Best TKL Keyboards for Gamers

After Keychron has established itself in the premium keyboard market, the Taiwanese manufacturer has turned its attention to the low cost segment, releasing a rather interesting model called the C3 Pro RGB Backlit. This is a compact TKL model with a cropped numeric block, hot swap support and two types of switches - classic red and tactile brown. In our case, we will talk about the Keychron Red version.

Keychron C3 Pro RGB Backlit looks very interesting and competitive even against the background of inexpensive, but well-equipped models from Ukrainian manufacturers. It is made of plastic, has 87 keys, is equipped with sound-insulating pads and a Gasket Mount design, due to which vibrations and unnecessary sounds are minimized. Hot-swap sockets provide the ability to replace switches without soldering. There is support for QMK / VIA, allowing you to reassign keys, create macros and control RGB backlighting.

Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the not very convenient Hot Swap system, if compared with more expensive solutions), a stiff cable without braiding and a standard design that looks boring against the background of many models from Hator, GamePro, Dark Project and Aula. However, for the low cost segment, these are rather nitpicks, much more importantly, the model is made at a high level in all respects: the switches are well lubricated, the long keys are equipped with stabilizers, there is additional cushioning, the legs look durable, and the polyurethane foam copes well with noise insulation. In general, this is an excellent option to finally try mechanical keyboards without overpaying for a big name.

GamePro is a Ukrainian brand that has been producing gaming peripherals and accessories since 2017. In 2024, they released 4 affordable mechanical keyboards of the MK series with classic mechanical Otemu Red switches and Hot Swap support to the Ukrainian market. In this text, we will talk about a compact TKL modification called MK180. It should be noted right away that, given the extremely affordable price tag, the keyboard looks extremely attractive. Both visually (especially white with multi-colored keys), and in terms of functionality.

The MK180 features some pretty nice dual-molded ABS keycaps, a dual-layer EVA foam construction, and a Gasket Mount switch plate with extra damping pads. The RGB backlight is highly customizable and has a bunch of modes, and the USB C cable is easy to detach. Plus, there are a couple of extra keys on the side and a convenient volume control wheel, and a pack of extra keycaps is included. This was previously only found in premium-class mechanics.

However, miracles do not happen and the manufacturer had to save on something. In the case of the MK180, the savings concern the case - it is completely plastic, without metal inserts. It is not a great tragedy, since the keyboard is quite heavy by TLK standards (800 grams), and thanks to the strong legs it does not slide around on the table. There are also complaints on the Internet about the Hop-Swap system, which is inferior in convenience to more expensive solutions. However, if you do not change the switches too often and are careful, there should be no problems. Otherwise, this is an extremely interesting and affordable mechanical model, which would cost 3 times more from, say, Razer.

Over the past 5-6 years, mechanical keyboards have come a long way from rather expensive devices for enthusiasts to quite affordable alternatives to membrane keyboards. An important role in this was played by the cooperation of local brands with Chinese OEM manufacturers, who, through joint efforts, were able to make mechanical keyboards more affordable without losing much in quality. One of such companies was the Ukrainian manufacturer Hator, which quickly won the respect of users due to the high quality of its products and competent pricing policy.

Hator's new Gravity TKL is in many ways a successor to the popular Rockfall TKL 2 Mecha : both are shortened wired models with an aluminum base, proprietary mechanical switches, pre-lubricated stabilizers, dual-molded keycaps, a detachable braided cable, laser-etched symbols, and noise-isolating pads. And let's not forget about the RGB lighting.

The difference is that Gravity takes these ideas further. The switches now support hot swapping, and the Skeleton design (i.e. without a top cover) simplifies the process. Noise isolation has become better. The rounded keycaps are more pleasant to the touch and are highlighted in two different colors. On the right side, there are two additional multimedia buttons and a wheel for volume control. The backlight can be customized individually for each key. Plus, there is now QMK/VIA support for advanced customization.

Dark Project ALU87A is a stylish and not too expensive TKL model with a Skeleton case, pleasant to work with rounded PBT keycaps, flexible customization options and branded Zircon switches. And at the same time, it costs significantly less than similar models from Razer, SteelSeries, Logitech and other more famous brands.

In recent years, the production of high-quality switches has become common practice for many brands, and users have long ceased to divide them into "Cherry" and all the rest. In this case, we are talking about custom linear switches G3ms Zircon with a short, smooth stroke and low pressing force. The switches are evenly lubricated, have a resource of 80 million clicks and support hot swapping. Under the long keys, lubricated PCB-mount stabilizers are installed. The keys feel pleasantly tactile with a muffled, not very distinct pressing sound.

The assembly and design deserve special attention. The gray and white color scheme looks quite unusual, the plastic is of high quality, and the assembly is excellent. In general, the keyboard looks expensive both with and without backlighting. The backlighting does not draw attention to itself, but harmoniously emphasizes the original color scheme of the model. Although, someone may not have enough brightness, here everything is an acquired taste. There are more than ten backlighting modes, with the ability to customize in the proprietary software. You can also set up macros there. The weight of the model is above average - 1310 grams, it stands securely on the table, but can weigh down a backpack when carrying. Well, according to tradition, the cable is made in a braid and is easily disconnected if you need to clean the keyboard or replace the cable itself.

The Razer Ornata V3 TKL is a compact, tenkeyless keyboard that combines a membrane base with mechanical elements. It’s essentially the entry-level model in the Ornata V3 line, but it retains the series’ key features: a low-profile design, hybrid switches, and vibrant Razer Chroma RGB lighting.

The key feature is the hybrid low-profile Mecha-Membrane switches. They click like mechanics (but are quieter than Cherry MX Blue), and the presses feel softer, like membrane. Razer clearly aimed at versatility - so that it would be convenient for both gaming and work. Not the most typical choice for gaming, but many owners praise that their hands get tired less than with full-size mechanics, especially during long sessions.

Among the model’s key features, it’s worth highlighting wear-resistant keys with a UV coating (but not PBT), stylish Razer Chroma RGB backlighting with 8 customizable zones, additional multimedia buttons, and a magnetic wrist rest. As for the shortcomings, the build quality could be better (the plastic sometimes creaks at the edges), and the non-detachable cable in 2025 is a clear saving on matches. And the hybrid switches are controversial: some mechanical fans grumble that this is more of a membrane with an imitation of a click than a real mechanical experience.