Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions remain my own. You can learn more about our editorial policies here.
A gaming keyboard is a must for any PC gamer. It provides the essential features and functions that you need to play your favorite games at your best. And, with so many models on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you, especially if you are on a budget. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to the best gaming keyboards under $100, so you can find the perfect one for your needs without spending a fortune.
We’ve also included a comparison chart, so you can easily compare the features and prices of the different models. And, if you’re not sure what to look for in a gaming keyboard, we’ve got you covered with our buyer’s guide. So, whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced gamer, you’ll be able to find the perfect keyboard for your needs.
What to look for in a gaming keyboard
When choosing a gaming keyboard, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Don’t settle for average build quality
Average build quality has been a hallmark of budget keyboarding products in the past. Some models were made using cheap plastics, were covered by hideous keys and letters could be written into the keys. This may result in letters losing their value in about one year while keyboard breakage is occurring before the warranty period is completed. But today you can get an excellent keyboard from any manufacturer. I’m glad it is no longer necessary for someone whose finances are tighter. The best gaming keyboard is only about $100.
You can get any mechanical switch you want
This is a big one. In the past, it was difficult to find a gaming keyboard with anything but the most basic mechanical switches. But now, there are models available with any type of switch you could want, from Cherry MX Reds to Topre switches. And, if you’re willing to spend a little more, you can even get keyboards with optical or mechanical switches.
Mechanical Vs Membrane Switches
The debate has raged for nearly ten years now as the mechanical switches revolutionize gaming keyboards. Since they have been discussed at length already, we’ll keep it short.
Mechanical switches can provide more tactile feedback, particularly in red, brown and blue. It can work for many people, especially when they usually play at the keyboard but use the keyboard less for keyboarding.
Other gaming guides, Best Twitch Banner Size to make your channel look professional
Membrane switches, on the other hand, provide a softer feel with each key press and are less likely to cause finger fatigue. If you spend more time typing than gaming, it might be the better option for you.
Some people even like a mix of the two with some keys being mechanical and others membrane. This can be found on some gaming keyboards that come in a hybrid configuration.
Size Does Matter
When it comes to gaming keyboards, size does matter. If you’re looking for a keyboard that can be used for both gaming and typing, you’ll want to look for a full-sized keyboard. These keyboards usually have 104 or 105 keys, which includes a number pad, function keys, and arrow keys.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a keyboard that’s strictly for gaming, you might want to consider a Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard. These keyboards ditched the number pad to save space, and they’re perfect for gamers who don’t need it.
Some people even prefer mini keyboards. These keyboards are even smaller than TKL keyboards, and they’re perfect for traveling or for gamers who have limited desk space.
Consider the Extras
When you’re looking for a gaming keyboard, you’ll want to consider the extras that come with it. Some gaming keyboards come with dedicated media keys, which can be convenient if you like to listen to music or watch videos while you’re gaming.
Other keyboards come with a wrist rest, which can be great for comfort during long gaming sessions. And, some keyboards even come with RGB lighting, which can add a bit of style to your setup.
Dedicated multimedia controls featured on a pc gaming keyboard are also a key ingredient to make a great gaming keyboard. This allows you to control your audio without having to alt-tab out of your game.
Connectivity
Gaming keyboards are offered as wireless or cordless keyboards. The wireless keyboards are generally better since they can be used without being tethered to a desktop. One thing that must be considered is the latency that is introduced by the wireless connection.
A wired connection is typically made via a USB cable. This is the most common type of connection, and it’s the simplest to use. Just plug the keyboard into an available USB port, and you’re good to go.
Some gaming keyboards also come with a PS/2 connection. This type of connection is typically found on high-end gaming keyboards, and it can provide faster response times than a USB connection. However, it’s not as common as it used to be, and you might need an adapter to use it with a modern computer.
Layout
When you’re looking for a gaming keyboard, you’ll want to consider the layout. The most common type of layout is the QWERTY layout, which is the standard keyboard layout that’s used for typing.
However, there are also gaming keyboards that come with an AZERTY or Dvorak layout. These layouts can be beneficial for gamers who want to have a more efficient way of inputting their commands.
There are also gaming keyboards that come with a simplified layout. These keyboards typically have fewer keys than a standard keyboard, and they’re designed for gamers who want a more streamlined experience.
Macros
One feature that’s often found on gaming keyboards is macros. Macros are basically shortcuts that allow you to input a specific sequence of commands with the press of a single button.
More gaming guide, find the top USB DAC for gaming
This can be beneficial for gamers who want to execute complex commands quickly. Some gaming keyboards even come with dedicated macro keys, which can be programmed to perform any number of actions.
How We Tested
It was a hard job but someone has to do it. To test these keyboards we boarded ourselves up in a dark basement for days on end, only emerging for sustenance and to relieve ourselves. We played every type of game you can imagine on a variety of different platforms. From first person shooters to real-time strategy games, we tested them all. We also looked at a variety of factors such as build quality, key feel, price, and features.
And, after days of testing, we’ve come up with a list of the best gaming keyboards under $100. So, whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or the best of the best, you’ll find it here.
The Best Gaming Keyboards Under $100
Below, we’ve rounded up our top picks for the best gaming keyboards under $100. We’ve included a mix of wired and wireless models, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. And, we’ve also included a variety of different features, so you can find the perfect keyboard for your budget.
Corsair K60 – Best Overall
Corsair K60 RGB Pro SE Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Best Overall
The Corsair K60 is a gaming keyboard with a brushed aluminum frame and RGB backlighting. It has Cherry mx mechanical switches for a fast, responsive typing experience, and the macros can be customized for gaming or general use.
The keycaps are double-shot injected for durability, and the wrist rest is detachable for comfort. The USB passthrough port allows you to connect other devices, such as a mouse or headset, and the multimedia controls let you quickly adjust audio volume without interrupting your game.
When testing with fast paced games we found the responsiveness of the K60 to be impeccable. The keys are well spaced and have a nice travel to them, making it easy to execute complex commands quickly.
We also really liked the brushed aluminum magnesium alloy, which gives the keyboard a premium feel. And, the detachable wrist rest is a nice touch that makes long gaming sessions more comfortable. Overall, the Corsair K60
Whether you’re a casual gamer or a competitive pro, the Corsair K60 is a great choice for an RGB gaming keyboard.
HyperX Alloy Origins – Best Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Under $100
Best Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Under $100
Coming in a bit more expensive than our top pick, the HyperX Alloy Origins is a high-end gaming keyboard with a solid aluminum frame and RGB backlighting. It has your choice of either linear or tactile mechanical switches, and the macros can be customized for gaming or general use.
The The HyperX reds are a little smoother and don’t have as much of a scratchy feel as the Cherry mx switches.
The keycaps are double-shot injected for durability, and the wrist rest is detachable for comfort. The connection uses a detachable USB-C cable, and the keyboard also has a USB passthrough port for connecting other devices. The keyboard features anti ghosting technology, which ensures that all of your keystrokes will be registered, even if you press multiple keys at once.
The multimedia controls such as a dedicated volume wheel et you quickly adjust audio volume without interrupting your game.
If you’re looking for a high-end gaming keyboard with all the bells and whistles, the HyperX Alloy Origins is a great option.
Logitech G613 Keyboard and G305 Wireless Mouse – Best Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo Under $100
Logitech G613 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard and G305 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse
Best Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo Under $100
Logitech’s G613 is a gaming keyboard with a simple, straightforward design. It has Romer-G mechanical switches for a fast, responsive typing experience, and the macros can be customized for gaming or general use.
The keycaps are durable and the wrist rest is very comfortable. As for the Romer-G switches, they have a nice tactile bump and the key switches are some of the best we found in the budget keyboards we tested. The wireless connection is stable and I noticed no lag.
The G305 wireless gaming mouse is a great addition to the keyboard. It has an ergonomic design and is very comfortable to use. The Logitech G613 is a great choice for a gaming keyboard and mouse combo under $100.
SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid – Best Hybrid Gaming Keyboard Under $100
SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Best Hybrid Gaming Keyboard Under $100
The unique hybrid setup has keys that are not membranes. The alphabet keys are the only ones that may be set to different heights. Keyboard controls like the number pad and arrow keys can’t be customized.
They’re definitely not whisper-quiet in my opinion. It’s a lot noisier than a laptop keyboard with membrane keys, for sure. I’d hesitate to describe them as loud. Anyone in the room with you, however, can hear you type. In theory, the changeable keys allow you to fine-tune their sensitivity. If you are looking for a quiet gaming keyboard under $100, there are a few options that are better but you give up the adjustability of the hybrid SteelSeries Apex 5.
Dynamic per-key RGB illumination on this keyboard’s aluminum alloy frame. The keyboard’s magnetically attached premium detachable wrist rest completes the package. The upper right-hand corner of the keyboard features a small OLED smart display, which can show game information, discord messages, gifs, and more!
You can also manage volume levels, skip forward and backward, pause, and even rewind using a clickable metal roller located directly next to the OLED smart display’s OLED display. The keyboard’s power cable can be removed in one of three methods. The only drawback we found is there are some reported software issues but we did not experience any issues in our test.
Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini – Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard Under 100
Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed 65% Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard: HyperSpeed Wireless Technology - Yellow Mechanical Switches- Linear & Silent - Doubleshot ABS keycaps - 200Hrs Battery Life
Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard Under $100
The Razor is a bit of a reach for our under $100 budget but it is regularly on sale and pretty easy to find refurbished that it makes the list. The Razer BlackWidow V3 mini is a 60% wireless keyboard that uses Razer’s own green or yellow mechanical switches. The keycaps are made of ABS plastic and have been durable during our tests. The keyboard has a detachable USB-C cable for charging and a wireless dongle that plugs into your computer’s USB port.
More gear tips, How to Fix Bluetooth Headphones not working with Discord mobile
The Razer BlackWidow V3 mini is a great choice for a wireless gaming keyboard in a compact form factor. The build quality is excellent and the mechanical switches are very responsive. HyperSpeed connectivity, in particular, made us think the V3 Mini was nearly indistinguishable from a wired computer. In addition, the Yellow linear switches in our test unit struck us greatly. These switches not only work well, but they also sound wonderful because to their abundance of sound dampeners.
Keychron K2 – Best Budget Keyboard for Gaming
Keychron K2 75% Layout Bluetooth Mechanical Keyboard
Best Budget Keyboard for Gaming
Wireless gaming keyboards have never been more affordable than with the Keychron K2. For a low price you get a decent-sized gaming keyboard with wireless connectivity and Gateron mechanical switches. All the features we wanted is included in these budget mechanical keyboards except RGB lighting and the price.
While working and writing on my PC or MacBook Pro, I found the Keychron K2’s capacity to connect to three devices especially useful. The K2’s left side has a few switches that let you pick between Bluetooth and the provided cable, as well as Windows or Mac mode, if you’re using it on a Mac. Bluetooth pairing was a breeze because everything is updated in real time with no delays.
It employs Gateron Brown switches, which are basically a typist’s switch because of its convenient tactile bump halfway down the travel. It’s still possible to play games with these pre-lubed Gateron contenders, as I did while writing this review. With the bump, they’re still rather nice to use, and the K2’s NKRO feature makes it a useful game board.
With a 4000mAh battery, the K2 can go the distance, with or without illumination. With a battery life of 68 hours on full lighting and 240 hours off, the USB Type-C charging cable can go weeks without being touched.
In the grand scheme of things, though, it’s an excellent entry-level mechanical keyboard, especially for those who work from home and use multiple devices. In addition to that, the Keychron K2’s wireless capabilities feel like icing on the cake of an already outstanding device.
KLIM Chroma Wireless Gaming Keyboard – Best Cheap Keyboard for Gaming Keyboard Under $50
Best Cheap Keyboard for Gaming Keyboard Under $50
The KLIM gives you so much functionality for a cheap price that we found it to be heads and tails better than the other keyboards in its price range. It’s also one of the best-looking gaming keyboards we’ve seen, with per-key RGB backlighting that can be customized to your liking.
Find great games to play on Twitch, Games with Twitch Integration
The KLIM has good wireless connectivity with minimal lag. While testing, I could move the keyboard around 20 feet away from the USB dongle and did not have any connection issues. For this price you are not getting mechanical switches, instead they use membrane keys that have a short travel distance to make typing a quick effortless action. The rubber dome switches proved to be very responsive for a membrane keyboard and for the price, it cannot be beat.
Overall a very good gaming keyboard with membrane switches for those on a tight budget.
Logitech G PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – Best Logitech Gaming Keyboard Under $100
Best Logitech Gaming Keyboard Under $100
The Logitech G PRO is a high-performance gaming keyboard that is designed for professional gamers. The G PRO features GX Blue Click switches, which are light and responsive, making them ideal for fast-paced gaming. The compact ten keyless design of the G PRO makes it easy to take with you to tournaments, and the LIGHTSYNC technology highlights keys to help you keep track of your game. The G PRO also includes a detachable cable, making it easy to transport. Whether you’re a professional gamer or just looking for a high-performance gaming keyboard, the Logitech G PRO is an excellent choice.
CORSAIR STRAFE RGB – Best Quiet Gaming Keyboard
Best Quiet Gaming Keyboard
Corsair STRAFE RGB MK.2 is hard to surpass in terms of build quality and affordability. Brushed metal covers the case, and Cherry MX red switches, which are renowned for their quietness, grace the keyboard.
CORSAIR’s iCUE software can be used to customize the keyboard’s RGB backlighting. Also included is a detachable wrist rest, a USB pass-through port, and media controls.
When paired with a quality Twitch microphone, this is the perfect combination for a budget-minded gamer who wants to be able to frag with the best of them without spending a fortune.
Wrapping Up
We hope you enjoyed our review of the best gaming keyboard under $100. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!
FAQ
Looking for more answers on the best gaming keyboard under $100? Check out our FAQ section below.
What are the best switches for gaming?
The best switches for gaming are typically mechanical switches such as the Cherry MX switches. Mechanical switches offer a better feel and a more accurate keypress. However, they can be louder than other types of switches. If you are looking for a quiet gaming keyboard, you may want to consider a keyboard with rubber dome or membrane switches.
What is the best size for a gaming keyboard?
The best size for a gaming keyboard depends on your personal preference. Some gamers prefer a full-sized keyboard, while others prefer a tenkeyless or compact keyboard. If you are unsure which size is right for you, try some different keyboards out and see which is most comfortable for your playing style.
What Are the Benefits of Mechanical Keyboards for Gaming?
There are several benefits of mechanical keyboards for gaming. Mechanical keyboards offer a better feel, tactile feedback and a more accurate keypress. They can also be louder than other types of switches.
What is the importance of Macro Keys?
Macro keys are important for gamers who want to be able to execute complex commands with a single keypress. Macro keys can also be used to create shortcuts for commonly used commands.
What is the best way to clean my gaming keyboard?
The best way to clean your gaming keyboard is to use compressed air to remove dust and dirt from the keys and switches.
Can Membrane Keyboards be used for gaming?
Yes, membrane keyboards can be used for gaming. However, they are not as durable as mechanical keyboards and do not offer the same level of performance.