When you have limited space in your gaming setup, tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards are the solution. These compact keyboards give you more room to move your mouse and track your enemies.
The Logitech G lineup includes several TKL keyboards with features like RGB lighting, low-latency wireless, and options for customization. In this guide, we’ll go in-depth on TKL keyboards and help you find the best keyboard for your gaming setup.
A tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard is a keyboard with no numeric keypad, which makes it significantly smaller than a full-size keyboard. Tenkeyless keyboards are also called 80% keyboards because they’re 80% of a full-size layout.
Tenkeyless keyboards are growing in popularity among gamers, creators, and professionals who want a more compact setup. Logitech’s lineup of tenkeyless keyboards offer a combination of compact size, sleek design, and premium performance.
Removing the numpad from a full-size keyboard gives you more room to move your mouse, which is essential if you’re a low-sensitivity gamer. TKL keyboards also promote better posture by allowing you to position your mouse closer to the center of your body. These keyboards are perfect for smaller desks or minimalist setups.
If you like to game on the go, tenkeyless keyboards are a more portable option. Compact keyboards are smaller and lighter, so you can easily take your keyboard with you when you’re working, on vacation, or playing in a LAN event.
Tenkeyless keyboards give you more mouse room, which helps in multiple ways. Having more room to move your mouse helps you track enemies without running out of mousepad, and you can position your mouse more ergonomically to minimize wrist fatigue during long gaming sessions.
If you don’t use the numpad on a keyboard, a tenkeyless keyboard offers a cleaner, more minimalist look. This cleaner aesthetic is a great addition to any streaming setup or hybrid work setup.
Let’s look at what makes the tenkeyless keyboard layout unique and how it compares to some other popular keyboard sizes.
A standard tenkeyless keyboard, also known as an 80% keyboard, has 87 keys. The general layout of the keyboard is the same as a full-size keyboard, but the numpad is removed which makes it a few inches smaller in width.
Some tenkeyless keyboards have a numpad built in that can be accessed with the function (Fn) key. Holding (or toggling) the Fn key and pressing these buttons should allow you to use the numpad function.
If your keyboard doesn’t have dedicated numpad function keys, you can connect a separate numpad to an open USB port on your PC. When you don’t need your numpad, you can unplug it and move it out of the way.
Tenkeyless keyboards have 87 keys compared to 104 keys on a full-size keyboard. The 17 missing keys are what make up the numpad, which is to the right of the arrow keys on a full-size keyboard.
Full-size keyboards may be a better choice if a numpad helps you work more efficiently. This includes accountants, data entry clerks, and programmers. Tenkeyless keyboards are more popular for gaming setups and hybrid work setups.
If you want to save even more space, you can go with a smaller 75% or 65% keyboard. 75% keyboards are also known as compact tenkeyless keyboards because they’re similar to TKL keyboards but the keys are more bunched together. There’s no space between the F keys, the arrow keys are shifted to the left a bit.
65% keyboards are even smaller, removing a row of keys to create an ultra-compact gaming keyboard. There are no separate F keys and numeric keys. Instead, the F keys and numeric keys are shared and you have to use the Fn button to alternate between them. With just 68 keys, 65% keyboards are great if you have very limited space.
The Logitech G lineup includes keyboards for every budget and gaming setup. Learn more about some of the best mechanical keyboards with a tenkeyless layout.
The Logitech G PRO X TKL LIGHTSPEED is designed for competitive play, with LIGHTSPEED wireless to eliminate lag and your choice of clicky, tactile, or linear switches. The compact size of the G PRO X TKL combined with a 50-hour battery life make this keyboard a great choice for tournament play and traveling. The G PRO X TKL LIGHTSPEED is available in black, white, or pink to match your gaming setup.
The Logitech G915 TKL LIGHTSPEED features a unique low-profile design, which makes it even more compact than your average tenkeyless keyboard. The low-profile design of G915 keyboards also means they have a shorter actuation point, resulting in faster keystrokes. Whether you’re trying to out-strafe your opponent or string together a combo of attacks, the low-profile design of the G915 combined with pro-grade LIGHTSPEED wireless help you gain a competitive advantage.
The Aurora Collection has a dreamy, ethereal aesthetic that makes a great addition to any gaming setup. The Logitech G715 keyboard is equipped with all the features you need to perform your best, including gaming-grade LIGHTSPEED wireless, your choice of GX mechanical switches, and a cloud-soft palm rest to reduce fatigue. Dedicated lighting and media keys make it easy to control your PC and keyboard without interrupting your match.
The Logitech G515 LIGHTSPEED gaming keyboard combines LIGHTSPEED wireless with a low-profile design to enhance your gaming experience. Three buttons in the top-left corner allow you to quickly switch between LIGHTSPEED wireless, Bluetooth®, and wired connectivity. You can also use 2:1 pairing to pair the G515 LIGHTSPEED and a compatible mouse to a single receiver.
The Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID is one of the best options if you’re looking for a compact wired gaming keyboard. The G PRO X TKL RAPID features magnetic-analog switches with adjustable actuation, so you can decide how sensitive you want your keys to be. Rapid trigger technology allows for faster keystrokes for high-APM games like MOBAs and competitive shooters. If you want a wired keyboard that’s fully customizable to match your playstyle, the G PRO X TKL RAPID is an excellent choice.
Mechanical switches are popular in tenkeyless keyboards because they’re more durable and precise compared to traditional membrane keyboards. You can also choose between different types of switches to find the right feel and noise level for your setup.
There are four common types of mechanical switches: linear, tactile, clicky, and Hall Effect.
Tactile switches have a noticeable bump that provides tactile feedback when you press a key. Clicky switches provide similar tactile feedback with a signature clicking sound that’s similar to a typewriter.
Linear switches have no tactile feedback, offering a smoother, faster feel that’s popular among gamers.
Hall Effect switches use magnets to signal key presses instead of the switch making direct contact. Since these switches don’t make physical contact, they tend to be more durable and allow for custom actuation points.
Some mechanical keyboards feature hot-swappable switches, so you can quickly swap between different types of switches without soldering or desoldering. You can also upgrade the keycaps on your tenkeyless keyboard, with PBT being a popular option.
RGB lighting gives you even more control over your tenkeyless keyboard. With LIGHTSYNC RGB, you can choose from premade or custom lighting effects or sync lighting across devices for a cohesive gaming setup.
Tactile and clicky switches tend to be a bit louder than linear and Hall Effect switches, which can be an issue in certain environments. If you’re gaming in a shared space where noise is a concern, quiet switches are ideal.
Setting up your tenkeyless keyboard starts with desk positioning. Position your keyboard and mouse in a way that feels natural to you. Use cable management clips to neatly run cables for wired keyboards, or position your wireless receiver close to your keyboard for an optimized connection.
Once your keyboard is set up and connected, you can use software like G HUB to customize macros, key layouts, and RGB lighting. Check out the Logitech Community if you need inspiration from other gamers.
Whether you’re looking for a compact keyboard for tournaments and travel, a space-saving option for your work setup, or a keyboard that’s great for gaming, tenkeyless keyboards from Logitech G are an excellent choice.
Tenkeyless keyboards don’t have a numpad while full-size keyboards do. Full-size keyboards have a total of 104 keys compared to TKL keyboards which have 87 keys.
Yes, tenkeyless keyboards are good for gaming because they’re compact, which gives you more room to position your mouse ergonomically and track your enemies.
TKL mechanical keyboards offer better precision, durability, and reliability. You can also choose between different types of switches based on feel, noise level, and speed.
You can still use the numeric keys on your keyboard to enter numbers without a numpad. If you need a numpad for maximum productivity, you can connect a standalone numpad via USB.
Yes, tenkeyless keyboards are designed for compatibility with macOS and Windows operating systems. G HUB software is also available for both macOS and Windows.
Linear switches or Hall Effect switches are typically best for gaming, while everyday users often prefer the tactile feedback of clicky or tactile switches.
Wireless tenkeyless keyboards can have some input lag, but LIGHTSPEED wireless technology can achieve report rates of 1 ms for a virtually lag-free gaming experience.
If you’re looking for an ergonomic compact keyboard that doesn’t sacrifice performance, tenkeyless keyboards are a smart choice.
Logitech is a leader in tenkeyless keyboard design and innovation, helping gamers excel with features like LIGHTSPEED wireless. Explore Logitech’s lineup of tenkeyless keyboards to find the best keyboard for your setup.