Written by Elizabeth · Published June 21, 2023
Reviewed & Updated by Olivia · Updated on July 28, 2026
TKL and 75% keyboards both drop the number pad to save desk space, but they get there in different ways. A TKL keeps the classic full-size layout minus the numpad, with everything spaced out. A 75% squeezes almost the same keys into a smaller footprint by packing them together. Here is how to choose.
⚡ Quick Answer
Choose a TKL if you want the familiar, spaced-out feel of a full-size board with isolated arrow keys and a full navigation cluster, just without the numpad. Choose a 75% if you want the smallest board that still keeps the function row and arrow keys, and you do not mind the keys sitting closer together. Both skip the numpad, so if you crunch numbers often, neither may suit you.
What Is a TKL Keyboard?
A TKL (tenkeyless) keyboard removes the numeric keypad from a full-size layout, leaving roughly 87 keys at about 80% of the width. Everything else stays exactly where a full-size board puts it: a spaced function row, isolated arrow keys, and the full six-key navigation cluster (Insert, Home, Page Up, Delete, End, Page Down). If you learned to type on a standard keyboard, a TKL feels instantly familiar with more desk room for your mouse.
What Is a 75% Keyboard?
A 75% keyboard fits almost the same keys, about 84 of them, into a noticeably smaller body by removing the gaps between key groups. You still get a function row and dedicated arrow keys, but the navigation cluster is trimmed and the keys are packed tightly together, often in a single block. It is the most compact layout that still keeps the function row, which is why it has become one of the most popular sizes. For a deeper look, see our guide to 75% keyboards.
TKL vs 75% at a Glance
| TKL (80%) | 75% | |
|---|---|---|
| Keys | ~87 | ~84 |
| Number pad | No | No |
| Function row | Yes, spaced | Yes, condensed |
| Arrow keys | Isolated | Tucked in |
| Nav cluster | Full (6 keys) | Partial |
| Footprint | Larger | Smaller |
| Layout feel | Familiar, spacious | Compact, tight |
Why Choose a TKL
- Familiar layout. Everything sits where you expect, so there is no learning curve coming from a full-size board.
- Isolated arrow and nav keys. The gaps make it easy to find keys by feel, which helps for editing and productivity work.
- More desk space than full-size. Dropping the numpad frees room for your mouse without changing how the main keys feel.
- Easy to travel with. Lighter and smaller than a full-size board, but still comfortable for long sessions.
Why Choose a 75%
- Smaller footprint. Noticeably more compact than a TKL while keeping the function row and arrows.
- Keeps the essentials. You lose almost nothing important, just the spacing and part of the nav cluster.
- Clean, dense look. The tightly packed layout has a tidy, modern aesthetic many people love.
- Huge selection. The 75% size is extremely popular, so there are plenty of boards and keycap sets to choose from.
Which Should You Pick?
It comes down to how much you value spacing versus size. Choose a TKL if you want the reassuring, spread-out feel of a normal keyboard and reach for the navigation cluster often. Choose a 75% if desk space is tight or you simply prefer a smaller, denser board and can adjust to keys sitting closer together. Neither is objectively better; the best one is the layout you find most comfortable.
A popular 75% starting point is the Keychron K2, a well-priced hot-swappable board with wired and wireless modes. If you are still weighing sizes more broadly, our guide to keyboard sizes covers every layout from 40% to full-size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 75% keyboard smaller than a TKL?
Yes. A 75% keyboard fits a similar number of keys into a smaller body by removing the gaps between key groups, so it takes up less desk space than a TKL, which keeps the spaced full-size arrangement minus the numpad.
Do both TKL and 75% keyboards have arrow keys?
Yes, both keep dedicated arrow keys. On a TKL they are isolated with space around them; on a 75% they are tucked in tight against the surrounding keys.
Which is better for gaming?
Both are great for gaming since removing the numpad brings your mouse closer and reduces shoulder strain. A TKL gives a little more spacing, while a 75% frees up the most desk space. Pick by feel.
Will my keycap set fit a 75% or TKL board?
Most standard keycap sets cover TKL layouts easily. Some 75% boards use non-standard bottom-row or modifier sizes, so check that your chosen set lists 75% support before buying.
We keep our layout guides updated as new board sizes and releases appear.