Razer TKL vs Full-Size Keyboard: Best Picks by Game Genre

You’re lining up a perfect headshot in Valorant, but your mouse smacks the side of your keyboard… again. Sound familiar, SA gamers? The eternal desk-space battle is real, and it often comes down to one crucial choice: the Razer TKL vs Full-Size keyboard. This isn’t just about size; it’s about optimising your entire setup for victory. Let's break down which layout is best for your favourite games and why it matters for your performance.

Glorious Aura V2 145-Key PBT Mechanical Keyboard Keycaps - White / Full-size standard 145 Key / PBT Keys / LED Light Compatible / US Layout / Fits most mechanical keyboards / Compatible with GMMK 2 & GMMK PRO / <span style="color:red; font-size: 16px;">*Keyboard not Included*</span> / GLO-KC-AURA2-W

R599.00In Stock

Logitech MK235 Wireless Keyboard And Mouse Combo / Familiar Keyborad Layout / Long Battery Life / Built To Last / Reliable Wireless / 920-007931

R449.00In Stock

Razer Huntsman V2 Analog Gaming Keyboard - Analog Optical Switches / Doubleshot PBT keycaps / Full 3.6 mm Actuation / 16.8 million RGB colors / Magnetic Plush Leatherette Wrist Rest / Multi-Function Digital Dial And 4 Media Keys / RZ03-03610100-R3M1

R2499.00In Stock

Glorious GPBT 114-Keys Premium PBT Mechanical Keyboard Keycaps - Pastel / Compatible with GMMK PRO & GMMK 2 / Fits Most Full-size/TKL Compact Keyboards / Non-Transparent Keycaps / US Layout / <span style="color:red; font-size: 16px;">*Keyboard not Included*</span> / GLO-KC-GPBT-P

R799.00In Stock

Logitech MK220 Wireless Keyboard And Mouse Combo / Long Battery Life / 10 re-programmable keys / Full-size, spill-resistant keyboard / Instant media Access / Logitech Unifying Receiver / 920-003161

R449.00In Stock

Glorious 104 Keys ABS Double Shot Mechanical Keyboard Keycaps - White / Double Shot Injection Legends / Backlight LED Compatible / Unique Dual-layer Casing / Standard Bottom Row / ABS Plastic / Keyboard not Included / G-104-White

R299.00In Stock

The Core Difference: Numpad or No Numpad?

Before diving into genres, let's clarify the battlefield. The debate between a TKL and full-size Razer keyboard boils down to one key area: the number pad.

• Full-Size Keyboards: The classic 104-key layout. You get the numpad, dedicated function keys, and all the bells and whistles. It’s the undisputed king of productivity and a macro powerhouse for certain games.
• Tenkeyless (TKL) Keyboards: These boards chop off the entire numpad section, resulting in a more compact, 87-key layout. The primary benefit? More precious real estate for your mouse. This extra space allows for wider, more comfortable arm movements—a massive advantage in shooters.

Choosing the right one from the start is key to building the perfect gaming rig, and there are amazing gaming keyboards in both layouts to fit any budget.

Best Razer Keyboard Layout by Game Genre

Your main game is the single biggest factor when choosing a keyboard. What works for a Dota 2 pro might be a handicap for a CS:GO champion.

Razer Cynosa Lite Essential Gaming Keyboard / Gaming Grade Keys / Spill-Resistant Design / Built-in 10 Key Roll-Over / Spill-Resistant Durable Design / Programmable Backlit Keys / 16.8 Million Color Options / RZ03-02740700-R3U1

R899.00In Stock

MARVO CM416 LOOT40 4 IN 1 Gaming Combo / Supports up to 3200 DPI / Mousepad / 3 Colors Backlight / RGB Headset (1x 3.5mm Mic Audio Jack, 1x 3.5mm Speakers Audio Jack, 1x USB-A Connector for RGB) / CM416

R299.00In Stock

MSI Vigor GK30 Gaming Keyboard - White / Plunger Switch / 6 Keys Rollover / 20 Keys Anti-Ghosting / S11-04US318-CLA

R699.00In Stock

Corsair K70 PRO TKL RGB Tenkeyless Mechanical Wired Gaming Keyboard – Pre-Lubed Hall Effect MGX Hyperdrive Adjustable Switches, Simultaneous SOCD and Rapid Trigger, ABS Double-Shot, QWERTY NA – Black / CH-911911G-NA

R3499.00In Stock

ROCCAT Vulcan 121 AIMO Linear Mechanical Titan Switch Full-size PC Gaming Keyboard with Per-key AIMO RGB Lighting, Anodized Aluminum Top Plate and Detachable Palm Rest – Black / ROC-12-671-RD-AM

R2799.00In Stock

MARVO K638B Soldat S50B Membrane Gaming Keyboard / Rainbow Backlit / ABS Keycaps / Detachable USB Type-C Cable / K638B

R499.00In Stock

For the FPS Gods: CS:GO, Valorant, Apex Legends 🎯

The Verdict: TKL is King.

For first-person shooters, every millimetre of mousepad space counts. Low-sensitivity aiming, which allows for more precise control, requires big mouse sweeps. A TKL keyboard gives you that room, preventing those frustrating moments where your mouse hits your keyboard mid-flick. The more ergonomic, closer-together posture for your hands can also reduce strain during long ranked sessions.

For competitive play, latency is non-negotiable, which is why many pros stick with tournament-ready wired keyboards to ensure every command is registered instantly.

For the MMO & Strategy Masters: WoW, Dota 2, FFXIV 🚀

The Verdict: Full-Size for Maximum Firepower.

If your screen is filled with hotbars, complex rotations, and dozens of commands, a full-size Razer keyboard is your best friend. That numpad isn't just for spreadsheets; it's a dedicated macro pad waiting to be programmed. Binding your primary DPS rotation, defensive cooldowns, or complex unit commands to the numpad makes execution faster and more intuitive.

For these games, the extra mouse space is less critical than having instant access to more commands. Plus, the visual flair of fully programmable RGB keyboards lets you colour-code key groups for specific functions.

For the All-Rounder: Elden Ring, GTA V, Content Creation ✨

The Verdict: A Tough Choice, but Full-Size Often Wins.

If you play a huge variety of games and also use your PC for work or study, the versatility of a full-size keyboard is hard to ignore. The numpad is incredibly useful for everyday tasks, from entering data to navigating creative software. While you might lose some mouse room, the trade-off for productivity can be worth it.

However, if you value a clean, minimalist desk aesthetic above all else, many all-rounders are perfectly happy with clutter-free wireless models in a TKL format, keeping a separate numpad handy for when they need it.

Glorious LYNX Mechanical Keyboard Switches - Lubed / Compatible with ALL GMMK / SMD RGB light hole for RGB compatibility / 36 switches per pack / GLO-SWT-LYNX-LUBED

R499.00In Stock

Razer BlackWidow V4 X Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Green Switches Tactile & Clicky / 6 Dedicated Macro Keys / Chroma RGB / Doubleshot ABS Keycaps / Media Controls / Sound Dampening & Stabilizers / RZ03-04700100-R3M1

R3099.00In Stock

Dell KM5221W Pro Wireless Keyboard and Mouse - Combo / Programmable keys and scroll wheel / Up to 4000 DPI / 2.4 GHz Interface / 580-AJRP

R799.00In Stock

SteelSeries Apex 9 Mini FaZe Clan Edition – HotSwap Optical Mini Keyboard – 60% Compact Design – Optical Switches – RGB Customization – Aluminum Alloy Frame – Double Shot PBT Keycap / 64853

R4999.00In Stock

Dell KM7120W Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard and Mouse US International (QWERTY) - Black / 580-AIWM

R1399.00In Stock

Razer BlackWidow V4 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard: Green Switches Tactile & Clicky - Chroma RGB - 6 Dedicated Macro Keys - Magnetic Wrist Rest - Doubleshot ABS Keycaps - Multi-Function Roller & Media Keys / RZ03-04690100-R3M1

R3999.00In Stock

The Final Keystroke

Ultimately, the Razer TKL vs Full-Size keyboard decision rests on your priorities. Are you a pure FPS competitor desperate for mouse space, or an MMO strategist who needs a command centre at your fingertips? Neither is objectively "better"—the best board is the one that complements your playstyle and makes your gaming experience in South Africa more comfortable and dominant.