective solution for those who prioritize functionality and traditional keyboard layout over customization.
TKL keyboards are often considered better for typing than 60% keyboards due to their versatility and functionality. TKL keyboards provide all the necessary keys without the need for additional key combinations, resulting in a more comfortable and efficient typing experience.
On the other hand, 60% keyboards require the use of a dedicated Fn key to access missing functions, which may be less convenient and require time to master. Overall, TKL keyboards are preferred for typing due to their ease of use.
The choice between TKL vs 60 for gaming depends on personal preference and gaming style. With some popular games below:
In general, the 60% keyboard is especially ideal for hardcore gamers who prioritize minimal keys for first-person shooters and action RPGs. Its close-packed keys create a tighter hit circle, enhancing accuracy.
On the contrary, TKL keyboards are perfect for gamers who are ready to give up the Numpad in exchange for additional desktop space. These keyboards are ideal for games such as FPS, MMO, MOBA, and any other competitive game without sim elements.
So, are you curious about what the most expensive gaming keyboards in the world are? We have already compiled and reviewed their best features for you. Therefore, you can spend a little time checking out our list and deciding if any of these luxurious keyboards are worth the investment.
When it comes to programming, the TKL keyboard is a better choice compared to the 60% keyboard. This is primarily because the TKL keyboard possesses all the necessary function keys. Unlike the 60% keyboard, which requires the use of layered functions to input various symbols, the TKL keyboard makes it much simpler and more convenient to accomplish this task.
The TKL keyboard, which lacks a numpad, is still sufficient for programming purposes since the numpad is rarely utilized in programming.
To summarize, both TKL vs 60 keyboards are well-liked choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts due to their unique advantages and drawbacks. The TKL keyboard appeals to those who prefer a traditional layout and affordability, whereas the 60% keyboard is favored by those seeking a compact and minimalist design. Ultimately, the best keyboard size depends on personal preferences and specific requirements.
Both the TKL keyboard and the 60% keyboard are highly compatible with MacBooks. However, the 60% keyboard is more travel-friendly due to its smaller size. Therefore, when it comes to mobility and pairing with a MacBook, the 60% keyboard is the more suitable option.
Although it may take some time to learn, 60% keyboards provide significant advantages in terms of size and weight reduction when compared to TKL keyboards. Therefore, they are incredibly portable and visually beautiful.
These 60% keyboards provide gamers and typists enough space for smooth mouse motions while gaming or having a coffee handy. Although they are primarily intended for gaming, they are also appropriate for ordinary work or typing chores.
TKL keyboards are used for gaming, programming, and general computer use. They have a compact design that eliminates the number pad, making them more portable and providing more space for mouse movement.
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