The 27 best tkl keyboard brands
Logitech, SteelSeries and Razer lead our ranking of 27 tkl keyboard brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Tkl Keyboard brands, ranked
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1
Logitech
Wireless membrane and quiet tactile mechanical models cover couch and office typing, with a strong lean toward gaming use.
Top products: K400 Plus TKL· G Pro TKL· MX Mechanical Mini
Website: logitech.com |Brands like Logitech
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
SteelSeries
Sturdy frames and water-resistant builds define SteelSeries TKLs, and the Apex Pro line adds adjustable actuation.
Top products: Apex 3 TKL· Apex Pro TKL
Website: steelseries.com |Brands like SteelSeries
Popularity 8.8/10
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3
Razer
Magnetic switches set Razer apart, with 8KHz polling on its premium TKL boards.
Top products: Huntsman V3 Pro· BlackWidow V4· Ornata V3 TKL
Website: razer.com |Brands like Razer
Popularity 8.4/10
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4
Corsair
Optical switches and PBT keycaps feature in Corsair's TKL range, with a wireless option for travel.
Top products: K70 CORE TKL· K60 PRO TKL
Website: corsair.com |Brands like Corsair
Popularity 4.1/10
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5
HyperX
Affordable red linear switch boards make the Alloy Origins Core a popular entry point into TKL gaming keyboards.
Top products: Alloy Origins Core TKL
Website: hyperxgaming.com |Brands like HyperX
Popularity 3.8/10
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6
ASUS
Premium ROG boards aim at enthusiasts, and the Azoth brings a 75% wireless layout with hot-swap sockets.
Top products: ROG Azoth· ROG Strix Scope
Website: asus.com |Brands like ASUS
Popularity 2.7/10
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7
ROCCAT
Linear switches and a compact tenkeyless frame keep the Vulcan TKL focused on quick competitive play.
Top products: Vulcan TKL
Website: roccat.com |Brands like ROCCAT
Popularity 2.5/10
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8
Realforce
Japanese capacitive switches give the Realforce a silent, uniform keystroke favoured by typists.
Top products: REALFORCE R3S
Website: realforce.co.jp |Brands like Realforce
Popularity 2.4/10
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9
Redragon
Budget-friendly hot-swappable options and red switch versions make Redragon a value pick for newcomers.
Top products: K552 Kumara· Stormhunter K721
Website: redragonzone.com |Brands like Redragon
Popularity 1.9/10
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10
Cherry Electrical
Most of us know that the conventional energy sources we have been using for years are experiencing a shortage, and in not so long, they will deplete completely. Therefore, it is more important to have companies like Cherry Electrical in...
Website: cherry.de |Brands like Cherry Electrical
Popularity 1.8/10
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11
Turtle Beach
Hall-effect Command boards show the audio brand's keyboard push, drawing on ROCCAT's Vulcan design.
Top products: Command Series KB7· Vulcan TKL
Website: turtlebeach.com |Brands like Turtle Beach
Popularity 1.8/10
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12
MSI
MSI builds gaming laptops, desktop motherboards and DDR4 RAM modules for gamers and PC builders. Its gaming machines are designed to keep performance steady under heavy load. The Titan GT series is among its laptop lines, and the motherboards and...
Website: msi.com |Brands like MSI
Popularity 1.8/10
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13
Ducky
Enthusiast-grade PBT keycaps and hot-swap sockets make Ducky a favourite among keyboard hobbyists.
Top products: One 3 TKL
Website: duckychannel.com.tw |Brands like Ducky
Popularity 1.7/10
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14
Varmilo
Taiwanese dye-sub PBT keycaps and themed colourways make Varmilo a favourite among custom keyboard builders.
Website: varmilo.com |Brands like Varmilo
Popularity 1.3/10
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15
Velocifire
Wired or wireless, PC or Mac, full-sized or tenkeyless, Velocifire got mechanical keyboards to meet your work and gaming need.
Website: velocifiretech.com |Brands like Velocifire
Popularity 1.1/10
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16
Royal Kludge
The Royal Kludge board is meant to make typing more comfortable for users. This mechanical keyboard features Cherry MX switches and can be used in both wired and wireless modes, making it an excellent choice for gamers. The premium product's...
Website: en.rkgaming.com |Brands like Royal Kludge
Popularity 1.1/10
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17
Leopold
Typists and gamers who want a comfortable keyboard will find mechanical keyboards, keyboard switches and PBT keycaps from Leopold. The brand's keyboards come in several designs, with colorful accents that stand out on a desk. Leopold is known among keyboard...
Website: global.leopold.co.kr |Brands like Leopold
Popularity 1.0/10
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18
AULA
Gamers assemble! This is what AULA's products would do when the gaming enthusiasts get to know about the features and functions provided by the products. Inspired by the traits of a tarantula, the company offers a fast, sturdy and ruthless...
Website: aulagaming.com |Brands like AULA
Popularity 1.0/10
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19
Apple
Stephen Wozniak had a dream of building his computer. In 1976, Wozniak partnered with his former high-school classmate, Steve Jobs, and began operations at Jobs’ family garage. Their first model was a lone working circuit board, which they worked into...
Website: apple.com |Brands like Apple
Popularity 0.9/10
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20
Hexgears
Hexgears - Dominate the Competition! Hexgears is a global gaming and eSports brand with influences from the USA, Germany, and China. We build high quality products for elite gamers and disciplined workers. Gaming is a lifestyle, and our merchandise reflects...
Popularity 0.9/10
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21
Kensington
Kensington produces laptop security locks, along with docking stations, wireless mice, trackball mice and wrist rests. The company is known as a manufacturer of computer accessories for office and home use. Its products include ergonomic designs that support comfortable desk...
Website: kensington.com |Brands like Kensington
Popularity 0.8/10
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22
ELECOM
ELECOM started in 1986 as a Japanese electronics company, and it is headquartered in Chūō-ku, Tokyo. Its catalog includes computer mice, trackball mice, headphones and wireless LAN equipment. The brand sells its devices to consumers in markets around the world.
Popularity 0.7/10
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23
Cooler Master
Cooler Master started out as a Taiwanese maker of computer hardware aimed at people building their own PCs. The brand's core products are CPU coolers, computer cases, power supplies and case fans. Its products are sold through online stores and...
Website: coolermaster.com |Brands like Cooler Master
Popularity 0.6/10
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24
ACTTO
Actto started out as an adventure company in 1992 that produced and sold domestic device peripherals. In the last 28 years, it has constantly upgraded itself with ideas professionally customized for the convenience of the customers. Presently, it manufactures peripherals...
Popularity 0.6/10
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25
Sharkoon
Sharkoon designs computer cases, keyboards, gaming mice and other PC parts for gamers and DIY builders. The company was started in 2004 and also sells headsets, cooling systems and mobile accessories. Its products aim for a balance of performance, usability...
Website: sharkoon.com |Brands like Sharkoon
Popularity 0.5/10
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26
KBDFANS
KBDFANS produces mechanical keyboards in compact layouts, along with switches and keycaps. Its designs are unusual, and it offers neon keycap colors. The brand also sells fully assembled keyboards as well.
Website: kbdfans.com |Brands like KBDFANS
Popularity 0.5/10
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27
Dell
Michael Dell founded PC’s Limited in 1984 with the intent of providing customized upgrades for computers. The initiative was successful, and Dell dropped out of college to start building computers. Soon, he started selling his designs, which were met with...
Website: dell.com |Brands like Dell
Popularity 0.5/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech | logitech.com | /Logitech | logitech | @Logitech | – |
| SteelSeries | steelseries.com | /SteelSeries | steelseries | @steelseries | SteelSeries |
| Razer | razer.com | /razer | razer | @Razer | – |
| Corsair | corsair.com | /Corsair | corsairgaming | @Corsair | CorsairMemoryInc |
| HyperX | hyperxgaming.com | /hyperxcommunity | hyperx | @hyperx | – |
| ASUS | asus.com | /AsusIndia | asusindia | @ASUSindia | – |
| ROCCAT | roccat.com | /ROCCAT | ROCCAT | @ROCCAT | roccatstudios |
| Realforce | realforce.co.jp | /topre.realforce | – | @TOPRE_REALFORCE | – |
| Redragon | redragonzone.com | /redragonusa | – | @redragonusa | Redragon Official |
| Cherry Electrical | cherry.de | – | – | – | – |
Tkl Keyboard Buying Guide
Typing on a mechanical keyboard is a satisfying experience, and for gamers and typists, the benefits extend well beyond just feeling good. TKL keyboards, also known as tenkeyless keyboards, are some of the most popular choices for those who want a smaller setup without sacrificing functionality. In this guide, we will go over everything you need to consider when buying a TKL keyboard.
What is a TKL keyboard?
A TKL keyboard is a keyboard without a numeric keypad. This type of keyboard takes up less desk space compared to a full-sized keyboard, and the absence of the numeric keypad means that the mouse can be positioned closer to the keyboard. TKL keyboards typically have the same layout as full-sized keyboards, with the exception of the missing numeric keypad.
Mechanical or Membrane?
The first decision to make when buying a TKL keyboard is whether to go for a mechanical or a membrane keyboard. Mechanical keyboards are more expensive than their membrane counterparts, but they offer a better typing experience because each key has its own switch. This means that there is a tactile bump or click when a key is pressed, which can give typists and gamers better tactile feedback.
Membrane keyboards, on the other hand, use a rubber dome to provide resistance when a key is pressed. These keyboards are generally less expensive than mechanical keyboards, but they do not have the same tactile feedback as mechanical keyboards.
If you are a typist or gamer who spends a lot of time on the keyboard, then it is worth investing in a mechanical keyboard. However, if you are on a budget or do not require the same level of feedback, a membrane keyboard may be a better option.
Switch Type
If you decide to go for a mechanical keyboard, then the next decision to make is the type of switch. There are several types of mechanical keyboard switches available, with the most popular being Cherry MX switches.
The color of the Cherry MX switch indicates how it behaves when pressed:
- Cherry MX Red: Linear and quiet. Requires less force to actuate. Ideal for gamers and fast typists.
- Cherry MX Brown: Tactile bump but no audible click. Ideal for typists who want tactile feedback but not the noise.
- Cherry MX Blue: Tactile bump and an audible click. Ideal for typists who want tactile feedback and don't mind the noise.
- Cherry MX Black: Linear and quiet. Requires more force to actuate. Ideal for typists who prefer a heavier key feel.
There are also other types of switches available, such as the Razer Green and Orange switches, which behave similarly to the Cherry MX Blue and Brown switches respectively. It is worth trying out different types of switches before making a decision, as the switch type can greatly affect the typing experience.
Backlighting
Many TKL keyboards come with backlighting, which can enhance the typing experience and make it easier to type in low-light conditions. The color and type of lighting will depend on the keyboard, with some keyboards offering RGB lighting that can be customized to match your setup.
Backlit keyboards are particularly useful for gamers who play in a dark room, as the backlighting can help with finding the correct keys quickly. Additionally, some TKL keyboards come with software that can be used to program the lighting and create custom lighting effects.
Wired or Wireless
TKL keyboards are available in both wired and wireless versions. Wired keyboards are typically more reliable and have a faster response time, while wireless keyboards offer more freedom and flexibility in terms of placement.
When considering a wireless keyboard, it is important to check the battery life and ensure that the keyboard has a reliable connection. Some wireless keyboards use Bluetooth to connect, while others use a USB dongle. If you are considering a wireless keyboard, it is worth investing in a keyboard with a long battery life and a reliable connection.
Build Quality
The build quality of a keyboard is an important consideration, particularly if you are planning to use the keyboard for prolonged periods. The materials used to manufacture the keyboard will impact its durability and longevity. Metal construction is generally more durable and long-lasting than plastic construction, but it is also heavier and more expensive.
The keycaps are also an important consideration. Double-shot keycaps are more durable than laser-etched keycaps, as the lettering will not fade over time. Additionally, the keycaps should be easy to replace if they become damaged or worn out.
Brands
There are several brands of TKL keyboards available, with the most popular being Corsair, Das Keyboard, Ducky, Filco, and Leopold. Each brand has its own unique features and benefits, and it is worth researching each brand before making a decision.
Corsair keyboards, for example, are known for their RGB lighting and software customizability, while Das Keyboard and Ducky keyboards are known for their build quality and durability. Filco and Leopold keyboards are popular among enthusiasts due to their high build quality and simple design.
Price
The price of a TKL keyboard will depend on the brand, the build quality, and the features. As a general rule, mechanical keyboards are more expensive than membrane keyboards. Additionally, keyboards with more features, such as RGB lighting and programmable keys, tend to be more expensive.
If you are on a budget, there are several affordable TKL keyboards available that still offer a reliable typing experience. However, it is worth investing in a higher-quality keyboard if you plan to spend a lot of time typing or gaming.
Conclusion
There are several factors to consider when buying a TKL keyboard, including the switch type, backlighting, build quality, and brand. Whether you are a gamer or typist, a mechanical TKL keyboard can greatly enhance your typing experience. It is worth investing in a high-quality keyboard if you plan to use it for prolonged periods, and if you are on a budget, there are several affordable options available.
