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Here are our prime picks for the best mechanical keyboards under $100. But before that, a few buying factors that should help you pick the right ones.
Things to Consider When Buying the Best Mechanical Keyboard Under $100
A few prime factors you would find impressive can include some of the best options outlined here.
Size
Mechanical keyboard size would assume a lot of importance. You can pick between the full-size keyboard and TenKeyLess keyboard options based on your individual preferences. A full-size keyboard would be something you would find impressive if you have used the computer keyboards before. If you are into too many calculations, it would be a good option.
The TenKeyLess keyboard offers you a compact design. You have the choice of 75%, 65%, or even 40% sized mechanical keyboards as well.
Type of Switch
There are several key switches you can opt for. The major switch types would include Linear, tactile and clicky switches. There are several options available for the key switches based n whether you want to buy the keyboard for typing, gaming, and other requirements.
Wired or Wireless
Are you looking for a wired connectivity or wireless connectivity? If you are choosing the wireless variety, it would be worthwhile to check the latency and battery life. In the case of wired keyboards, you can decide to go with the one that best meets your connectivity requirements and availability.
Key Rollover
The key rollover functionality can be one of the excellent options that can prove to be a great option ever. Key rollover refers to the number of keys you will be able to type at a time. A 5 to 6 key rollover may be a great option in most of the cases.
Backlight
The backlight is one of the strongest factors in favor of mechanical keyboards. While it would be a good option for typing or gaming in complete darkness, of late, the concept of backlighting has become a great option to show off personality.
Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $100
Having understood the details of the prime factors you should look for in your choice of a mechanical keyboard, we will now list out a few good keyboards under $100.
| Features | Size | Wired/Wireless | Switch | Key Rollover | Backlight |
| G. SKILL KM360 Professional Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard | TenKeyLess, 87 keys | Wired | Cherry MX Red | N key rollover | White backlit LED |
| Ajazz AK510 Retro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | Full-sized, 104 keys | Wired | Cherry MX Blue or Red | N key rollover | Full RGB backlighting |
| HyperX Alloy FPS Pro | TenKeyLess, 87 keys | Wired | Cherry MX Red | N key rollover | RED LED backlighting |
| Keychron K2 Wireless Bluetooth/USB Wired Gaming Mechanical Keyboard | 75 % layout, 84 keys | Wired and wireless | Gateron Blue | N key rollover | White LED Backlighting |
| Durgod Taurus K320 TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | TenKeyLess, 87 keys | Wired | Cherry MX Black, Cherry MX Blue, Cherry MX Brown, Cherry MX Clear, Cherry MX Red, Cherry MX Silent Black, Cherry MX Silent Red, Cherry MX Speed Silver, Cherry MX White | N key rollover | White LED backlight |
| CM Storm QuickFire Rapid | TenKeyLess, 91 keys | Wired | Cherry MX Red | N key rollover | NA |
| Logitech G512 SE Lightsync RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | Full-sized, 104 keys | Wired | Kailh Brown | NA | Customized lighting |
| Rosewill Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | Full-sized, 104 keys | Wired | Cherry MX Red | N key rollover | NA |
| Logitech G710+ Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | Full-sized, 110 keys | Wired | Black | 26 key rollover | Adjustable dual-zone backlighting |
| Razer Ornata Chroma Gaming Keyboard | Full-sized | Wired | Hybrid Mecha-Membrane Switches | NA | Customizable Chroma RGB Lighting with individual key lighting |
G.SKILL KM360 Professional Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard
The G.SKILL KM360 Professional Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard should be the outstanding pick for the best mechanical keyboard under $100. Equipped with the genuine Cherry MX Red key switches, and also comes with several premium features.
The keyboard also provides you access to a very minimalistic look. The excellent aluminium backplate that assists you with the best rigidity can prove to be one of the enhanced options ever. You do not have any special or dedicated media keys which can be a damper for some of you.
Ajazz AK510 Retro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
If you are looking for a keyboard that appears to be from the 80s, the retro-styled Ajazz AK510 Retro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard looks quite similar to the original IBM keyboard in every aspect. You can either go with the Cherry MX Blue or Cherry MX Blue as per your preferences. It can be one of the huge options for quiet typing or rickety typing as per your preferences.
The keyboard does come with a full RGB backlighting. Remember that Cherry MX Blues comes with RGB backlighting, but Cherry MX red does not offer it. It can be one of the excellent options for your needs in an enhanced professional gaming keyboard experience. The PBT SA Spherical Keycaps that provide you a better degree of comfortability with your fingers.
HyperX Alloy FPS Pro
The HyperX keyboard from Kingston should ideally be one of the exciting choices for the best TenKeyLess keyboards. In essence, it should be one of the high-end options for providing you access to the best mechanical keyboards under $100. The steel frame increases the weight a little and that further improves the rigidity as well.
The simple, solid and inexpensive design are a few of the features that would indeed make it one of the excellent choices ever for the most practical keyboards you can opt for. The keyboard does not come with any software and thus offers a complete plug and play feature. You would not find any of the advanced features such as a full RGB experience with dedicated macro keys and media controls. However, with the genuine keyboard features and the strength of Cherry MX switches, this one should be your best pick.
Keychron K2 Wireless Bluetooth/USB Wired Gaming Mechanical Keyboard
The Keychron K2 Wireless Bluetooth/USB Wired Gaming Mechanical Keyboard is a great keyboard for both Mac and Windows. The wireless connectivity through Bluetooth should be one of the huge strengths that the keyboard stands for. You can even opt for the wired connectivity options as well if you need to go that way.
The built-in battery offers you a 4000 mAh capacity that enhances your experience further ahead with an option to provide you access to up to 10 hours of backup. The 75 percent layout can be one of the strongest factors that can provide you with a minimalistic interface and thus provides a perfect on the go operation. The keyboard comes with a Gateron Blue switch that ensures clicky tactile feedback. It can be the most inexpensive wireless keyboard.
Durgod Taurus K320 TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
It is quite uncommon to find the Durgod keyboards if you aren’t in Asia. The brand is known in the western world. However, it has been one of the excellent options for the best mechanical keyboard under $ 100. The case may be plastic, but still, you would find it offering a solid touch and performance. The Doubleshot PBT is essentially one of the high-end options for the best possible predictable touch and typing experience.
As for the switches, you can pick from among as many as 8 different key types. You can pick the one based on whether you are looking for a keyboard for typing or gaming. That would ideally provide you with a huge degree of customization options. The bundled software comes with a simple construction and offers you access to a bundled software. The language of the software may be a concern though. The robust mechanical keyboard is indeed the right choice for the best mechanical keyboard under $ 100.
CM Storm QuickFire Rapid
This is a great option for the high-end option for the best mechanical keyboard under $100 because of the individual mechanical switches for each of the keys. Equipped with the Cherry MX Red switches, the keyboard provides you a great degree of performance in terms of a smoother and quicker performance. The high-end comfort and durability for both gaming and office use make it a great choice ever.
The keyboard also comes with the extra keycaps thereby further improving your options for the better customization. The Game Mode is one of the thoughtful inclusions that would assist in improving the gaming efficiency further. The detachable cable can be one of the excellent options for better usability.
Logitech G512 SE Lightsync RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
The Logitech G512 SE Lightsync RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard and provides you access to a full-sized mechanical keyboard. The clean black color looks and black keycaps further enhance your experience in terms of an enhanced service quality ever. In fact, despite being a full-sized keyboard, it does appear quite compact.
A very well build and sturdy design should be one of the factors that make it a really wonderful option ever. The USB passthrough offered on the keyboard should be one of the thoughtful inclusions so that you would be able to add up the mouse or other devices to your keyboard. The switches are marketed as Logitech Brown, but they are actually Kailh Brown switches. A solid keyboard, it can be the right option for the best mechanical keyboard under $100.
Rosewill Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
The Rosewill Mechanical Gaming Keyboard offers you access to everything that a mechanical keyboard should offer you. It isn’t a flashy gaming keyboard, but offers you the features you at a surprisingly higher level of quality. The Cherry MX switches should further enhance your experience.
The keyboard comes with the Cherry MX keys and N key rollover that can perhaps cover your gaming requirements. You can be assured of a faster and precise response for your gaming accuracy. The multimedia keys provide you access to a direct control over them from your keyboard. The Gaming-Grade Lifetime of up to 50 Million Clicks should be one of the excellent options ever. The Gold Plated USB and PS2 Connector offers you access to corrosion resistance and low latency.
Logitech G710+ Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Logitech keyboards and other accessories do have a wider acceptance and have been a hot favorite for mechanical keyboard fans. The tactile and high-speed feedback offers you access to the quietest mechanical keyboard. The dual-zone backlighting lets you adjust the WASD/arrow keys independent of other keys.
The lower part of the keyboard comes with a steel plate. The switches are directly screwed on to the plate. The keyboard does provide you access to six programmable keys and lets you configure as many as 18 unique functions per game. You can also check out complex macros or intricate LUA scripts that further enhance your performance.
Razer Ornata Chroma Gaming Keyboard
The Razer Ornata Chroma Gaming Keyboard should be a great choice for the best experience in terms of the best mechanical keyboard for under $100. You can definitely spend hours together in a wide range of activities that include gaming, emailing, and chatting. The hybrid mechanical switches can further make it a great choice. The keyboard comes with High-performance mecha-membrane switches that provide you a very tactile feedback.
The keyboard also offers you access to a comfortable soft cushioned membrane covered with the minimized audio effects. The Synapse software lets you get access to easier customization. You will be able to remap all the keys and functions for performing the complex calculations. The backlit key does provide support of 16.8 million colors making it one of the excellent options ever.
Do You Need a Wireless Mechanical Keyboard?
You would have noticed that our list does not include many keyboards with wireless connectivity. In fact, the best gaming or mechanical keyboards are actually quite expensive. Adding the wireless compatibility to the already costly option can definitely prove to be a tough task and can take up your cost much higher.
Yet another factor you would want to focus on would be to check the latency. Wireless keyboards do have an issue with latency and that can indeed create a further issue with the gaming experience. While wireless keyboards introduce the concept of convenience, they take away the responsiveness of the keyboard. We thought responsiveness is one of the prime requisites in any keyboard and that is exactly why we focussed on the wired keyboards and decided to do away with the wireless counterparts.
Conclusion
A good mechanical keyboard can prove to be one of the excellent options for an enhanced experience in typing, gaming, and a wider range of other activities. Of course, a mechanical keyboard does not necessarily need to be an expensive affair. You can opt for a good mechanical keyboard for a price as low as $100 as well.
