Ever thought that the right gaming keyboard can be your secret weapon? Well, you’re not wrong! A tenkeyless (TKL) gaming keyboard delivers the performance punch of a full-sized board, without hogging all your desk space. Now, with a sea of options out there, picking the best TKL keyboard might seem like looking for a needle in a haystack.
That’s where we come in. This article is your roadmap to understanding what makes a TKL keyboard a gamer’s best buddy, along with a handpicked selection of our top contenders. Plus, we’ve sprinkled in some pro tips and tricks to help you nab the gaming keyboard that fits your setup like a glove. So, if you’re ready for this thrilling keyboard quest, let’s get started!
Logitech G915 TKL White Tactile
The Logitech G915 TKL White Tactile is a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their gaming experience with a wireless tenkeyless keyboard. The low profile mechanical switches offer fast, accurate performance that is half the height of traditional switches, making it perfect for gamers who need maximum mobility and speed while gaming. Plus, its aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame makes it incredibly thin yet durable enough to withstand intense gaming sessions.
The G915 TKL also comes with Logitech’s LIGHTSPEED Wireless technology which provides an impressive 40 hours of game time on just one full charge. And you can customize your gaming experience further with the RGB lighting that synchronizes with any content, plus program custom animations from 16.8M colors using Logitech G HUB software. To top it off, this keyboard features dedicated media buttons and a micro USB port for both wired connections and charging purposes.
However, some users may find the high price point of this product off-putting. Additionally, the key stabilization could be better and some have found that the media buttons are too sensitive when pressed. If you’re willing to overlook those small drawbacks though then the Logitech G915 TKL White Tactile is an excellent option for anyone wanting a responsive wireless tkl gaming keyboard packed with features at an affordable price .
Ducky One 2 RGB TKL
The Ducky One 2 RGB TKL is a great option for anyone looking for the best tenkeyless keyboards. It features PBT double-shot seamless keycaps and German Cherry MX key switches that provide an exceptional, reliable performance. The keyboard also has USB HID with highest frequency of 1000Hz polling rate and a detachable USB Type-C connection. You can also adjust the 3 level angle adjustment keyboard stand, as well as customize the hardware and diversify the RGB light effects.
When it comes to its specifications, this product features Cherry MX mechanical switches, LED lighting, USB 2.0 connection interface, ABS or PBT keycap material, Double Shot or Laser Engraved printing technology and weighs 950g.
Some of the pros include its availability in a variety of switches, solid PBT keycaps, macro-programmable keys which offer an outstanding typing experience while some cons are its clunky method of adjusting RGB backlight and lack of wrist rest. All in all if you’re looking for one of the best tkl keyboards in terms of quality and reliability then look no further than Ducky One 2 RGB TKL!
SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL
The SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL is a great option for anyone looking for the best tkl keyboards on the market. It comes with an OLED smart display that allows you to customize profiles, view game info, Discord messages, Spotify track and more. The aircraft grade aluminium alloy ensures durability while the 16.8 million illumination colours per key offer unmatched customization possibilities. The American QWERTY keyboard layout provides a familiar typing experience and you’ll appreciate how sensitive keys ensure nearly silent typing. RGB effects and customizable OLED are further features that make this keyboard stand out from the competition.
Unfortunately, some users have reported that their keys stopped responding after a short period of time which can be annoying if it happens to you. Additionally, the software is limited and USB passthrough requires an extra port which could be inconvenient at times. The cable connecting the keyboard can be stiff which makes cable management difficult as well. Lastly, some people felt that this product was too sensitive so if you’re after something less sensitive then consider getting the blue switch version instead.
Overall, SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL is an excellent option for anyone looking for one of the best tenkeyless keyboards on the market right now thanks to its durable construction, OLED smart display capability and highly customizable design options with millions of colours per key available in addition to several other useful features such as USB passthrough port and good cable management system making it a great choice for gamers or typists alike who are looking for quality in their keyboards without compromising on performance or style!
Redragon K552-RGB-BA Mechanical Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo
If you’re a gamer looking for quality and value, the Redragon K552-RGB-BA Mechanical Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo has you covered. This set includes the K552 mechanical keyboard with 87 keys that offer medium resistance, precise actuation and an audible click sound for quick reactions in any gaming situation. Plus, it comes with 12 multimedia keys and you can disable the WIN key to prevent accidental activation during intense gaming sessions. The combo also includes the Redragon M602A-RGB “Griffin” RGB Backlit Gaming Mouse which offers customizable DPI settings up to 7200 for increased accuracy and speed. It is ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue even during long gaming sessions. With its elegant dragon theme design plus metal and ABS construction, this combo is built for durability while looking great on your PC or laptop! For an affordable price, you can get a quality keyboard/mouse combination that will give you an edge over your opponents – check out the Redragon K552-RGB-BA Mechanical Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo today!
Cooler Master SK630
The Cooler Master SK630 is an excellent choice for gaming and work needs, combining great build quality, visible LEDs and plenty of customization options. The low profile switches provide reduced travel distance and actuation point with the same signature durability and precision, while its slim top plate, floating keycaps, minimalistic tenkeyless design ensures a sleek look. On-the-fly controls allow you to make real-time adjustments to lighting and macros without software necessary. However some may find the low profile not low enough or key travel too much for their liking. Nevertheless, the SK630 stands out as one of the best tkl keyboards with its combination of performance and aesthetics.
DROP CTRL Mechanical Keyboard
The DROP CTRL Mechanical Keyboard is a great choice for those looking for a top-of-the-line tkl keyboard. Its solid aluminum frame, built-in switch plate and magnetic legs make it a durable option that’s also easy to adjust. The Halo True switches provide smooth tactile action and the light preload helps reduce jarring impact, while the heavy spring discourages bottoming out. Plus, this keyboard has fully customizable RGB backlighting and underlighting thanks to its double shot PBT shine through keycaps and QMK firmware – which allows users to assign macros or custom keybinds to any key. It also comes with dual USB type C connectors that provide fast data transfer speeds.
However, it does have some drawbacks such as its online QMK configurator not supporting all lighting configurations available on Drop keyboards and firmware created by DROP configurator having some bugs that can prevent one USB plug from working properly. Despite these issues, the DROP CTRL Mechanical Keyboard is still an excellent choice for gamers who want something reliable yet customizable – its Cherry Brown switches, low profile case style and easy disassembly make it ideal for anyone wanting the best tkl experience.”
Glorious GMMK
The Glorious GMMK is a great keyboard for anyone looking to get into customizing their keyboard experience. It features a fully modular design, backlit RGB SMD LED compatible and ABS keycaps, and the ability to hot-swap switches to Cherry, Gateron, or Kailh branded switches. The per key 16.8 million RGB lighting options mean you have plenty of options for different colorways, animations, and customized looks that can be set directly from the keyboard without any software. The aluminum metal top plate and ABS plastic bottom plate provide an excellent sound tuning experience while typing as well for those who enjoy some ‘thocky’ noise when pressing keys.
Unfortunately there are some drawbacks to this model as well; the pre-installed Gateron Brown Tactile Mechanical Switches can feel dry and scratchy on lighter presses while the 3-pin switch compatibility means you’ll need to take note of this when shopping for alternative switch sets. Additionally, there are no profile log ins for specific users which means that saved settings will need to be either memorized or kept with their original keys if switched out – there also isn’t any function key information on keycaps if they are swapped out either.
All in all though, the Glorious GMMK is an excellent entry level customizable gaming keyboard that provides a great user experience with its ergonomic layout and plethora of lighting options – just make sure you upgrade your switches if you don’t like how it feels right away!
Best TKL Keyboards: What You Need To Know
Are you searching for a keyboard that is both portable and offers all of the features of a full-size model? If so, then a Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard could be your perfect choice. TKL keyboards are ideal for gamers and typists alike, as they provide the same functionality without taking up much desk space. In this guide, we will explore the many advantages of TKL keyboards, how to pick the right one, and our top picks for the best products out there.
What is a Tenkeyless Keyboard?
A Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard is an increasingly popular keyboard size among those seeking something more compact. It’s sometimes called an 80% keyboard too; this is because it has 87 keys instead of 104 – meaning it doesn’t have a separate number pad. This makes it more lightweight and transportable; while still providing arrow keys, home clusters and function keys so you can type or game with ease. TKL keyboards usally have 3 more keys than the best 75% keyboards. These extra keys are found in the function row in the TKL form factor.
Benefits of Tenkeyless Keyboards
The benefits that come with choosing a TKL keyboard are plentiful. Firstly, they save you valuable desk space – allowing you to position your mouse closer to your hand while typing or gaming comfortably. They’re also lighter in weight which makes them great for frequent travelers. Moreover, most people don’t use the number pad extensively anyway; hence getting rid of it won’t really affect their typing experience too much either! This guide has all the best products but if you’re thinking of building a TKL keyboard make sure to check out the best TKL PCB here.
How to Choose the Best Tenkeyless Keyboard
When shopping around for a new tenkeyless keyboard there are certain aspects worth considering beforehand: for example whether you want mechanical or membrane switches? Mechanical switches offer greater durability but tend to be louder; whereas membrane switches are quieter yet less durable and responsive compared to mechanical ones. Similarly important is key layout – some TKL keyboards may have just removed the number pad from regular 104 key layouts; while others might even lack arrow keys or other features typically found on standard models. It’s also worth comapring the TKL form factors against other form factors, for example TKL vs 60% and TKL full-size keyboards. Lastly decide whether wireless or wired models suit your needs better: wireless ones provide more portability but wired models tend to deliver superior performance in terms of response time and reliability too!
Conclusion
To conclude, Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards offer a great way to free up valuable desk space while still providing full functionality in terms of gaming and typing alike. With the right pick, you can get the best of both worlds – offering superior portability plus enhanced performance. We have explored what makes a great TKL keyboard, as well as our top picks for the best products out there; from cost-effective mechanical gaming alternatives to wireless models boasting 15 hours battery life – all with the added benefits of customizable RGB lighting effects! So if you are looking for something more compact that will give you an edge over your opponents then look no further than tenkeyless keyboards!