The Best TKL Mechanical Keyboard You Can Buy in 2023

Every hardcore gamer knows how important it is to pick the best TKL keyboard with the right specs and durability.

Lucky for you, we have tried a bunch of Tenkeyless mechanical keyboards with varying specs to bring you the 10 best TKL mechanical keyboards for the ultimate gaming experience.

Table of Contents

What we like!

  • Rainbow LED RGB keyboard with 19 lighting effect
  • Features 2 user-defined modes
  • 6-color multiple brightness levels
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Starting, we have the Redragon K552 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. This compact and dustproof keyboard has switches that are Cherry MX red with quiet clicking.

Moreover, this ergonomically designed doesn’t have a tactile bump, and the keys offer fast action.

Additionally, this TKL mechanical keyboard comes with Rainbow LED RGB backlit lights with 19 different RGB lighting modes. It also offers 2 user-defined modes and 6-color multi brightness levels.

Not only that but this mechanical gaming keyboard sports a steel frame with durable ABS keycaps and plate-mounted keys.

Furthermore, all the keys have 100% anti-ghosting. It also has 12 multimedia keys. Besides that, the design is dustproof, splash-proof, corrosion-free, while the keys are gold-plated.

Lastly, this TKL mechanical keyboard is compatible with Windows 7, Windows Vista, XP, 8, 10, and some Mac OS versions.

Pros:

  • Dustproof mechanical keys with a quiet click sound
  • Ergonomic design made from steel
  • Plate mounted mechanical keys with abs keycaps
  • A USB connector operates the game keyboard
  • Compatible with Windows and Mac OS
  • Features 12 multimedia keys

Cons:

  • It doesn’t include any number keypad
  • The key response depletes quickly

What we like!

  • Specially designed for gaming
  • Individually programmable backlit keys
  • Mechanical keys actuated at an optimal distance
  • 16.8 million color choices
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This Razer BlackWidow X Tournament Edition Chroma comes from a trusted manufacturer and is quite popular among gamers, and it features some stellar specs.

The best thing about this Razer Chroma keyboard is that the switches actuate at an optimal distance, allowing intense gaming sessions.

Moreover, the keys are backlit and feature around 16.8 million different color options. These also come with inter-device color synchronization.

Additionally, this tournament edition chroma keyboard is connected to the system via a USB port and is compatible with Windows 10, 8, 7, and Mac OS X.

Furthermore, the Tenkeyless mechanical keyboard is designed using military-grade metal to allow a prolonged rugged use with unmatched durability.

Lastly, the keys can withstand 80 million strokes. And the whole keyboard has an open SDK that allows game developers to coordinate RGB lighting software to the gaming setup.

Pros:

  • Made from military-grade metal
  • Compatible with both Windows and Mac OS X
  • Connected with the system through a USB cable
  • It can easily endure 80 million keystrokes
  • It comes with an open SDK
  • Designed for constant rugged use

Cons:

  • The compact design is not dustproof
  • It doesn’t have a USB pass-through

What we like!

  • It comes with anti-ghosting properties.
  • The keysets have FPS and MOBA textures
  • It features low noise precision keys
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Next up is the Corsair K65 LUX RGB Tenkeyless Keyboard. This keyboard offers a lightweight, portable and compact design. It is made from aircraft-grade brushed aluminum for durability.

In addition to that, this TKL keyboard features large fonts on the keycaps along with advanced controls for RGB lighting.

The RGB lighting is enabled through the backlit keys and comes in vibrant multicolors. It also uses the CUE support software to utilize advanced illumination effects with game customization.

Not only that, but it also features 100 percent Cherry MX red switches with gold contacts for a more precise and faster key response.

Lastly, this compact mechanical keyboard is compatible with Windows and Mac OS and offers low noise typing.

Pros:

  • If offers 10 lesser keys for more portability
  • Offers large fonts on the keycaps
  • It has vibrant multicolor backlighting options
  • It features 100% Cherry MX red switches with gold plated contacts
  • It has CUE support for advanced lighting and game customization and functionality

Cons:

  • It doesn’t have any individual number buttons.
  • You need to run the CUE software to avail RGB lighting effects.

What we like!

  • Perfect for gamers or typists
  • It can handle up to 50 million keystrokes
  • Offers no-audio clicks
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Number 4 on our list is the Vortexgear Race3 Small (<75%) TKL Mechanical Keyboard. This is not a dedicated gamer’s keyboard, but it still offers some solid advantages.

This TKL mechanical keyboard features a DSA style profile for easy typing while maintaining compactness with only 83 keys.

Moreover, the frame is made from ionized CNC aluminum with a silver finish. This makes the keyboard sturdy and good for daily rugged use. Not only that, but it comes with 19 extra RGBY and MAC keycaps to allow personalization.

Additionally, it has arbitrary 3-layered programming via the Vortexgear MPC online key-code editor for a smooth operation.

Furthermore, unlike most TKL mechanical keyboards that are Windows and Mac OS compatible, this can be used with Linux. It also comes with a detachable micro USB cord that can connect it to any system.

Lastly, this compact mechanical keyboard is good for office or in-home use and comes with a robust and durable case for the keyboard to keep it dustproof and safe from damage.

Pros:

  • Features a colored silver aluminum frame
  • It supports Vortexgear keycode editor
  • It comes with a detachable micro USB cord
  • Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux
  • PBT Dye SUB DSA keys with 19 more RGBY and MAC cap modifiers

Cons:

  • It doesn’t come with a software interface
  • The switches are not backlit

What we like!

  • It comes with two different keycap sets
  • Cherry MX keys with a low profile
  • Adjustable lighting and macros
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This next SK630 Mechanical Keyboard from Cooler Master looks aesthetically pleasing and offers some great features.

First of all, it comes with two sets of keycaps: the traditional one and the contoured, flat one. Moreover, the Cherry MX low-profile switches have a low actuation point with added durability.

The top plate of this Tenkeyless mechanical keyboard is made from brushed aluminum metal, while the keycaps are floating type.

Additionally, the keys are all RGB backlit along with surrounding lightbars. They also offer 16.7 million customization options using the software along with fine-tuned macros.

Not only that, but it also comes with a detachable USB Type-C cable, N-key rollover technology and anti-ghosting.

Lastly, this clutter-free Tenkeyless mechanical keyboard is designed for rough use. It is not specifically designed for gaming, rather for professional use.

Pros:

  • Lesser distance and actuation point
  • It offers backlit floating buttons
  • The top plate is made from brushed aluminum
  • It offers surrounding lightbars
  • It offers a durable and sturdy design

Cons:

  • Changing the keycaps to a different set can be challenging
  • It doesn’t feature a USB pass-through

What we like!

  • Features a minimalistic TKL design
  • It comes with a detachable USB cable.
  • Offer 100 % anti-ghosting and n-key rollover options.
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This Alloy FPS Pro Tenkeyless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard by HyperX is a stellar gaming keyboard with many gaming features.

The alloy FPS pro keyboard offers game mode with anti-ghosting and N-key rollover. Moreover, the top plate of the keyboard is made from metal alloy to provide durability and sturdiness for rugged use.

Not only that, but this Tenkeyless mechanical keyboard also features floating switches made from Cherry MX.

Additionally, the backlit keys offer customizable lighting options with 6 different modes and 5 different brightness levels.

Besides that, this Tenkeyless mechanical keyboard is compatible with Windows 10, 7, 8, and 8.1. It comes with a Type-C detachable USB cable for maximum portability.

Lastly, unlike other mechanical keyboards on this list, this Alloy FPS Pro is on the heavier side due to the strong frame construction to resist wear and tear.

Pros:

  • It is fitted with Cherry MX mechanical keys.
  • Backlit keys with multiple dynamic lighting options
  • Features a durable metal alloy top plate
  • It offers 5 brightness level with 6 LED modes
  • The keyboard is compatible with Windows

Cons:

  • According to consumers, the keycaps are made from cheap materials
  • It offers limited custom options and functionality

What we like!

  • It offers integration of Discord Chat with the LEDs
  • Works via the USB cable
  • Ergonomic and optimized spacing between the key switches
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Number 7 is the SteelSeries Apex M750 RGB Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard which is a certified gamer’s keyboard with good functions.

The keyboard is fitted with pure performance linear QX2 gaming key switches that are more durable and highly responsive.

Additionally, the frame is made from an aerospace metal alloy of aluminum, giving it a simplistic yet durable feel with a sleek matte black finish.

Moreover, the switches are backlit with PrismSync effects that work across all the gear included in the Steel series.

This TKL mechanical keyboard can deliver simple to complex lighting shows with just a single click.

Besides that, the lighting effects can be integrated with the Discord Chat to give customized lighting notifications in new messages, status and more.

Not only that, but this mechanical keyboard can also deliver in-game notifications based on events such as ammo, health, kills, cooldown, and money.

Pros:

  • It comes fitted with QX2 gaming switches
  • It is compatible with Windows and MAC OS
  • Made from durable aluminum alloy
  • Backlit keys with PrismSync lighting
  • It offers in-game responses with the LEDs

Cons:

  • It doesn’t come with fold-out flaps at the bottom
  • The TKL Keyboard not suitable for regular use

What we like!

  • The Romer G switches offer a 25% faster response
  • It can withstand 70 million strokes
  • Compact and portable design
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Another gamer’s favorite is the Logitech G Pro Tenkeyless Keyboard. It features a minimalist design with decent build quality.

First of all, this TKL keyboard is made with the specifications loved by ESports athletes with high speed, precision, and quietness.

Moreover, has Romer G key switches that are more durable and offer 25 percent faster actuation than others. The keyboard can easily deliver 70 million keypresses.

Not only that, but this ultra-portable G-pro mechanical keyboard also features a three-pronged micro USB cable that is detachable.

Besides that, the keyboard features RGB backlit keys that offer 16.8 different lighting effects for truly amazing gaming and typing experience.

This TenKeyLess mechanical keyboard is compatible with Windows 7 and up and Mac OS 10.10 and up.

Lastly, the G-Pro mechanical gaming keyboard offers a stand with three-step angle adjustments for stability during intense gaming sessions with rubber feet.

Pros:

  • It comes with a detachable USB cable with a three-pronged design
  • It offers three-step angle adjustments with rubber feet
  • It is compatible with Windows and Mac OS
  • The keycap backlighting with RGB effects
  • It offers 16.8 million different lighting effects.

Cons:

  • It doesn’t have any dedicated media control switches
  • This model doesn’t have a wrist rest

What we like!

  • This model is good for FPS gamers.
  • It offers brightness and glowing speed adjustability
  • It comes with 3 sets of on-board media shortcut keys
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Moving on, we have the ROYAL KLUDGE Sink87G Wireless TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. This keyboard utilizes a space-saving design to allow more desktop space and less footprint.

Moreover, the keyboard is wireless and comes with a nano USB receiver plugged into your PC.

Additionally, the keys switches on this keyboard are RGB backlit and offer 16.8 million different lighting options.

Not only that, but this mechanical keyboard also offers eight dynamic backlit modes and nine custom lighting effects for the best gameplay. The keyboard also offers different brightness control levels and glowing speeds.

Aside from that, the battery on this TKL keyboard has a capacity of 1850mAh and can deliver 100 hours of performance with ease. At the same time, the charging time is short, only 3-4 hours.

In addition to that, the keyboard features three sets of onboard media controls. It also has a customizable key assignment, keybinding, and lighting effects controlled via software.

Pros:

  • Wireless keyboard with a nano-USB receiver
  • Comes with backlit key switches with 16.8 million effects
  • Offers 8 dynamic and 9 custom backlit modes
  • The 1850mAh battery lasts 100 hours
  • Offers custom keybinding, key assignment, and lighting with software

Cons:

  • It doesn’t come with replacement keycaps
  • The battery performance decreases significantly

What we like!

  • Fitted with height-adjustable feet
  • It comes with LED lighting customization
  • Offers floating keys that are backlit
  • It comes with 100% anti-ghosting and N-key rollover response
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The last one on the list is the ASUS ROG Claymore Core RBG Cherry MX Keyboard. The ASUS brand name can give you a pretty good idea of the solid build quality.

Moreover, it is fitted with Cherry MX brown switches with faster tactile response time, enhanced gaming performance, and durability.

Not only that, but the gaming keyboard also has a sturdy aluminum body with intricate Mayan-inspired detailing for a long-lasting build.

Aside from that, it features grooves on the underside to easily reroute the cable for an uninterrupted gaming session. It also has height-adjustable feet.

Additionally, this Claymore keyboard features a ROG Claymore core combined with an ASUS motherboard that offers more personalization.

The backlit key switches on the TKL keyboard offer amazing lighting effects and a choice of 16 million colors that can be synced with other compatible gear such as headphones.

Lastly, an amazing feature of this mechanical keyboard is the one-click cooling and overclocking options.

Pros:

  • Made from Cherry MX brown switches
  • Constructed from highly durable aluminum
  • Offers grooves for cable routing
  • Features a Claymore Core with an ASUS ROG motherboard
  • It features onboard memory and macro keyboard recordings

Cons:

  • It is a bit on the higher price range
  • Some consumers had issues with the software and drivers.

FAQ's

Mechanical keyboards are more tactile, faster, and durable. They also offer floating key switches that offer more resistance to wear and tear.

Moreover, mechanical gaming keyboards can last many years if used with care, and the feedback response of this type of TKL keyboards offers better control during gaming sessions.

If your game doesn’t require a huge amount of inputs, the Numpads are of no use. In this scenario, a TKL keyboard is enough to meet your requirements.

Not to mention, the TKL keyboards are more portable and occupy less space on the desktop.

The TKL mechanical keyboards are smaller versions of full-sized keyboards without the Tenkey, i.e., the Numpad.

They still offer numeric input integrated with the function keys at the top.

These keyboards are perfect for smaller spaces and desktop for a lower footprint.

These days, the Cherry MX Brown or Red switches are the most commonly used on mechanical keyboards as they offer tactile bump, good actuation, durability, and quiet strokes.

Other types of key switches are also available. However, they do not offer the same performance as the Cherry MX ones.

Things to Consider

Compatibility

Despite the fact that mechanical keyboards are more common, they are not always compatible with your PC or operating systems.

Keycount

This is perhaps the most important factor in determining the durability of a mechanical keyboard. Your keyboard can have a sturdy construction, but if it doesn’t offer sufficient key count, then it won’t last long.

Typically, a keyboard should have at least 50 million keystrokes to be considered good. These days good quality keyboards come with 60-80 million keystrokes.

Keycap Construction

If you are a dedicated gamer or a typist that uses a mechanical keyboard for most of your day, the construction of the keycaps will play a huge role in determining your overall productivity.

The keycaps are commonly made of ABS plastic or PBT. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS Plastic) is preferred more as they require lesser material to build and offer good durability for marathon typing.

On the other hand, Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) is sturdier and lasts a lot longer. It is also heat resistant and waterproof.

Lighting Effects

Although this doesn’t affect the overall performance of the mechanical keyboard, RGB lighting is preferred by gamers for a more intense experience. These lights come with 16 million color patterns and can be integrated with Discord or your game to deliver custom effects.

Most of the gaming keyboards come with onboard controls for adjusting the modes and brightness levels of the LEDs.

If you’re not a gamer, then you can simply use a faded monochromatic background for more visibility.

Price Range

This is another important factor. A pricier keyboard doesn’t mean good specifications. There are many good keyboards out there that cost less money and offer good functions with durability.

These keyboards can cost around 30 to 100 dollars. However, if you’re a serious gamer, you might want to shell out a few hundred dollars more for better gaming components.

Switches

Commonly, the Cherry MX switches are used in mechanical keyboards these days. This switch type comes in three types Red, Blue, and Brown.

The red ones have a linear mechanism without any sound, good touch and actuation force.

The brown ones have tactile feedback that s good for typing. The blue ones are clicky switches that are more preferred by gamers.

Overall Build

The keys are not the only thing you should look into when purchasing a mechanical keyboard. The overall build quality is important too.

Commonly in good quality gaming keyboards, the base is made from metal or alloys such as aluminum. They also have a top plate made from metal to support the keys.

However, some cheaper keyboards may be made from plastic. This doesn’t mean that they are bad. They can still be pretty good for daily use, but not so much for gaming.

Things to Consider

We hope that this review of the best Tenkeyless mechanical keyboard will prove helpful in making you reach a decision.