If you’re tired of bulky keyboards that take up too much desk space and you’re looking for a more portable, compact, and comfortable option, tenkeyless keyboards might be just what you need.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about TKL keyboards, including their features, benefits, and potential drawbacks.
What is a Tenkeyless Keyboard?
A tenkeyless keyboard, or TKL keyboard, is a keyboard without a numeric keypad on the right side, similar to a laptop keyboard layout.
As a result, tenkeyless keyboards are more compact and take up less space than standard full-sized keyboards.
Benefits of a Tenkeyless Keyboard
There are several advantages to using a tenkeyless keyboard:
- Portability: Tenkeyless keyboards are smaller and lighter than full-sized keyboards, making them easy to transport and ideal for those constantly on the move.
- Comfort: The compact design of tenkeyless keyboards allows users to keep their mouse closer to the keyboard, reducing arm and shoulder strain.
- Aesthetics: Tenkeyless keyboards have a sleek and modern appearance, adding a touch of sophistication to any desk setup.
- Ergonomics: The smaller size of tenkeyless keyboards promotes better typing posture by keeping the user’s hands closer together.
How many keys are in Tkl Keyboards?
Tenkeyless keyboards have a different set of keys as compared to full-sized, 65% or 75% keyboards.
- Lack of a numeric keypad: If you frequently work with numbers, a tenkeyless keyboard might not be the best option for you. Using the number row at the top of the keyboard can be inconvenient.
- Fewer shortcut keys: Some full-sized keyboards include dedicated media keys, volume controls, and shortcut keys, which are often missing from tkl keyboards.
- Customization: Customization options for tenkeyless keyboards can be more limited than for full-sized keyboards, with fewer keys to program and macro recording options.
Types of Tenkeyless Keyboards
Tenkeyless keyboards are available in two main types:
- Wired: Wired tenkeyless keyboards connect to a computer via a USB cable. They are reliable, affordable, and popular among gamers and typists.
- Wireless: Wireless tenkeyless keyboards use Bluetooth to connect to a computer. They are suitable for people who want a clutter-free workspace. However, they can be more expensive than wired keyboards and may experience connectivity issues.
Features to Consider
When Buying a Tenkeyless Keyboard Before purchasing a tenkeyless keyboard, consider the following features:
Switch type: The type of switch affects how the keys feel when pressed. Common switch types include Cherry MX Red, Blue, and Brown.
Keycaps: Some tenkeyless keyboards feature high-quality keycaps that are more durable and provide a better feel than standard keycaps.
Backlighting: Backlit tkl keyboards make it easier to use the keyboard in low-light conditions.
Programmable keys: Some tenkeyless keyboards offer programmable keys that can be customized to perform specific functions.
Top Brands Offering Tenkeyless Keyboards
Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed Keyboard
Introducing the Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed Keyboard: Elevate your typing and gaming experience with cutting-edge innovation!
🔥 Unleash the Power of Low-Profile Magic: Discover a new realm of responsiveness with our low-profile mechanical switches, designed to outshine traditional switches. Experience the perfect tactile bump and relish the hush-hush click as you conquer tasks effortlessly.
🚀 Boundless Freedom with Wireless LIGHTSPEED: Break free from the chains of lag! Our G915 TKL boasts Logitech’s LIGHTSPEED wireless technology, granting you an uninterrupted connection up to 10 meters away. Unleash your productivity with seamless precision.
⏱️ Endurance that Astounds: Witness endurance redefined! With up to 40 hours of brilliance under the backlight’s glow, or an astonishing 300 hours when the lights fade, our G915 TKL proves its mettle. Stay illuminated for longer without breaking a sweat.
🌈 Your World, Your Hue: Dive into a world of color! The per-key RGB backlighting dances to your desires. Customize your ambiance and let your keyboard mirror your mood with a spectrum of vibrant hues.
🎵 Master of Melodies: Take command of your media like never before! The G915 TKL introduces dedicated media controls and a volume roller, putting your entertainment at your fingertips. Play, pause, skip – all in a rhythmic flow.
🏎️ Comfort Redefined: Engage in marathon typing sessions with ease. The G915 TKL’s ergonomic design and floating key structure ensure comfort meets style. Plus, say hello to the detachable wrist rest, embracing your wrists in velvety softness.
🎮 Macros: Your Secret Weapon: Unleash macros, conquer challenges! The G915 TKL adapts to your every command, ensuring you stand out with custom-tailored functions.
Tech Highlights:
🔍 50 million keystrokes await your command, thanks to Logitech’s low-profile mechanical switches.
📶 2.4 GHz of wireless prowess, fueled by a 1000 Hz polling rate, redefines your connection experience.
🔋 Battery life dances to your tune – 40 hours blazing bright, or 300 hours when shadows fall.
🎨 Dive into a world of RGB brilliance, fine-tuned through the Logitech G Hub software.
🎶 Control your rhythm with dedicated media controls and a detachable, soft-touch wrist rest.
💻 Beyond compatibility – Windows, macOS, iPadOS – the G915 TKL adapts to your digital realm.
Embrace the future of typing and gaming with the Logitech G915 TKL Lightspeed Keyboard. Designed for champions, it’s time to illuminate your world.
Razer Huntsman V2 TKL Keyboard: Unleash the Speed, Elevate Your Game!
⚡ Lightning-Fast Precision with Optical Switches: Elevate your gameplay with Razer’s remarkable optical switches, boasting an astonishing 0.2-millisecond response time. A new era of performance beckons, offering you the edge you’ve been craving. Plus, with a staggering 100 million keystroke lifespan, durability is the name of the game.
🎮 Your Victory, Your Way: Dominate the arena with the Huntsman V2 TKL’s Clicky and Linear optical switch variants. Choose the thunderous Clicky for tactile ecstasy and audible satisfaction, or opt for the whisper-quiet Linear, perfect for a smooth, distraction-free journey to victory.
💎 Unyielding Durability with Doubleshot PBT Keycaps: Embark on a journey with keycaps that redefine resilience. Crafted from doubleshot PBT plastic, they withstand wear and tear like champions. Fade and shine are banished, ensuring your keyboard remains as pristine as your gameplay.
🔌 Unplug and Conquer: Portability meets power with the detachable USB-C cable. Seamlessly transport your prowess wherever you go, and dive right back into the action without a hitch. And with Razer Synapse 3 compatibility, customization knows no bounds.
🌟 Comfort Redefined: Witness the marriage of comfort and style with the ergonomic, soft-touch foam wrist rest. Your marathon gaming sessions just got a whole lot cozier, enabling you to focus on the game, not discomfort.
🌈 Illumination that Dazzles: Illuminate your victories with per-key RGB backlighting, customizable through the Razer Synapse software. Choose from a spectrum of hues or craft your own visual masterpiece, turning every press into a mesmerizing display.
🚀 Unstoppable Performance with 8000 Hz Polling Rate: Forge your path with an 8000 Hz polling rate, delivering your commands to the screen in an astounding 0.125 milliseconds. Competitive gaming reaches new heights as your actions translate to victory without a hint of delay.
☁️ Your Settings, Anywhere: Unlock the power of on-board memory and cloud storage. Store up to 5 profiles directly on the keyboard, or venture into the cloud and access your personalized setups from any corner of the gaming world.
Tech Highlights:
🔍 Choose Clicky or Linear switches for your unique gaming style.
🔒 Doubleshot PBT keycaps: Unyielding resilience, unfading allure.
🔌 Detachable USB-C cable: Power and portability united.
🎁 Soft-touch foam wrist rest: Comfort meets victory.
🎨 Razer Chroma RGB lighting: Craft your personalized lightshow.
🚀 8000 Hz polling rate: Lag? A thing of the past.
🔐 On-board memory and cloud storage: Your settings, your way.
From the battlefield to the boardroom, the Razer Huntsman V2 TKL Keyboard delivers the power of innovation to your fingertips. Elevate your game, embrace speed, and seize victory in every keystroke.
Ducky One 2 Mini Keyboard
Introducing the Ducky One 2 Mini Keyboard: Unleash Maximum Power in Minimal Form!
🚀 Elevate Your Setup with a 60% Layout: Embrace the future of compact design. The Ducky One 2 Mini forges ahead without a dedicated function row, arrow keys, or numpad, resulting in a sleek and portable keyboard that’s a game-changer for both your gaming and travel endeavors.
🎮 Power Up Your Performance with Cherry MX Switches: Embark on a journey of precision with your choice of Cherry MX switches. From the tactile elegance of Cherry MX Brown to the rapid-fire responsiveness of Cherry MX Red, tailor your experience to perfection.
🔒 Doubleshot PBT Keycaps: Step into durability like never before. Crafted from doubleshot PBT plastic, these keycaps laugh in the face of wear and tear. Say goodbye to fading legends, and embrace everlasting style.
🔌 Unplug and Play: Seamlessly integrate portability into your life with the detachable USB-C cable. Convenience meets innovation as your keyboard adapts to your lifestyle, supporting USB 3.0 for lightning-fast data transfer.
🌈 Illuminate Your World with RGB Backlighting: Unleash a symphony of colors with per-key RGB backlighting. Take command of your ambiance and elevate your setup with the Ducky One 2 Mini software, where your imagination sets the boundaries.
🎯 Unleash Your Potential with N-Key Rollover: Dominate with precision. The N-key rollover capability ensures that every command, every combo, every keystroke is registered with flawless accuracy, perfect for the fast-paced world of gaming.
🤖 Master Your Moves with Programmable Macros: Rewrite the rules of functionality. Program macros to enhance your workflow, whether you’re a gamer seeking the edge or a typist optimizing productivity.
Tech Highlights:
🔍 German-Made Cherry MX Switches: Unparalleled quality and durability.
🎨 Doubleshot PBT Keycaps: Lasting elegance, zero compromise.
🔌 Detachable USB-C Cable: Portability meets innovation.
💡 RGB Backlighting: Your canvas, your masterpiece.
🚀 N-Key Rollover: Precision at its peak.
🎮 Programmable Macros: Craft your personalized shortcuts.
Compact, portable design
A variety of Cherry MX switches
Resilient doubleshot PBT keycaps
Detachable USB-C cable
Dynamic RGB backlighting
N-key rollover
Programmable macros
No dedicated function row, arrow keys, or numpad
Comparatively higher price within the 60% keyboard category
Some users have reported stabilizer issues
Conclusion
Tenkeyless keyboards are an excellent choice for those who want a compact, portable, and comfortable keyboard. While they have some drawbacks, their benefits generally outweigh the disadvantages. When shopping for a tenkeyless keyboard, take your needs and preferences into account before making a decision.
FAQs
[accordion]
[su_spoiler title=”Are tenkeyless keyboards good for gaming?” open=”yes” style=”modern-dark”] Yes, tenkeyless keyboards are excellent for gaming, as they provide more desk space for mouse movement and a compact design for better ergonomics.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Can I still use a tenkeyless keyboard for typing?” open=”yes” style=”modern-dark”] Absolutely, tenkeyless keyboards are great for typing, particularly for those who prefer a more compact keyboard.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Do tenkeyless keyboards come with a wrist rest?” open=”yes” style=”modern-dark”] Not all tenkeyless keyboards include a wrist rest, but many aftermarket wrist rests are available for purchase separately.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”What is the difference between a tenkeyless keyboard and a 60% keyboard?” open=”yes” style=”modern-dark”] A tenkeyless keyboard lacks a numeric keypad, while a 60% keyboard omits both a numeric keypad and arrow keys, making it even more compact.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Are tenkeyless keyboards more affordable than full-sized keyboards?” open=”yes” style=”modern-dark”] Tenkeyless keyboards can be more affordable than full-sized keyboards, but the price ultimately depends on the brand and features. Some tenkeyless keyboards can be just as expensive as full-sized keyboards, especially if they come with premium features like RGB lighting or high-quality keycaps.[/su_spoiler][/accordion]
