The 10 Best Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard Models to Buy

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Finding the best tenkeyless mechanical keyboard can be a challenging process even for those who are knowledgeable in the area.

For those who aren’t familiar with computer peripherals like keyboards and mice, knowing what to look for in a keyboard may be very confusing. No matter your level of knowledge, it makes sense that you would do your research when trying to find the best tenkeyless mechanical keyboard.

When looking at the specifications of a keyboard, you’ll find them filled with complex terms that may not make sense to most people. It also may not be evident to you what the differences are between keyboards. As a result, it would make sense if you had a lot of questions about keyboards.

Best Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard FAQs

When looking for the best tenkeyless mechanical keyboard, you may have many questions. What’s the difference between a mechanical and a regular keyboard? What does it mean for a keyboard to be tenkeyless?

We’ll answer these questions and more to help you find the best tenkeyless mechanical keyboard for you.

What’s the difference between a mechanical and a regular keyboard?

A mechanical keyboard is built with a mechanical switch under every key to record each keystroke that you make. The physical switch is triggered when you press the key before quickly returning to its original position.

Conversely, a regular keyboard uses a rubber dome and membrane to allow for the depression and recording of the key. It’s common for these ordinary keyboards to be cheap and easy to produce.

What does it mean for a keyboard to be tenkeyless?

When a keyboard is tenkeyless, that means it is without the number pad on the right side of the keyboard. Most keyboards have two places you can type numbers — above the letters, and on the far right on the number pad.

Standard keyboards have the number pad on the far right that is somewhat separate from the rest of the keyboard. Tenkeyless keyboards don’t have the number pad and are therefore smaller and less clunky.

What are the benefits of using a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard?

When a keyboard is tenkeyless, that means it is without the number pad on the right side of the keyboard. Most keyboards have two places you can type numbers — above the letters, and on the far right on the number pad.

Standard keyboards have the number pad on the far right that is somewhat separate from the rest of the keyboard. Tenkeyless keyboards don’t have the number pad and are therefore smaller and less clunky.

Whether you want a keyboard that is tenkeyless or not comes down to personal preference. There aren’t any enormous benefits of having a tenkeyless keyboard over a regular one.

The only noticeable difference is that the tenkeyless mechanical keyboards are smaller. As a result, if you want a less clunky keyboard or you have limited space, a tenkeyless keyboard may present the best option for you.

However, many people find it’s quicker to type out numbers on the number pad. With that in mind, you’ll have to weigh the benefits of a smaller keyboard versus the benefits of being able to type numbers quickly.

What should I look for in a mechanical keyboard?

Nobody is looking for the same things when looking for the best tenkeyless mechanical keyboard. However, in general, there are six things that you should consider when looking for a keyboard. These criteria are the switches, build quality, the keys, N-Key rollover capability, aesthetics, and features.

Switches

Deciding which switches to get is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make when buying your keyboard. The switches are what make the clicking sounds when you press the keys.

Some keyboards have switches that make loud clicking sounds, but if you’re typing with others around it may get annoying. Some switches are sharper and more tactile, but these switches can be cumbersome and make your fingers stiff. There are plenty of different types of switches, so it’s essential to test out different types so that you know what’s best for you.

Build quality

Build quality can be subjective, as different people tend to value different things in a keyboard. For some, weight and plastic thickness equates with durability. For others, details such as keyboard feet that don’t collapse as quickly are vital.

The build quality is something that you won’t be able to see in pictures. As a result, you’ll need to rely on the thoughts and opinions of others. Don’t be afraid to spend a little extra on a keyboard, as a more durable keyboard will last much longer than a cheap, low-quality keyboard.

Keys

When looking for keys, you want to use durable keys where the lettering won’t wear off. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that the keys won’t disconnect from the switches easily. Keys that fall off easily can often be a nightmare for the keyboard user.

Often, when choosing your keys, you’ll be balancing looks, durability, and cost. Unfortunately, all keys will eventually wear down and lose their shine. However, with the right keys, this could take decades.

N-Key rollover capability

The N-Key rollover capability is the keyboard’s ability to process multiple keys being pressed at the same time. Any keyboard can recognize somewhere between two and eight at one time. Lower numbers of recognition are fine for regular typing, but many keyboards will fail with certain three-key combinations.

A keyboard being able to process multiple key combinations is an essential factor for gamers, as they sometimes need to press more than five keys at a time. If a keyboard is called 2KRO, it means only two keys are guaranteed. In the same vein, if a keyboard is called 6KRO, it means that six keys are guaranteed.

If the manufacturer labels a keyboard as NKRO, it means that the user can press all the keys on the keyboard at once. This can be valuable, but if a keyboard doesn’t have this, don’t worry about it. After all, you only have 10 fingers.

Aesthetics

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to aesthetics. Some value customizable RGB lighting, whereas others prefer a more standard and uniform design. When it comes to aesthetics, consider whatever you think makes a keyboard look good.

Features

When looking for the best tenkeyless mechanical keyboard, you should consider the features. Features include things like backlit keys, media keys, and USB hubs. Additional features will usually raise the price of the keyboard, but they can elevate your experience.

How We Reviewed

When looking for the best tenkeyless mechanical keyboard, we wanted to make sure each keyboard we listed was high quality. As a result, every keyboard we chose received 4.0 out of 5 stars on Amazon or better.

The 10 Best Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboards

We can’t tell you what the definitive best tenkeyless mechanical keyboard is because what everyone values in a keyboard is different. However, we can give you 10 keyboard recommendations that customers have found to be high-quality and effective.

It’s important to note that although the keyboards are in a numbered list, we did not rank them. We’ve simply listed them in alphabetical order.

1. Anne Pro 2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

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The Anne Pro 2 utilizes a 1900mah battery, which allows for it to give up to eight hours of wireless usage. It also has a built-in on/off switch, which makes it easy to save power when it’s not in use.

Additionally, it has an FN key that gives you quick access to your media player. It also has up to 16 groups of macros that can make work and gaming much more manageable. Furthermore, the keyboard is RGB backlit.

The Anne Pro 2 comes packed with periphery features that make it a contender for the best tenkeyless mechanical keyboard. 

2. CORSAIR K65 LUX RGB Compact Mechanical Keyboard

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This keyboard is Corsair’s attempt to make the best tenkeyless mechanical keyboard. They did an excellent job by using an aircraft-grade anodized brushed aluminum frame for superior durability.

Additionally, it has advanced lighting control to give you complete control of your RGB lights. It features Cherry MX RGB red key switches with gold contacts. These keys are lighter, which will make typing much quicker.

3. DREVO Tryfing V2 Customizable RGB Compact 87 Keys Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

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The key selling point for DREVO in their attempt to make the best tenkeyless mechanical keyboard is their RGB lighting. You can backlight your keys with up to 16.8 million colors and 14 different lighting modes. Each key can be individually personalized, giving you full creative control over the look of your keyboard.

This keyboard has N-key rollover, giving you the ability to control each key independently. Additionally, it has five programmable macro keys that you can use to record your key-binding for quick actions.

4. E-Element Z-88 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

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The E-Element is unique from most other keyboards in the fact that it’s white. With most keyboards black, the E-Element is a nice change of pace. It has red switches, which make for a quiet typing experience.

Additionally, it has N-key rollover, allowing you to use any number of keys simultaneously. Furthermore, it has RGB backlighting and color-flashing speed. It also has key shortcuts and an ergonomic design.

The E-Element was a top performer on Amazon. 

5. HyperX Alloy FPS Pro Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard

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HyperX had a minimalistic design in mind for this keyboard, and as a result, made it tenkeyless. It has cherry MX mechanical key switches, which have up to a 50-million-keystroke lifespan.

It has red dynamic LED lighting with customizable brightness levels and modes. Additionally, the keyboard includes 100 percent N-Key rollover functions.

6. Logitech G Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

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The Logitech G Pro was built to the exact specifications of eSports athletes to create a keyboard for a competition level blend of speed, precision, and quiet performance. It has durable Romer G switches, which Logitech claims deliver 25 percent faster actuation than standard mechanical switches.

It comes with detachable Micro USB cables to make transport easy. Additionally, it comes with three-step angle adjustment and rubber feet. It also features customizable RGB backlit keys.

7. Razer BlackWidow X Tournament Edition Chroma Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

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In Razer’s attempt to create the best tenkeyless mechanical keyboard, they designed a keyboard specifically for gaming. They started by adding individually programmable backlit RGB keys.

Razer constructed their keyboard with military-grade metal to make the body of keyboard very durable. Razer also claims that their green switches deliver both top-notch performance and durability without compromise.

Additionally, the BlackWidow comes with inter-device synchronization, giving you the ability to sync your keyboard with other Razer devices.

8. SteelSeries Apex M750 RGB Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard

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SteelSeries’ attempted to create the best tenkeyless mechanical keyboard with the Apex M750. It has a compact and transportable design and pure performance QX2 linear mechanical gaming switches.

They built this keyboard with durable 5000 Series aluminum alloy. Additionally, it has built-in real-time Discord in-game lighting notifications, as well as RGB lighting customization.

9. Tecware Phantom 87 Key Mechanical Keyboard

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The Tecware Phantom 87 comes with 20 pre-set RGB backlighting configurations. However, it is also fully customizable if you want to create your own.

Additionally, it comes with Outemu mechanical switches equipped with optical sensors for precise gaming and comfortable typing. Tecware provides spare keycaps and a switch remover for easy replacement if needed.

Furthermore, it’s built with a fiberglass printed circuit board. This allows for the keyboard to withstand extended periods of intensive gaming. Like many other keyboards, it also features full N-key rollover.

10. USA Filco Majestouch-2 Tenkeyless

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The Majestouch-2 is Filco’s attempt to create the best tenkeyless mechanical keyboard. The keyboard features Cherry MX brown switches. Additionally, the key labels are on the side of the keys, which helps prevent them from wearing out.

What Is the Best Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard for You?

We can’t tell you what the best tenkeyless mechanical keyboard is. After all, you probably have some must-have features that only one model can provide. We can, however, give you the information you need to help you decide which is the best for you. What we can do is say with confidence that each of these keyboards has been well received by buyers. All received stellar reviews on Amazon and should be good options for you.

Have you used a mechanical keyboard before? Do you prefer a tenkeyless keyboard or do you like the number pad? Let us know in the comments!

Alex OReilly