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Tenkeyless (TKL) mechanical keyboardsare incredibly popular for gaming, but they’re also a great way to free up space on your desktop without sacrificing functionality.
Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL Gaming Keyboard
What to Look For in a TKL Mechanical Keyboard in 2025
If you’re working with a small desk or want to free up space for sweeping mouse movements, it’s hard to go wrong with a TKL mechanical keyboard. These offer much of the same functionality as a full-size keyboard, though they lack a keypad—which frees up significant space and makes TKL keyboards so much smaller. They’re not as tiny as 60% keyboards, however, and with 87 keys they’re the perfect combination of form and function.
Shopping for a TKL keyboard is a bit complicated, as there are tons of factors to consider. The first is determining thetypes of switchesyou’d like. This is no different from shopping for a full-size mechanical keyboard, as the same switches work across both formats. Red switches are good for gaming, brown switches are good for typing, and blue switches are great for folks who love audible feedback on every keystroke.
You’ll also want to look at both wired and wireless connections. Wireless models are often more expensive than their wired siblings. Some cheap wireless keyboards might suffer input lag, but reliable products from big names like Logitech and SteelSeries are typically fine for all but pro gamers.
There are a few other factors to consider, such asRGB lighting, customization options, durability, and programmable buttons, but these should only be considered after deciding on your switches and connection format. If you need help sifting through all the products available, here’s a look at the five best TKL mechanical keyboards you can buy now.
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Customizable keycaps and switches
The keyboard comes dissembled
Multiple connectivity options
Can program keys with QMK and VIA
Good weight and solid durability
From performance to features, it isn’t surprising theNuphy Gem80takes the top spot. In addition to performance, you’ll be in customization heaven. You’ll be able to tweak the keycaps, switches, and even program the keys for special macros.
Even before you buy, Nuphy gives you a suite of features, like wired-only or wireless (which has Bluetooth, too), extra switches and keycaps, plates, or add a wrist rest and desk mat.
If you go barebones, the Nuphy Gem80 is still a gem of a TKL keyboard. The 1000Hz polling rate makes it suitable for anything, from typing to gaming, and the battery life on the wireless model is impressive, lasting up to 70 hours with just the homing bars lit up.
The durability is awesome, too. The Nuphy Gem80 uses a hard PC bottom case with an aluminum chassis over top, giving it very little rigidity. Its profile is pretty low as well, like an intermediate between an Apple Magic Keyboard and a common keyboard.
Nuphy Gem80
Gem80 packs the wireless performance of a gaming keyboard, a refinedthockysound signature, and an abundance of part choices into its splendidly polished aluminum chassis.
Affordable price
Kickstands don’t offer much incline
Multiple switch types
Versatile customization software
Clocking in at less than $100, theHyperX Alloy Origins Coreis a well-rounded keyboard. With all the available switch types (HyperX Red,HyperX Aqua, andHyperX Blue), you’ll benefit from 100% anti-ghosting and N-key rollover that ensures all your keystrokes are registered.
Toss in tons of customization options using theNGENUITY Softwareand a detachable USB Type-C for portability, and it’s easy to see the appeal of this budget-minded board. Some users will find its kickstand to be a bit of a letdown—it offers three tilt angles, but it only ranges from 3 degrees to 11 degrees—but that’s a small price to pay for everything else the Alloy Origins Core offers.
Best of all, you’ll get an aluminum body and switches rated for an impressive 80 million keypresses, so it should serve you well for years to come. And if you want to customize your settings for different games, you’ll be glad to know that the keyboard supports multiple profiles.
HyperX Alloy Origins Core TKL Keyboard
Compact and customizable, this tenkeyless board is a huge upgrade from a cheap and bulky OEM keyboard.
Can pick between mechanical or optical switches
Lacks a wrist rest
Tough, aluminum frame
Double-shot PBT keycaps
Can store numerous profiles and macros
TheCorsair K70 RGB TKLoffers a powerful proposition with its choice of switches and is a well-rounded gaming keyboard in terms of features. Given its durability, it’ll last quite a while. Additionally, the ability to create 50 unique profiles with their own macros and effects is perfect for gaming.
Starting with the switches, the Corsair K70 RGB TKL has two choices: Mechanical and optical. For mechanical switches, you can also pick between Cherry MX Speed, Red, and Silent. Mechanical switches are great for gaming, but the optical switches are also an amazing choice because of their lower latency (using light instead of physical contact).
The other benefit of the Corsair K70 RGB TKL is its durability. It has that hard plastic with very little give, but the aluminum frame over the top gives it a long-lasting build. When you move to the keys, you get double-shot PBT keycaps that have 1.5mm thickness, which altogether ensures that you have to really try if you want to wear the keys down.
Corsair K70 RGB TKL
With the ability to choose a variety of switches, double-shot PBT keycaps, and a neat Tournament Switch, the Corsair K70 RGB TKL situates itself as a stellar gaming keyboard.
LIGHTSPEED wireless technology
Limited number of programmable keys
Per-key RGB lighting
Bluetooth and USB receiver connections
It’s a bit pricey at over $200, but theLogitech G915 Lightspeedis the best option if you’re looking for a wireless keyboard with little to no lag. The Lightspeed technology packed into the G915 supports ultra-fast 1ms performance, allowing your keystrokes to be registered in the blink of an eye.
The keyboard also includes a bunch of other cool features, including per-key RGB lighting, a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 40 hours on a single charge, low-profile linear switches, and dedicated media keys so you can quickly access your favorite content.
If you want additional control over the G915, you canuse theLogitech G HUB Software to create macros, adjust your settings by game, or sync with third-party software like Discord. Some might notice fewer programmable keys than the competition, but there should be enough ways to personalize its performance to keep most folks happy.
Logitech G915 Lightspeed
Wireless keyboards don’t get much better than this. The G915 TKL is a compact, responsive board with tons of customization options and an impressive 40-hour battery life.
KeyControl lets you customize keys
Lacks a CMD key
Low-profile mechanical switches
Good battery life
Slim and compact
Although theLogitech G515 Lightspeed TKLis typically marketed for gaming, it’s also a killer option for Mac. It has that gamer aesthetic but with the benefit of having a similar low-profile design that the Apple Magic Keyboards have.
The major difference between the Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL and the Apple Magic Keyboard is the G515’s mechanical switches, which you may choose between tactile and linear. Tactile switches are exponentially better for typing and, if you have the hardware, for gaming as well. For the best performance, a direct connection is recommended; otherwise, you can connect via Bluetooth and wirelessly, too, using the included dongle.
The Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL also has a handful of neat features. For example, it can last up to 36 hours on a single charge, and when you do, you have the USB-C Rapid Charge port to go back into action. Another welcome feature are the customizable keys, which eliminates the problem of not having a dedicated CMD key since you can hotkey the Windows key to do the same.
With low-profile keys, the Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL will feel very similar to the Apple Magic Keyboard, but with the added benefit of having mechanical switches. Not to mention a thin profile overall and rechargeable battery.
FAQ
What is a TKL keyboard?
TKL is short for tenkeyless. Specifically, it means the keyboard does not include the numeric keypad found on the right side of traditional keyboards.
How many keys does a TKL keyboard have?
A TKL keyboard will have 87 or 88 keys, although you may find some models with macro keys that slightly inflate this number.
Are TKL keyboards good for programming?
Yes, TKL keyboards are good for programming, as they typically offer all the keys needed for the majority of programming languages. They’re also compact and easy to carry from one workstation to the next.
Are TKL keyboards good for gaming?
Yes, TKL keyboards are good for gaming, as they free up space on your desktop for larger mouse movements. However, if you like to play MMOs and program your skills to the numpad, you might want to stick with a traditional keyboard.
