You’ve probably seen that sleek, number-pad-free keyboard on someone’s desk and wondered what makes it tick. That, my friend, is a Tenkeyless—or “TKL”—keyboard. At its core, a TKL keyboard is simply a full-size layout minus the numeric keypad. By dropping those 17 keys on the right, you keep all your letters, function keys, arrows, and navigation cluster, but regain precious desk real estate.
People are interested in TKL models since they provide the best of both worlds: small enough to fit in a backpack, but comfortable enough to type or game without looking for important keys. It’s like taking the excess fat off a sandwich; every single bite is still enjoyable, but you aren’t carrying around the extra weight.
If you are interested, stick with us; we explore how this configuration was developed and uncovered the reason so many people are changing from full-sized computer keyboards.
Definition
Let’s nail down exactly what “Tenkeyless” means. In keyboard lingo, “tenkey” refers to the numeric keypad, which is basically a mini calculator on the right side. A TKL board cuts out those ten keys, so you end up with roughly 87 (varies by model) instead of 104. You keep your main alphas, numbers, function row, arrows, and the cluster of Insert, Home, Page Up/Down, End, and Delete.
Why drop the tenkey? Two big reasons: space and ergonomics. Without that chunk, you can shift your entire typing hand—and mouse—closer together. That reduces wrist extension and potential strain over long sessions. Plus, it’s way easier to cart around if you’re hopping between coffee shops or LAN parties.
You’ll see TKL keyboards in offices, dorm rooms, and esports arenas alike. They’ve become a go-to for anyone who wants a balance between functionality and minimal footprint—no compromise on essential keys, just a sleeker package.
Brief History
The concept of stripping down keyboards isn’t new, but the modern TKL boom kicked off in the 2010s alongside the mechanical-keyboard renaissance. Enthusiasts wanted more personalized layouts, better materials, and compact designs that full-size OEM boards couldn’t offer.
Early adopters modded their own boards—desoldering switches and reshaping PCBs—to create TKLs. Keyboard makers caught on and began producing purpose-built TKL models with premium switches, backlighting, and even hot-swap sockets.
By 2020, TKLs were everywhere: gaming brands offered tournament editions, office brands touted ergonomic benefits, and boutique builders spun up artisan keycap sets just for the 87-key crowd. What started as a niche mod scene turned mainstream in under a decade.
Benefits of a TKL Keyboard
Switching to a TKL can feel like shedding ten pounds of dead weight—desk clutter disappears, and suddenly your workspace breathes. But there’s more to it than looks. You get real, tangible gains in comfort, posture, and even focus.
A sleeker setup means less clutter to distract you. Your mouse arm sits closer, so you don’t have to overstretch. And yes, that little extra desk room can accommodate your coffee mug, notes, or even a second small gadget without chaos.
But the perks go deeper. Let’s talk specifics: saving space without losing keys, and dialing in ergonomic angles that let you type longer without fatigue.
Space Saving and Portability
Imagine you’re at a café with limited table space. Plunking down a full-size keyboard can be a squeeze—your coffee ends up perilously close to the edge. A TKL board? You’ve got breathing room. It’s about 20% narrower, and that difference shows.
On the go, it’s a game-changer too. Toss a TKL in your backpack alongside your laptop, and you’re not lugging an unwieldy slab of plastic and metal. Combine that with a thin case, and it fits even in smaller carry bags. I’ve seen folks travel cross-country just because their TKL folds or detaches.
Plus, your desk at home or office suddenly feels more… zen. No more wrestling with cables or awkward mouse placement. Everything’s compact, clean, and efficient—exactly how you want your battlestation or work nook to look.
Ergonomics and Comfort
Here’s something you might not realize: the further your mouse is from your keyboard’s center, the more you extend your wrist and shoulder to reach it. Over hours of gaming or typing, that extension adds up to fatigue and even discomfort.
With a TKL, you scoot your keyboard closer to your core, bringing the mouse in tighter. Your elbows stay by your sides, wrists stay straighter, and your shoulders relax. It’s subtle, but after eight-plus hours, you’ll notice the difference—no more slumping or shoulder ache.
Some folks even pair their TKL with an angled wrist rest or an ergonomic mouse pad to further reduce strain. Together, these tweaks create a typing posture that feels natural—like you and your desk are finally in sync.
Choosing the Right TKL Keyboard
All TKLs aren’t created equal. Once you decide you want one, the next step is picking the sweet spot for your needs and budget. Consider what you’ll use it for most—gaming? Writing? Coding?—then narrow down switch types, build materials, and extra features.
It’s also about personal style: RGB backlighting, sleek aluminum cases, or custom keycaps? Do you care about hot-swappable switches, or are you fine soldering in new ones? Let’s break down the key factors so you walk away with the perfect match.
Use Case and Switch Selection
First up: switches. These little mechanical pods determine how your keys feel and sound. Are you a click-happy typer who loves tactile feedback (clicky switches)? Or do you prefer linear switches that press straight down with a smooth action?
For gaming, many lean toward fast, light linear switches—they keep bounce low for rapid key-mashing. Writers often gravitate toward tactile or clicky switches for that satisfying bump and audible feedback. But every person’s preferences differ, so trying a switch tester before buying is golden.
Also, think about actuation force (how hard you press) and travel distance (how far keys go down). If you tire easily, lighter actuation eases the load; if you tend to bottom out, a shorter travel can speed things up. Find your sweet spot, and you’ll barely notice the keyboard’s there—just the words or moves you’re making.
Build Quality and Aesthetics
You might be surprised how much the casing and keycaps matter. A solid-feeling aluminum or polycarbonate case dampens wobble and offers heft; cheap plastic can flex annoyingly. Thick PBT keycaps resist shine and feel more substantial than thin ABS caps, which wear quicker.
Then there’s the look: RGB lighting, minimalist no-frills, retro colorways—pick what speaks to you. Some TKLs even have detachable cables, gasket mounts for springy cushioning, or sound-dampening foam inside. These extras bump up price but can transform your daily typing into a joyfest.
Ultimately, your keyboard should feel—and look—like yours. Lean into the details you’ll notice every day. After all, you’re about to forge a relationship with this thing for years to come.
Want to make the most of your new setup? Learn practical tips in our guide on how to Type Faster and Increase Your WPM.