The Best TKL Mechanical Keyboards In 2022
TKL keyboards have become hugely popular in recent years due to a number of unique pros they come equipped with. Here's what we're calling the best of the bunch when it comes to TKL keyboards
Gaming keyboards come in a variety of shapes and sizes, however, one of the most popular to surface over the last decade or so is the TKL mechanical keyboard.
TKL stands for Tenkeyless keyboards (AKA keyboards that lose the number pad) and has been designed for gamers that simply don’t require the number pad. Despite this being a negative factor to some people, the smaller form factor of the TKL mechanical keyboards is highly desired by individuals struggling for desk real-estate.
With that in mind, the following article will be a closer look at some of the best TKL mechanical keyboards the market has to offer. We’ll be looking at price, performance, design, and overall value for money when determining which is the best of the best.
So sit back, relax, and let’s get stuck into it!
Our Top Picks
Best TKL Mechanical Keyboards Of 2020
In-depth Review
Logitech G Pro Keyboard
Logitech G Pro Keyboard
Our number one spot for the best TKL mechanical keyboard goes to the hugely impressive Logitech G Pro. Their TKL offering is part of the fan-favorite ‘G Pro’ family and offers all the features and benefits you’d expect from their prestigious lineup.
This keyboard has been designed with hardcore gamers in mind, offering a compact design that is easy to transport from tournament to tournament. Logitech have equipped this keyboard with highly responsive mechanical GX Blue Switches, custom-designed with low travel distance and rapid response to give you an edge over the competition. Be aware though, they are clicky switches are can become annoying if you aren’t accustomed to the noise.
Moving away from the switches, the Logitech G Pro keyboard brings their impressive lightsync RGB to the gaming forefront – allowing users to customize lighting and animations via the G hub software. The cable at the rear is fully detachable for easier transport and the feet have three adjustable heights, giving users the freedom to find the perfect angle for gaming, typing, and general use.
On the downside, this keyboard is fairly expensive. However, when you consider all the factors this offers, it still falls into the ‘value for money’ price spectrum.
Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition
Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition
Next up we have the Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition, a keyboard marketed around Razer’s proprietary optical switches – said to offer the fastest response time of any keyboard switch. Specifics aside though, Razer’s TKL offering is a nicely-balanced mix of high-performing specs and stunning RGB aesthetics, everything Razer fans love to see.
Razer’s linear optical switches sit at the heart of this keyboard, providing actuation speeds that more generic mechanical switches will struggle to match. They have a 1.0mm optical actuation that registers at the speed of light, giving players that use this keyboard a real advantage over their competition.
Razer has opted for their top of the line Doubleshot PBT keycaps for this keyboard, providing more durability over their ABS/PVC alternatives. Onboard memory allows gamers to save bespoke profiles to this keyboard for on-the-fly setups between unique PCs. RGB lighting is once again in full flow for the Huntsman Tournament Edition, with a whole host of exciting presets and endless customization to choose from.
All in all, the Huntsman Tournament Edition is a very efficient keyboard. It pretty much offers everything you’d want to take your gaming to the next level, giving it a cemented spot in this best-of guide.
HyperX Alloy Origins Core
HyperX Alloy Origins Core
HyperX is one of the biggest names in the peripheral game, so it was no surprise to see one of their high-performance offerings make our best TKL mechanical keyboard list. Their Alloy Origins core keyboard is an ultra-compact, well-built tenkeyless keyboard that comes equipped with HyperX’s proprietary switches.
The switches come to the table offering more than just gaming performance characteristics; they’re also designed with exposed LEDs for stunning lighting throughout your session. Lights aside, the HyperX switches boast a well-balanced mix of actuation force and travel distance designed specifically for responsiveness and accuracy.
The HyperX Alloy Core is built using a full aluminum body to provide additional durability and rigidity throughout transit – not to mention the occasional gamer rage which we’re all very capable of! The feet at the rear of the keyboard give you options between three different heights, allowing users to find the perfect position whilst gaming.
Redragon K552 KUMARA RGB
Redragon K552 KUMARA RGB
If you’ve read some of our other keyboard guides, you’ll likely have come across this little gem. The Redragon K552 is our budget TKL mechanical recommendation, however, don’t let that fool you, this keyboard still comes to the table with plenty of benefits in its favor.
This stylish little keyboard brings a ‘gamey’ aesthetic to the table that definitely leans on the loud side. This particular model offers up striking RGB, however, it is limited in terms of customization and preset options. The switches are Outemu Blue switches which are, for all intents and purposes, the equivalent of Cherry MX Blues. Whilst these are great for gaming, they aren’t the best for work-type scenarios as they can be loud and offputting.
The 87 key design also lays claim to Doubleshot keycaps that are much more durable than ABS alternatives. A metal frame is found at the heart of this board, providing added stability and longevity – making this board a fantastic little all-rounder for the price.
Corsair K63 Compact Mechanical Keyboard
Corsair K63 Compact Mechanical Keyboard
When we usually think of Corsair, we think high-performance RAM or PC case offerings. That being said, some of their most impressive products fall within the peripheral sector. This, the Corsair K63 Compact mechanical keyboard is a nicely designed TKL mechanical keyboard that looks as good as it performs.
The switches are Chery MX red mechanical switches, well known for being one of the best in the game for competitive players. Unlike other boards in this guide, the K63 does not offer a full RGB, instead, it provides a nice red backlight across all keys.
As with most boards in this guide, the K63 brings 100% anti-ghosting with full key rollover to the table. You also have the freedom to map your keyboard to your exact requirements via the ICUE software suite.
Dedicated media keys can be found across the top edge of this keyboard, adding more versatility that can’t be found on all keyboards in this guide. With a nicely designed shape for comfort and precision, the K63 allows you to game for much longer periods without the feeling of fatigue.
Overall, a great little keyboard that undercuts many of the other boards in this guide for price.
Final Word
So, there you have it guys, our comprehensive rundown of the best TKL mechanical keyboards for gamers this 2020. We hope this article has made your next purchasing decision that little bit easier – we know how difficult it can be if you aren’t fully up to speed with the latest products and reviews.
That said, for anyone still struggling to make a decision, here’s our final rundown in short:
#1 Best TKL mechanical keyboard
Logitech are the experts when it comes to creating some of the best peripherals money can buy – and this is no exception.
#2 Best RGB TKL mechanical keyboard
The RGB masters do it again with another fine offering to the peripheral marketplace. This one brings great RGB, fantastic switches, and a comfortable design making it well worth your consideration.
#3 Best all-round TKL mechanical keyboard
If you’re looking for the perfect balance between price, performance, design, and features, then look no further – HyperX has you covered.
#4 Best Budget TKL mechanical keyboard
For those who are on a strict budget, fear not, the Redragon K552 Kumara can provide decent gaming performance at a fraction of the price.
#5 Honourable mention
The Corsair K63 compact mechanical gaming keyboard is a fine example of solid construction and reliability. You not only get peace of mind when buying Corsairs peripherals, but you can also be sure you’re buying performance as well.
Let us know which of the best TKL mechanical keyboards you most fancy by dropping us a comment in the section below. Better still, you can now head on over to our WePC Community where you can discuss everything PC related with like-minded individuals.