Best TKL Mechanical Keyboards for 2025

If you're after a more compact setup without sacrificing performance, a TKL (Tenkeyless) mechanical keyboard might just be the perfect choice. These keyboards skip the number pad, offering a more streamlined design without losing any of the tactile satisfaction or responsiveness that mechanical keys are known for. In this article, we'll dive into some of the best TKL mechanical keyboards of 2025, so you can find the one that best suits your typing needs, gaming habits, and style preferences.

1. Wordrunner Mechanical Word-Counting Keyboard

AtFreewrite, we’ve craftedWordrunner to revolutionize the writing experience, combining high-end mechanical switches with a game-changing word-counting system. As creators, we’ve long understood the power of words and how important it is to stay on track when writing. After working on writing tools for over a decade and seeing 700 million words written on our devices, we wanted to build something that could not only enhance your typing experience but also keep you fully immersed in your writing. With Wordrunner, we’ve done just that.

The standout feature of Wordrunner is the world's first mechanical Wordometer, a real-time word counter that tracks your writing progress physically. This 8-digit mechanical counter, visible even when powered off, allows you to see your word count in real time. The tactile nature of the Wordometer ensures you never lose momentum as you write. Whether you're working on a book, an article, or a short story, you’ll find the immediate feedback incredibly motivating, helping you push through your writing goals.

Wordrunner is engineered for those who take their writing seriously. Featuring a durable die-cast aluminum body, premium switches, and a highly customizable experience, it’s the perfect keyboard for writers who want to focus on their craft without distractions. With a built-in timer, customizable sprint intervals, and a robust sound-dampening system, Wordrunner offers a writing environment that's as satisfying to use as it is efficient. It’s not just a keyboard - it’s your new best tool for getting words on the page.

Key Highlights:

• Mechanical Wordometer: 8-digit counter tracks word count in real-time, even when the keyboard is off.

• Customizable Timer: Keep your focus with a sprint timer, adjustable to your ideal writing rhythm.

• Durable Construction: Solid aluminum body designed to withstand heavy typing sessions.

• Multi-device Connectivity:Connect up to 4 devices (3 via Bluetooth, 1 via USB-C) and switch seamlessly between them.

Great Choice For:

• Prolific Writers: Whether you're drafting a novel or a report, the Wordrunner keeps you on track with real-time word count tracking.

• Distraction-Free Typists: Say goodbye to interruptions with Wordrunner’s intuitive design and focus-enhancing features.

• Writers Who Need Flexibility: Switch between devices and customize your writing flow with programmable keys and a built-in timer.

Unlock your full writing potential with WordRunner, now available onKickstarter.

2. Wooting 80HE

The Wooting 80HE is a mechanical keyboard that focuses on providing a responsive and customizable typing experience. With an 80% layout, it offers a compact design while still maintaining a comfortable size for both typing and gaming. Its key features, such as adjustable actuation points and a focus on responsiveness, allow for more precision and control during use. The keyboard also aims to offer a balanced typing feel with a softer and quieter keypress.

Beyond its functionality, the Wooting 80HE features a customizable RGB lighting setup, which adds a personal touch to the overall look. It is designed to deliver a more flexible experience, whether for work, gaming, or general use. The combination of customizability and a responsive layout makes it a solid choice for users who value both performance and personalization in their keyboards.

Key Highlights:

• Customizable key actuation for a tailored typing experience.

• Quiet and softer keypresses for reduced noise.

• Compact 80% layout with full functionality.

• Customizable RGB lighting for personalization.

Great Choice For:

• Users seeking a more responsive keyboard for gaming or work.

• Those who prefer a quieter, softer typing experience.

• Anyone looking for a compact and customizable keyboard layout.

3. NuPhy Gem80

The NuPhy Gem80 is a versatile mechanical keyboard designed to offer a balance of performance, aesthetics, and customizability. With a compact TKL (Tenkeyless) layout, it fits into tight spaces while still delivering a satisfying and responsive typing experience. With its sleek design and customizable sound profile, the Gem80 is a great choice for users who appreciate both form and function.

One of the standout features of the Gem80 is its adaptability, thanks to the Omni-mount technology that allows users to adjust the keyboard's mounting style for a personalized typing experience. Whether you're after a more "thocky" sound or a different feel, this keyboard offers plenty of options. The Gem80 is a well-rounded keyboard for anyone looking for a customizable and premium mechanical keyboard experience.

Key Highlights:

• Customizable sound profile with Omni-mount technology.

• High-quality aluminum chassis for durability and premium feel.

• Tri-mode wireless connection for flexible usage.

• Adjustable actuation with various sound mods for personalization.

Great Choice For:

• Users who want a customizable and high-quality typing experience.

• Gamers seeking a reliable wireless keyboard with fast response time.

• Those who appreciate a keyboard that combines design with performance.

4. Keychron V3 Max

The Keychron V3 Max is a wireless mechanical keyboard that combines high performance with a sleek, customizable design. Featuring an 80% layout, it offers a compact and efficient setup, ideal for both work and gaming environments. Its gasket mount design helps reduce noise while enhancing the typing experience, offering a soft and quieter feel. The V3 Max is built with a focus on customization, allowing users to personalize keycaps, switches, and more to suit their preferences.

One of the main draws of the V3 Max is its user-friendly QMK/VIA compatibility, giving you the freedom to remap keys, create macros, and fine-tune the keyboard's functionality. It also comes with south-facing RGB LEDs that complement its premium double-shot PBT keycaps, ensuring a great typing experience and vibrant lighting. With the ability to swap switches easily, the V3 Max provides a versatile option for users who want to adjust the feel of their keyboard.

Key Highlights:

• Dual wireless connection options (Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz) for seamless multitasking.

• Customizable keycaps and switches for a personalized experience.

• Gasket mount design for a softer and quieter typing feel.

• QMK/VIA compatibility for extensive key remapping and macro creation.

Great Choice For:

• Users who need a flexible and customizable keyboard for work and gaming.

• Those who prefer a quieter, softer typing experience.

• People looking for a keyboard with easy switch swapping and personalization options.

5. CORSAIR K70 RGB TKL CHAMPION SERIES

The CORSAIR K70 RGB TKL Champion Series is a mechanical keyboard built with gamers in mind. Featuring a tenkeyless layout, it offers a more compact design without sacrificing performance. The keyboard is designed for responsiveness, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming. Its sturdy aluminum frame ensures durability, and the customizable RGB lighting adds a personal touch to your setup.

This keyboard also includes features that help enhance your gaming experience, such as media controls and a tournament mode. The tournament mode disables certain keys to prevent accidental presses during critical moments. With its high-quality build and user-friendly features, the K70 RGB TKL is a solid choice for gamers looking for a reliable and customizable keyboard.

Key Highlights:

• Compact and portable tenkeyless layout.

• Durable aluminum frame for a solid feel.

• Customizable RGB lighting for personalization.

• Tournament mode to disable macro keys during gameplay.

Great Choice For:

• Gamers looking for a compact and responsive keyboard.

• Those who want a durable keyboard with customizable lighting.

• Users who need a reliable and straightforward gaming keyboard.

6. Logitech G915 TKL

The Logitech G915 TKL is a wireless mechanical keyboard designed for gamers who prioritize both performance and style. It features a tenkeyless layout, which provides more room for mouse movement while maintaining all the essential keys. Crafted from high-quality materials, the G915 TKL is incredibly thin yet durable, offering a sleek, premium feel. It uses low-profile mechanical switches that deliver fast response times, making it suitable for competitive gaming.

This keyboard also stands out for its LIGHTSYNC RGB technology, which allows you to fully customize the lighting across the keyboard. It supports both LIGHTSPEED wireless for a lag-free gaming experience and Bluetooth for easy connectivity to multiple devices. The G915 TKL includes dedicated media controls, making it convenient to adjust volume or skip tracks without interrupting your game. With its slim design, customizable features, and wireless performance, the G915 TKL is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality gaming keyboard.

Key Highlights:

• Tenkeyless design for a more compact and portable setup.

• Low-profile mechanical switches for faster response times.

• LIGHTSYNC RGB for customizable and immersive lighting effects.

• Wireless LIGHTSPEED technology for lag-free gaming.

Great Choice For:

• Gamers who need a compact and responsive keyboard.

• Users looking for a wireless, high-performance keyboard.

• Those who want customizable RGB lighting for their gaming setup.

7. Drop CSTM80

The Drop CSTM80 is a mechanical keyboard that focuses on customization and performance. Designed with a tenkeyless layout, it provides a compact and efficient design that gives more space for mouse movement. This keyboard is crafted from high-quality materials like polycarbonate, offering both durability and flexibility. One of its standout features is the magnetic decorative top case, which allows for easy customization without the need for complicated assembly. This case comes in various styles and can be switched out to match your preferred look.

Under the hood, the CSTM80 provides a solid typing experience thanks to its gasket-mounted system and various foam layers that help reduce noise and improve the feel of each keystroke. The keyboard is hot-swappable, meaning you can easily change switches without soldering. Additionally, it supports full customization through QMK, VIA, and Vial software, allowing you to remap keys, adjust macros, and personalize the lighting. With south-facing RGB LEDs and customizable keycaps, this keyboard offers both aesthetic appeal and functionality for users looking to tailor their setup.

Key Highlights:

• Customizable with a magnetic decorative top case and interchangeable plates.

• Hot-swappable switches for easy modification.

• Gasket-mounted system for a comfortable typing feel.

• Full RGB lighting with south-facing LEDs for a personalized lighting experience.

Great Choice For:

• Users looking for a compact keyboard with a focus on customization.

• Gamers or typists who want a versatile and easy-to-modify keyboard.

• Those interested in a keyboard that allows for personal aesthetic adjustments

8. CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.3 TKL

The CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.3 TKL is a mechanical gaming keyboard built for performance and customization. With a tenkeyless layout, it provides a more compact design that frees up space for better mouse movement. The keyboard is designed to deliver fast and accurate response times, whether used wirelessly or wired, thanks to its high polling rates. It features hot-swappable switches, allowing you to easily change out the switches to find the perfect feel for your typing style without the need for soldering.

The keyboard also includes a unique rotary knob and LCD display, offering easy access to media controls and settings like RGB lighting. The construction of the MX 8.3 ensures a smooth and comfortable typing experience, while its customizable features allow you to personalize the keyboard to your liking. Overall, the MX 8.3 is a solid choice for those looking for a responsive, customizable, and sleek mechanical keyboard.

Key Highlights:

• Customizable with hot-swappable switches.

• Compact design with a tenkeyless layout for better mouse space.

• Rotary knob and LCD display for easy control of settings.

• Smooth typing experience with a premium build.

Great Choice For:

• Gamers who want a compact, high-performance keyboard.

• Users looking for a customizable typing experience.

• Those who value ease of use and control for settings and lighting.

9. ASUS ROG Azoth

The ASUS ROG Azoth is a sleek and highly customizable mechanical keyboard designed to enhance both your gaming and typing experiences. It features a compact 75% layout, offering a streamlined setup without sacrificing performance. Whether you're gaming or working, this keyboard brings a premium feel to every keystroke, with its smooth switches, reliable connectivity, and solid build quality.

One of its standout features is the OLED display, which provides you with real-time system information and allows for easy adjustments to your settings. The Azoth also lets you switch between multiple devices seamlessly with tri-mode connectivity, giving you the flexibility to use it with various setups. With its well-thought-out design and customizable elements, the Azoth delivers a refined typing experience that will satisfy gamers and keyboard enthusiasts alike.

Key Highlights:

• Hot-swappable switches for a personalized feel.

• OLED display for system status and RGB settings.

• Multiple connectivity options: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, USB.

• Gasket mount design for a smooth, quiet typing experience.

Great Choice For:

• Gamers who need a responsive and customizable keyboard.

• DIY enthusiasts who enjoy modding and personalizing their gear.

• Those who prefer a compact, high-performance keyboard for both work and play.

10. Varmilo Sword 2-87 Flying Tigers

The Varmilo Sword 2-87 Flying Tigers is an aluminum mechanical keyboard that combines beauty with precision. Its CNC-machined aluminum case adds a premium feel to the keyboard while providing durability. The four-stage color separation design enhances its visual appeal, giving it a modern and sophisticated look. Additionally, the detachable magnetic top case allows users to change the keyboard's appearance easily, offering a customizable experience that suits personal preferences

Built with Varmilo EC switches, the Sword 2-87 offers a unique typing experience that is smooth and satisfying. The keyboard also includes dye-sub PBT keycaps, known for their durability and high-quality feel. With its white LED backlighting, it enhances the overall aesthetics of the keyboard, making it a visually striking addition to your setup. The Sword 2-87 isn't just about looks; it's designed for serious typists and gamers who want a keyboard that balances style with functionality.

Key Highlights:

• CNC aluminum case for durability and a premium feel.

• Customizable look with a detachable magnetic top case.

• Varmilo EC switches provide a smooth typing experience.

• Dye-sub PBT keycaps for long-lasting performance.

Great Choice For:

• Users who appreciate customizable and stylish keyboards.

• Typists and gamers who seek a high-quality, responsive typing experience.

• Those who value both aesthetics and functionality in their peripherals.

11. XBOARD QS

The XBOARD QS Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is an innovative option for those looking to upgrade their gaming or workspace setup. Crafted with precision CNC-machined aluminum, this keyboard combines durability with sleek design, offering a solid yet lightweight build. The integration of advanced features such as quick switching between two devices, a customizable RGB lighting system, and a smooth typing experience makes it stand out. Whether you’re gaming, working, or streaming, this keyboard adapts to your needs, delivering top-tier performance with every keystroke.

Its unique gasket mounting system reduces vibrations and minimizes noise, ensuring a quieter typing experience while maintaining a smooth feel. The keyboard is hot-swappable, allowing you to easily change switches without soldering, making it perfect for enthusiasts who want to personalize their typing experience. With a built-in USB hub and full compatibility with both Windows and macOS, this keyboard is designed to meet the demands of any user who values both form and function.

Key Highlights:

• Precision CNC-machined aluminum body for durability.

• Hot-swappable switch support for easy customization.

• Triple absorption structure to minimize vibrations and noise.

• Quick switching between two devices using a dedicated button.

Great Choice For:

• Gamers who need fast and seamless device switching.

• Enthusiasts looking for a customizable and premium typing experience.

• Users who work across multiple devices and operating systems (Windows/macOS).

12. Ducky One 3 TKL

The Ducky One 3 TKL Matcha is a versatile mechanical keyboard designed for users who appreciate both functionality and aesthetic appeal. With its hotswap PCB, it offers the ability to change switches without soldering, allowing for easy customization of your typing experience. The keyboard features double-shot PBT keycaps, known for their durability and high-quality feel, along with a design that focuses on both comfort and performance. The compact tenkeyless layout provides a clean and efficient workspace, while the adjustable feet allow for a more personalized typing angle.

To enhance typing comfort, the keyboard includes sound-dampening layers of silicone and EVA foam, helping to reduce noise and vibrations for a smoother experience. The detachable USB-C cable offers additional convenience, making it easy to set up and use in different environments. Whether you’re using it for typing or gaming, the Ducky One 3 TKL Matcha combines performance and style in a way that suits a variety of users.

Key Highlights:

• Hotswap PCB for easy switch customization.

• Durable double-shot PBT keycaps for long-lasting use.

• Sound-dampening silicone and EVA foam for quieter keystrokes.

• Detachable braided USB-C cable for convenience.

Great Choice For:

• Users who want a customizable and compact keyboard.

• Those who prefer a quieter and smoother typing experience.

• People looking for a keyboard with a clean, minimalist design.

Conclusion

The best TKL mechanical keyboards of 2025 strike the perfect balance between performance, portability, and customization. With features like customizable switches, ergonomic designs, and vibrant RGB lighting, these keyboards offer an enhanced typing and gaming experience. Whether you're a gamer seeking precision or a typist looking for a more compact, efficient layout, a TKL keyboard is a fantastic option that meets a variety of needs without sacrificing quality.

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