TKL, or TenKeyLess, keyboards are essentially full-size keyboards without a numpad. This makes them a particularly popular choice for gamers, but they're also a good fit for anyone who wants a more compact keyboard without giving up dedicated arrow keys, a function row, or most navigation keys.
Compared to a full-size keyboard, a TKL model gives you:
- More room for broad mouse movements
- More freedom to position or angle your keyboard comfortably
- A smaller size that's easier to move around, whether around the home or between hot desks at the office
We've tested over 290 keyboards, and of those, we've tested over 50 TKL models; below are our picks for the best TKL mechanical keyboards, with options for dedicated gaming models and versatile ones for more casual gaming and everyday use. Check out our picks for the best gaming keyboards or the best office keyboards if you want something for a specific use. For other focused recommendations, see our picks for the best wireless keyboards, the best quiet keyboards, or the best RGB keyboards.
We test dozens of keyboards each year, and to maintain independence, we buy every unit ourselves. Our reviews go beyond subjective typing impressions or quick gaming sessions. Each keyboard is put through the same standardized test bench, so you can directly compare our results. We use specialized tools like a Mecmesin force tester to measure switch force curves and a Beagle 480 USB analyzer to capture input data for latency testing. Multiple teams contribute to each review in a process that can take days or even weeks from start to finish.
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Best TKL Keyboard
GamingOfficeProgrammingMobile/TabletEntertainment / HTPCConnectivity:WiredSwitch Type:MagneticHot-Swappable Switches:YesBluetooth:See all our test resultsBluetooth Multi-Device Pairing:The best TKL keyboard we recommend is the Wooting 80HE, an outstanding dedicated gaming keyboard. While all of our picks on this list are very capable gaming options, this is the only one designed for gaming from the ground up, and it's the best option here for high-level competitive gaming. Just note that you can only buy this board from Wooting directly. The 80HE delivers some of the best latency performance we've tested and supports a maximum polling rate of 8000Hz, though the real-world benefit of that higher ceiling is small. It also has outstanding build quality, with plenty of acoustic material inside the case, a slightly cushioned gasket-mounted design, and your choice of an ABS plastic or more premium zinc alloy case. Altogether, it's essentially an extremely high-performance gaming keyboard wrapped in the look and feel of a high-end, custom-style TKL.
Its standout features are its magnetic switches and robust but lightweight web-based configuration software, which lets you adjust each key's actuation point, create custom profiles, customize RGB lighting and macros, and use advanced features like Mod Tap and Rapid Trigger for faster, more responsive inputs. Its gasket-mounted system is fairly stiff, but this is intentional, as a more flexible mount can disrupt switch actuation accuracy.
If you want a similar keyboard with wireless connectivity, consider the NuPhy WH80. It delivers similarly outstanding performance and adds both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth support, though its software and long-term customer support aren't quite as established.
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Best Upper Mid-Range TKL Keyboard
GamingOfficeProgrammingMobile/TabletEntertainment / HTPCConnectivity:WirelessSwitch Type:MechanicalHot-Swappable Switches:YesBluetooth:See all our test resultsBluetooth Multi-Device Pairing:If you're not looking for a gaming keyboard and would rather prioritize typing quality, the best upper mid-range TKL keyboard we've tested is the NuPhy Halo75 V2. Just note that we tested the larger Halo96 model in the wider series, which is what's pictured above. Like our best pick, the Wooting 80HE, this keyboard has a gasket-mounted design, but it feels softer and more cushioned. It also adds wireless connectivity, making it much more flexible for multi-device use. It has a less expensive plastic chassis, but it makes up for that with a focus on acoustics and a well-thought-out internal design. Silicone layers inside the case and what NuPhy calls a 'GhostBar,' a spacebar design with added polycarbonate and silicone, help dampen the sound and feel. You can also choose from fun colorways and tactile, linear, or silent switches, and the hot-swappable PCB makes it easy to swap switches later.
The other big draw is the expressive RGB lighting that shines through the translucent bottom case, wrapping around the entire keyboard. There's also a set of helpful homing bars, which are shine-through slits on the 'F' and 'J' keys that help you quickly orient your hands on the home row in darker rooms. RGB lighting won't be a priority for most people, but it's a playful addition that can add personality to your desk setup. If you want something similar with a low-profile design, the NuPhy's Air75 V3 is worth a look. While it has a slightly undersized 75% layout, which means key clusters aren't spaced, and it has fewer navigation keys, it's still worth a look if you're interested in a keyboard layout without a numpad. While it doesn't have quite the same RGB elements, it delivers an excellent typing experience with great dampening and an excellent build quality.
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Best Mid-Range TKL Keyboard
GamingOfficeProgrammingMobile/TabletEntertainment / HTPCConnectivity:WirelessSwitch Type:MechanicalHot-Swappable Switches:YesBluetooth:See all our test resultsBluetooth Multi-Device Pairing:We bought and tested this keyboard family's larger (96%) model, pictured above. However, we recommend its smaller TKL variant, the Keychron V3 Max, as the best mid-range TenKeyLess model. This model isn't a pure gaming keyboard like our top pick, but it's an inexpensive wireless model that takes heavy inspiration from the more niche, custom keyboard market. It has a gasket-mounted design that produces a softer, slightly springy-feeling typing experience. It's also available to purchase with pre-lubed linear or tactile switch options and has a hot-swappable PCB if you want to change these switches out for others of your choosing. It even comes with a toolkit to disassemble your keyboard if you want to customize the hardware further.
Also of note are its multiple layers of sound-absorbing materials inside the case that do a great job of minimizing rattling or pinging noises that mechanical keyboards are often susceptible to. Lastly, in terms of connectivity, it includes a 2.4GHz USB Type-C receiver that provides excellent performance, suitable for gaming in all genres, as well as Bluetooth support that's well-suited for work or everyday desktop use and allows you to pair with up to three devices simultaneously. Overall, this keyboard is a highly flexible option that takes many of the best ideas of more expensive custom keyboards and offers them in a budget package.
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Best Budget TKL Keyboard
GamingOfficeProgrammingMobile/TabletEntertainment / HTPCConnectivity:WirelessSwitch Type:MechanicalHot-Swappable Switches:YesBluetooth:See all our test resultsBluetooth Multi-Device Pairing:If you're shopping on a budget, we recommend the AULA F75. Just note that we tested its larger F99 sibling, which is what appears in the photo. The AULA F75 actually has a slightly smaller 75% layout, so it has fewer navigation keys than a standard TKL, and its key clusters sit closer together. Still, it offers the same numpadless, space-saving appeal in an even more compact package. Surprisingly for its price point, it also has wireless connectivity and a well-implemented gasket-mounted design, which gives it a very soft, slightly springy typing feel. That softness won't suit everyone, though. If you prefer the firmer feedback of a traditional tray-mounted keyboard, you may want to look at other picks on this list.
As far as downsides go, the plastic chassis feels a bit cheap, but the rest of the keyboard is quite solid. The keycaps are made of high-quality PBT, and a foam layer inside the case helps avoid the hollow sound that budget plastic keyboards often suffer from. It also produces a refined, "thocky" sound profile right out of the box, which is more typical of more expensive custom keyboards. It has a hot-swappable PCB, so you can easily try different switches later if you want to change the keyboard's feel. You also get practical features like adjustable typing angles and wireless connectivity through Bluetooth or the included 2.4GHz receiver.
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Best Cheap TKL Keyboard
GamingOfficeProgrammingMobile/TabletEntertainment / HTPCConnectivity:WiredSwitch Type:MechanicalHot-Swappable Switches:NoBluetooth:See all our test resultsBluetooth Multi-Device Pairing:The Keychron C1 Pro is essentially a more basic, wired-only model similar to the Keychron V3 Max above. While it doesn't quite compare in terms of typing quality, it still has a few surprising features in common with the V3 Max and other more expensive custom keyboards, including pre-lubed switches, PBT keycaps, and south-facing LEDs that allow for greater compatibility with aftermarket keycap sets. You can also choose between several configurations at purchase, with choices between white-only or full RGB backlighting and the option to add a hot-swappable PCB that allows you to change out the stock switches easily.
Again, this keyboard is compatible with VIA configuration software that lets you record macros, create custom profiles, and adjust backlight settings, among other options. This keyboard is a surprisingly full-featured and well-built option that provides excellent value at an entry-level price point. If you'd rather have connectivity rather than mechanical switches, the Keychron B33 is another solid choice.
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Best TKL Keyboard For Enthusiasts
GamingOfficeProgrammingMobile/TabletEntertainment / HTPCConnectivity:WirelessSwitch Type:MechanicalHot-Swappable Switches:YesBluetooth:See all our test resultsBluetooth Multi-Device Pairing:If you're in the market for the best TKL mechanical keyboard that offers the widest range of hardware customizability options, we recommend the NuPhy Gem80. This keyboard is currently only available directly from NuPhy's website. Also, it's only available as a barebones kit in either a wired or wireless configuration. All the internal components, including the PCB, sound-dampening material, and stabilizers, are in place straight out of the box. However, you'll have to buy and install your own switches and keycaps.
But that's just scratching the surface of the customizability. It also comes with an impressive selection of mounting hardware, including several gasket-mounted pieces, so you can dial in how soft or springy your typing experience feels. It's also compatible with VIA for additional software-level customization. Lastly, while this isn't designed specifically for competitive gaming, it still has impressive raw performance, making it more than suitable for gaming in any genre and at any competitive level.
The only real downside to this keyboard, and the reason it doesn't snag our top spot in this article, is the added hassle of adding your own switches and keycaps, which isn't something everyone will be happy to tackle. It's also worth noting that the added cost of switches and keycaps means the total package of this keyboard is more expensive than other picks on this list, which come fully assembled.
Notable Mentions
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8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard:
The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is a gaming-focused wireless model that's typically available for the same price as the Keychron V3 Max. While it lacks backlighting, it offers slightly better raw performance. As its name suggests, it has a throwback visual style and clicky switches that offer satisfying, old-school tactility but are also quite loud.
See our review -
Lofree Flow 2:
The Lofree Flow 2 is an excellent alternative to the NuPhy Halo75 V2 if you'd rather have a low-profile design. Its build quality is outstanding, and it's extremely satisfying to type on for long periods, even if you don't use a wrist rest. However, its software and gaming performance isn't as good as the NuPhy's.
See our review
Recent Updates
Jun 29, 2026:
We've removed the ASUS ROG Azoth from our Notable Mentions list, as it's discontinued and no longer widely available. We've also made a few text adjustments to the intro and several entries to make the benefits of a TKL keyboard and the tradeoffs between picks more explicit.
Mar 27, 2026:
We moved the Keychron V3 Max from a budget pick to mid-range, and added the AULA F75 as our new budget pick. We also added the NuPhy Halo75 V2 as our new upper mid-range pick. The NuPhy WH80 and Keychron B33 are new additions as wireless alternatives to our top and budget picks, respectively. Finally, we added the Lofree Flow 2 as a Notable Mention for a low-profile, upper mid-range option.
Mar 18, 2025:
We've added the Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID as a cheaper alternative to the Wooting 80HE in our Notable Mentions, and made small edits throughout for clarity.
Dec 17, 2024:
We've replaced the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) with the Wooting 80HE as our top pick. While the Wooting is more expensive, it feels better built and offers a better typing experience and gaming performance.
Sep 12, 2024: We've updated the text for our mid-range pick, the Corsair K70 RGB TKL, to include information about its "Champion Series" variant. Additionally, we've added the newly reviewed Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED TKL to our list of Notable Mentions.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best TenKeyLess models for most people. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability.
If you'd like to do the work of choosing yourself, below is the list of all our relevant keyboard reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no keyboard is perfect for every use, most are good enough to please almost everyone, and the differences often aren't noticeable unless you really look for them.