TKL vs 75% - Which Keyboard Size is Right for You?

Tenkeyless (TKL) vs 75% keyboards are two popular choices that frequently come up in debates among keyboard lovers within the dynamic world of mechanical keyboards. This guide dives into the key features, pros, and cons of each, helping you choose the compact champion for your setup.

TKL vs 75% are two keyboards that have many similarities. They are compact, do not take up much space on the desk, and are convenient to move.

However, customers looking for a more flexible alternative could think that the 75% arrangement strikes the ideal mix between utility and space, while those who value a minimalist setup might lean toward TKL.

Overview of TKL Keyboard

Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards without the number keypad provide a smaller form factor without compromising the essential typing experience.

TKL keyboards are perfect for enthusiast gamers or professional typists looking for a simplified setup because of their smaller size, which saves desk space while keeping the necessary keys for typing and gaming.

TKL keyboards usually have 87 keys. TKL keyboards do away with the extra numeric keys while keeping the function rows, navigation clusters, and necessary alphanumeric keys.

They are a well-liked option for people who value a simple, elegant design while still getting a lot of utility because they do not include a numeric keypad.

Pros	Cons
Easy to carry out More comfortable and ergonomic typing experience Sleek and minimalist appearance Enhances gaming performance Affordable cost Wide variety	Lack of numpad, not ideal for heavy data entry users Limited customization Can be more expensive than full-sized keyboards

To have the most comprehensive and overview of TKL keyboards, let’s refer to the famous TKL keyboards below.

• SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL has colorful backlighting
• RK87 TKL mechanical keyboard has a simple and sleek design
• K70 TKL has an eye-catching design and high performance

Looking for others? Lucky for you! Here are 15 best TKL keyboards to level up your desk space.

Overview of 75% Keyboard

75% keyboard strikes a harmonic compromise between functionality and compactness. It offers a layout that keeps navigation clusters, function rows, and necessary alphanumeric keys while eliminating the numeric keypad and removing some unnecessary keys.

Most 75% layouts are visually appealing and small, making them suitable for people who value a sleek, contemporary desktop arrangement.

There are 83 to 87 keys on 75% of standard keyboards. 75% of the keyboard is versatile and adaptable to a range of applications, thanks to the addition of function and arrow keys.

Additionally, they are typically more costly than TKL keyboards, but they are still less costly than full-size keyboards.

Pros	Cons
Saves desk space Portable and easy to carry Closer navigation and arrow keys reduce hand movement while typing, and ease wrist and shoulder strain Clean, sleek and minimalist design	High learning curve Lacks numeric keypad and some functions of larger keyboards Higher cost Closely spaced keys might feel cramped for some users Limited macro keys and customization

Check out the list of the most well-known 75% keyboards below for the most thorough overview of 75% keyboards.

• Keychron K2 is the most popular compact keyboard in mechanical keyboards 
• KBDFANS provides some colorful and simple keyboards
• GMMK Pro offers high build quality and good design

If those keyboards are not your choice, check out more best 75% keyboards for gaming and typing!

TKL vs 75% Keyboard: Comprehensive Comparisons

Stuck between a TKL vs 75% keyboards? Dive into our full comparison to see which one will win a spot on your desk and become your new typing buddy!

Feature	TKL Keyboard	75% Keyboard
Keyboard Layout and Size	Around 14 inches (35.56 cm) wide, 87 keys	Around 12.75 inches (32.5 cm) wide, 81 - 84 keys
Functionality and Key Placement	Full function keys (F1-F12) Standard QWERTY layout, arrow keys, and navigation keys arranged in a familiar format No number pad	Standard QWERTY layout, arrow keys and navigation keys condensed and integrated into a single cluster No number pad
Portability and Compactness	More compact than full-size but still slightly larger	More compact, better for tight spaces and portability
Price Range and Availability	$50 and $200	$60 to $250
Compatibility	Compatible with a wide range of devices Have a standard key size	Compatible with a wide range of devices Require certain keycaps
Customization	High level of customization	Supports remap keys, replace keycaps, and programming macros.
Ergonomics	Narrowing the keyboard and bringing the mouse closer	Narrowing the keyboard and bringing the mouse closer
Gaming Performance	Superior overall latency performance and good build quality Great for MOBA and FPS games	Flexible gaming performance Good for real-time strategy games

Keyboard Layout and Size

The layout and size play crucial roles in defining their space-saving efficiency and functionality.

The TKL keyboard maintains a familiar layout with a full navigation cluster and function row, offering about 80-85% of the full-size keyboard’s footprint. This makes it a compact yet comprehensive choice for users who want a smaller footprint without sacrificing essential keys.

Since TKL keyboards aren't very small, what's the difference between TKL and 100% keyboards? Check this comparison TKL vs full-size.

Compared to TKL, the 75% keyboard trims down further, covering approximately 60-75% of the size of a full-size keyboard. Even so, it still keeps essential keys including alphanumeric keys, function keys, and arrow keys while maximizing space efficiency. 75% keyboard provides innovative key arrangements and layering and a sleek, minimalist design while retaining crucial functionalities.

If you want to delve deeper into the layouts and sizes of all mechanical keyboards, we updated our latest post introducing the layouts and sizes with the latest information for you to study right away.

Functionality and Key Placement

The TKL (Tenkeyless) and 75% keyboard layouts both offer compact designs without a number pad while retaining essential functionality.

The TKL layout, with around 87 to 88 keys, keeps the full function row (F1 - F12) along the top, which is extremely useful for specialized software or quick operations. It maintains a familiar typing experience with closely arranged keys and the standard QWERTY key arrangement for the remaining clusters.

In contrast, the 75% layout, with 84 keys, also lacks the number pad and maintains the standard QWERTY arrangement. However, it differs in that the arrow keys and navigation keys (Home, End, Page Up, Page Down) are condensed into a single cluster. This efficient key positioning balances functionality and space-saving, providing a compact yet functional design ideal for users who need a more streamlined setup.

Portability and Compactness

The TKL vs 75% keyboards both offer unique advantages in terms of portability and compactness. But as you can see clearly, the 75% keyboard takes the edge, right?

TKL keyboards are already known for their portability due to their omission of the numeric keypad, making them easier to fit into backpacks or laptop bags. They strike a balance between compactness and functionality, maintaining essential keys for gaming and typing while conserving desk space.

Meanwhile, 75% keyboards offer an even more compact design by further reducing the number of extra keys. This layout preserves the most crucial keys while eliminating additional ones, resulting in a keyboard that is not only highly portable but also maximizes space efficiency.

Still finding the more compact? We have compared 65 vs 75 Keyboards for you. Let's see whether smaller is better?

Price Range and Availability

TKL keyboards generally fall within the $50 to $200 range, with prices varying based on the brand, switch type, build quality, and additional features. They are widely available from various manufacturers and can be found in specialty stores, online marketplaces, and electronics retailers.

In comparison, 75% keyboards tend to be slightly pricier, ranging from $60 to $250 or more, depending on factors like switch type, build quality, and brand reputation. Like TKL keyboards, 75% keyboards are also widely accessible from numerous brands and are available in electronics stores globally.

Note: Please note that prices as shown are valid at the time of publication and are subject to change without prior notice.

Compatibility

TKL vs 75% keyboards are two outstanding options with a high level of compatibility.

TKL keyboards are highly versatile, often compatible with a broad array of devices and operating systems, including PCs, Macs, Linux systems, and even some tablets like iPads. They typically work with keycap sets designed for full-size keyboards, making it easier to find replacements or upgrades.

In contrast, 75% keyboards are also compatible with various devices, such as game consoles, laptops, and desktop computers. However, they have specific keycap requirements, such as 1.75U right shift and 1U modifiers, which can vary between different keyboard plates and kits. The compact design of 75% keyboards often means that some keycaps are smaller to fit the unique layout, which may limit the availability of compatible keycap sets.

Customization

Both TKL vs 75% keyboards have customizations available. Most keyboards feature mechanical switches, and some even offer hot-swappable switches, which let users swap out switches without soldering. Furthermore, a lot of keyboards have RGB and backlighting options that can be customized to fit their setup or mood.

TKL keyboards maintain most of the standard key layout, allowing for extensive modifications. This makes it easy to swap out keycaps, switches, and stabilizers, providing a high degree of personalization. Their straightforward structure is particularly appealing to the modding community, offering a simple and versatile platform for creating a unique keyboard setup.

Conversely, 75% keyboards offer flexibility in customizing key functions and positions, which can enhance work efficiency and personal style. Some models, like the GMMk Pro and Sonnet, go a step further by allowing full customization of appearance, sound, and feel. While TKL keyboards excel in component-level changes, 75% keyboards are ideal for users who want to tailor both functionality and aesthetics to their preferences.

Ergonomics

Tenkeyless (TKL) and 75% keyboard layouts prioritize a more compact design without eliminating necessary keys, therefore, their ergonomics are often equivalent. Both layouts improve ergonomics by narrowing the keyboard and bringing the mouse closer, making the workstation more comfortable and productive.

Gaming Performance

When comparing gaming performance between TKL and 75% keyboards, each offers unique strengths that cater to different gaming styles.

TKL keyboards are favored for their precision and speed. This makes them excellent for MOBA games like League of Legends, and FPS games like Half-Life, where quick access to function keys can be crucial for executing complex commands and strategies. By omitting the numeric keypad, TKL layouts enhance mouse movement and reduce hand strain, providing a competitive edge with their superior latency and solid build quality.

On the other hand, 75% are well-suited for games requiring quick reactions, such as World of Warcraft or StarCraft II, but the absence of extra keys might be a drawback for titles that rely heavily on numerous hotkeys and macros.

While TKL keyboards excel in precision-focused gameplay, 75% keyboards are good for real-time strategy games.

Bonus: TKL keyboards are often favored by office workers who need a clean and comfortable workspace without the need for a numeric keypad.

Meanwhile, 75% keyboards are suitable for those who need portability and space saving, but still want to retain the flexibility and features of a full keyboard, such as software developers and editors. video, or remote workers.

Conclusion

To sum up, the TKL vs 75% keyboards both have great customization options, ergonomic benefits, and gaming performance. Choosing between TKL vs 75% keyboards ultimately comes down to personal priorities, whether they're about maximum space efficiency, flexible key functionality, or a streamlined aesthetic.