PC gaming with a regular keyboard could easily ruin your overall experience. While the idea of getting a whole new keyboard tailored to your gaming needs may seem unnecessary, hardcore gamers swear by a gaming keyboard. There is no doubt that a gaming keyboard can be quite pricey, but fortunately, if you're on a budget, you can find the best gaming keyboard under $100 to provide you with a more ergonomic experience.
However, finding the best keyboard in the price range can be a long and strenuous task. For this reason, we compiled a review of the 10 best gaming keyboards under $100. Whether you're looking to find a versatile keyboard for everyday use or something all out for a satisfying gaming experience, this comprehensive guide will help you find the perfect one.
Contents
What Is a Good Keyboard Under 100 Dollars?
With PC gaming, you need to have the best keyboard to ensure your gaming experience is the best. A good gaming keyboard should provide more satisfying tactile feedback and more options. These gaming keyboards come with dedicated macro keys as well as dedicated media keys. Some cool aesthetics on the keyboard would also be a great addition.
A good keyboard should also have highly responsive switches and offer superb durability. While these premium features don't really come at a low price, there are plenty of budget keyboards that provide some, if not all, the required features. So, here are some budget keyboards that you can consider.
What is the best gaming keyboard under $100?
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1. Redragon K552 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- Tenkeyless compact mechanical gaming keyboard Redragon k552 tkl small compact...
- Rainbow LED RGB backlit mechanical USB gaming keyboard 19 different lighting...
- Ergonomic designed steel series mechanical game keyboards high-quality durable...
- Anti ghosting all 87 keys are conflict free nkey rollover featuring 12...
The Redragon K552 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is an LED keyboard that comes at a very affordable price. Although this keyboard doesn't have unnecessary frills, it is a solid mechanical gaming keyboard that offers great value for money.
It features durable construction with sturdy plastic and a solid metal frame. The mechanical keys on the keyboard are mounted on Cherry Blue switches. Since this is a tenkeyless keyboard, it is significantly compact in size, but you won't be able to use it for accounting purposes.
The LED lighting is functional and consists of red backlighting, which you can adjust to the dimness. It is a great option for left-handed players because of the ability to swap the arrow keys and WASD.
2. Havit Wired Gaming Keyboard Mouse Combo
- "How to get a budget keyboard and mouse combo with a professional-grade silky...
- Gaming keyboard with gentle backlight: This keyboard features an elegant...
- Comfortable typing and gaming feeling: Keyboard’s key caps are made of ABS...
- RGB gaming mouse: Our mouse use professional-level adjustable DPI settings...
Havit has been diligently producing high-quality computer peripherals, and the Havit Wired Keyboard Mouse Combo is one of their best options. It comes with a minimalistic design, and unlike many mechanical keyboards, this keyboard has low-profile switches that make it stand out from the competition.
This helps to lower the level of impact needed to achieve a great response resulting in a more comfortable experience for all gamers. Its design is highly functional and free from unnecessary extra macro keys. Instead, these macro keys can be made through a combination of Fn keys and standard keys.
Although learning the right setup may take some time, once you do, you can come up with a versatile style that is best suited for your playing style.
3. Razer Ornata Chroma Gaming Keyboard
- High-Performance Mecha-Membrane Switches Provides the tactile feedback of...
- Ultimate Personalization & Gaming Immersion with Razer Chroma Fully syncs with...
- Fully Programmable Macro Support Razer Hypershift allows for all keys and...
- Ergonomic Magnetic Wrist Rest Made of soft-touch leatherette to maximize comfort...
If you're looking for a fully loaded game, then you should definitely buy the Razer Ornata Chroma Gaming Keyboard. This keyboard comes fitted with all the cool features that you would normally find in expensive keyboards. This is made possible because it trades proprietary mechanical switches for a membrane design.
It comes with numerous function keys and built-in media controls that help accommodate some dynamic setups. The LED indicator allows you to know whether you're in macro or gaming modes to help avoid unintended mistakes. This is an ergonomic and industrial-looking keyboard.
The wrist rest is made of leather which provides enough cushion to ensure you're comfortable and you get the support you need. The six rubber feet allow you to adjust the leaning to achieve a comfortable level.
4. Corsair K55 RGB Gaming Keyboard
- Connectivity Technology: Usb 2.0 Type-A
Some mechanical gaming keyboard manufacturers only have keyboards that are loud, which can be quite irritating. So, if you're in search of a quiet keyboard, the Corsair K55 RGB Gaming Keyboard is a perfect choice. This keyboard uses a membrane frame to help minimize the clattering of keys.
It is a pretty silent keyboard under $100, and the amount of resistance is balanced to cater to the demands of gamers. Every key is well-spaced to ensure no slipping of fingers could sabotage your game. The RGB lighting can be configured in three separate zones, and you also get access to the CUE software.
This software allows configuring the RGB and macros settings. In addition, it comes with an easy-to-use and convenient recording macro button that is built at the face of the keyboard, making it easy to find. It also includes a detachable wrist rest for comfort.
5. Redragon K556 RGB LED Backlit Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- Mechanical Brown Switches: Offering the satisfying tactile typing experience,...
- 18 Backlit Modes: Press FN + INS-PgDn to enter Pro-gamer mode. RGB LED...
- N-key Rollover, Ergonomic And Durable Design: This keyboard is made of full...
- Self-design & Removable Keycaps: The Redragon K556 features a custom designed...
The Redragon K556 RGB LED Backlit Wired Mechanical Keyboard features an aluminum body that is very durable. It has six themed backlights, 18 lighting modes, and multiple RGB modes. The keyboard comes with anti-ghosting technology to help deliver an accurate performance.
It comes with brown mechanical switches on every key, which ensures easy gaming and typing. In addition, this keyboard includes eight spare switches that include blue, red, black, and brown that you can try out. The durable and ergonomic design is made from a full metal material and matte-finish texture, which is solid enough to ensure it doesn't scratch.
Furthermore, this keyboard boasts wide compatibility that supports most computer systems. The keycap is made shorter to minimize the time it takes for the actions to register. It also comes with a keycaps puller for cleaning as well as other needs.
6. ANNE PRO 2, 60% Wired/Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
- Minimalistic design doing more with less. Requires less hand movement while...
- Compact and Portable . It saves desk space and easy to carry around. Fits right...
- Decent bluetooth connectivity enables wireless connection up to 4 devices and...
- Revamped obinskit starter software simplifies the way to set up your own key...
The ANNE PRO 2, 60% Wired/Wireless Mechanical Keyboard is one of the best gaming keyboards under $100 that comes with a compact size. One of the major benefits of having a smaller keyboard is that you have additional space to move your gaming mouse around.
The wireless keyboard can connect up to four devices via Bluetooth, which is amazing if you're looking for a multi-device setup. The latency is quite high when using a Bluetooth connection but is much lower when using a wired connection. While this great keyboard features full RGB backlighting, it doesn't deliver pure white as they are small hints of pink.
Despite this, it comes in a wide variety of switches, including Gateron, Kailh, and Cherry MX switches, which allow you to choose the one you want. The Gateron Brown switches are the most preferred because they provide great typing quality.
7. HyperX Alloy Origins - Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- HyperX Mechanical Switches rated for 80 million keystrokes
- Full aircraft-grade aluminum body
- Compact, portable design with detachable cable
- Dazzling RGB lighting with dynamic effects
With a sturdy and customizable design, the HyperX Alloy Origins Keyboard is another keyboard you should consider buying. As one of the best gaming keyboards under $100, it features key mechanical switches that are designed to be both accurate and responsive.
It comes with a compact and portable design as well as a full aircraft-grade aluminum body for durability. This keyboard also has a detachable USB-C cable and a customizable RGB backlit key to enhance your gaming experience. In addition, it features onboard memory for three different light shows, which allows you to take your customized RGB keyboard everywhere you go.
This keyboard also comes with a 100% anti-ghosting and N-key rollover, which ensures your keypresses register. It comes in several different sizes that you can choose from, and some of them also include a wrist rest for comfort. If you're looking for a durable and reliable keyboard, this keyboard is a solid option.
8. Corsair K63 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
- Connect using ultra-fast 1ms 2.4GHz gaming-optimized wireless technology, low...
- 100% Cherry MX Red mechanical key switches with Gold contacts for fast, precise...
- Per-key, Blue LED backlighting and large font keycaps deliver vibrant lighting...
- 128-Bit AES encryption mode helps protect your keystrokes from wireless...
As one of the best wireless keyboards available in the market today, the Corsair K63 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard features a tenkeyless mechanical model that can connect up to two different devices in one go, either through Bluetooth or using a USB receiver. Since it is a straight keyboard with one incline setting, the keyboard features great ergonomics.
It comes with linear Cherry MX switches that require less force to press but won't offer tactile feedback. Unlike other keyboards, the keys in this Corsair keyboard may not feel as sensitive because of the higher pre-travel distance, but the Cherry MX switches are very responsive. It comes with additional features like dedicated media keys and a Windows key lock mode to ensure you don't accidentally minimize your game.
Moreover, you can set or reprogram your macro keys to any key. The keys are individually lit, and you can easily control the brightness levels from the board. However, the backlighting is only limited to a single blue color, and the plastic feel makes it feel like a cheap keyboard.
9. Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum RGB Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- Exclusive Romer-G Mechanical Switches Exclusive Romer-G mechanical switches make...
- Intelligent RGB Illumination Customize Orion Spectrum’s RGB illumination from...
- Arx Control Integration Smartphones and tablets can be connected to Orion...
- 9 Customizable G-keys Orion Spectrum’s 9 fully-customizable G-keys can be...
Another cool keyboard that comes with some cool features is the Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum RGB Wired Mechanical Keyboard. This keyboard provides Romer-G tactile switches that deliver accurate mechanical performance. It has nine different programmable G-keys and customizable RGB lighting for reliability and simplifying some complex actions.
The keyboard also features a large palm rest for maximum gaming comfort. However, the palm rest is non-detachable, which ensures the keyboard is a bit bulky. Despite this, the keyboard includes some dedicated media keys on top of the keyboard. There is a smartphone dock and also a smartphone app to allow you to see the in-game data while gaming.
The intelligent RGB illumination is from a palette of up to 16 million colors. Every key top is entirely illuminated with color lighting for an even and beautiful glow. The arx control integration on smartphones and tablets can be connected to the Orion Spectrum with an adjustable Smart Dock.
10. SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- Hybrid mechanical gaming switches – The tactile click of a blue mechanical...
- OLED smart display – Customize with gifs, game info, discord messages, and...
- Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame – Manufactured for unbreakable durability...
- Dynamic per-key RGB illumination – Gorgeous color schemes and reactive effects...
The SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Keyboard comes with a crisp sound of a mechanical keyboard and a soft cushioning keypress for a membrane keyboard. This keyboard features a dynamic per-key RGB illumination and an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame.
It also comes with a detachable wrist rest that is magnetically attached to the keyboard and a small OLED smart display that you can use to customize with discord messages, gifs, game info, and more! Besides the OLED smart display, there is a clickable metal roller to help control volume settings, rewind, pause, skip, and much more.
You also get to choose from the three different ways to direct the power cable from the keyboard. The compact and portable design with a detachable cable makes it easy to carry around. It provides amazing color schemes with reactive keys with every key. The hybrid mechanical switches provide you with the exact feel of traditional mechanical switches.
Types of Gaming Keyboards
1. Wired vs. Wireless Functionality
These are two main keyboard options you will come across while shopping for the best gaming keyboard under $100. Each of the keyboards has its pros and cons.
If you buy a wireless keyboard, then you will probably have fewer cables on your desk, therefore less cluttering. However, a wireless gaming keyboard may not be the best when it comes to latency on your gaming.
While a wired gaming keyboard may clutter up your desk with additional cables, it provides the best response times while gaming.
2. Mechanical or Rubber Dome
When looking to buy the best gaming keyboards, you will come across two main types; rubber dome or mechanical keyboards. The rubber dome keyboard costs less than purchasing a mechanical keyboard. This is because the rubber dome or membrane keyboards primarily consist of rubber and plastic components.
On the other hand, mechanical keyboards are made from metal plates. These metal plates allow you to get a faster response time, but you may need to spend a bit more when getting a high-quality mechanical keyboard.
What Do You Consider Before Purchasing the Best Gaming Keyboard Under $100?
1. Size
Another thing you should never ignore is the size of the gaming keyboard. Unlike your average keyboard, a gaming keyboard is a bit bigger.
If you prefer a full-size keyboard, you will get around 104 keys which include function keys, main letter keys, directional cursor keys, and a number pad. These keyboards tend to be wide, which means they might not be a better choice for a small workspace.
You can get a tenkeyless size keyboard if a full-size keyboard isn't the best choice for you. This keyboard is much smaller than a full-size keyboard which makes it a great option for small or cramped desk space. However, it doesn't have a number pad section.
2. Backlighting
Most gamers enjoy playing video games in the dark, which means having a keyboard with backlighting is important. It also comes in handy when doing other types of work in low-light conditions. Gaming keyboards under $100 come with different types of backlighting.
One is a single color backlight, and the other is RGB colors. If you're looking for customization, consider RGB colors since you can easily customize the keyboard to the exact lighting that improves your gaming experience. Some gaming keyboards will also allow you to pick a specific backlight color for every key.
3. Noise
When you're gaming, you will most likely be pounding at the keyboard, and this means a lot of noise is produced. If you have people in the room, then these types of gaming keyboards may not be the best. The best gaming keyboard under $100 should offer a quieter operation. While rubber dome switches may provide a quieter operation, it is possible to get mechanical keyboards that are not very noisy.
4. Durability and Maintenance
Find a keyboard that is durable. A mechanical keyboard will stand out when it comes to longevity. Rubber dome switches will lose flexibility after using them frequently and for long gaming sessions.
When it comes to maintenance, keyboards can get messy really, so you want to ensure the keyboards are easy to clean. Some keyboards come with removable keycaps that make cleaning a bit easier. However, it is a bit difficult to remove the keycaps from the membrane and rubber dome keyboards.
5. Macros and Customization
The best gaming keyboard under $100 should include customization and macros options. This makes it ideal for gaming as it provides you with simple shortcuts that you can use. Some keyboards are designed to activate macros in the game.
For example, there are certain keyboards designed for specific games like the World of Warcraft. All you will be required to do is click the macro, and the task will be completed with less effort instead of manually typing the command. Although these features aren't necessary, they come in handy when gaming on a keyboard.
6. Extra Features
What accessories do you prefer with your keyboard? Look for additional features like carrying bags that help you carry the keyboard with ease. Other features you should look out for are spare gaming keycaps and keycap pullers, as well as extra programmable keys and a USB passthrough to allow your devices to charge directly from the keyboard. Additionally, the best gaming keyboard under $100 will include media playback buttons that allow you to listen to music in the background.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Gaming Keyboards
1. Which keyboard keys are best for gaming?
The linear switches are by far great for gaming as they are consistent and smooth. Cherry MX brown is recommended for a great combination f gaming and typing. It is widely considered as the best middle ground switch as the silent travel, tactile bump, and medium activation make it a versatile switch.
2. Are 60% keyboards good for gaming?
Buying a 60% keyboard will not only help you save on space but will also improve the game because of high-end switches. This makes moving around easier because of the compact and lightweight design. Furthermore, it is a great way to explore your style, thanks to the custom designs and keycaps.
3. Should I get a 60 or 65 percent keyboard?
The choice of the type of keyboard is dependent on your personal preference. The main difference between 60% and 65% of keyboards is the lack of an arrow key. If you can't stay without the arrow keys, then you should consider getting a 65% or even higher if that's not enough.
