Tenkeyless keyboard is one of the most practical layout upgrades you can make—especially if you want a cleaner desk, better mouse control, and a more comfortable daily setup. At Dareu, we build keyboards for players and everyday users who care about performance and feel, and that’s exactly why the TKL keyboard format has become a modern favourite.
A TKL keyboard (short for “tenkeyless keyboard”) is basically a full-size keyboard minus the number pad. That one change makes it more compact, easier to position, and often more comfortable—especially if you game or type for long hours. You still keep the keys most people use daily—function row, arrows, and navigation keys—so the experience stays familiar while your setup becomes instantly more flexible.
In this guide, we’ll explain what TKL means, how it compares to other compact sizes like 60%, 65%, and 75%, and who the tenkeyless layout is best for. If your real question is whether you should choose compact or stick with a full 104-key layout, we’ll also point you to our detailed comparison later in the article.
“TKL” stands for TenKeyLess. The “ten keys” refer to the number pad on the right side of a full-size keyboard. Remove it, and you typically get an 87-key layout (for ANSI), commonly called an 87 keyboard.
What makes this layout special is how balanced it is. A TKL board removes what many gamers and daily users don’t rely on constantly (the number pad), but keeps what most people still expect to have:
That’s why “tenkeyless” has become the most “safe” compact layout for people who want more desk space without needing to relearn their keyboard habits.
A lot of people mix up TKL with other compact layouts. Here’s the simplest way to understand the differences:
If you want “full-size feel” but less desk space, TKL is the safest compact upgrade. It reduces width without forcing you into heavy shortcut usage.
From Dareu’s perspective, these layouts serve different needs:
Natural cluster-to-cluster link insertion (to Blog 2):
If you’re still weighing desk space versus a dedicated number pad, and you want a clear breakdown of the trade-offs, not sure whether to go compact? Read: tkl vs full size keyboard
Benefits are not theoretical—you usually feel them immediately after a few hours of use.
For competitive play, mouse space is performance. Removing the number pad narrows the keyboard footprint, giving you more room for wider mouse movement and larger mousepads. If you play low sensitivity in FPS titles, this is often the biggest reason to switch to a tenkeyless keyboard.
On many desks, a full-size keyboard pushes the mouse farther to the right, which can create a stretched posture over time. A TKL layout brings your mouse closer to your natural shoulder line, which can reduce fatigue across long sessions—gaming or working.
A smaller keyboard is easier to centre, easier to align with a mousepad, and easier to fit into modern desk setups. If you prefer a clean workstation or a compact gaming space, TKL naturally helps your setup look and feel more organised.
Tenkeyless is also easier to carry and reposition. Whether you move between rooms, switch between devices, or travel with your gear, the TKL form factor is far more convenient than a full-size board—without feeling “too small.”
TKL is popular because it fits a wide range of users without becoming niche. Here’s who benefits most.
Competitive gamers often want maximum mouse room while keeping function keys and arrows for quick in-game actions. TKL gives you that balance. It stays familiar, but unlocks space—especially valuable if you play shooters, tactical games, or anything that benefits from smoother tracking and large arm movement.
From Dareu’s product philosophy, TKL is a performance-friendly layout because it supports a natural desk posture and makes it easier to build an efficient gaming station—keyboard centred, mouse free, movement clean.
A tenkeyless keyboard is also a smart everyday choice. It keeps the core keys you need for typing, studying, writing, and navigating documents—without consuming unnecessary desk width. If your desk is shared, small, or also holds a laptop stand, books, or a second monitor, TKL makes the setup easier.
If you use Excel all day or do heavy numeric input, you might still prefer a full-size keyboard with a number pad. But if you don’t rely on the number pad daily, TKL is often a better all-rounder for comfort and space.
Creators often want a balanced layout that supports shortcuts and navigation, but still leaves room for a mouse, a tablet, or other tools. TKL provides that balance. You keep the function row and navigation keys—useful for editing and workflow control—without a footprint that crowds your desk.
If you’re shopping for a tkl mechanical keyboard, you’re usually investing in better feel, control, and long-term reliability. Mechanical keyboards give you more consistent key response and a clearer sense of actuation, which matters for both typing and gaming.
Here are the practical points we recommend focusing on:
Switch feel shapes the entire experience. Some users want smooth and fast presses (common for gaming). Others want a clear bump for typing accuracy. The best switch is the one that matches your use case and your comfort over long sessions.
Noise is part of the experience. Switch type, keycaps, internal padding, and keyboard structure all affect sound. If you share a room or game late at night, quieter configurations may suit you better.
Build details are what separate “good on paper” from “good every day.” A stable structure and well-tuned stabilisers can make long keys (like spacebar and shift) feel clean and confident instead of rattly or hollow. This is especially important if you care about both gaming consistency and typing comfort.
Once you’ve decided you want the tenkeyless layout—wired or wireless, classic feel or feature-rich customisation—the next step is simply choosing the model that matches your style. If you’re ready to browse options, start here: tkl mechanical keyboard
A tenkeyless keyboard—also known as a TKL keyboard—is the most straightforward upgrade for gamers and everyday users who want more desk space, better mouse freedom, and a cleaner setup without sacrificing essential keys. With the familiar 87-key layout, TKL keeps your workflow natural while improving comfort and control across long sessions. If you want a compact layout that still feels complete, the tkl mechanical keyboard format remains the most balanced choice in modern setups.
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