Best TKL keyboards
The best TKL keyboard keeps the function and arrow keys while removing the number pad. Compare SteelSeries, Logitech and Corsair for UK gaming and work.
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At a glance
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 is the feature-led pick, while Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID offers magnetic actuation at a lower tier and Corsair K70 CORE TKL keeps the layout simpler. Tenkeyless removes the number pad but retains the function row, arrows and navigation keys. It suits desks where mouse room matters and numpad entry is occasional.
For the broader shortlist, read best gaming keyboards UK. Our mechanical switch explainer covers feel and switch types. SteelSeries’ support specification describes which Apex keys have adjustable switches. Manufacturer product pages: Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID and Corsair K70 CORE TKL.
| Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 | £189 on Amazon UK at the time of writing (October 2026) |
| G PRO X TKL RAPID | £99.99 on Amazon UK at the time of writing (October 2026) |
| K70 CORE TKL | £89.99 on Amazon UK at the time of writing (October 2026) |
Which TKL feature matters for each use?
Measure the actual keyboard width and mouse sweep on the desk. Removing the number pad helps only if the shorter board lets the mouse sit in a more comfortable position. A TKL keeps cursor and function keys in separate groups, unlike many 75% boards, so it is easier to adapt to from full-size. Numeric entry is the meaningful cost: daily spreadsheet work may justify keeping the pad.
| Situation | Layout effect | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Number pad | Removed | Use top row or separate pad |
| Arrow keys | Dedicated | No function layer needed |
| Function row | Dedicated | Useful for shortcuts |
| Mouse area | More room possible | Measure desk in use |
Radar · 0-100 scores
- Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
- G PRO X TKL RAPID
- K70 CORE TKL
What are the TKL trade-offs?
SteelSeries says Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 uses adjustable OmniPoint 3.0 switches on the main QWERTY keys, while arrow, navigation and function keys use regular red switches. Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID also offers magnetic switches and adjustable actuation. Corsair K70 CORE TKL is a conventional tenkeyless mechanical alternative. Check UK layout, switch feel and software needs before prioritising rapid-trigger features.
Tenkeyless gives up a dedicated number pad, not the function row or arrow cluster. That distinction makes it a less disruptive switch than 75% or 60% for people who depend on navigation keys. The saved width is useful only if the mouse can move closer or the desk gains space for another item.
TKL is a layout decision rather than a switch technology. The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 uses magnetic switches on the main typing keys, while the Corsair K70 CORE TKL uses pre-lubricated conventional linear switches. The Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID also supports adjustable actuation. Those distinctions matter more in daily use than small differences in case styling. Typists who prefer a fixed, consistent key press may not use adjustable actuation at all.
The number-pad saving is useful only when the mouse has somewhere to move. Put the keyboard and mouse in their normal positions, measure the combined width, and check whether the mouse can sit in front of the shoulder rather than reaching outward. A TKL board does not automatically correct posture. It gives the user a shorter platform; the body position depends on desk depth, chair height and mouse sensitivity.
For a shortlisting calculation, the verified Amazon UK prices on 27 October 2026 were £189 for Apex Pro TKL Gen 3, £99.99 for Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID and £89.99 for K70 CORE TKL. The SteelSeries premium is £89.01 over Logitech and £99.01 over Corsair. It buys magnetic adjustment and the OLED panel, not a more familiar layout. Decide whether those features justify roughly another hundred pounds.
UK key layout deserves a separate check. The K70 CORE TKL listing is UK QWERTY and Logitech G PRO X TKL LIGHTSPEED has a UK variant, but product families can mix ANSI and ISO pictures. The Enter key, left Shift and punctuation positions change between layouts. Select the correct variant before comparing the price because a discounted US board is not a like-for-like UK purchase.
The headline polling figures also need context. Corsair quotes 1,000 Hz for its wired K70 CORE TKL. The Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 lists an 8,000 Hz report rate and configurable magnetic actuation. A higher report rate describes how often the keyboard sends input reports, not a promise that every player will type or react faster. For ordinary typing, the layout and switch feel are more tangible factors.
Switches affect sound as well as feel. Linear switches move without a tactile bump; tactile switches provide a bump; clicky switches add audible feedback. The Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID and SteelSeries boards prioritise adjustable magnetic operation rather than the familiar linear/tactile choice. A board shared with family or used on calls needs a sound decision too. There is no measured noise test in this guide, so the switch mechanism is a starting point, not a decibel claim.
A wireless TKL keyboard can simplify a shared desk, but wired models avoid charging and receiver placement. The Logitech G PRO X TKL LIGHTSPEED is wireless; the Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 and G PRO X TKL RAPID are wired. If the desktop has front USB ports and the keyboard stays put, a cable may be the lower-maintenance choice. A wireless setup is most useful when the keyboard is moved or the cable would cross the mouse area.
For a general-purpose keyboard, the best TKL purchase is the model whose switch feel, UK layout and software fit the owner. Competitive players who want per-key adjustment can justify the SteelSeries or Logitech Rapid. Buyers who simply need a smaller board can spend less on K70 CORE TKL. Number-heavy roles should compare full-size and 96% models first, because buying a compact keyboard and discovering the numpad is essential creates a second purchase.
Who should choose a TKL keyboard?
Measure the actual keyboard width and mouse sweep on the desk. Removing the number pad helps only if the shorter board lets the mouse sit in a more comfortable position. A TKL keeps cursor and function keys in separate groups, unlike many 75% boards, so it is easier to adapt to from full-size. Numeric entry is the meaningful cost: daily spreadsheet work may justify keeping the pad.
Mouse-heavy players and typists who rarely enter long number sequences are the clearest fit. Accountants and spreadsheet users should compare a full-size or 96% alternative first. An external numpad can restore numeric entry, but adds another object and cable to a desk. Buyers should also confirm that the exact model has UK ISO legends and the switch type they want.
What should you buy?
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 is the feature-led pick, while Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID offers magnetic actuation at a lower tier and Corsair K70 CORE TKL keeps the layout simpler. Tenkeyless removes the number pad but retains the function row, arrows and navigation keys. It suits desks where mouse room matters and numpad entry is occasional. The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 costs £189 on Amazon UK at the time of writing (October 2026), checked on 27 October 2026.
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 specifications
- Layout: tenkeyless, English QWERTY
- Switches: OmniPoint 3.0 adjustable magnetic on main QWERTY keys
- Other keys: regular red switches on arrows, navigation and function rows
- Polling: 8,000 Hz wired per manufacturer listing
- Connection: wired USB-C
G PRO X TKL RAPID is a magnetic alternative. K70 CORE TKL keeps a conventional mechanical approach.
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3: pros and cons
Where to buy
Check price
| Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 | £189 on Amazon UK at the time of writing (October 2026) |
| G PRO X TKL RAPID | £99.99 on Amazon UK at the time of writing (October 2026) |
| K70 CORE TKL | £89.99 on Amazon UK at the time of writing (October 2026) |
Verdict
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 is the feature-led pick, while Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID offers magnetic actuation at a lower tier and Corsair K70 CORE TKL keeps the layout simpler. Tenkeyless removes the number pad but retains the function row, arrows and navigation keys. It suits desks where mouse room matters and numpad entry is occasional. Choose TKL for a shorter board while retaining the familiar function and arrow groups. Check the exact model, price and UK layout on Amazon UK before buying. Read the broader gaming keyboard guide and the switch explainer for adjacent decisions.
For another useful comparison, read full-size mechanical keyboard guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is a TKL keyboard good for gaming?
Yes, when removing the numpad gives the mouse more room without hiding keys used in play. TKL keeps the function row, arrows and navigation group. It does not improve aim automatically; sensitivity, desk position and a comfortable arm movement remain the deciding factors.
Does a TKL keyboard have arrow keys?
Yes. A standard TKL keyboard retains a dedicated arrow cluster, function row and navigation keys. It removes the number pad. A 75% keyboard also has arrows, but packs the cluster closer to other keys, so check the diagram if familiar spacing matters.
Is TKL the same as 80 percent?
TKL is often called 80%, but the percentage is a category label rather than a strict key-count standard. Case width and navigation placement vary. Compare dimensions and a top-down layout image instead of assuming every keyboard labelled 80% has identical spacing.
Can a TKL keyboard replace full-size?
For most typing, gaming and navigation, yes. TKL has no dedicated number pad, so frequent spreadsheet entry is less convenient. Occasional number input works on the number row or a separate USB pad. The daily frequency of numeric work should decide between layouts.
Which TKL keyboard has adjustable actuation?
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 and Logitech G PRO X TKL RAPID offer magnetic switches with adjustable actuation features. SteelSeries says only the main QWERTY keys have adjustable switches on the Gen 3. Confirm the exact key coverage before paying for the feature.
Should I buy wired or wireless TKL?
Choose wired to avoid charging and pairing, or wireless when the cable obstructs the desk. Wireless keyboards may use Bluetooth or a 2.4 GHz receiver, with different latency and battery behaviour. Check which mode suits the computer and whether a USB port is available.