The Be Quiet! Light Mount TKL keyboard arrives as a compact, 80% evolution of last year's nearly silent full-size offering. This iteration introduces Be Quiet!'s next generation of Silent V2 switches, available in Linear and Tactile flavors, aiming to further reduce noise while enhancing responsiveness. The TKL form factor addresses desk space concerns and aims to refine the user experience for both work and gaming.
Silent Switches and TKL Design
The Light Mount TKL features Be Quiet!'s Silent Linear V2 switches in the review unit, with Tactile V2s also an option. According to the company, these switches boast thicker gold contact points and optimized lubrication for quieter operation and improved responsiveness. The V2 switches are described as even quieter than their predecessors, maintaining the keyboard's core appeal for those sensitive to noise. The 80% layout provides ample room for mouse movement while avoiding accidental key presses often encountered on smaller form factors.
The keyboard's construction emphasizes quietness, incorporating three internal layers of sound-dampening foam. The PBT keycaps, a durable material resistant to finger grease, offer a subtle texture. While the keyboard lacks vibrant color options, its understated design with a brushed aluminum top plate gives it a sophisticated appearance suitable for both gaming setups and professional environments. The RGB lighting, featuring per-key illumination via ARGB diffusers and a top light strip, offers customization through Be Quiet!'s IO Center software and supports Microsoft Dynamic Lighting.
Gaming Features and Performance
Beyond its silent operation, the Light Mount TKL introduces several gaming-centric features. Game Mode allows users to disable specific keys, including Capslock, to prevent accidental interruptions. A more significant addition is Quick Tap, Be Quiet!'s implementation of SOCD (Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions) cleaning. This feature prioritizes the most recent directional input, which can enhance strafing efficiency in games, though it is banned in titles like Counter-Strike 2. The keyboard supports a 1,000 Hz polling rate, ensuring responsiveness for gaming.
In testing, the Silent Linear V2 switches provided a pleasingly smooth actuation, likened to tiptoeing over soft sand. The combination of the switches and the keyboard's internal dampening significantly muted key presses, even the space bar, making it ideal for late-night gaming sessions. While the Quick Tap feature can make directional changes snappier, the overall gaming performance is somewhat tempered by the keyboard's primary focus on silence rather than cutting-edge gaming features. The IO Center software allows for macro recording and detailed RGB customization, though the PBT keycaps result in a more subtle RGB glow compared to some competitors.
Value and Comparison
At $140/€140, the Light Mount TKL is positioned in the mid-to-high range for gaming keyboards. While it offers significant improvements in switch technology and the addition of Quick Tap compared to the original Light Mount, it faces strong competition. Other compact keyboards, such as the Keychron K2 HE or Wooting 60HE v2, offer features like wireless connectivity, Hall effect switches, and customizable actuation points at similar or lower price points. Budget options like the Gamakay x NaughShark NS68 provide a compelling value proposition with comparable switch technology and keycaps, albeit with compromises in build quality and software sophistication.
The Light Mount TKL excels as a quiet, well-built mechanical keyboard suitable for both work and gaming. Its refined switches and solid construction are undeniable strengths. However, for gamers seeking the most feature-rich or competitive-oriented TKL, other options may offer more at a comparable or lesser cost. The TKL's appeal lies in its niche: a premium, quiet typing and gaming experience for those who prioritize auditory discretion above all else.