The 9 Best 75% Mechanical Keyboards (for 2023)

Pete McPherson
The 9 Best 75% Mechanical Keyboards (for 2023)

This is our review of the best 75 percent keyboards (75%) for 2023!

These keyboards do NOT have the 10-key number pad (similar to the 80% “TKL” or “tenkeyless” keyboards)…

…so they’re perfect for people who want more desk space without going TOO small or giving up TOO much functionality.

In fact, this is my favorite keyboard size! (I have SEVERAL 75% TKLs. Too many, but they’re awesome).

To help you find the right pick for you, here are my recommendations:

75% mechanical keyboards are a perfect balance to save desk space and look great.

They don’t have the 10-key numberpad, but DO have all the other parts of a 100% keyboard, such as dedicated arrow keys, function row, and “home cluster” keys.

And while this is ALSO a 80% TKL keyboard, the 75% version has all the keys smushed together, with no space in between!

80% TKL up top, 75% TKL on bottom (My Keychron K2!)

They’re perfect for people who want a compact keyboard without going TOO small (like 60% or 65% or even 40% keyboards).

75% TKL Keyboards, Pros and Cons:

Honestly, 75% might be THE most popular size keyboard.

PROS:

  • Takes up less desk space than a full-size keyboard
  • All the important keys are still there
  • Can look very clean and minimal

CONS:

  • If you work with numbers a lot, you might miss the number pad
  • Not as many keys to assign macros to?

No number junkie? TKL is the perfect size for you!

Click here to read our full guide to keyboard layouts & size.

Here’s our list of the best 75% mechanical keyboards:

Now that you know why these are so popular, here are the details for our 75% picks for each category.

But to be honest—you really can’t go wrong with any of these.

They’re all amazing!

Best Overall: Keychron K2 (And Best for Mac)

  • Cost: ✅ $170-200
  • Wireless? ✅ Yes
  • Hot-swappable? ❌ No
  • Switch Options? ✅ Yes
  • Best Feature: Low-profile switches, extra media keys, and ultra-fast wireless.

Note: This stylish mechanical keyboard is really an 80%-ish keyboard, not 75%, but close enough for this list.

Sometimes you want to keep the clicky/clacky/thocky of a mechanical keyboard, but also have a nice low-profile feel (for those with wrist pain especially!)

Add to that lots of PREMIUM features like fast 1MS wireless connectivity, extra media and macro keys, etc, and you have the Logitech G915 TKL.

It is pricey, but it’s SOLID.

In fact, this was ALMOST our best 75 mechanical keyboard. Period.

The G915 isn’t the most customizable mechanical keyboard ever (it’s not hot-swappable), but it may be its only serious drawback

Overall, the Logitech G9115 is a really simple way to get a great mechanical keyboard right out of the box, packed with all of the features you need for gaming, typing, or programming.

Related posts:

Other notable 75% mechanical keyboards:

These might not make our “best of” categories, but they’re still solid choices.

VELOCIFIRE TKL02

This is another SUPER budget pick, coming in under $40!

It’s wired and not hot-swappable, and you’ll have to pay just a few bucks more for the full-RGB version (you can save cash and pick up single-color backlighting though!)

Drevo Excalibur

They DO make an 84-key 75% version of this keyboard, which runs a little under $100, but if you can do without the function row, you can try out the cool 71-key version!

It’s cheaper, wireless, full-RGB, and has all the keys of a TKL EXCEPT for the function row.

A neat layout!

How to Choose the Right 75% Mechanical Keyboard (A Quick Buying Guide)

There are a few factors you’ll want to consider when picking out the perfect 75% mechanical keyboard for you:

  • Cost: You can find a great 75% mechanical keyboard for under $100, but you’ll start to see more premium features (like wireless connectivity, hot-swappable options, etc) in the $100 range.
  • Wireless or Wired: Do you want a wired or Bluetooth connection? There are great options for both, but keep in mind that wireless will usually add a bit to the price tag.
  • Hot-swappable: This is a great feature for those who want to be able to change out switches easily, without having to solder or desolder, etc. It’s becoming easier and easier to find hot-swappable boards for under $100!
  • RGB Backlighting: Do you want your keyboard to light up? RGB is the most popular option these days, but you can also find single-color backlighting if you’re looking to save a few bucks.
  • Switch Options: Most of the TKLs will come stock with Gateron, Cherry MX switches, or proprietary “no-name” switches (for the super-budget picks).
  • Build quality: Is a durable, aluminum keyboard important to you? Something more budget-friendly with a plastic frame?

And if you’d like something even more compact? Check out our best 60% keyboard recommendations!

75% Mechanical Keyboard F.A.Q.

Is 75 keyboard good for typing?

Yes! In fact, some people prefer the smaller footprint of a 75% mechanical keyboard for typing. The lack of a numberpad can actually help you keep your hands closer to your body (and closer together), which some people find more comfortable.

Is a 75% keyboard good for gaming?

As long as you don’t use the 10-key number pad for gaming, a 75% keyboard can actually be a great choice for gaming. The smaller footprint means you’ll have more room for your mouse, more desk space, etc.

Is a 75% keyboard Tenkeyless?

A 75% keyboard is nearly the same thing as an 80% TKL (tenkeyless) keyboard, except with no “space” in between the different parts of the keyboard. The arrow keys, function keys, and “home cluster” keys are packed in next to each other! This leads to a smaller footprint overall.

Should I get a 75 keyboard?

A 75% keyboard is a great option for those who want a more compact mechanical keyboard than a full-sized keyboard (to save space!)—without sacrificing key functions like the arrow keys and function keys. If you can live without a dedicated number pad, a 75% mechanical keyboard might be perfect for you!

How many keys does a 75% keyboard have?

A typical 75% keyboard will have 84 keys, but you can find some variations with fewer keys (usually 77 or 71. These keyboards often omit the function keys or a few “home cluster” keys like Page Up, Page Down, etc).

What is the best 75% keyboard?

The best 75% keyboard is the one that fits your needs the best! Consider what you value most in a keyboard (cost, wireless/wired, hot-swappable options, etc). We generally recommend the Keychron K2 as the best overall keyboard based on features and budget.

Conclusion: 75% TKLs are my FAVE size keyboard!

If you’re looking to save on desk space and have your keys closer together than a full-sized or 80% keyboard, a 75% is perfect.

If you’re a beginner, you can’t go wrong with a Keychron K2 or Royal Kludge RK84.

And if you’re willing to spend a bit more for a custom, premium experience, try grabbing a GMMK Pro!