TKO Barebones

60% barebones mechanical keyboard kit featuring a standard layout with optional triple spacebar, aluminum plate, dual-zone RGB lighting, and four-way tenting and tilting. Choose your own MX style switches and keycaps and build the ultimate tournament board.
SKU: KBTKO-WKIT

$99.00

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Overview

The TKO Tournament Keyboard is a powerful and premium compact keyboard designed for gaming, coding and conventional typing. With the new White Barebones Kit, you have the ultimate platform to build your own custom mechanical keyboard. Just add switches and keycaps and you are ready to go.

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Standard 60% Layout

The TKO features a conventional standard 60% layout so all the important keys are right where you expect them for both gaming or typing. Lesser used keys are relocated to the embedded “Fn” layer to minimize the keyboards footprint for closer mouse placement. Access arrow keys and keypad actions without ever leaving the home row. Frequent Fn-Layer users can assign the Fn key to one of the 3 HyperSpace keys for unrivaled layer navigation. The smaller footprint makes the TKO ideal for portability and for closer mouse placement for improved ergonomics.

Learn More about “Mouse Over-Reach”

HyperSpace Triple Space Bar

Perhaps the greatest innovation found on the TKO is the option to install 3 keys in the place of the standard 6.25u spacebar. Once installed, each key performs space by default but can be independently programmed (in both layers) to perform a different action to boost your gameplay or productivity by 300%. We’ve assigned example actions to Profiles 2-9 for Gaming, Typing, and Coding just to give you some ideas but the possibilities are endless.

Dual Zone RGB Lighting

Choose from a dozen RGB Backlighting effects including Wave, Spectrum, Rain, Ripple, Reactive and Rebound. Configure the subtle Edge lighting independently or match the Backlighting effect. And you can assign unique effects and colors to the Fn layer to help you navigate layers.

Premium Keycaps

Install any set of MX-compatible keycaps to create your own signature style. The TKO uses a standard layout with a 6.25u space bar and 1.25u bottom row so look for sets that feature the 7 keys plus the space bar in the bottom row. If you want to have backlighting, look for “shine-through” keycaps.

Preferred Keycap Partners

WASD Keyboards

Max Keyboard

Pimp My Keyboard (Use code “KinesisFreeShip2022” for free shipping)

Ergonomic Zero-Degree Slope

Most conventional keyboards feature a 5 degree positive slope. This typing posture may feel familiar but its actuallly quite bad for your wrists and its made even worse if you use pop-up feet to increase the slope. The TKO features a natural zero degree slope to reduce keep your wrists to improve circulation and reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries.

Learn More about Wrist Extension

We recognize that one-size does not fit all. So we’ve added two sets of SMALL LEGS to support 5 degrees of both positive and negative tilting so you can achieve that familiar feel of a conventionally sloped keyboard, or tilt the keyboard down if you have sensitive wrists.

Ergonomic Tenting

Tenting is a feature that has historically been reserved for those using a split keyboard. Tenting allows you to elevate the thumb-side of your hand to reduce harmful forearm pronation. The TKO features two additional set of BIG LEGS that allow both right and left handed gamers to experience the added comfort and stamina of tenting on a conventional one-piece keyboard. *Note: Tenting with the TKO is NOT recommended for conventional typing when both hands are on the keyboard. If you want to type in a tented configuration, checkout the Freestyle Edge RGB.

Learn More about Forearm Pronation

Switches

Hotswap Design

Unlike conventional keyboards, the key switches (sold separately) on the TKO are 100% plug-and-play. Purchase your favorite brand or model of MX-style switches (3 pin or 5 pin) and simply push them into place, no soldering required.

Install the same switches on the whole board, or customize the feel of individual keys to improve performance. Try using low force switches on press-and-hold keys like WASD, and higher force keys on abilities to keep from “fat-fingering” them.

Want to change it up? You can remove the switches and reinstall new ones.

SmartSet

Onboard Programming

The TKO features the SmartSet Programming Engine which allows you to remap keys and record macros on-the-fly, adjust keyboard settings, toggle between the 9 customizable Profiles, enable NKRO & Game Mode, and much more using the dedicated SmartSet Key (gear icon). The SmartSet Engine doesn’t require any special drivers or software and your settings are saved directly to the keyboard’s 4MB onboard storage.

SmartSet App

Download and install the all-new SmartSet App 3.0 (Windows and Mac) for advanced programming of layouts and customization of lighting effects.

Download the SmartSet App

Specs

Operating System

Plug-and-Play on Windows, Mac, Linux, & Chrome

Connectivity

USB Type A Wired (Single Port, 6′ Braided Cable)

Performance

1MS Response Time, NKRO Mode, Game Mode

Switches & Keycaps

Sold Separately (Compatible with 3 and 5 pin MX-style switches)

Lighting

Dual Zone, Per-Key 16.8M Color RGB Lighting

Dimensions

11.6″ wide x 4.5″ deep  x 1.3″ deep

Weight

20 oz (with switches and keycaps)

Warranty

1 Year Limited Warranty (*7 Days for Switch Sockets*)

In The Box

TKO Barebones Keyboard Kit, 5 Stabilizers, 2 MX Dust Covers, USB-C Cable, and Quick Start Guide

Don't want to build it yourself

Buy the TKO Limited Edition

You might also be interested in…

  • TKO Travel Case

  • TKO Limited Edition

    The TKO is the world's most versatile and ergonomic compact keyboard. The TKO features a standard 60% layout with modular HyperSpace Triple Space Bar Layout, hotswap mechanical switches, Double Shot PBT Keycaps, Aluminum Plate, Dual-Zone RGB Lighting, Adjustable Tenting and Tilting, the SmartSet Programming Engine, and Hard-Shell Travel Case.

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