Buying Guide

The Best TKL Keyboards

Six tenkeyless keyboards from a $37 wired board to low-profile wireless and Hall effect models, compared on switches and connection.

By The PC Journal editorial team

12 min read6 products evaluated

A tenkeyless keyboard drops the number pad, which frees desk space for the mouse and keeps your arms closer together. The layout suits most gaming desks.

We compared layout, switches, connection and keycaps from each maker's listing; we did not test these keyboards.

Quick Picks

Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.

  1. Best Hall Effect TKL

    Logitech G PRO X TKL Rapid Keyboard

    Hall effect magnetic switches.

    Best for: Competitive shooters.

    Our take Check price for Logitech G PRO X TKL Rapid Keyboard (opens in a new tab)

  2. Best PBT Hall Effect

    Corsair K70 PRO TKL Wired Keyboard

    MGX Hall effect switches with double-shot PBT keycaps.

    Best for: Durable keycaps with fast switches.

    Our take Check price for Corsair K70 PRO TKL Wired Keyboard (opens in a new tab)

  3. Best Wireless TKL

    Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL Keyboard

    Lightspeed and Bluetooth in a low-profile TKL.

    Best for: Cable-free desks.

    Our take Check price for Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL Keyboard (opens in a new tab)

  4. Best Low-Profile Value

    Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL Wireless Keyboard

    A low-profile wireless TKL with PBT keycaps.

    Best for: Slim keys for less.

    Our take Check price for Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL Wireless Keyboard (opens in a new tab)

  5. Best Budget TKL

    Keychron C1 Pro Wired Mechanical Keyboard

    Double-shot PBT keycaps with brown tactile switches.

    Best for: Tight budgets.

    Our take Check price for Keychron C1 Pro Wired Mechanical Keyboard (opens in a new tab)

  6. Lowest Price

    Redragon K552 Kumara Mechanical Keyboard

    The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing.

    Best for: A first mechanical board.

    Our take Check price for Redragon K552 Kumara Mechanical Keyboard (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Logitech G PRO X TKL Rapid Keyboard

Best Hall Effect TKL1 of 6

Logitech G PRO X TKL Rapid Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The PRO X TKL Rapid is Logitech's magnetic-switch board.

Best for

Competitive shooters.

Skip if

Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: wired only.

Why we like it

Rapid trigger and adjustable actuation matter most in shooters where keys reset constantly. Like the K70 PRO TKL, it has a TKL layout, while the C1 Pro uses a TKL (80%) layout. It is the only pick here with hall effect magnetic switches; the K70 PRO TKL has MGX Hall effect magnetic switches instead.

The PRO X TKL Rapid needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. On price it sat fifth of 6, between the cheaper K70 PRO TKL and the pricier G915 X TKL, at the time of writing.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Layout: TKL
  • Switches: Hall effect magnetic
  • Connection: Wired

Pros

  • Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
  • Magnetic Hall effect switches
  • Rapid trigger with adjustable actuation

Cons

  • Wired only
  • Costs more than the K552 at the time of writing
Corsair K70 PRO TKL Wired Keyboard

Best PBT Hall Effect2 of 6

Corsair K70 PRO TKL Wired Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The K70 PRO TKL is Corsair's magnetic tenkeyless board.

Best for

Durable keycaps with fast switches.

Skip if

Choose another pick if you can't accept this: wired only.

Why we like it

MGX switches with rapid trigger and double-shot PBT keycaps suit competitive play. Like the PRO X TKL Rapid, it has a TKL layout, while the C1 Pro uses a TKL (80%) layout. It is the only pick here with MGX Hall effect magnetic switches; the PRO X TKL Rapid has hall effect magnetic switches instead.

The K70 PRO TKL needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. On price it sat fourth of 6, between the cheaper G515 TKL and the pricier PRO X TKL Rapid, at the time of writing.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Layout: TKL
  • Switches: MGX Hall effect magnetic
  • Connection: Wired
  • Keycaps: Double-shot PBT

Pros

  • Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
  • Magnetic Hall effect switches
  • PBT keycaps resist shine
  • Rapid trigger support

Cons

  • Wired only
  • Costs more than the K552 at the time of writing
Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL Keyboard

Best Wireless TKL3 of 6

Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The G915 X TKL adds an aluminum top, a volume roller and media keys to the low-profile layout, at a premium price.

Best for

Cable-free desks.

Skip if

Skip it if price comes first: the K552 cost less when we checked.

Why we like it

It switches between LIGHTSPEED wireless, Bluetooth and wired USB-C with a key press. KEYCONTROL lets you assign up to 15 functions per key. Low-profile GL switches with 1.3mm actuation speed up key presses, and LIGHTSYNC RGB syncs with other Logitech G gear.

Use the G915 X TKL's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. Worth noting too: tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse. It also brings PBT keycaps resist shine.

Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the K552 at the time of writing. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the PRO X TKL Rapid.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Layout: TKL, low-profile
  • Connection: Lightspeed, Bluetooth, wired
  • Keycaps: Double-shot PBT

Pros

  • Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
  • Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
  • PBT keycaps resist shine
  • Aluminum top plate

Cons

  • Costs more than the K552 at the time of writing
Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL Wireless Keyboard

Best Low-Profile Value4 of 6

Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL Wireless Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The G515 TKL is Logitech's most flexible board for its price: three connection modes, PBT keycaps and a slim profile.

Best for

Slim keys for less.

Skip if

Worth skipping when shorter 36-hour batter is a problem.

Why we like it

Its 36-hour battery is the trade. Its low-profile GL Brown switches are factory-lubed for a smoother tactile press, and it connects over LIGHTSPEED, Bluetooth or USB. The slim tenkeyless body frees mouse space.

It is rated for up to 36 hours on a charge, and double-shot PBT keycaps resist shine. KEYCONTROL assigns up to 15 functions per key. Tactile switches is unique to it among these picks, while the K70 PRO TKL uses MGX Hall effect magnetic switches.

Use the G515 TKL's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. When we checked, only the C1 Pro and cheaper picks cost less, and the K70 PRO TKL cost more.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Layout: TKL, low-profile
  • Switches: Tactile
  • Connection: Lightspeed, Bluetooth, wired
  • Battery life: 36 hours
  • Keycaps: Double-shot PBT

Pros

  • Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
  • Tactile switches
  • Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
  • PBT keycaps resist shine

Cons

  • Shorter 36-hour battery
  • Costs more than the K552 at the time of writing
Keychron C1 Pro Wired Mechanical Keyboard

Best Budget TKL5 of 6

Keychron C1 Pro Wired Mechanical Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The C1 Pro is the most complete typing board here.

Best for

Tight budgets.

Skip if

Pass on it if wired onl rules it out for your setup.

Why we like it

Double-shot PBT keycaps and QMK/VIA support are rare at this price, and the tactile brown switches suit mixed work and play. You get a TKL (80%) layout here, which sets it apart from the K70 PRO TKL and its a TKL layout. Brown tactile switches is unique to it among these picks, while the K70 PRO TKL uses MGX Hall effect magnetic switches.

The C1 Pro needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Worth noting too: tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse. When we checked, only the K552 cost less, and the G515 TKL cost more.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Layout: TKL (80%)
  • Switches: Brown tactile
  • Connection: Wired
  • Polling rate: 1,000Hz
  • Keycaps: Double-shot PBT

Pros

  • Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
  • Brown tactile switches
  • PBT keycaps resist shine
  • QMK and VIA remapping support

Cons

  • Wired only
  • Costs more than the K552 at the time of writing
Redragon K552 Kumara Mechanical Keyboard

Lowest Price6 of 6

Redragon K552 Kumara Mechanical Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The K552 has been a starter mechanical board for years.

Best for

A first mechanical board.

Skip if

Worth skipping when wired onl is a problem.

Why we like it

It is simple, wired and tenkeyless, with a choice of linear or tactile switches. It is the only pick here with a TKL (87 keys) layout; the K70 PRO TKL has a TKL layout instead. No other pick in this guide offers red linear or brown tactile switches; compare the G515 TKL, which has tactile switches.

You also get anti-ghosting across all keys. The K552 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. It makes the most sense for A first mechanical board, since it offers the lowest price among these picks at the time of writing. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the C1 Pro was the next step up.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Layout: TKL (87 keys)
  • Switches: Red linear or brown tactile
  • Connection: Wired

Pros

  • Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
  • Red linear or brown tactile switches
  • Anti-ghosting across all keys
  • Choice of red or brown switches

Cons

  • Wired only

How We Chose These TKL Keyboards

Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.

Layout and switches
We recorded the layout, the switch type and whether the switches are mechanical, magnetic or membrane.
Polling rate
We recorded polling rates where listings state them.
Connection
We checked wired, dongle and Bluetooth options and rated battery life.
Build
We noted keycap material, frame material and extra controls such as knobs or screens.

What to Look for in a TKL Keyboard

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. Choose the layout before the switch

    Full-size boards keep the number pad; tenkeyless drops it and gives the mouse more room. 75% and 65% boards keep arrows in a tighter frame, while 60% boards move arrows and F-keys to a function layer.

  2. Linear, tactile or magnetic

    Linear switches travel smoothly, tactile switches have a bump, and clicky switches add a click. Hall effect switches read a magnet, so actuation can be adjusted and rapid trigger resets a key as soon as it rises.

  3. Wired, dongle or Bluetooth

    A 2.4GHz dongle is fine for games; Bluetooth adds latency and suits typing on other devices. Wired boards never need charging.

  4. Keycap material lasts longer than lighting

    PBT keycaps resist the shine that ABS caps develop. Double-shot legends do not wear off.

  5. Hot-swap sockets allow switch changes

    Hot-swappable boards let you pull and replace switches without soldering. Check whether the sockets take 3-pin or 5-pin switches.

  6. Polling rate is a small factor

    1,000Hz is enough for most players. 8,000Hz cuts reporting delay further, but the gain is small and uses more CPU time.

How to Choose a TKL Keyboard

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Competitive shootersPRO X TKL RapidHall effect magnetic switches
Durable keycaps with fast switchesK70 PRO TKLMGX Hall effect switches with double-shot PBT keycaps
Cable-free desksG915 X TKLLightspeed and Bluetooth in a low-profile TKL
Slim keys for lessG515 TKLA low-profile wireless TKL with PBT keycaps
Tight budgetsC1 ProDouble-shot PBT keycaps with brown tactile switches
A first mechanical boardK552The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Key specs side by side

Figures as each maker states them.

KeyboardLayoutSwitchesConnectionKeycaps
PRO X TKL RapidTKLHall effect magneticWiredNot listed
K70 PRO TKLTKLMGX Hall effect magneticWiredDouble-shot PBT
G915 X TKLTKL, low-profileNot listedLightspeed, Bluetooth, wiredDouble-shot PBT
G515 TKLTKL, low-profileTactileLightspeed, Bluetooth, wiredDouble-shot PBT
C1 ProTKL (80%)Brown tactileWiredDouble-shot PBT
K552TKL (87 keys)Red linear or brown tactileWiredNot listed

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.

Price tierKeyboards
Under $50K552, C1 Pro
About $100 to $150G515 TKL, K70 PRO TKL, PRO X TKL Rapid
About $150 to $250G915 X TKL

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Hall effect switches help in games?

Adjustable actuation and rapid trigger help most in fast strafing games. In slower games the difference is small.

Is a membrane keyboard bad for gaming?

No. It is quieter and cheaper, but it feels softer and usually lacks per-key rollover guarantees beyond what the listing states.

Do these keyboards need software?

They work without it, but lighting, macros and actuation settings usually need the maker's app.

Should I pick tenkeyless or full-size?

Tenkeyless if you want more mouse room and rarely type numbers; full-size if you enter numbers often.

Do I need 8,000Hz polling?

No. It is a marginal gain on top of 1,000Hz and can cost battery life and CPU time.

Is a wireless keyboard slower?

Not over a 2.4GHz dongle for most players. Bluetooth adds more latency and is better kept for other devices.

Bottom Line

Logitech's PRO X TKL Rapid and Corsair's K70 PRO TKL are the Hall effect picks. The G915 X TKL is the wireless choice, and the C1 Pro or Redragon K552 keep costs low.