Best Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboards for Gaming and Work

Looking to upgrade your setup with a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard? These compact keyboards are perfect for those who want a smaller form factor without sacrificing the satisfying mechanical switch feel. Whether you're a gamer, a typist, or someone who values a clean, minimal desk, there’s a tenkeyless option for everyone. We've rounded up some of the best choices available right now to help you find the perfect one for your needs. Check out these top picks!

1. Wordrunner

IntroducingWordrunner, the mechanical keyboard designed specifically for writers. It's built to help you stay focused and keep your momentum flowing with every word you type. Wordrunner features an 8-digit mechanical Wordometer that physically tracks your word count in real time, allowing you to see your progress without losing your rhythm. With a unique blend of tactile feedback, mechanical switches, and thoughtful features, it’s the ideal tool for writers who want to take their craft seriously.

As a tenkeyless keyboard, Wordrunner gives you more desk space while still offering the essential keys you need for efficient writing. Its compact design ensures that your hands stay in a comfortable, natural position as you type, reducing strain during long writing sessions. We’ve spent over a decade perfecting the writing experience, and Wordrunner incorporates everything we’ve learned to help you become more productive. Whether you're working on a novel, a screenplay, or just your daily journaling, Wordrunner ensures that the only thing you’ll need to focus on is your next great idea.

Top Features:

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

• Built-in timer to help you stay focused and productive

• Customizable keys for your most-used writing functions

• Tenkeyless layout for a more compact and ergonomic design

• Premium tactile mechanical switches for smooth typing

• Durable, die-cast aluminum body for long-lasting reliability

• Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity for seamless device switching

If you want to enhance your writing focus, check out the Wordrunner onKickstarter.

2. Keychron V3 Max QMK

The Keychron V3 Max is a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard designed for users who want a compact layout with customization options. It supports both wired and wireless connections, allowing you to switch between 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.1 easily. The 80% layout keeps your desk clean and provides all the necessary keys for most tasks without taking up much space.

This keyboard features a gasket mount design, which helps reduce noise and improve typing comfort. It offers hot-swappable switches, allowing you to change the switches without soldering. The keycaps are made from double-shot PBT material, and the layout can be customized to suit different operating systems. This keyboard is a flexible option for those who want a smaller, customizable setup.

Top Features:

• It connects via 2.4 GHz wireless or Bluetooth 5.1.

• You can customize keycaps, switches, and other accessories.

• The gasket mount design reduces noise and improves typing comfort.

• Switches can be swapped without soldering.

• It includes Type-C and Type-A receivers for easy connection.

• The RGB lighting is designed to be visible from the user’s angle.

3. Durgod Taurus K320

The Durgod Taurus K320 is a reliable tenkeyless mechanical keyboard designed for both gaming and everyday use. With its compact 87-key layout, this keyboard eliminates the number pad to save space, while still maintaining the essential keys for work or play. The K320 offers a wired connection through USB-C, ensuring stable performance and rapid response times, especially useful in competitive gaming scenarios. It also supports N-key rollover, so all your key presses will register without conflict, no matter how many keys are pressed at once.

The keyboard features Cherry MX switches in a variety of options, including Blue, Brown, Red, and Silent switches, allowing you to choose the feel that best suits your typing or gaming needs. With a sleek space gray color and high-quality double-shot PBT keycaps, the K320 offers a durable and comfortable typing experience. It’s designed to be compatible with multiple operating systems, including macOS, Windows, Linux, and Android, making it a versatile option for a range of users. While it doesn't include backlighting, its solid build and functionality more than make up for this.

Top Features:

• It has a compact 87-key layout, perfect for saving space.

• Offers wired USB-C connection for stable and responsive performance.

• Features Cherry MX switches in various types for customizable feel.

• Supports N-key rollover, ensuring all key presses are registered.

• Built with double-shot PBT keycaps for durability and comfort.

• Compatible with multiple systems like macOS, Windows, and Android.

4. Drop CTRL V2

The Drop CTRL V2 is a high-performance tenkeyless mechanical keyboard designed with both functionality and customization in mind. It’s a successor to the popular CTRL model, with a number of upgrades based on user feedback and community requests. This keyboard features a CNC-machined aluminum case, which provides a solid and premium feel. With its compact 87-key layout, it’s perfect for users who want a space-saving option without losing key functionality.

One of the standout features of the CTRL V2 is its RGB capabilities. The north-facing switch sockets allow the RGB LEDs to shine through the keycaps and switches, providing a dynamic lighting experience. The keyboard is also highly customizable, supporting both QMK and VIA firmware, so you can remap keys and create macros easily. Additionally, the CTRL V2 comes with high-quality components, such as Drop Phantom Stabilizers and PORON foam, which enhance both the typing feel and sound.

Top Features:

• It has a tenkeyless layout with 87 keys, ideal for compact setups.

• Offers north-facing RGB LEDs for better lighting effects through keycaps.

• Includes QMK and VIA support for on-the-fly keymapping.

• The CNC-machined aluminum case provides a sturdy and premium build.

• Hot-swappable switch sockets support 3-pin and 5-pin switches.

• Comes with PORON foam for refined typing sound and feel.

5. 8BitDo Retro

The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard combines a nostalgic design with modern functionality, perfect for users who want both style and performance. It comes in two editions: N and Fami, each meticulously crafted to offer a perfect balance of quality and usability. The keyboard features an 87-key layout and a top-mount structure that ensures a durable and consistent typing experience, ideal for both work and gaming.

This keyboard is highly versatile, supporting Bluetooth, 2.4G wireless, and wired connections. It’s compatible with Windows and Android systems, offering seamless integration with a variety of devices. The hot-swappable PCB allows you to change switches easily without the need for soldering, making it customizable to your preferences. The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard also includes a volume knob and programmable keys, further enhancing its usability for gamers and professionals alike.

Top Features:

• It has an 87-key layout with a top-mount structure for durability.

• Offers Bluetooth, 2.4G wireless, and wired connection options.

• Features hot-swappable PCB for easy switch changes.

• Includes programmable keys and a volume knob for enhanced control.

• Supports n-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.

• Comes with dye-sublimation PBT keycaps for durability and a consistent feel.

6. MCHOSE GX87

The MCHOSE GX87 is a customizable tenkeyless mechanical keyboard designed for users who value premium build quality and personalization options. Its full CNC aluminum body provides a durable and sleek look, enhanced by a silky-smooth surface finish. This keyboard offers an 80% layout with 88 keys, perfect for those who want a compact design without sacrificing functionality. The GX87 also features a gasket mount design, offering a more responsive and comfortable typing experience by reducing noise and improving key feedback.

With its hot-swappable switches, the GX87 allows you to easily change key switches to suit your preferences. The keyboard supports QMK and VIA software for advanced key remapping, macros, and customizations. It also includes a customizable RGB lighting system with 17 different modes, giving you full control over the backlight effects. Whether you’re working, gaming, or typing, the GX87 offers a highly personalized and comfortable experience.

Top Features:

• It features a full CNC aluminum body with a silky-smooth surface.

• The keyboard supports hot-swappable switches for easy customization.

• It includes QMK and VIA support for key remapping and macro programming.

• The gasket mount design enhances typing comfort and reduces noise.

• Offers 17 customizable RGB backlight modes.

• It has tri-mode connectivity (USB wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless).

7. Wooting 80HE

The Wooting 80HE is a groundbreaking analog mechanical keyboard in a compact 80% layout. It's designed to provide exceptional performance for both gaming and typing. One of the standout features of the 80HE is its ability to detect full switch motion with impressive accuracy. Every key on the keyboard outputs an analog signal, offering a completely customizable and responsive experience, making it ideal for gamers who demand precision and speed.

With a true 8kHz polling rate, the Wooting 80HE drastically reduces latency to just 0.125ms, ensuring that every keypress is registered instantly. The keyboard also comes with several innovative features, including adjustable actuation, Rapid Trigger, and the newly introduced Rappy Snappy. These features improve key responsiveness, reduce input delay, and enhance overall gaming performance, especially for actions like strafing and bunny hopping.

Top Features:

• Analog input with full switch motion detection for ultimate precision.

• True 8kHz polling rate reduces latency to 0.125ms for faster response times.

• Adjustable actuation points, allowing you to fine-tune key sensitivity.

• Rapid Trigger for dynamic actuation and deactivation points for quicker key presses.

• Rappy Snappy technology enhances gaming performance with faster activation on opposite key release.

• Gasket mount design for softer feel and reduced noise during typing.

8. Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series

The Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series is designed for gamers who need speed and reliability in a compact package. Its tenkeyless layout gives you more space for mouse movements, making it perfect for competitive gaming. The keyboard features ultra-responsive key switches that provide fast feedback, helping you react quickly in intense gaming situations.

With customizable RGB lighting, the K70 RGB TKL lets you set up your keyboard’s lighting to match your setup. It’s built with tournament mode, which disables accidental key presses during crucial moments. The keyboard’s durable build and high-quality keycaps ensure that it will last for years, even through intense gaming sessions.

Top Features:

• Compact tenkeyless design for more desk space.

• Customizable RGB lighting to match your gaming setup.

• Tournament mode to avoid accidental key presses.

• Durable, long-lasting keycaps that resist wear.

• Designed for fast and responsive gaming performance.

• Adjustable height for comfort during long sessions.

9. HyperX Alloy Origins Core

The HyperX Alloy Origins Core is a sleek, ultra-compact tenkeyless mechanical gaming keyboard designed for gamers who want precision and portability. Featuring custom HyperX mechanical switches, it delivers a responsive and accurate typing experience. The exposed LEDs in the key switches provide vibrant RGB lighting, ensuring that the keyboard looks as good as it performs. The keyboard’s full aluminum body adds durability, while its detachable USB-C cable makes it easy to take on the go, making it an ideal choice for both home and travel setups.

This tenkeyless design frees up desk space, allowing for better mouse movement in tight desktop setups. The Alloy Origins Core also offers adjustable keyboard angles for optimal wrist comfort and features advanced customization through HyperX NGENUITY software. With the ability to set per-key lighting, create macros, and activate Game Mode, you can tailor the keyboard to your exact needs. It’s an excellent option for gamers who need both performance and portability.

Top Features:

• Custom HyperX mechanical switches for fast and accurate key presses.

• Full aluminum body for durability and a premium feel.

• Ultra-compact tenkeyless layout with detachable USB-C cable for easy portability.

• RGB backlighting with dynamic lighting effects for a customizable look.

• Advanced customization options with HyperX NGENUITY software.

• Three adjustable keyboard angles for personalized comfort.

10. Razer BlackWidow V4 75%

The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% is a compact, hot-swappable mechanical keyboard designed to offer gamers both customization and performance in a sleek 75% layout. With its durable aluminum top case and responsive Razer Orange Tactile mechanical switches, this keyboard delivers satisfying tactile feedback with a quieter keypress, ideal for both gaming and typing. The hot-swappable design allows you to easily swap switches without any soldering, letting you personalize your experience based on your preferences.

This keyboard also comes with customizable RGB lighting powered by Razer Chroma, so you can create dynamic light effects that sync with your gaming setup. The gasket-mounted plate design enhances the typing experience by providing a softer feel and minimizing noise. Additionally, the BlackWidow V4 75% features a multi-function roller and media keys for easy control over music, volume, and brightness, making it perfect for both entertainment and gaming.

Top Features:

• Hot-swappable design allows for easy switch customization.

• Razer Orange Tactile switches provide quiet, responsive keystrokes.

• Compact 75% layout saves space while maintaining essential keys.

• Razer Chroma RGB allows full customization of lighting effects.

• Gasket-mounted design for a softer typing experience with reduced noise.

• Multi-function roller and media keys for convenient control.

11. NuPhy Gem80

The NuPhy Gem80 is a versatile and custom-focused mechanical keyboard that blends performance with aesthetic appeal. This TKL (tenkeyless) design allows gamers and typists to enjoy a compact, space-saving layout without sacrificing functionality. The Gem80 is hot-swappable, meaning you can easily change out the switches to match your preferences without needing to solder, offering a high level of customization. Its aluminum chassis and PC bottom case ensure both durability and a premium feel, while its wireless functionality with a 1000Hz polling rate makes it ideal for both gaming and everyday use.

Customization extends beyond switches to the sound profile as well. With NuPhy's Omni-Mount system, you can choose between top, gasket, or bottom mounts to adjust the keyboard's sound and feel. The keyboard also features RGB backlighting and supports various sound dampening options to provide a more balanced and satisfying typing experience. Whether you're gaming or working, the Gem80 provides a truly personalized typing experience, complete with the ability to change keycaps and switches to suit your style.

Top Features:

• Hot-swappable design for easy switch customization without soldering.

• Compact TKL layout, freeing up desk space for more mouse movement.

• Customizable sound and feel with Omni-Mount technology and sound mods.

• Aluminum chassis and PC bottom case for durability and aesthetic appeal.

• Wireless performance with 1000Hz polling rate for low-latency gaming.

• Per-key RGB backlighting for a fully customizable lighting experience.

12. Lemokey L3

The Lemokey L3 is a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard that brings customization and comfort to your fingertips. With a sleek, metal body and a design that prioritizes flexibility, it’s a great option for both gamers and those who need a solid, efficient keyboard for daily tasks. This keyboard offers a wireless experience with the option to easily switch between devices, making it perfect for multitasking without the hassle of constantly plugging in cables.

The L3 stands out because it combines a high-quality build with incredible adaptability. Whether you’re looking for a keyboard that fits your gaming style or one that helps you stay productive, the L3 allows you to swap out switches, customize key mappings, and adjust settings to suit your needs. It’s designed to feel comfortable for long sessions, and the overall performance ensures that your keypresses are always accurate and responsive.

Top Features:

• Customizable actuation for personalized key sensitivity.

• Hot-swappable switches for easy customization.

• Wireless connection with low latency for smooth performance.

• Solid aluminum body for durability and premium feel.

• Gasket-mounted design for better sound and comfort.

• RGB backlighting with customizable lighting modes.

13. Cooler Master CK720 65%

The CK720 65% Gaming Keyboard is a sleek and compact mechanical keyboard designed to deliver both performance and style. Aimed at gamers and casual users alike, this keyboard combines high-quality materials with a user-friendly design. Its 65% layout makes it a perfect choice for those who want a more compact setup without sacrificing essential keys for productivity or gaming.

With features that include a mechanical key feel, reliable performance, and a solid build, the CK720 is a great entry into enthusiast-grade keyboards. Whether you're gaming, typing, or working on creative projects, the CK720 offers an impressive experience, all while taking up less desk space. It's a great choice for those looking for a compact yet functional keyboard with a premium feel.

Top Features:

• 65% layout for a more compact and space-saving design.

• Mechanical switches for tactile, responsive keypresses.

• Sturdy build quality for durability and long-lasting use.

• Customizable key mappings to suit your preferences.

• RGB backlighting for an enhanced visual experience.

• Simple setup and easy-to-use software for quick adjustments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tenkeyless mechanical keyboards are a fantastic choice for those who want a compact, efficient, and comfortable typing experience, whether for gaming or work. Their space-saving design not only frees up valuable desk space, but also enhances your overall gaming and typing posture. With the variety of options available, from customizable switches and RGB lighting to wireless connectivity, you can easily find the perfect tenkeyless keyboard that fits your needs. Whether you're a gamer seeking precision or a professional looking for efficiency, a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard is a reliable companion for any task.

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