What Is a Tenkeyless Keyboard? | 87 Keys, No Numpad

A tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard is a desktop keyboard that removes the numeric keypad on the right side while keeping the main typing block, function row, arrow keys, and most navigation keys — typically 87 keys versus 104 on a full-size board.

If you have ever looked at a keyboard and thought “that looks normal except there is no number pad on the right,” you were looking at a TKL. The term stands for TenKeyLess — the “ten key” being the old name for the numeric keypad that runs from the 7–8–9 row down to the 0–Enter block. TKL boards are also commonly called 80% keyboards because they come in at roughly that size compared to a full-size unit.

What Makes a Keyboard Tenkeyless?

Logitech G defines a standard TKL at 87 keys on ANSI-layout boards, while a full-size model has 104 keys. PCMag’s encyclopedia calls it “a computer keyboard that does not have a 10-key numeric keypad on the right side.”

What stays on a TKL:

• Full letter and number row (alpha block)
• Function row (F1 through F12)
• Arrow keys and navigation cluster (Insert, Delete, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down)
• Modifier keys (Shift, Ctrl, Alt, Windows/Command)

What is removed: the dedicated numeric keypad, which occupies roughly four inches of desk width on a standard full-size board. That single cut is the entire point of the layout.

Why Choose a TKL Keyboard?

The primary reasons are physical. A TKL’s smaller footprint frees up desk space for mouse movement — especially valuable in gaming, where a low sensitivity setting means swinging the mouse across the entire pad. The same space saving makes TKL boards easier to pack and carry between a home office and a work desk.

Trusted Reviews notes that ergonomics also play a role: bringing the mouse hand closer to the typing center can reduce shoulder reach for some users. The tradeoff is straightforward — frequent numeric entry for spreadsheets, accounting, or data-heavy tasks becomes slower without the dedicated numpad. For most productivity writing and general browsing, the absence goes unnoticed.

Common Misconceptions About TKL Keyboards

The name “tenkeyless” leads many people to assume exactly ten keys are missing. That is not literal. A full-size 104-key board and an 87-key TKL differ by 17 keys. The name comes from the layout convention, not an arithmetic count. Another frequent mix-up is between TKL (80%) and smaller form factors like 75% or 65% boards, which may also cut the navigation cluster, arrow keys, or function row. A true TKL keeps all of those — only the numpad disappears.

TKL vs. Other Compact Layouts

Because keyboard form factors overlap, knowing the boundaries helps before buying:

TKL hits the sweet spot for people who want the full typing and navigation experience without sacrificing desk space. If that describes your use, our tested best budget tenkeyless keyboard roundup covers models that balance price with build quality.

One final point: TKL is a physical layout choice, not a software feature. No special drivers or OS setting is required. Any TKL keyboard works plug-and-play with any computer that supports its connection type — USB, Bluetooth, or wireless dongle. PCMag notes that the category can also blur into adjacent layouts, so confirming the exact key set before purchase is always wise.

FAQs

Is a tenkeyless keyboard good for gaming?
Yes. The smaller footprint leaves more room for mouse movement, which competitive gamers prefer. Most gaming-focused TKL boards also keep the function row and arrow keys intact, so no essential bind is lost.

Can you type numbers on a TKL keyboard?
Yes, using the number row above the letter keys. The missing numpad only affects users who enter large volumes of numeric data rapidly — accountants, data entry specialists, and spreadsheet-heavy workers are better served by a full-size board or an add-on numpad.

Is TKL the same as 75%?
No. TKL (80%) keeps the navigation cluster, arrows, and function row. A 75% layout typically removes some or all of the dedicated navigation keys and compresses the rest into a more vertical arrangement.