The 5 Best Tenkeyless Gaming Keyboards Reviewed
If you’re serious about gaming, you’ll know that having a good keyboard is absolutely vital. Professional gamers invest in having a high-quality keyboard and mouse so that their performance in-game is as good as possible.
A lot of gamers will opt for tenkeyless keyboards, also known as compact keyboards. What sets these keyboards apart, is that they don’t have the ten key number pad on the right of the keyboard, as it isn’t really necessary (and you have the numbers at the top anyway!)
This allows the keyboard to be smaller and more compact, ideal for taking your keyboard with you to any tournaments or games elsewhere.
It also allows the keyboard to be a few inches shorter on the right, giving you more space to move your mouse around (if you’re right-handed, that is. Sorry left-handed people, the world just hates you!)
There are plenty of tenkeyless gaming keyboards available in today’s market, especially as more and more gamers are taking it to professional levels.
However, choosing a tenkeyless keyboard can be just as hard as choosing a normal one, as there are still many features and factors to consider in order to ensure it’s top quality and right for you.
Researching takes time away from practicing your gaming, so we’ve decided to help you out by compiling a list of our top five picks for the overall best tenkeyless gaming keyboards.
In a hurry?
A good tenkeyless gaming keyboard can really help you up your game, as well as saving you space and hassle when you take it to tournaments and competitions.
There’s a reason many professional gamers have opted for having one! If you’re in a hurry to get a top-quality TKL gaming keyboard, we recommend you check out our top choice: the RedDragon K552 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard.
RedDragon is a well-known brand known for its high-performing and high-quality products, highly popular worldwide and amongst professional gamers.
The K552 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is an excellent choice of tenkeyless keyboard, perfect for all your gaming needs.
It is also highly attractive thanks to its rainbow-colored backlighting, with 19 different lighting effects and gaming modes, as well as 2 different user-defined modes with multiple brightness levels.
You can personalize this keyboard and make it your own to stand out!
Here are the main features of the RedDragon Tenkeyless Gaming Keyboard:
● Dust-proof Cherry Red MX mechanical switches
● Rainbow-colored backlighting with different modes and colors available
● Highly durable metal construction with plate-mounted long-lasting keys
● Highly reliable USB connection: gold-plated, high-speed, corrosion-free
● Compatible with all major computer brands and gaming PC’s
● Non-slip and ergonomic design, plus small and compact
● Tested and high-performing – an excellent choice
Best Tenkeyless Gaming Keyboards
1. RedDragon K552 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
RedDragon is a high-value brand when it comes to gaming, with its products being highly popular worldwide, mainly thanks to their incredible performance and quality.
The K552 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is one of their top products, as it is not only high-performance but also looks great.
It is small and compact, with dust-proof Cherry Red MX mechanical switches, a quiet click sound, and a fast action thanks to the minimal resistance without a tactile bump feel.
It features bright rainbow-colored backlighting, with 19 different lighting effects and gaming modes, as well as 2 different user-defined modes with multiple brightness levels.
The ergonomic design of the keyboard features a highly durable metal-abs construction with plate-mounted mechanical keys and switches.
This keyboard has been made to withstand even the most testing of marathon gaming, as the keys are highly durable and long-lasting.
The USB connection is highly reliable, gold-plated, high-speed, and corrosion-free. The RedDragon TKL keyboard is compatible with all major computer brands and gaming PC’s, so you’ll be able to use it wherever you go.
It is also non-slip, so that the keyboard stays in place throughout your game, no matter how intensely you’re slamming down on the keys!
- Tenkeyless compact mechanical gaming keyboard Redragon k552 tkl small compact with dust proof mechanical switches Linear switches quiet click sound fast action with minimal resistance without a tactile bump feel
- Rainbow LED RGB backlit mechanical USB gaming keyboard 19 different lighting effects and game modes 2 user defined modes 6 colors multiple brightness level breathing speed precision engineered keycaps offering crystal clear uniform backlighting
- Ergonomic designed steel series mechanical game keyboards high-quality durable metal-abs construction with plate-mounted mechanical keys and switches that stand up even during the most testing marathon gaming sessions
- Anti ghosting all 87 keys are conflict free nkey rollover featuring 12 multimedia keyboard keys and a non-slip ergonomic, splash-proof design comes with gold-plated high-speed corrosion free USB connector for a reliable connection
- Compatible with windows 10, windows 8, windows 7, windows vista, or windows xp, limited mac os keyboard support works well with all major computers brands and gaming pcs.
2. Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition TKL Gaming Keyboard
The Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition TKL Gaming Keyboard is a number one best selling product within the US, and it is highly recommended for gamers that want to turn professional.
It’s a lot faster than traditional mechanical switches because the Razer technology uses optical beam-based actuation, registering key presses at the speed of light.
This fast speed will allow for an incredible performance at high-level gaming, helping you climb up the leaderboard at tournaments.
It is also known as the ultimate keyboard for personalization and game immersion thanks to the Razer Chroma feature, as it fully syncs with all popular games, and it supports 16.8 million colors on individually backlit keys.
The Razer Huntsman keyboard has an Aluminum construction, covered with a matte aluminum top frame for enhanced structural integrity that makes it a lot more durable.
As it has been made with tournaments in mind, this tenkeyless keyboard is highly portable, with a detachable USB-C cable perfect for on-the-go gaming.
The Keycaps are made of textured and high-grade PBT, and they are oil-resistant and highly durable.
As an advanced feature, the Razer Huntsman also allows for all keys and keypress combinations to be remapped to execute more complex commands that you wish to customize.
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3. HyperX Alloy FPS Pro Tenkeyless Gaming Keyboard
The HyperX Alloy FPS Pro Tenkeyless Gaming Keyboard has been designed for FPS gamers looking for a highly reliable and high-performing keyboard.
The Ultra-minimalistic design it features makes it perfect for pro gamers that want to maximize their desktop space and that are looking for a highly accurate keyboard to take them to the top of their gaming capabilities.
It features highly responsive Cherry MX blue or red key switches, which enhance precision during gaming. The sturdy metal alloy top plate ensures stability, and the steel frame makes this keyboard highly durable and long-lasting, able to withstand even the most intense gaming uses.
A detachable USB-C cable allows it to be very easy to transport and carry around to different places, as well as reducing the bulk for storage and avoiding any possible damage to the cable.
Other features this tenkeyless keyboard includes are the Game Mode, the N-key rollover, and the HyperX red lighting and dynamic effects that can allow you to customize the keyboard to match your own personal style.
Overall, it is a highly professional gaming keyboard, tenkeyless for it to be more compact and convenient, with all of the necessary features to ensure high-performance gaming.
- Ultra-minimalistic ten keyless design ideal for FPS pros
- Solid steel frame provides durability and stability
- Cherry MX mechanical keys for reliability
- Portable design with detachable cable. Not intended for use on PS4 or other gaming consoles. To adjust volume - Move keyboard to multiple USB ports to isolate possible host computer connectivity issues. Reset keyboard by pressing and holding FN and ESC keys for 3 seconds until keyboard backlight blinks
- Game mode, 100% anti-ghosting and full n-key rollover functionalities
4. Tecware Phantom 87 Key Mechanical Keyboard
Whether you want to play professionally, or would rather just game casually, the Tecware Phantom 87 Key Mechanical Keyboard is a great choice for all users alike.
With RGB backlighting, it comes with 18 pre-set configurations on the keyboard, however, you can also create your own to match your personal setup.
The Tecware Phantom has Outemu mechanical switches for comfortable and precise use of the keys. It also comes with spare switches and keycaps, as well as the necessary tools in case a replacement is needed.
Built with SMD LEDs and an FR-4 Fiberglass printed circuit board, this keyboard can withstand prolonged and intense use, so your gaming marathons are more than viable, even if you are the angry type!
Featuring an all-new font that is highly attractive, the keycaps are double-shot ABS for enhanced resistance and durability, ensuring that they won’t be worn away any time soon.
In this keyboard, the depression of each key is detected individually, meaning all key presses will be registered even if you use multiple at the same time, allowing for a more precise gaming experience.
The Tecware keyboard also has a full N-key rollover for a faster and smoother gaming experience overall!
- PREMIUM TYPING EXPERIENCE: Experience unparalleled performance with the Phantom 87 Key Mechanical Keyboard. Every inch of this keyboard is meticulously crafted, fine-tuned, and specially engineered to deliver a truly remarkable typing experience.
- 16.8 MILLION COLOR RGB LIGHTING: With 16.8 million colors and dynamic lighting effects, this LED mechanical keyboard will become a captivating centerpiece, enhancing your gaming setup or workspace.
- 18 PRE-SET LIGHT MODES: Express your unique style and personality with 18 pre-set RGB lighting modes. From pulsating waves to dynamic color shifts, you have the freedom to tailor the lighting effects to match your mood, preferences, or gaming environment.
- OUTEMU MECHANICAL SWITCHES: This RGB mechanical gaming keyboard comes with pre-installed Outemu switches reliable for 50 million keystrokes. Available in Outemu Blue, Outemu Red, and Outemu Brown.
- FIBERGLASS PCB: With its dual-layer fiberglass PCB, the Phantom wired mechanical keyboard ensures improved signal stability and a longer lifespan. Each Phantom keyboard comes with 4 spare mechanical switches, 1 switch puller, 1 keycap puller, and a manual.
5. Corsair K65 LUX RGB Compact Mechanical Keyboard
The Corsair K65 LUX RGB Compact Mechanical Keyboard is a great choice of a gaming keyboard that can fit into any desktop setup, thanks to its compact design and how easy it is to reposition to suit your needs.
This keyboard has an incredibly premium look, with an anodized brushed aluminum frame that is built for high durability and long life of intense gaming.
The Cherry MX red switches have a linear travel with a minimal spring force that allows for an extremely smooth keypress: ideal for fast typing and pro gamers.
The Corsair also features dynamic per-key RGB backlighting, with vibrant lighting effects and unlimited customization options, so that you can create your own unique and personal setup.
The lighting also features an intelligent control, allowing it to perfectly synchronize across other Corsair accessories!
Overall, this keyboard provides all the necessary features for a more convenient and efficient gaming experience, ideal for pros and average users alike!
- 10 keyless design for easier travel and more room for your mouse
- Aircraft grade anodized brushed aluminum frame for superior durability
- Advanced lighting control and large font keycaps deliver dynamic, vibrant multi color backlighting
- CUE support enables advanced macro and lighting programming for virtually unlimited game customization
- 100 percent Cherry MX RGB red key switches with gold contacts for Fast, precise key presses. HID Keyboard Report Rate: 1000Hz
Buying Guide for Tenkeyless Gaming Keyboards
A Tenkeyless gaming keyboard can make your gaming experience a lot more comfortable and convenient, as they are the perfect way to save some desktop space and allow for more mouse space.
They are also great if you ever need to transport them to different gaming competitions and tournaments, or even to your friend’s house for some friendly competition.
However, buying a good and reliable TKL gaming keyboard isn’t as easy as it seems, as you truly need to ensure it is high-performing and reliable if you want to use it for some proper gaming sessions.
There are a few basic factors to take into consideration, and different features you can look out for when purchasing your tenkeyless gaming keyboard. Here are a few of the very basics:
Switches and Keys:
For gamers, precision and accuracy when pressing down on their keyboard keys are super important, especially so they can get fast responses and perform at high-speed in their gaming.
It’s therefore always good to check the mechanical switches of a keyboard, to see whether they have any enhancing features to allow for faster action.
Customization and lighting options:
Gamers are cool, that’s pretty much a universal truth (or so we think…)
Being able to customize your keyboard so that the lighting and game modes suit your setup can seriously help get you in the zone.
Different backlighting options are important, the more the better. Check if the keyboard comes with any pre-set configurations, and check how many possibilities for unique and personal setups there are.
You should also check whether the backlighting corresponds to each individual key or not, as that will ensure the possibilities are truly limitless.
Construction and durability:
Gaming keyboards go through a lot. It’s almost impossible to type or press down on your keyboards lightly when you’re going through an intense part of your game.
Always check the construction and frame of the keyboard, to ensure it is as durable as possible. You should also check if the keys have been tested for long-lasting use, and it’s good to look out for reinforced keycaps!
Some keyboards will come with some switch and key spares, as well as the tools necessary to replace them when needed, this is a huge plus to look out for!
USB connection:
One of the reasons why tenkeyless keyboards are so popular amongst gamers is that their compact design allows them to be a lot more portable.
To add to this feature, it’s good if the USB connection cable is detachable.
This will reduce the size of the keyboard even more, and it will also allow you to carry the cable separately so that it doesn’t get damaged on the way!
On a similar note, it is also important to check the compatibility of the keyboard.
Most of them will be compatible with most major computers and gaming PCs, but you should still check just in case!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tenkeyless keyboards good for gaming?
Tenkeyless keyboards are amazing and very suitable for gaming, with many professional gamers choosing to have a TKL keyboard over a normal one.
The key number pad on the right is almost never used for gaming, so it makes sense to remove it to allow for a more compact and portable keyboard.
It also gives you more space on the right for using your mouse.
You will also notice that your arms are at a more natural position as your fingers hover over the keys, as they are more centered rather than being to the left like with normal keyboards.