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Ever felt short of space at your own desk? Looking for ways to reduce the cramped mess on your desk? If yes, then you are on the right page because in this article, we are discussing the best tenkeyless mechanical keyboards.
These keyboards will not only save you a lot of desk space but will also speed up your typing. Furthermore, they enhance your comfort, as well.
If all this is enough to capture your attention, let’s take a plunge in this new, yet raging trend.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard
- OUR TOP PICK: HyperX Alloy FPS Pro
- RUNNER-UP: Logitech G Pro
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: SteelSeries Apex M750 TKL RGB
Comparison Chart of the Best Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboards
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What is a Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard?
A tenkeyless keyboard is a mechanical keyboard that has its numeric keypad removed. The reduced number of keys facilitates faster typing and more comfortable gaming. Since the alphanumeric keypad already has a set of numeric keys, most typists rarely use it. This made it an unnecessary part that was only adding to the size of the keyboard.
So came the idea to entirely remove the numeric keys to reduce the keyboard size, as well as to provide ease of use to the users. You may think that since the name says “ten key less,” there would be ten fewer keys on this keyboard.
That’s not true.
The name is actually a misnomer because the number of keys removed is more than ten. But the name has stuck and so is used these days.
Review of the Best Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboards
A keyboard is the most essential component of a PC. Whether you are a gamer or a typist, having a good keyboard enhances your ability immensely. Tenkeyless keyboards offer better opportunities to help you with it. To help you find a suitable one for yourself, here is a detailed review of some of the best options available in the market.
Best Overall:
HyperX Alloy FPS Pro
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People who have recently bought and used this keyboard report that it has excellent performance, durability, and portability. The color choice, as well as the amazing LED lighting effects, are a huge hit amongst the users. They also like its open key design that makes cleaning and maintenance of this product a breeze. Typists and FPS players all agree that it is a great device.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Combine a sturdy build with excellent performance, and you have this keyboard. It is one amazing device that single-handedly takes care of everything.
It adds beautiful effects to your system with its LED lighting, charges your devices with its USB pass-through port, facilitates typing and gaming, and also offers a portable keyboard to carry around with you. This is one reliable device you should definitely consider buying.
Who Will Use This Most
Those who have a lot of data entry work to do and office employees who constantly submit reports will find this a useful device. Gamers who play games with precise action and accuracy will also benefit from using this.
Bottom Line
This is one of the best tenkeyless keyboards currently available in the market. It has an excellent color choice with great LED lighting effects. A small and compact device, this is going to save you a lot of desktop space. You can use it to charge your phone, wireless mouse, or any other device. Thus, it’s a portable device with amazing advantages.
Runner-up:
Logitech G Pro
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers who have recently purchased this keyboard were very happy with their purchase. The standout feature for them is its customizable RGB lighting effects. They are thrilled at the option of getting to choose the color they want the keys to illuminate in. The sturdy build and noiseless operation are also major plus points that users point out.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This keyboard is one of the most stylish devices ever produced. It offers the option of lighting upon any color you want. Equipped with a three-angle adjustment setup and rubber feet, it is a stable and sturdy unit. It has quiet keystrokes, so no irritating taps will nag you. All in all, this compact keyboard is sure to save you some serious desktop space.
Who Will Use This Most
Typists who want to make the most of their keyboards but are irritated by the contact noise will find this a useful product. People who want to add a showy device to their PC system will also benefit from using this keyboard. Plus, those who want some space to free up their hands for mouse usage are also likely to use this the most.
Bottom Line
If you are one of those people who wants to free up some space on their desktop while adding a certain bling factor to the system too, then you should definitely consider buying this device. It features a sturdy and solid build that is portable enough to carry around with you. Buying this one product will ensure better performance and appearance of your system, both at the same time.
Best for the Money:
SteelSeries Apex M750 TKL RGB
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
People who have recently invested in this keyboard seem to be very pleased with their purchase. They love the colorful keys and the high-quality build. Gamers love the concept of in-game notifications and customizable keys for chatting. Users also love the silent and noiseless tapping that this keyboard provides.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The market is piled up with products like this, but this one stands out because of its unparalleled features. The silent taps and customized lightning surely make it one of a kind. The color options are limitless in this product. Plus, it is made on a sturdy aluminum frame that gives it high strength and long-lasting quality.
Who Will Use This Most
Anyone who is fond of games and PC systems will admire this keyboard. People who like to add a cliche look to their setup will absolutely fall in love with this product. Young boys, with immense love for their PCs, will also find this a must-have in their collection.
Bottom Line
Put simply, if you are someone who is into games and would like to spice up your keyboard collection, then this product is definitely a match for you. It is not only pretty to look at, but it is also very functional. Once bought, it will last you for a long time and serve you well, too.
4. Razer BlackWidow X Tournament Edition Chroma
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users who have recently bought this keyboard were mostly impressed with its performance. They liked the unlimited light color options and elevated key design. Buyers also like the fact that lights are not too bright or distracting. They also loved the addition of customizable sound effects and were also very satisfied with its high-quality build and sturdiness.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is one of the best gaming keyboards. The unique sound system and the lightning effects surely set this product apart from the rest. The amazing color range makes it more appealing. The easy-to-clean elevated mechanical keys are not only easy to use, but they also add a new twist to the keyboard.
Who Will Use This Most
In simple words, this keyboard can be used by everyone. From day to day PC users to ultimate hard-core gamers, this product is for all. Anyone who enjoys having a unique-looking desk would love to buy this keyboard. Teens and vloggers who like to own chic products will also admire this model.
Bottom Line
Overall, this is the most stylish keyboard currently available in the market. From the beautiful color range for the lights to the fun sound system, this keyboard is just simply amazing.
The spectacularly elevated keys that are placed with a precise distance between them provide the users with the best gaming experience. If you are a gamer and love to own stylish products, then this is a match made in heaven for you.
5. MechanicalEagle Z-77
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers of this keyboard were very pleased with their purchase. They love that it is made up of metal instead of cheap plastic. They also like the concept of replaceable keys and pointed out the sleek design of the keys that facilitates easy typing and comfortable gaming experiences.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This keyboard features a classic design and comes at an amazing price. The best thing about it is the spare keys that come with it. If you ever manage to damage one, you can easily change it all by yourself. This is a major plus point. The compact size and the multiple software compatibility also make this keyboard worth buying.
Who Will Use This Most
Writers, or even office workers who spend most of their time typing on computers, will appreciate this keyboard. This is an amazing product for anyone who is into PCs. Even gamers who like fast keyboards with classy looks will like it. People who don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on just a keyboard will admire this pocket-friendly, yet perfectly functional, unit as well.
Bottom Line
Summing up, this keyboard is a perfect combination of looks and functionality. It is not only light on the pocket but is perfectly functional and easy to use. The spare keys and the ability to replace them yourself make this product last a long time. For the price it is available at, it is definitely a steal.
Pros and Cons of a Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard
Tenkeyless keyboards are increasingly becoming more popular with each passing day. They are liked for the smaller form factor and ease of usage. They are quickly becoming a go-to for most gaining pros.
However, like everything else in this world, a tenkeyless keyboard is not perfect. While it has a long list of amazing advantages, the list of its shortcomings exists, too. Below we have listed some pros and cons.
Pros
Here are the pros of investing in tenkeyless keyboards:
Space Savvy
A tenkeyless keyboard provides you more free space around your desk. Regardless of the size of your desk, this space-savvy keyboard gives you more room for comfortable gaming, as well as mouse operation. This is a huge advantage when you are playing games that require precision.
Comfort
Tenkeyless keyboards offer a comfortable posture for simultaneous keyboard and mouse operation. It is especially more beneficial when you have to work on your system while using both hands for longer periods of time.
Portability
Its compactness and lighter weight make it very portable. It can easily fit inside a laptop bag or a backpack without being burdensome. You can easily carry it with you on work trips or gaming tournaments.
Ease of Usage
These keyboards are generally easier to use than their full counterparts. Lacking a numeric keypad, they present an opportunity to increase your typing speed. They come with detachable cables, making them easier to pack. You can also customize the cable to give your keyboard a signature look.
Cons
While the limitations are just a few, the most prominent ones include:
Lack of Numeric Keypad
Tenkeyless keyboards are called so because of their lack of ten numeric keys. Although the number of lacking keys is greater than that, the name stuck. The numeric keypad comes in handy, especially when there is a long numeric data to input. It is also very helpful when you are completing sums. Lacking the numeric keypad is the biggest shortcoming of a tenkeyless keyboard.
Limited Customization
A tenkeyless keyboard does not present an abundance of customization opportunities. It features fewer keys, so you can customize limited binds and assign fewer macros to your device.
Conclusion
To conclude, we will say that tenkeyless keyboards are the hottest trend. Their small size and symmetric layout will surely add to the appearance of your system. Also worth mentioning are the attractive and durable designs they come in. They surely are easier to set up and operate.
We strongly recommend you buy one to try out its potential. If you still don’t like it, you can get a separate numeric keypad to use with it. At the end of the day, your comfort should be the number one priority.
People Also Ask
When we plan to buy something new, the first thing we do is look up everything about it. We narrow down some models, review them, and finally choose one we think is the most suitable one for us. The same is the case with tenkeyless keyboards.
If you are new to the concept, you need to understand everything about them before you buy one for yourself. Have a few questions nagging in your mind? Here are some of the frequently asked questions about tenkeyless keyboards.
How Many Keys Are on a Tenkeyless Keyboard?
A full-sized or a 100% keyboard has a total of 101 keys. It has five parts: numeric keys, alphanumeric keys, arrow keys, control keys, and function keys. A tenkeyless keyboard is also known as an 80% keyboard. It lacks the numeric keys part of a full keyboard. Although the number of lacking keys is more than ten, a tenkeyless keyboard has a total of 88 keys.
What Does Tenkeyless Mean?
As the expression says for itself, tenkeyless means lacking ten keys. Although a tenkeyless keyboard lacks more than that number of keys, the name was coined to represent the actual number of numeric keys it is missing. From 0 to 9, a total of ten numeric keys gave rise to the name.
Are Tenkeyless Keyboards Good?
When it comes to keyboards, there is no good or bad. It all comes down to the matter of your personal preferences. Although tenkeyless keyboards do facilitate faster typing speed, a comfortable posture, and better gaming experience, if you are more of a numeric keypad user, then you won’t find it to be a useful device.
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