NovaKeys TKL Mechanical Keyboard Review

The NovaKeys TKL is a tenkeyless (without the numeric block) mechanical keyboard aimed at demanding typists and gamers who want silence without giving up the tactile feel of a mechanical switch. With a CNC aluminum structure, floating plate with foam dampening, and proprietary NovaSwitch Silent Tactile switches, the keyboard promises to be the answer for those who work in open spaces or live with others. We tested the product for three weeks of intensive daily use.

The Switches and Typing Experience

The NovaSwitch Silent Tactile switches have an actuation force of 45g with a crisp tactile point at 2mm and a dampening ring that silences the impact sound in both directions — pressing and releasing. The result is a keyboard that offers the tactile feedback of traditional switches like the Gateron Brown or Cherry MX Brown, but with a noise level comparable to a quality membrane keyboard. In ambient audio recordings, the NovaKeys TKL generated only 38 dB during fast typing — the lowest value we measured in tactile mechanical keyboards.

Switch consistency is excellent: we identified no perceptible variation in force or feel between different keys on the same keyboard, which is often a problem with entry-level switches. The declared lifespan of 100 million actuations is consistent with the build quality observed.

Build Quality, Software, and Verdict

The anodized aluminum body has the rigidity and weight (1.2 kg) that communicate quality without overdoing the heft. The multilayer dampening system — foam between plate and PCB, rubbers under the switches, and silicone feet — eliminates the metallic "ping" resonance common in aluminum keyboards without modification. The RGB lighting via south-facing LED is diffused and uniform, configurable via the NovaConfig software. For those seeking the perfect balance between mechanical feel and silence, the NovaKeys TKL is one of the best options on the market.