Best Gaming Keyboard Under 100
Whether you are a passionate gamer or someone who makes money by writing, keyboards are definitely among the more essential peripherals. Today, there’s a good and extensive selection of keyboards, but we will choose the best gaming keyboard from our list of the best keyboards under $ 100. In addition to games, the list also includes keyboards that we can use for any professional job.
You can find keyboards with valuable options and quality in this price range. You want to find the best keyboard in this price range.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t take more than a month to test them in more detail. Some I bought, some already own, and some borrowed from a friend for testing. If you’re skinny with a budget, check out this selection of the best gaming keyboards for under $50.
The list will cover six keyboards that I think are worth every dollar invested. Mostly these are mechanical keyboards that have managed to get below the magical $ 100 in price.
Quick list review: Best gaming keyboard under $ 100
| Picture | Name | Pros | Price |
Best Overall | HyperX Alloy Origins Core | 87 Keys (TKL)Build qualityHyperX Aqua switchesRGB BacklightingUSB-C power cable | Check Price |
Runner Up | Ducky One 2 Mini | 61 Keys (60%)CheryMX switchesUSB-C power cableRGB BacklightingBundle | Check Price |
 | Durgod Taurus K320 | 87 Keys (TKL)Cherry Mx switchesPBT KeycapsUSB-C power cableOld-School look | Check Price |
 | Razer Huntsman TE | 87 Key (TKL)Razer linear switchesPBT keycapsUSB-C power cableRGB lighting | Check Price |
 | Logitech G610 Orion | 104 Keys Full-sizeRed CherryMX switches1ms Report RateMedia controlsProgrammable function keys | Check Price |
 | SteelSeries Apex 5 | 104 Key Full-SizeBuild qualityRGB lihgting per keyHybrid blue switchWrist rest | Check Price |
1. HyperX Alloy Origins Core: best TKL gaming keyboard under $ 100
Pros
Cons
Brief review
Design & Build
I’ve been using the HyperX brand for a while now, and I’m generally happy with what they have to provide. It also definitely has a lot of benefits to the HyperX Alloy Origins Core, which, in my opinion, has a lot of functionality and is worth the price.
The aluminum design of the case looks very nice aesthetically, but it also contributes to the strength of the keyboard. The sleek casing is slim, and overall the build quality is fantastic for the price. The design of the floating keys makes the keyboard look very clean aesthetically.
TKL keyboard means a more compact design and more space on your desk. RGB LED lighting is excellent. You can adjust the lighting according to your taste and mood to get awe-inspiring results.
If this is your first time coming into contact with a mechanical keyboard, you will need some time to get used to it. Once you get used to it, it’s hard to go back to the membrane keyboard. The mechanical keyboard gives you a better feel when typing. You get less tired and generally raise the user experience to a higher level.
Performance
Aqua tactile Cherry switches are great under your fingers. These switches are HyperX’s version of a non-clickable tactile switch, similar to CherryMX Browns. Whether you use linear or tactile switches depends on your primary job on the computer. For gaming, I would recommend linear switches. If you type a lot of text, then take tactile switches. Here you can see the keyboard selection guide, which I recommend you read before choosing a keyboard.
Equipment & Support
Good support in the form of HyperX Ngenuity software that is updated frequently. The software makes it easy to adjust the lighting to different colors and effects. It’s generally fun and straightforward to use. HyperX Alloy Origins Core can store up to three preset lighting settings so that you can have several lighting settings available.
A detachable USB-C power cable is a great thing to transport, or use custom USB cables to your liking. The cable attachment is on the right side of the keyboard. This location of the USB-C port seems a bit unusual, but it’s worth noting if you prefer it to be in the middle.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a new gaming keyboard under $ 100, consider it because it seems the best for the money invested. Of course, I respect other opinions and experiences. The keyboard is solid, looks great, and is light and fun to use. The overall experience it’s very positive.
2. Ducky One 2 Mini: best compact gaming keyboard under $ 100
Pros
Cons
Brief review
Design & Build
The Ducky One 2 Mini RGB is an excellent keyboard in a compact 61-key version (60% of a full keyboard). I like this black and white “panda look.”
Keycaps are PBT, so this guarantees durability, and the overall user experience rises to a higher level. Due to the size of the keyboard and the detachable USB-C power cable, it’s very convenient to carry. It will not let you down, whether you are gaming or serious.
Despite the plastic material, the build quality is fantastic.
Performance
This version is The Ducky One 2 Mini RGB with Brown Cherry MX switches. Of course, when buying, you can choose other CheryMX switches. Keep in mind that prices are different for other CheryMX switches.
The switches are of exceptionally high quality, and the manufacturer itself guarantees their lifespan of an incredible 100 million keystrokes. The keys are not noisy to use, and the feedback and touch quality of the keys is perfect.
The significant advantage of this keyboard is the ability to adjust according to your affinities and taste (macros, lighting profiles, etc.). The stabilizers are great; there are no rattling, swaying, and other unpleasant sounds, even when you harder press the bigger keys.
Equipment & Support
All backlight settings you can control over keyboard keys. RBG’s lighting is excellent. There’s no special software.
The equipment includes:
- A button extraction tool.
- A stylized Zodiac space bar.
- A couple of other keycaps in different random colors.
Conclusion
As for the price, it’s a bit higher than the $ 100 budget, but I just had to put this keyboard on this list because it deserves it. If you have $ 100, add a few more dollars, and you will have a product that you will enjoy using.
3. Durgod Taurus K320: best TKL no backlight keyboard under $ 100
Pros
Cons
Brief review
Design & Build
The Taurus K320 is an exciting keyboard that reminds me of the build quality of old-school IBM indestructible keyboards. I was inquisitive when I came into possession of this keyboard.
The keyboard body is hard plastic made; no bending and crunching as you type. Keys also look quality-made.
Keycaps are PBT, the best option for keyboards that provide a better feel and experience while typing. Great feeling under your fingers as you type. Keycaps materials can be ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate).
You should know that ABS material offers a brighter and smoother look. PBT keycaps are of firmer construction, look matte, and have a uniform texture. PBT prevents keycaps from developing shine, and plastic is slightly more robust. ABS keycaps are magnets for fingerprints and dirt and become much brighter in the long run.
This keyboard is old school, though, as it has no backlight. If you want this build quality with RGB lighting, look at the more expensive K320 Nebula model.
Performance
My version of the switches on the keyboard is the Reds Cherry MX, and they are pretty quiet to use. The Taurus K320 gives you a choice between several Cherry MX switches (Silent or Speed variants), depending on what you do.
Speed switches are for gaming and silent with typing or office, so keep this in mind before buying. The stabilizers are pleasing to the ear and smooth. They are probably factory-lubricated.
Equipment & Support
The Taurus K320 has Zeus Motor from the software support: update keyboard firmware on the fly and configure complex macros or reconnect keys as desired. You can save the profiles you create to the board and access them directly from the board.
In addition to the keyboard, you also get two cables in the package: a 3.3ft USB Type-C to Type-C cable (for notebook) and a 6ft USB Type-C to Type-A cable (for PC), a sticker with the Durgod logo, and key puller.
Conclusion
Taurus K320 is a high-quality product with exciting features for a gaming keyboard under $ 100. If you’re looking for an old-school keyboard with advanced features without RGB lighting, don’t look any further than the K320.
This keyboard model isn’t for young gamers who want an RGB keyboard with a handful of options and a decoration on the table. Whether you are doing serious work or gaming, Durgod Taurus K320 will not disappoint you.
4. Razer Huntsman TE: best TKL optical switch gaming keyboard under $ 100
Pros
Cons
Brief review
Design & Build
Razer is a well-known brand geared towards gamers. They listen carefully to the wishes of gamers and smartly implement them into their products. The Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition (TE) is a famous line of Razer keyboards designed for gamers.
This TKL keyboard has no numeric part. The case is plastic made, with the upperside lined with a thin aluminum sheet. One of the better features of this keyboard is that it comes with PBT keycaps compared to cheaper ABS keycaps. Razer TE isn’t heavy and is easy to carry in a bag or backpack.
Performance
I had a Razer TE mechanical keyboard on which I played Doom Eternal. My impression of gaming is very positive. Razer TE is ideal for competitive games, and I haven’t had time to try other genres, so take this with a grain of salt.
The testing keyboard has red linear optical switches, and the subjective impression is fantastic, considering the response.
Optical switches have faster response times which can be helpful for those gaming FPS and Third-Person Shooter games such as CS: GO, COD, Fortnite, and LoL. You have the feeling that everything is going smoothly and quickly. In gaming, I noticed that the keys are comfortable because I don’t have to press the keys hard to register every time I press them.
The Razer Huntsman keyboard line comes in two types of switches; purple (Clicky Optical) for the Elite version or red (Linear Optical) for the TE. I notice that the stabilizers for the larger keys can be very loud for other people in the room. I don’t mind, but it can be a problem for others.
Equipment & Support
Over Razer Synapse, you can control RGB lighting and save macro profiles onto onboard memory. Huntsman TE has a detachable, braided USB-C power cable.
Conclusion
All in all, Razer Huntsman TE is more than reasonable for this money and the name it bears. There are some minor flaws, but they aren’t worth mentioning for the average user and fans of Razer. Excellent gaming keyboard under $ 100.
5. Logitech G610 Orion: best full-size gaming keyboard under $ 100
Pros
Cons
Brief review
Design & Build
The Logitech G610 is a full-size mechanical keyboard (a Numpad) that looks good and very solid at first glance. I like that this keyboard has that compact, minimalist look. At the top right are the media keys and a small volume control roller.
The keycaps seem to be ABS in their shine, and the fingerprints remain after a bit of longer use.
Performance
As for the switches, they can be brown or red CheryMX of your choice paired with the excellent quality of the Logitech keyboard. Logitech is a very well-known and respected name in gaming circles. Logitech G610 with quality CheryMX switches provides superior performance, has a speedy response, and is comfortable to use.
Equipment & Support
The backlight comes in white for this keyboard version. However, if you want RGB lighting, look at the Logitech G810 or Logitech G910. You can adjust the brightness in several different effects via the Logitech software or via the keys on the keyboard (5 brightness levels).
Of the flaws, I would state that there is no: built-in memory for storing lighting profiles, key mappings, USB port, audio port, or detachable power cable.
Conclusion
Despite the minor flaws, the Logitech G610 Orion is an exceptional gaming keyboard under $ 100 that I can happily recommend for pro use.
6. SteelSeries Apex 5: best hybrid gaming keyboard under $ 100
Pros
Cons
Brief review
Design & Build
The hybrid keyboard from SteelSeries is a decent choice for those who want to have a keyboard for gaming or typing. The keyboard design itself is fantastic. It looks reduced and minimalist. It’s aluminum-made, not heavy, and easy to carry.
The package also includes a wrist rest and an excellent ergonomic accessory. The keyboard is full size, and with the wrist rest, it will take up quite a space on your desk. The keyboard is pretty solid, and there are no vibrations and twists when typing.
Those who have previously had a membrane keyboard will feel a shift for the better. All keys are at an angle so that you won’t get tired of long work. The fingers are ergonomically placed in a natural position while typing.
The key covers are ABS; they seem kind of fragile to me. After four weeks of using the surface, the keys are a little smoother, but that’s a subjective impression.
Performance
The tactile response and feel are excellent when typing, almost like a mechanical keyboard. The switches are blue and quite loud, but they do their job. What are Hybrid Blue Mechanical Switches?
Equipment & Support
RGB backlighting is excellent, you have several preset profiles at your disposal, and you can adjust them as desired via the included software. You can change RGB effects and macro functions without using the software.
A small OLED screen honestly serves to make the keyboard look fancier. While gaming or typing, I don’t have time to look at the OLED screen and read from it. It can display images, gif animations, real-time hardware status, game info, etc. who likes to play with this accessory on the keyboard. Personally don’t need something like that to distract from the more critical things on the screen—a matter of taste.
The wheel has the following functions; to adjust the volume, play, and pause multimedia content. The keyboard is excellent for both gaming and typing.
Conclusion
The impression is very positive when looking at the SteelSeries Apex 5 and what it has to offer, with all its advantages and disadvantages. You can also find better products in this price range, but if you come into possession of this keyboard, you will not be disappointed.
Conclusion
Whether you are a gamer or a professional, you can find an excellent gaming keyboard from our list of best keyboards for under $ 100. You have a few great keyboards that you will be happy with from this list: Hyperx Alloy Origins Core, Duck One Mini 2, and the SteelSeries Apex 5.
You can choose according to design, lighting, switches, equipment, options, etc. Everyone can find something for themselves without paying more than they need (above $ 100). If you are on a tight budget, take a look at selecting the best gaming keyboards under $50 because there are surprisingly high-quality products in that category.
In the end, I hope you find something for yourself too. Good luck with typing and gaming. If you have any additional questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment.