Top Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboards for 2025

If you're looking for a compact, high-performance keyboard, a TKL (Tenkeyless) mechanical keyboard is an excellent choice. These keyboards remove the number pad, giving you more desk space while still providing the satisfying tactile feel of mechanical switches. Whether you're a gamer, a writer, or someone who simply prefers a minimalist setup, TKL keyboards offer the perfect balance of functionality and design. Below, we've rounded up the top 10 TKL mechanical keyboards you should consider in 2025.

1. Wordrunner Keyboard

We created theWordrunner Keyboard with one goal in mind: to help writers like you stay focused, motivated, and productive. We understand the challenges of getting words down and maintaining momentum, which is why we included our signature 8-digit mechanical Wordometer. This feature physically tracks your word count in real time, so you can see your progress instantly and never lose track of where you are in your writing journey. It’s not just about typing, it's about helping you reach your writing goals, whether you’re drafting your first novel or working on your latest article.

As a tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard, the Wordrunner offers a compact design that frees up desk space, giving you more room to move your mouse freely. Its portable, lightweight frame makes it easy to take on the go, whether you're working from a café, library, or just moving between different workstations. Built with precision and quality, the Wordrunner delivers a solid, satisfying typing experience with every keystroke.

Key Features:

• An 8-digit mechanical Wordometer that tracks your word count in real time

• Customizable sprint timer to help you stay on track and focused

• Programmable macro keys for your most-used writing commands

• High-quality mechanical switches for smooth, responsive typing

• Durable aluminum frame that ensures long-lasting use and stability

• Tenkeyless (TKL) design for a compact, space-saving layout

Best For:

• Writers looking to track their progress in real time and stay motivated

• People who want a high-quality, tactile typing experience

• Anyone in need of a distraction-free writing environment to maximize productivity

2. Keychron Q3 Max QMK/VIA Wireless

The Keychron Q3 Max is a high-quality mechanical keyboard designed for those who want a solid typing experience in a compact form. It features an 80% TKL layout, offering a great balance between saving desk space and maintaining essential functionality. The aluminum body gives the keyboard a premium and sturdy feel, making it a good choice for both work and play. You can connect it wirelessly or through a wired connection, giving you flexibility in how you use it.

What makes the Q3 Max stand out is its level of customization. You can easily swap out switches without the need to solder, allowing you to tailor the keyboard to your preference. Additionally, it includes a programmable knob, which you can set to control things like volume or screen brightness. This makes it a versatile keyboard that can meet both work needs and personal preferences.

Key Features:

• You can swap switches without soldering.

• The knob can be customized for volume or brightness control.

• The keyboard uses foam to make typing smoother and quieter.

• It works both wirelessly and with a wired connection.

• The aluminum body gives it a solid and premium feel.

Best For:

• People who want a customizable typing experience.

• Users who need to switch between different devices.

• Those looking for a reliable and durable keyboard for everyday use.

3. Wooting 80HE

The Wooting 80HE is a high-performance mechanical keyboard designed to deliver precision and comfort. It features an 80% layout, offering a compact design without losing essential functionality. With advanced features like faster response times and improved key activation, this keyboard enhances both typing and gaming experiences. The analog input system detects every slight movement of the keys, allowing for more fluid and dynamic control.

Designed with comfort in mind, the 80HE reduces noise and provides a softer typing feel. The adjustable actuation settings give you full control over when each key registers, allowing you to customize your experience. Whether you're gaming, working, or typing, the 80HE provides a responsive, comfortable, and customizable experience that adapts to your needs.

Key Features:

• Analog input for smoother and more precise key responses

• Adjustable key actuation for a personalized typing experience

• Soft, quieter typing feel thanks to its gasket mount design

• Stable and smooth key presses with screw-in stabilizers

• Customizable LED lighting for a personalized touch

Best For:

• Gamers who need quick and accurate key responses

• People who want a customizable and comfortable typing experience

• Users looking for a durable keyboard with advanced features

4. CORSAIR K70 RGB TKL Champion Series

The CORSAIR K70 RGB TKL Champion Series is a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard designed for competitive gaming. With its compact layout, it gives gamers a lightweight and portable option without sacrificing performance. Powered by CORSAIR AXON hyper-processing technology, this keyboard delivers ultra-fast response times, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to gain a competitive edge. The K70 is equipped with Cherry MX Speed switches, which provide a quick actuation and smooth keystrokes, ensuring that every press is registered with precision.

Built for esports professionals, the K70 RGB TKL features a durable aluminum frame and double-shot PBT keycaps that resist wear and fading. It also includes dedicated media controls and customizable RGB lighting, allowing you to personalize your setup. Whether you're in the middle of a high-stakes game or working on a project, this keyboard offers the performance and reliability you need.

Key Features:

• Compact tenkeyless design for portability and space-saving

• Cherry MX Speed switches for quick actuation and fast response times

• Durable aluminum frame with double-shot PBT keycaps for added longevity

• Customizable RGB lighting with iCUE software integration

• Tournament mode for disabling macros and ensuring focus during gameplay

Best For:

• Competitive gamers who need fast, responsive input

• Users looking for a durable and customizable gaming keyboard

• Those who prefer a compact keyboard without sacrificing performance

5. Keychron V3 Max QMK/VIA

The Keychron V3 Max is a versatile and customizable mechanical keyboard designed for those who want both performance and style. Featuring an 80% TKL layout, it strikes a balance between compactness and functionality. With options for both 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, the V3 Max is perfect for users who need a reliable keyboard for multitasking across multiple devices. Whether you’re typing, coding, or gaming, this keyboard offers a great typing experience with a quieter and more flexible feel thanks to its gasket mount design.

One of the standout features of the V3 Max is its ability to be fully customized. From its hot-swappable switches to the choice of keycaps and firmware customization through the Keychron Launcher, this keyboard adapts to your needs. The V3 Max is built with sound-absorbing foam and double-shot PBT keycaps, which not only enhance durability but also improve the overall typing experience. This is a keyboard made for those who want to fine-tune their setup for comfort and performance.

Key Features:

• Hot-swappable switches for easy customization

• Gasket mount design for a quieter and softer typing experience

• Dual wireless options with 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.1

• Programmable with Keychron Launcher for remapping keys and macros

• South-facing RGB LED for improved lighting effects

Best For:

• People who want a customizable and versatile typing experience

• Users who need to switch between multiple devices easily

• Those who prefer a quieter and more flexible typing feel

6. Logitech G PRO X TKL

The Logitech G PRO X TKL is a high-performance mechanical gaming keyboard designed for competitive players who demand speed and precision. This tenkeyless model provides more desk space while retaining all the essential features for gamers. It offers a fast response with LIGHTSPEED wireless technology, which ensures a lag-free gaming experience. The PRO X TKL is built with tournament-tested reliability, making it a trusted choice for esports professionals.

This keyboard comes with customizable RGB lighting, programmable keys, and a game mode lock to prevent accidental key presses. Its compact design is paired with solid build quality, offering a satisfying typing experience with mechanical switches. Whether you are gaming or working, the PRO X TKL ensures top-tier performance and comfort.

Key Features:

• LIGHTSPEED wireless for ultra-fast and reliable performance

• Customizable RGB lighting with LIGHTSYNC for a personalized look

• Game mode lock to prevent accidental key presses during critical moments

• Durable and compact tenkeyless design ideal for esports professionals

• Multiple connection options, including Bluetooth and wired modes

Best For:

• Competitive gamers who need a fast and reliable wireless keyboard

• Those who prefer a compact and portable keyboard for gaming setups

• Users who want customizable RGB lighting and media controls

7. Razer BlackWidow V3 Tenkeyless

The Razer BlackWidow V3 Tenkeyless is a compact and powerful mechanical gaming keyboard built for performance and convenience. It’s designed to give gamers the precision they need in a smaller form factor by removing the number pad while retaining all the functionality needed for gaming. The BlackWidow V3 is equipped with Razer's world-renowned mechanical switches and powered by Razer Chroma RGB for ultimate customization. Whether you're gaming, typing, or just relaxing, this keyboard delivers a responsive and satisfying experience.

Built for durability, the Razer BlackWidow V3 Tenkeyless features an aluminum top frame to withstand the intensity of long gaming sessions. Its switches are designed to last for up to 80 million keystrokes, ensuring reliability for years of use. The keyboard also offers cable routing options to keep your setup neat and free of clutter, making it an excellent choice for gamers who want a sleek and functional desktop.

Key Features:

• Razer Green and Yellow Mechanical Switch options for personalized feedback

• Powered by Razer Chroma RGB for customizable lighting effects

• Compact tenkeyless design for a minimalist and space-saving setup

• Durable aluminum construction with 80 million keystroke lifespan

• Cable routing grooves for a cleaner and more organized desk

Best For:

• Gamers who prefer a compact, minimalist keyboard layout

• Those who want a responsive and customizable typing experience

• Users looking for a durable keyboard that can handle extended use

8. Ducky One 3 TKL Daybreak Hotswap RGB

The Ducky One 3 TKL Daybreak is a high-performance mechanical keyboard designed for both gaming and productivity. With its compact tenkeyless layout, it provides the perfect balance between portability and functionality, making it ideal for gamers who want a minimalist setup without sacrificing key features. The keyboard is equipped with Ducky's exclusive QUACK Mechanics design, which focuses on achieving top-tier acoustics, stability, and aesthetics. With hotswap capability, users can easily swap switches without soldering, making it customizable to suit your preference.

This keyboard is built to last, with a durable frame and high-quality components like Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps. It also features RGB lighting that can be fully customized, adding a personal touch to your setup. The silicone plate dampener and EVA foam case dampener work together to provide smooth and pleasant acoustics, enhancing your typing experience. Whether you're gaming, typing, or coding, the Ducky One 3 TKL Daybreak ensures reliable performance and comfort.

Key Features:

• Hotswap functionality allows easy switch customization

• Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps for durability and a premium feel

• Customizable per-key RGB lighting for a personalized look

• Silicone plate dampener and EVA foam case dampener for improved acoustics

• Compact tenkeyless design for portability and space-saving

Best For:

• Gamers who prefer a compact keyboard without sacrificing performance

• Users looking for a customizable typing experience with easy switch swapping

• Those who value high-quality build and improved typing acoustics

9. HyperX Alloy Origins Core Tenkeyless

The HyperX Alloy Origins Core is a compact, high-performance mechanical gaming keyboard designed to offer both style and functionality. Featuring custom HyperX mechanical switches, it provides an ideal balance of responsiveness and accuracy, making it a top choice for gamers who need precision and reliability. The key switches feature exposed LEDs for stunning RGB lighting, adding a dynamic visual effect to your gaming setup.

Built with a durable aircraft-grade aluminum body, the Alloy Origins Core offers stability during intense gaming sessions. The ultra-compact tenkeyless design frees up space on your desk for more mouse movement, making it perfect for smaller setups or players who prefer a minimalist design. It also includes a detachable USB-C cable for added portability, and the keyboard can be customized using HyperX NGENUITY software to adjust lighting, create macros, and enable Game Mode.

Key Features:

• Custom HyperX mechanical switches for fast and responsive keystrokes

• Full aluminum body for a sturdy and stable build

• Ultra-compact tenkeyless design for more desk space

• RGB backlighting with customizable lighting effects via NGENUITY software

• Three adjustable keyboard angles for a comfortable typing experience

Best For:

• Gamers who prefer a compact keyboard with high performance

• Users who need customizable lighting and macro functionality

• Those looking for a sturdy, portable keyboard with a detachable cable

10. Glorious GMMK PRO Barebones 75%

The GMMK PRO Barebones 75% is a customizable mechanical keyboard designed for enthusiasts who enjoy personalizing their setup. Its sleek, compact 75% layout offers the ideal balance between space-saving and functionality, making it perfect for gaming and productivity. Built with a CNC-machined aluminum body, the GMMK PRO ensures durability and a premium feel. This keyboard comes as a barebones model, allowing users to add their preferred switches and keycaps to create a truly custom typing experience.

With its hot-swappable switch design, you can easily change switches without soldering, giving you the flexibility to experiment with different options. The GMMK PRO also features vibrant RGB backlighting, customizable via Glorious CORE software, allowing you to tailor your lighting effects and performance to your preferences. Its detachable USB-C cable enhances portability, and the keyboard includes adjustable feet for three different tilt angles, ensuring comfort during long typing sessions.

Key Features:

• Hot-swappable switches for easy customization without soldering

• CNC-machined aluminum body for durability and a premium feel

• RGB backlighting with customizable lighting effects via Glorious CORE software

• Three adjustable keyboard tilt angles for ergonomic comfort

• Detachable USB-C cable for easy portability

Best For:

• Users who want a fully customizable mechanical keyboard

• Gamers and typists looking for a compact yet functional layout

• Enthusiasts who prefer to personalize every aspect of their keyboard

11. ROG Strix Scope TKL Gaming Keyboard

The ROG Strix Scope TKL is a mechanical gaming keyboard designed for FPS players who demand precision, performance, and portability. The tenkeyless (TKL) layout gives you more space for quick mouse movements, a key advantage for those using low sensitivity settings for accurate aiming. With its high-quality Cherry MX switches and durable aluminum top-plate, this keyboard ensures every keystroke is precise and reliable. The keyboard's sleek design is accentuated with customizable RGB lighting, providing not just a functional tool but an aesthetic piece for any gaming setup.

The ROG Strix Scope TKL features several gaming-oriented functionalities like a Quick-Toggle switch for seamless mode transitions between media and function keys, and a Stealth key for instant privacy. The keyboard's Aura Sync RGB allows you to create a fully immersive gaming experience, syncing with other ROG devices. It’s also built with portability in mind, featuring a detachable cable for easy storage and transport. Whether you're in a gaming tournament or enjoying a late-night session, this keyboard ensures that you're always ready for action.

Key Features:

• Cherry MX RGB mechanical switches for responsive and precise keystrokes

• Compact tenkeyless design for enhanced mouse movement space

• Customizable RGB lighting with Aura Sync to match your setup

• Quick-Toggle switch for instant transitions between media and function keys

• Stealth key for quick privacy by hiding apps and muting audio

Best For:

• FPS gamers looking for a compact, high-performance keyboard

• Users who need portability and space-saving design for competitive play

• Gamers who want customizable lighting and privacy features in their keyboard

12. CK530 V2 Gaming Mechanical Keyboard

The CK530 V2 Gaming Mechanical Keyboard offers no-nonsense performance for gamers who value simplicity and reliability. This tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard provides a compact design that saves space while maintaining essential gaming features. It’s built for gamers who prefer straightforward functionality, with no extra distractions or unnecessary features. The CK530 V2 delivers quick responses with its mechanical key switches, ensuring precision and speed for competitive gaming.

This portable and ergonomic keyboard is designed to withstand long gaming sessions. Its minimalist design and robust construction make it a reliable tool in any gamer’s arsenal. The TKL layout not only saves desk space but also improves mouse movement for a more comfortable gaming experience. Whether you’re in an intense match or casually gaming, the CK530 V2 provides the performance you need without the clutter.

Key Features:

• Tenkeyless (TKL) design for more space and improved mouse movement

• Mechanical key switches for fast and precise keypress responses

• Compact and portable for easy storage and transport

• Simple and ergonomic design for extended gaming sessions

• Durable build quality to withstand heavy use

Best For:

• Gamers looking for a compact, high-performance keyboard

• Users who prefer a no-frills keyboard for focused gameplay

• Those who need a portable, space-saving option for their gaming setup

Conclusion

As we move through 2025, TKL mechanical keyboards continue to offer the perfect balance between functionality and compactness for those looking to save desk space while maintaining a premium typing experience. Whether you're a gamer, writer, or programmer, these keyboards provide an excellent option for those who prefer a more streamlined layout without sacrificing performance. With features like customizable switches, RGB lighting, and durable build quality, TKL keyboards remain a top choice for those who want portability and style without compromise. We hope this list helps you find the perfect TKL mechanical keyboard to fit your needs and boost your productivity!

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