10 Best Gaming Keyboards Under $100 - 2024 Reviews
Keycaps 101
Posted by:
amy-golden
Oct 13, 2022
Mechanical gaming keyboards are bloody awesome but at the same time, they are crazily expensive. Hence, we try to find out the 10 best gaming keyboards under $100 to save you some coins.
The keyboards in this list will satisfy both typing and gaming feelings. Moreover, they meet the minimum durability requirements and are equipped with media function keys. For the price, we make sure those gaming keyboards will be under $100, so you won’t feel disappointed at the price when meeting your ideal ones.
Now, it’s time to explore what’s there on the table for you. Enjoy!
LK Light Strike optical mechanical linear switches
Full
$49.99
Logitech G413 Carbon
Romer G mechanical switches
Full
$69.99
Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT
Rubber Dome switches
Full
$79.99
Razer Cynosa V2
Soft cushioned gaming-grade keyswitches
Full
$59.99
Keychron K2
Gateron G Pro switches
Tenkeyless
$79.0
HyperX Alloy Origins Keyboard
HyperX mechanical switches
Tenkeyless
or full layout
$100.0
EVGA Z15 - Best Wired Gaming Keyboard Under $100
Features:
Per key RGB Lighting
Magnetic Palm rest
Hot Swappable
Dedicated Volume Scroll Wheel, and Multimedia Keys
32-bit Arm Cortex-M33 core USB microprocessor supporting 4,000Hz report rate
Pros:
Low click latency
Customizable RGB effects
Macro-programming keys
Cons:
ABS keycaps
The EVGA Z15 mechanical gaming keyboard is one of the best gaming keyboards under $100. In fact, the keyboard is on discount so it’s better to grab it fast. Normally, at that price (before the discount) you cannot easily find a gaming keyboard with exceptionally low latency as the EVGA Z15.
This keyboard is truly made for gamers as you can customize the RGB backlighting with EVGA special software. In addition, you have the freedom to program the keys based on your will so you can tailor the keyboard layout to maximize your gaming experience.
Moreover, the keyboard response is incredibly rapid with light and smooth Kailh Silver Speed switches. But, if you want to customize the keyswitches, changing to Cherry MX Silver Speed, for example, a hot-swappable keyboard like EVGA Z15 will make things much easier.
The minor problem is the manufacturers are using ABS keycaps for this keyboard. In the long run, the characters are likely to fade out. But, you can tackle this issue by installing different keycaps instead.
Corsair K63 Gaming Keyboard - Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard Under $100
Features:
Red LED backlighting
Fully programmable with iCUE
Wireless
Pros:
100% anti-ghosting with full key rollover
Multimedia controls
Excellent typing experience
Cons:
Unchanging RGB backlit.
ABS keycaps
It will be a loss if we do not mention the Corsair K63 keyboard in this list of best gaming keyboards under $100. With Cherry MX Red Linear switches, Corsair K63 promises users the most comfortable typing feel that won’t wear out their hands. Therefore, it’s usually recommended for programmers or writers, who need to do a lot of typing work with their computers. Considering the price of Cherry MX switches, this keyboard is truly a real bargain.
But, just that much cannot make Corsair K63 an ideal keyboard for gamers. To ensure there won’t be any problem with keypress registering when your games run too fast, it is installed with anti-ghosting and a full-key rollover.
On top of that, this keyboard is good for portable use as it comes with a tenkeyless layout, detachable cable, and a rechargeable Bluetooth connection. So, if you are a gamer who tends to travel around, having with you a Corsair K63 will guarantee convenience.
Vortexgear Cypher 65%
Features:
65% layout
Detachable USB-C cable
Pros:
Full key programming with built-in software
PBT keycaps
Different Cherry MX switch types to choose from
Cons:
No delete key
Backlit is not very bright in room light condition
Vortexgear Cypher 65% is a trustworthy gaming keyboard for those who want a minimal key layout. The body is made of thick plastic while all the keycaps are PBT materials. So, the quality of the overall build is great.
Unlike other gaming keyboards, you don’t have to install any additional software to customize or macro-program the keys. Moreover, the Vortexgear Cypher 65% allows you to pick different types of Cherry MX switches, ranging from Red, Black, and Brown, to Silver Speed and Silent.
The good thing about the design is the detachable USB-C cable, giving you a mobile advantage, whereas a limited key layout could be a problem for some people, especially when there is no delete key.
Obinslab Anne Pro 2 - Best Compact Gaming Keyboard Under $100
Features:
60% layout
Wired or wireless
USB-C
Pros:
1900 mAh battery
Powerful chip on board
Customizable RGB backlit
Doubleshot PBT keycaps
Cons:
A few features
Obinslab Anne Pro 2 keyboard is one of the best gaming keyboards under $100 with a minimal layout. Moreover, the high-quality PBT keycaps and great keyboard build are surely worth the money invested in this keyboard. Despite being crammed as a 60% layout keyboard, the design is solid and well-thought so you can move your fingers quite comfortably.
The ability to switch easily between wired and wireless modes brings a mobile advantage to this keyboard, since it is able to solve the issue within both wired and wireless keyboards. Moreover, the battery is pretty powerful so you will feel less worried when forgetting the replacement at home.
The small drawback is that there are not many special function keys on the Obinslab Anne Pro 2. So, you may feel a little bit bored when using this keyboard.
EVGA Z20 - Best MMO Gaming Keyboard Under $100
Features:
TOF proximity range sensor
Dedicated macro keys, volume scroll wheel, and multimedia keys
Left and right side RGB light bar
Premium Magnetic Palm rest
Pros:
4,000Hz report rate
Wonderfull low latency
A lot of good extra functions
Cons:
Spacebar key is slightly wobble
ABS keycaps
We cannot complete the best gaming keyboards under $100 list without talking about EVGA Z20 keyboard. This keyboard is stuff with cool features even though the price is truly affordable. On a standard key layout, the brand equips this gaming keyboard with a range sensor, macro keys, a volume wheel, and special media keys.
To make it more desirable, EVGA Z20 is a mega-fast response keyboard at very low latency. Therefore, you can feel safe when playing high-speed games.
On the other hand, ABS keycaps seem to be EVGA Z20’s weakness and you can also feel a little bit shaky when pressing the spacebar key. However, you can resolve those problems by lubing and changing keycaps to other materials.
Logitech G413 Carbon - Best Budget Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Features:
5 fixed brightness levels backlighting
USB type A
Backlight toggle keys
Media controls
Pros:
A good keyboard for typing
Aluminum frame on top
Cons:
Limited macro keys
Very big build
ABS keycaps
If you are looking for the best gaming keyboards under $100 made of high-quality materials, it will be a shame to miss out on the Logitech G413 Carbon keyboard. The strong plastic frame put together with an aluminum frame on top will allow the keyboard to last for quite a long time.
The unique feature of the Logitech G413 Carbon is its ability to alter the brightness of the RGB effect on 5 levels. Thanks to that, you can fix the lighting to suit the environment’s condition, hence, receive comfort for your eyes.
The issue with this keyboard is you can only program some function keys. For a gaming keyboard, this is quite dissatisfactory. Moreover, the Logitech G413 Carbon is quite large so it will take up a lot of space on your desk. So, don’t forget to consider the size of your working desk before bringing home this keyboard.
Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT - Best Non-Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Under $100
Features:
Per-key RGB backlighting and ten onboard lighting effects
Dedicated volume and media keys
CORSAIR iCUE software
A rubber detachable palm rest
Pros:
IP42-rating
Low latency
Individual lit keys
Cons:
Heavy force to press key
ABS keycaps
Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT keyboard is a living proof of how a good gaming keyboard should be for beginners. The build is stable and solid so you will find comfort in every heavy press from your hands. It also has a palm rest to increase comfort, but for people with large hands, the size might not be large enough.
Besides, this keyboard has outstandingly low latency so you don’t have to worry about low response from your typing, making the gaming experience smooth and enjoyable. On top of that, the keyboard is designed to achieve an IP42 rating, which means the Corsair K55 is spill-resistant.
The downside of the Corsair K55 keyboard is that the rubber dome switches are quite heavy to type on. Even though the heaviness helps prevent typos, it might make your hands feel tired after a long time of use. Besides, there is a minus point with the ABS keycap but as we have said many times, this issue can be solved by changing the keycaps.
Razer Cynosa V2 Gaming Keyboard
Features:
Individually backlit keys
Dedicated volume and media keys
‘Game Mode' and 'Sleep Mode' buttons
Pros:
Spill-resistant
Cable routing options
Full-programmable keys
Customizable RGB effects
Cons:
ABS keycaps
The best gaming keyboard under $100 cannot be completed without the Razer Cynosa V2 Gaming keyboard. This membrane keyboard is made for gamers so you can be sure it will have most of the necessary functions such as programmable keys and RGB effects.
Aside from that, Razer Cynosa V2 proves it is a user-friendly keyboard by introducing cable routing options. This means you can decide the direction of the keyboard cable so things will look neat on the working table. Moreover, it saves us the trouble of liquid threats by making the keyboard spill-resistant.
A gaming keyboard is hard to complete without programming keys. There will be times you want to tailor some keys’ functions to enhance certain gameplays. Well, it’s clear that the Razer Cynosa V2 will help you achieve the key mapping with its special software.
Keychron K2
Features:
USB type C
84-key layout
18 types of RGB light
Pros:
Wireless and wired modes
Mac and Window compatible
Able to choose from three different Gateron G Pro switches
Cons:
No trackpad
Keychron K2 mechanical keyboard is a good tenkeyless gaming keyboard under $100 that fulfills your need of mobility. This keyboard can be used with or without cable so you can be portable with wireless mode and then switch to a stable connection with wired mode.
Regarding the wireless mode with Bluetooth connection, you are allowed to connect the keyboard to 3 different devices at the same time. This is likely a bonus point for people who work with multi devices.
Moreover, the brand shows how thoughtful they are when you can choose a TKL layout or 65% layout. In addition, you also can pick your favorite switch types. So, you just need to follow your preference to pick out the most suitable Keychron K2 keyboard.
To help you pick the Gateron switch types a little bit easier, we have here a video that demonstrates the sound coming from Keychron K2 in different Gateron switches.
HyperX Alloy Origins Core
Features:
Detachable cable
Onboard memory for 3 profiles
HyperX NGENUITY Software
Pros:
Aircraft-grade aluminum body
Three different layouts to choose from.
100% anti-ghosting
Three different HX switches to pick from
Cons:
Customization software only compatible with Windows
ABS keycaps
HyperX Alloy Origins Core keyboard goes to another level when the brand allows you to choose the tenkeyless or the standard full layout for your keyboard. Besides, similar to Keychron K2, you can pick your favorite linear, clicky, or tactile switches among the HX switches.
But, the selling point of HyperX Alloy Origins does not stop at that. This keyboard is made of aircraft-grade aluminum for a full body so you can trust the durability under rough use and long times. Due to the top-quality materials, the keyboard is a little bit more expensive than other gaming keyboards on the list. But, it’s still cheaper than other keyboards of the same aircraft-used aluminum.
In contrast, the keycaps are made of ABS so it’s quite disappointing. Additionally, the customization software for the RGB effect can be only used in Windows systems. So, people who use other systems should take note of this problem.
Notable Mentions
Apart from the above top 10 best gaming keyboards under $100, we also think those keyboards are good options that you may want to have a look at.
HyperX Alloy Origins Core Keyboard With Lighting Effect
We don’t know why you should not buy a gaming keyboard under $100. Obviously, there are great-built keyboards with top quality at a good price out there. If you can save some money with them, why don't you do so?
A good keyboard should rely on factors like switch brands, frame materials, and ergonomics. Even though mechanical keyboards are more expensive than membrane keyboards, they are not rare commodities on the market. So, we have competitors who make the best gaming keyboards under $100 that satisfy all the aforementioned elements.
That leaves your job to be only one thing - pick out the best one.
Wrapping Up
We have agreed that you can buy a gaming keyboard under $100 if you think the quality is not compromised to be traded off too much. Just keep an eye on the mechanical keyboard market and we are sure that you will collect a gem.
But, to save you some time, we have here 10 gems. Yes! A list of the 10 best gaming keyboards under $100 allows you to go full force on games but does not make you poor. If you can find keyboards outside this list that are worth noticing, please share them with us!
I work as a freelance blogger in Seattle, Washington. I've been freelancing full-time for 5 years. I'm interested in anime, resin art, and mechanical keyboards.
An interesting discussion is price comment. I feel that you should write extra on this matter, it may not be a taboo subject but generally persons are not sufficient to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
Mechanical gaming keyboards are bloody awesome but at the same time, they are crazily expensive. Hence, we try to find out the 10 best gaming keyboards under $100 to save you some coins. The keyboards in this list will satisfy both typing and gaming feelings. Moreover, they meet the minimum durability requirements and are equipped […]
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An interesting discussion is price comment. I feel that you should write extra on this matter, it may not be a taboo subject but generally persons are not sufficient to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers