Let’s be real—dropping the number pad is the fastest way to free up desk real estate and bring your mouse in tighter for those split-second flicks. Tenkeyless keyboards give you all the clicky goodness without that bulky block on the right. Whether you’re fragging foes or hammering out code, you’ll appreciate the streamlined footprint and ergonomic reach.
We’ve rounded up TKL beasts that span the spectrum from pro-grade custom builds to wireless workhorses. Strap in for aluminum chassis, OLED touchscreens, gasket-mount magic, and even dust-resistant switches. Here’s your quick look before we deep-dive into each model.
Best Tenkeyless Keyboards: Quick Comparison
Keyboard | Switches | Connectivity | Price (Amazon) |
ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme 75 | ROG NX Snow | Wired USB-C | $589 – Buy Now |
EPOMAKER x Aula F75 Gasket Mechanical | LEOBOG Reaper | Bluetooth / 2.4 GHz / USB-C | $71 – Buy Now |
Logitech G PRO X TKL LIGHTSPEED | GX Red Linear | Lightspeed Wireless / USB | $219 – Buy Now |
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard | Whisper-Quiet Gaming Switch | Wired USB | $45 – Buy Now |
ASUS ROG Azoth 75 Wireless DIY Custom | ROG NX Snow (pre-lubed) | Bluetooth / 2.4 GHz / USB-C | $200 – Buy Now |
HyperX Alloy Origins Core – Tenkeyless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | HyperX Aqua Tactile | Wired USB | $90 – Buy Now |
Best Tenkeyless Keyboards For Gaming: Top Picks
ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme 75
Quick Highlights
- Gasket-mount with three-layer dampening
- Carbon-fiber positioning plate & aluminum chassis
- Gorgeous color OLED touchscreen
- Price – $589 – Buy Now
Step into ROG’s premium lab with the Azoth Extreme 75, where every detail screams “I mean business.” The rigid aluminum chassis houses a carbon-fiber plate, giving each press a satisfying snappy response. Thanks to the gasket-mount design and triple-layer internal dampers, keystrokes feel cushioned yet tactile—ideal for marathon sessions.
The ROG NX Snow switches deliver a quieter, smoother linear experience compared to classic MX Reds, and the OLED touchscreen lets you toggle profiles, show GIFs, or monitor system stats without alt-tabbing. It’s like having a mini cockpit display right at your fingertips.
Customizing lighting, macros, and functions is handled through Armoury Crate—ROG’s polished software suite. Between the premium build materials and that head-turning screen, the Azoth Extreme 75 sits at the apex of custom TKL keyboards.
Pros:
- Top-tier build quality and damping
- Onboard OLED adds real-time flair
- Smooth, quiet ROG NX Snow switches
Cons:
- High price point
- Armoury Crate software can be heavy
EPOMAKER x Aula F75 Gasket Mechanical Keyboard
Quick Highlights
- LEOBOG Reaper switches (hot-swappable)
- Wireless tri-mode: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, USB-C
- Five-layer internal padding plus rotary knob
- Price – $71 – Buy Now
The F75 from Epomaker x Aula brings gasket-mount luxury to a 75% wireless board. Its Reaper switches are pre-lubed for buttery smoothness, and swapping them out is a breeze—no soldering required. The five internal padding layers cushion keystrokes, balancing flex and firmness.
Tri-mode connectivity means you can dash between laptop Bluetooth, dongle mode, or a direct USB-C hookup in an instant. A custom aluminum knob controls volume, scrolling, or any macro you choose, and RGB lighting syncs across zones for a polished look.
Keycap-wise, Epomaker dresses the board in double-shot legends that resist shine. It’s a versatile, travel-friendly powerhouse perfect for gamers and writers who need a compact board under their arm.
Pros:
- Versatile wireless modes
- Hot-swappable, pre-lubed switches
- Tactile knob and premium damping
Cons:
- Bluetooth can introduce slight latency
- Software customization is basic
Logitech G PRO X TKL LIGHTSPEED
Quick Highlights
- GX Red linear switches
- LIGHTSPEED ultra-low-latency wireless
- LIGHTSYNC per-key RGB & onboard profiles
- Price – $219 – Buy Now
Logitech’s PRO X TKL pares everything down to the essentials: a sleek, ultra-portable frame, swappable GX Red switches, and pro-grade LIGHTSPEED wireless for sub-1 ms response. There’s zero hustle setting it up—plug in the USB receiver or pop in the cable, and you’re match-ready.
The keycaps are PBT, resisting shine and feeling crisp under your fingertips. LIGHTSYNC RGB gives you per-key effects that tie into your game or music—no extra apps needed beyond Logitech’s G HUB, which is surprisingly streamlined.
Despite its minimal footprint, there’s a share of pro features under the hood: onboard profile memory, detachable micro-USB cable, and a rock-solid plastic/aluminum build. If you need a no-compromise wireless TKL, this is it.
Pros:
- Rock-steady low-latency wireless
- Durable PBT keycaps
- Compact and travel-friendly
Cons:
- No gasket-mount—feel is firmer
- Limited onboard macros
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB
Quick Highlights
- Whisper-quiet gaming switches
- IP32 water and dust resistance
- 8-zone RGB illumination
- Price – $45 – Buy Now
SteelSeries’ Apex 3 TKL keeps things simple and durable. Its ultra-quiet membrane-like switches mimic mechanical feedback with minimal clack—perfect for late-night sessions when roommates are sleeping. The board is rated IP32, so a rogue energy drink spill won’t sideline you.
Eight customizable RGB zones deliver vibrant color without the fuss of per-key programming. Inside, a sturdy steel frame and ABS chassis shrug off dust and debris, ensuring long-term reliability. The TKL layout brings your mouse closer and opens desk real estate without sacrificing arrow keys and a nav cluster.
For gamers who want a splash of style and solid protection against accidents, the Apex 3 TKL is a workhorse that won’t break the bank.
Pros:
- Near-silent operation
- Spill-proof, dust-proof design
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Membrane-style switches lack true mechanical feel
- Limited RGB granularity
ASUS ROG Azoth 75
Quick Highlights
- Pre-lubed ROG NX Snow hot-swappable switches
- Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, USB-C tri-mode
- Onboard OLED display & gasket-mount
- Price – $200 – Buy Now
A lighter, wireless version of the Azoth Extreme, the Azoth 75 Wireless packs the same gasket-mount architecture and triple-layer dampening into a 75% footprint. Pop in the ROG NX Snow switches—pre-lubed and shock-quiet—and you’ve got a pro-grade board that’s ready to roam.
The OLED display still makes cameo appearances, showing profile names, audio levels, or custom GIFs. Tri-mode wireless means you can bounce between devices without missing a beat, while USB-C gives you a zero-latency hard line when you need it.
Customization via Armoury Crate remains deep, but the real magic is how the board feels under your fingers: cushioned, snappy, and undeniably premium.
Pros:
- Wireless without compromise
- Premium gasket and dampening system
- Sleek OLED for quick info
Cons:
- Battery life can dip with heavy RGB use
- Still leans on Armoury Crate software
HyperX Alloy Origins Core
Quick Highlights
- Tactile HyperX Aqua switches
- Compact aluminum frame
- Full RGB with NGenuity software control
- Price – $90 – Buy Now
HyperX kept it straightforward with the Alloy Origins Core: a compact TKL clad in aircraft-grade aluminum. The HyperX Aqua switches deliver that satisfying bump without being too loud, perfect if you share your space or twitch-stream to an audience.
RGB lighting blankets each key, while NGenuity software lets you craft custom effects, remap keys, and set up macros. The board’s solid build resists flex, and the detachable USB-C cable makes transport a cinch.
It may lack gasket-mount finesse, but the Alloy Origins Core nails the essentials: dependable switches, sturdy chassis, and vibrant lighting—all at a wallet-friendly price.
Pros:
- Durable aluminum frame
- Responsive tactile switches
- Easy RGB customization
Cons:
- No internal dampening layers
- Heavier than plastic TKLs
Wrapping Up Your TKL Quest
Whether you crave custom gasket-mount bliss or a trusty wireless workhorse, there’s a tenkeyless champion here for you. High-end splurges like the Azoth Extreme 75 deliver next-level refinement, while boards like the PRO X and Alloy Origins Core balance pro features with portability and price.
Grab the keyboard that fits your desk, your wallet, and your style—and enjoy the extra space now that your num pad is history. Your mouse arm (and your productivity) will thank you!
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