be quiet! has released the Light Mount TKL, a tenkeyless version of its full-size Light Mount keyboard. This 87-key board utilizes a modified US ANSI layout, though other language variations are also available. The company, a German components brand founded in 2001, built its reputation on silent mechanical operation, and this keyboard line extends that focus into peripherals.
Pricing positions the TKL below the Dark Mount, which was the company’s initial and most expensive keyboard offering. The specification sheet reveals a detailed build: the keyboard features an aluminium top plate mounted over an ABS bottom panel. Keycaps are constructed from PBT material, and the board includes foam sheets, macro support, full N-key rollover, and a volume wheel.
Dimensions measure 358 x 132 x 44mm, with the total weight listing 1.03kg, including the wrist rest. A magnetic padded wrist rest is included in the box, a genuinely rare detail in 2026.
The switches used are be quiet!’s own Silent V2 units. These units come in two options: linear Orange or tactile Black. Reviewers emphasize that the V2 switches focus on cutting mechanical noise without making the keys feel lifeless. Three layers of internal sound-absorbing material, combined with lubricated Cherry stabilisers and a sturdy chassis, result in a controlled sound that retains a mechanical feel, even if it is less intrusive in shared office or gaming environments.
Build quality receives consistent praise across testing platforms. The combination of the brushed aluminium top plate and double-shot PBT keycaps provides durability. The keyboard feels stable at 770g without the wrist rest. Practical features include three available typing angles and a detachable braided cable.
Illumination is elaborate, extending beyond the simple black chassis. It features per-key illumination, a light bar along the top edge, and additional strips on both sides. All lighting is evenly diffused and dimmable, supporting Microsoft Dynamic Lighting for basic OS integration.
The functional feature set is notable. The board includes a programmable aluminium media wheel and three dedicated mechanical buttons placed on the upper left. These controls keep media and volume adjustments accessible while the right hand remains on the mouse. Furthermore, the five-pin MX-style sockets are hot-swappable, allowing users to experiment with or replace switches without soldering.
On performance, the keyboard offers full N-key rollover and onboard memory. A Quick Tap SOCD function is present, designed to prioritize the most recent input in an opposing pair, useful for actions like strafing, although one source cautioned that certain competitive titles limit SOCD processing.
Some specifications differ from the current flagship models. The TKL lacks magnetic switches and adjustable actuation. Polling rate stands at 1,000Hz rather than 8,000Hz. While one source noted this leaves it short of performance competitors at the same price, they added that most users will not notice this deficit during typical gaming or desktop use.
The main advantages of the Light Mount TKL rest with its acoustics, materials, comfort, and refinement. It is priced at $139.90, €139.90, or £119.90 depending on the region. Multiple reviews generally judge the build quality appropriate for the cost. The TKL is viewed as a compact, aluminium-topped, and quiet option, provided the user does not require a full numeric pad or the cutting-edge performance of magnetic switches.
