You have tons of different options when it comes to choosing a keyboard. But for many users, the biggest deciding factor is whether or not to purchase a keyboard that is TKL, or tenkeyless. So, what is TKL exactly?
What is TKL Keyboard?
A TKL keyboard is a keyboard without the number keys typically found to the right of the alphanumeric keys at the center.
Why purchase a TKL keyboard?
Many players out there are now choosing TKL keyboards over full-sized keyboards because they find them more comfortable. Tenkeyless keyboards offer a number of advantages over traditional keyboards, including the ability to type more quickly and without having to use the left hand. If you’re not an accountant, they are worth considering. They’re not only easy on the pockets but they are compact, taking up less space, and also allow for better positioning of the mouse. Tenkeyless in short is more ergonomic and it is mostly aimed at gamers.
87% or 80% Keyboard
So, you might be wondering what these percentages mean? And you also might be wondering how many keys are there on a TKL keyboard? So, answers for both are interlinked.
Tenkeyless or TKL keyboards are the most common compact keyboard layout. They’re available from many mainstream mech manufacturers like Razer and Corsair. The layout of TKL is similar to the layout of a full-size keyboard except you eliminate the number pad. So, it results in 88 or 87 keys which are not 10-keys-less than a full-sized keyboard but are about 80% of its size in width hence alternately named as 87% or 80%.
Now that we know how many keys are there on a TKL keyboard and how does it looks like, let’s see what benefits it has to offer
Pros of a TKL Keyboard
1. Takes less space
Tenkeyless is a compact keyboard and takes up less space hence allowing more space for moving the mouse and making it popular among gamers as it compliments their setup.
2. Easier to tilt the keyboard
A TKL keyboard has a shorter width, which makes it easier to tilt. So, for those of you who tilt your keyboards at 90 or 45-degree angles, especially gamers, it is a good option for you.
3. Easy to travel with
having around 87 keys and being around 80% of a standard full-sized keyboard, these keyboards are designed to be small and compact, making them ideal for taking with you when traveling and many TKL keyboards have detachable USB cables that make them even more portable.
4. Ergonomic
If you’re a gamer, you know that your shoulders, wrists, and hands take a lot of strain while playing. The smaller width of tkl means getting your mouse closer to the keys and therefore useless arm strength overall.
We hope you have a fair enough idea about tenkeyless keyboards by now so it would be a good option to explore some of the best choices available out there!
3 Best TKL keyboards
1. Corsair K63 Gaming Keyboard
Corsair is a well-known brand for its gamer-centric, high-quality keyboards.
The Corsair K63 is a variant of the Corsair K60 keyboard. It comes with either a wired connection or a wireless connection.
We are most interested in the wireless form of the device. Its bezel provides enough space for dedicated media controls. This model is intuitively and simply designed, and also looks stylish. Even more, it comes with blue powerful backlighting.
The wireless connection is stable and does not have any input or connection delays. This is due to the 2.4GHz frequency that ensures seamless performance. It also makes it more portable and compact. And if you turn off the backlighting then it can last up to 75 hours which is amazing. Moreover, the more demanded cherry MX keys come with this keyboard.
In short, the compact design of this keyboard allows for more space on your desk, while the tenkeyless design makes it easier to move around and with full key rollover, your commands and simultaneous keystrokes will always register the way you intended.
2. Logitech G Pro X TKL Mechanical Keyboard
The G Pro X has a standard black rectangle look, with the Logitech “G” logo in the upper-left corner. On the front of the hat is a set of buttons, including two circles for Game Mode and brightness, as well as indicators for Caps Lock and Scroll Lock.
The Logitech G Pro X features a hot-swappable design that uses more traditional cherry style switches, which makes it a pretty great TKL keyboard. This TKL keyboard has a sturdy design with smooth stabilizers that minimizes rattle.
The software is easy to use and allows you to customize your lighting zones according to your preferences. Other benefits of this 87 keys keyboard include attractive design, strong build quality, and good out-of-the-box options.
However given the price point, it is shocking to know that the keycaps on this keyboard are ABS keycaps, still, this keyboard is premium and feels like it too.
3. Razer Huntsman – Tournament edition
This option is a bit pricey but definitely worth the money and even more!
Packed in a portable frame, the key actuation of this keyboard is the fastest and is the most reliable option. It doubles up the performance and strips off features that are unnecessary, thanks to its immaculate design. The user does not have to worry about their cables jostling around when on the move, as the cable can be easily removed when not needed.
Razer Huntsman’s tournament edition comes with RGB lighting just like other Razer products. Its minimalist design and high customizability appeal to both gamers and an average user. And as mentioned before, its biggest strength is its performance.
Conclusion:
Our aim was not just to acquaint you with the definition of TKL and how many keys are on this keyboard but also we wanted to make sure that you have a thorough understanding of it. We also listed some of the best options out there so you don’t have to encounter a bad decision when buying your first TKL keyboard.
We hope we were able to help you,
Happy shopping!
