Benefits of TKL keyboard layouts are the reason the 87-key form factor has become a modern default for serious gaming setups. At Dareu, we describe the TKL (also called “87 keyboard”) as gaming simplicity—because it gives gamers more room to move without giving up the keys they need most. By removing the number pad, the keyboard footprint becomes cleaner and more flexible, while function keys, arrows, and shortcuts stay exactly where you expect them.
In other words: TKL is popular because it solves real desk problems that affect real gameplay—space, comfort, and consistency—without forcing you into a “too small” layout.
There are smaller layouts than TKL (like 75% or 65%), and full-size keyboards still have a clear role. But for many gamers, TKL hits a sweet spot: it removes the one area most players don’t need during gameplay (the number pad), and keeps the areas most players still rely on (function row, arrows, navigation keys).
That’s why TKL is often the first upgrade we recommend to anyone who wants a cleaner gaming desk and better mouse movement—but doesn’t want to relearn their keyboard muscle memory.
For FPS players, desk space is performance. And this is the most direct, most noticeable advantage.
We call out that the TKL form factor is built with gaming in mind: without the numpad, your hands stay centered and your mouse has more room to glide. That extra space makes it easier to aim, flick, and track without bumping into your keyboard—one reason many competitive gamers prefer an 87-key layout over a full-size option.
This benefit isn’t just “nice to have.” It matters most when you:
With TKL, your keyboard naturally sits further left (or more centered), and your mouse arm gets the space it needs to stay smooth.
The second big reason TKL remains popular is comfort over time.
When a keyboard is too wide, your mouse hand gets pushed outward. Over a long session, that can lead to an awkward shoulder angle and more tension through your arm. A TKL layout shortens the keyboard footprint, which helps keep your hands in a more natural position—especially when your desk is compact or your mousepad is large.
We design TKL around the idea that your setup should support your movement, not restrict it. More space is not only about aiming—it’s also about staying comfortable in the middle of a long night of ranked games, practice runs, or scrims.
TKL isn’t just popular at home—it’s also popular because it fits into more places.
Dareu’s TKL collection highlights that a TKL keyboard is smaller than full-size but still packed with essential keys, making it easier to carry and better suited to shared or compact setups. Whether you’re gaming at home or bringing it to a tournament, it’s designed to be convenient, not cramped.
That portability shows up in everyday life too:
For gamers who move between rooms, share a space, or simply like a tidy setup, TKL is a practical “always fits” choice.
Many gamers want a compact layout, but they don’t want to lose keys they still use:
That’s exactly why TKL is often the preferred compact choice over smaller boards. You get the desk-space benefits, but you keep the keys that matter for:
This is also why TKL is frequently chosen as a “one keyboard for everything” layout: it stays comfortable for gaming, but still feels natural for daily typing and general use.
The popularity of TKL isn’t only about size. It’s also because the layout pairs well with the features gamers want in 2026: refined feel, flexible connectivity, and easy customisation.
We call out a performance-focused bundle of features: gasket mount for soft, even keystrokes, tri-mode connection (USB, Bluetooth, 2.4GHz), RGB lighting, and hot-swappable sockets for easy switch replacement—ideal for gamers who want to tweak feel and sound over time.
This combination matters because it supports different gaming lifestyles:
In short: TKL is popular because the layout is simple—and the feature set can still be premium.
TKL may look straightforward, but the “real value” shows up in the details that shape daily use.
Different TKL models bring different strengths. For example, we mention design-forward touches like gradient colour schemes and side-printed keycaps; practical features like a removable top case for easy cleaning or modding; and performance-forward options that include magnetic switches and a super-fast 8K polling rate on certain models.
That’s intentional. At Dareu, we don’t treat TKL as “one single type of keyboard.” We treat it as a layout that can serve different players:
If you want a full model-by-model recommendation framework for choosing the right one, continue with: best tkl keyboard.
TKL is popular, but full-size still has a place.
If your daily routine includes constant number entry—spreadsheets, accounting, pricing sheets, data-heavy tasks—a full-size keyboard with a dedicated numpad can simply be faster. That’s why we position full-size boards around “Play & Work,” built for users who want complete key access alongside gaming.
The key idea is simple: if you don’t use the numpad regularly, TKL helps your desk and gameplay. If you do, full-size can still be the better tool.
The benefits of TKL keyboard design are why tenkeyless has become a go-to choice for gamers: more mouse space for better aim, a more comfortable posture over long sessions, cleaner setups that fit anywhere, and a layout that still feels complete with function keys and navigation keys intact. At Dareu, we build TKL around exactly those priorities—space, comfort, and performance—so your setup works with you every time you play. If you’re ready to explore the lineup and compare layouts, connectivity, and features in one place, start here: benefits of tkl keyboard.
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