TKL Keyboard Cases: The Detailed Guide About TKL Keyboard Cases

TKL Keyboards

To understand the use cases, we must first understand what TKL keyboards are. Nowadays, keyboard layouts are surrounded by so much jargon that it can become confusing. Does a TKL keyboard consist of how many keys and how many are there? How does TKL compare with other keyboards in terms of percentage? Let’s examine.

First of all, the “TKL” in “TKL keyboard” stands for “Tenkeyless.” However, this doesn’t mean that your keyboard has ten fewer keys than a full-sized keyboard. 

TKL Keyboard Case

Imagine that you are looking to build your custom keyboard, but you have no idea which case to choose. If you are trying to decide between several different keyboard models, you are unsure what keyboard to choose. We will look at several other keyboard cases today, each with different sizes and materials. Here we will discuss each keyboard case’s advantages and disadvantages and hopefully help you pick the right one for your next keyboard.

TKL Keyboard Case Sizes

Full-size keyboards (100%), TKL keyboards (80%), 75%, 65%, 60%, and 40% are the most common. Separate keyboards are also common. A split keyboard is a standard keyboard split into two halves. Better ergonomics and ease of use are two benefits of split keyboards. Cases for split keyboards can be difficult to find because you have to purchase the LH case and the RH case separately. It can be easy to order the wrong parts when buying the case for a split keyboard, so please be careful when ordering.

TKL Keyboard cases: types of materials.

Keyboard cases can be made from a variety of different materials. The two most commonly used materials are aluminum and plastic. Aluminum and plastic are the most accessible materials to mass produce, which is why so many keyboards can be found in these materials. There are also less common keyboard case types made of acrylic and wood, and you will need to order them online from a custom maker. Alternatively, if you are a DIY enthusiast, you can design these keyboards yourself.

Every material has its look, feel, and weight and can change how a keystroke sounds when typed. Aside from that, some materials are more durable and can last longer than others. Selecting the suitable material depends on your personal preferences and how much money you are willing to spend.

1. By Plastic

Plastic is undoubtedly the most common material used to build cases because it is both the easiest to manufacture and the least expensive. It is not uncommon for keyboard cases to come in black or gray, but they can also be produced in other colors. A plastic keyboard case is ABS plastic with a metal plate to support its structure. It’s relatively inexpensive and easy to liquefy when forming plastic components, so ABS plastic is used. Injection molding and 3D printing are easier with ABS plastic. In addition, ABS plastics are resistant to corrosive chemicals and physical impacts.

Besides polycarbonate (PC), polycarbonate is another common material used for keyboard cases. Plastics made from PC have better toughness than ABS, making them more impact-resistant. Nowadays, most keyboard cases are made of PC and ABS plastic, making for a more durable material when mixed.

PBT plastic is commonly used in the design of keycaps since it does not develop a smooth appearance as ABS does. Keycaps made from this material are great, but keyboard cases should not be constructed with them because of their brittleness. PBT will shatter or crack under impact, whereas ABS will bend to make room for the effects.

2. By Aluminum

There is also the option of using aluminum cases, which are heavier and more durable than plastic. These cases are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a point that feels solid and stable. Aluminum cases tend to be more rigid and less flexible than their plastic counterparts. The quality of aluminum cases can vary greatly.

A more upscale aluminum case will generally have better machining due to the manufacturer, which will result in a more precise, clean-looking case. A heavier aluminum case is also generally more upscale.

3. By Stainless Steel

The production and machining of steel cases are much more complicated than aluminum, so they are much less common. There are several case options you can choose from, but steel generally has a higher weight and is the most complex material to bend. In addition, steel does not rust.

4. By Acrylic

Cases made of acrylic are also an exciting option. Acrylic is technically plastic, but its physical characteristics are similar to glass. Acrylic is a transparent plastic with powerful and stiff properties. It is very weather-resistant as well. The mirror weighs about half as much as acrylic, but it is more impact-resistant.

5. By Wood

Wood cases are not commonly found on mechanical keyboards. For instance, cutting, sanding, and finishing them require more effort. Based on the type of wood used and how it was prepared, the quality of a wood base will vary.

Has Tkl improved gaming?

The tenkeyless architecture is fantastic for gaming because it eliminates the Numpad, which is rarely used in gaming, and gives your cursor much more area to move. Given that many of the keyboards on our highest-ranked list have just a TKL size, this list likely resembles it quite closely.

FAQs

Do you consider 75% of a keyboard to be a TKL? 

Following the success of TKL keyboards, smaller versions of TKL keyboards have appeared. One of them is the 75% keyboard. This keyboard is relatively compact, with all keys packed into a small case. It features most of the duplicate keys found on TKL keyboards.

How many keycaps does TKL require?

The tenkeyless keyboard has 87 keys, making it 80% of the size of a regular keyboard. Tenkeyless offers a lot of ergonomics in terms of shoulder separation and width (the distance between one elbow and another).

What are the advantages of TKL?

Many people prefer a smaller keyboard because it fits into their overall vision of working, playing games, or streaming.

What is the optimum percentage for a keyboard?

As long as you don’t mind a 60% keyboard missing the arrow keys, numeric keypad, F keys, and navigation cluster, it will save you space on your desk, add a nice flair to your setup, and make it easier for you to carry around.