TKL vs 75% Keyboards: Which is the Right Choice for You?

As a mechanical keyboard enthusiast and founder of Techbullish, I’ve been using mechanical keyboards for years. I’ve tried many different types of switches and layouts, but two of the most popular are TKL (Tenkeyless) and 75% keyboards. 

Both of these keyboard sizes have their pros and cons, and it can be difficult to choose the right one for your needs.

In this article, I’ll go over the differences between TKL and 75% keyboards and help you make an informed decision.

In short, here is the main difference between the mechanical keyboards TKL and 75%. TKL and 75% keyboard both are compact-sized keyboard and has the same number of keys which is 87 keys. However, 75% keyboards have a more compact form factor with the same number of keys as in Tenkeyless(TKL) keyboards.

Let’s get started!

TKL Keyboard vs 75% Keyboard

	TKL(Tenkeyless) Keyboard	75% keyboard	Difference
Number of Keys	87 keys	87 keys	They are same
Size	Compact size	Compact Size	75% keyboards are much more compact than Tenkeyless ones.

What is a TKL Keyboard?

TKL stands for “Tenkeyless” and refers to a type of keyboard that doesn’t have a numeric keypad. This type of keyboard is popular among gamers and office workers who don’t need the keypad and want a more compact keyboard. 

TKL keyboards typically have 87 keys, with the standard layout of alphanumeric keys, navigation keys, and function keys. They’re usually less expensive than full-size keyboards and take up less desk space, making them a great choice for those with limited desk space.

What is a 75% Keyboard?

A 75% keyboard is a type of keyboard that has a compact layout but still includes the numeric keypad. This type of keyboard is designed to offer the best of both worlds, giving users the convenience of a numeric keypad without taking up too much desk space. 

75% keyboards usually have 84 keys and include the standard layout of alphanumeric keys, navigation keys, and function keys. They’re also usually more expensive than TKL keyboards, but still less expensive than full-size keyboards.

Pros and Cons of TKL Keyboards

Pros

• One of the biggest pros of TKL keyboards is their compact size. If you have limited desk space or want a more portable keyboard, TKL keyboards are a great choice.
• Looks clean and minimalistic on your desk.

Cons

• However, TKL keyboards do have some downsides. They don’t have a numeric keypad, which can be inconvenient for office workers who need to do a lot of number crunching.

Pros and Cons of 75% Keyboards

Pros

• 75% keyboards offer the convenience of a numeric keypad without taking up too much desk space.
• This makes them a great choice for office workers who need to do a lot of number crunching.
• They’re also usually more customizable than TKL keyboards, which can be a big plus for some users. 

Cons

• Absence of a Numeric Keypad on the right

Which is the Right Choice for You?

The right choice between TKL and 75% keyboards depends on your needs and preferences. If you have limited desk space or want a more portable keyboard, TKL keyboards are probably the better choice.  Additionally, if you like having arrow keys and function keys on your keyboard, TKL keyboards are a better fit. However, if you want an even more compact keyboard and don’t mind sacrificing some keys, you may want to consider the tkl vs 60% keyboard for an even smaller form factor. Ultimately, it comes down to what you prioritize in a keyboard and what will best suit your daily needs.

If you need the convenience of a numeric keypad and are willing to pay a bit more, 75% keyboards are a great choice. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but I hope this article has helped you make an informed decision.

As an electronics engineer and mechanical keyboard enthusiast, I can say that lubing the switches of your keyboard can greatly enhance the typing experience.