A gaming keyboard is an excellent investment for any PC gamer. Not only does it make gaming more comfortable and enjoyable, but it can also improve your gameplay. With so many different gaming keyboards on the market, finding the best one for your needs can be challenging.
It would be better to consider many factors when buying a gaming keyboard under 100. First, you want to make sure that the keyboard is comfortable to use. The keys should be easy to press, and the layout should be comfortable for your hands. In addition, it is important to ensure that the keyboard is well-built and withstand heavy use. Finally, you want to find a keyboard with features useful for gamers, such as backlighting and programmable keys.
Here you will look at some of the best gaming keyboards under 100 dollars and outline what makes them great choices for gamers. So without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best gaming keyboards under 100 dollars.
Quick Buying Tips
Choosing a gaming keyboard requires you to consider what you’ll be using it for. In case you’re just interested in casual games, any basic keyboard will be good. But if you’re searching for a keyboard that can give you an edge in competitive gameplay, you’ll need to look for specific features.
First, you’ll want to consider the type of switches the keyboard uses. Mechanical keyboards are generally better for gaming because they offer faster response times and durability. If you are unsure what kind of switch to look for, Cherry MX switches are a good option because they come in three different colors (red, black, and blue), each with its unique characteristics.
Second, look for a keyboard with macro keys, especially if you’re interested in playing MOBA and RTS games. Macro keys will allow you to create custom macros designed to help you win the game. Some keyboards even come with ten or more dedicated macro keys.
Finally, there are different types of backlighting (also known as “RGB backlighting”) that you can choose from. There are two main types of RGB backlighting: single color and multi-color. Single color backlighting means that all keys on the keyboard will light up in the same color. Multi-color backlighting means each key can be lit up with its unique color.
HyperX Alloy Origins 60
Compact 60% mechanical gaming keyboard
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: HyperX | Color: Black | Series: Alloy Origins 60| Style: HyperX Red | Number of Keys: 61 | Dimensions LxWxH: 11.7 x 1.5 x 4.2 inches | Connectivity Technology: USB-C
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Affordable
✓ Adjustable angles
✓ Customizable RGB backlighting
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No macros
✗ Onboard profile storage is limited.
The HyperX Alloy Origins 60 is the perfect keyboard for gamers who want a compact form factor. This keyboard is made of premium-grade aluminum, ensuring that it’s structurally sound and stable when things get intense. Durable PBT material is used for the keycaps, which resist wear and solvents.
In addition, there are secondary functions printed on the sides of the keycaps so that you can stay focused on your game. It features custom-designed HyperX key switches balanced for speed and accuracy, ensuring a smooth, responsive gaming experience.
Plus, with RGB backlighting and radiant lighting effects, you’ll get brighter, more luminous RGB lighting than ever before. And if you want to customize your gameplay even further, the HyperX NGENUITY software lets you build macros, set up per-key lighting and effects, and more. It offers gamers the best gaming experience with its three adjustable keyboard angles and detachable USB-C cable.
Keychron K2
Best WIRELESS Mechanical Keyboard For Mac
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Keychron | Color: Brown Switch | Number of Keys: 84 | Item Dimensions LxWxH: 12.32 x 4.84 x 1.52 inches | Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth & USB | Compatible Devices: Laptop, Tablet, Smartphone
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Well-priced
✓ Seamless connectivity
✓ Premium build quality
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Lacks wrist rest
✗ Somewhat scratchy switches
Looking for a great keyboard that’s affordable and has some cool features? Check out the Keychron K2! This Bluetooth mechanical keyboard connects with up to three devices and has a 75% layout, making it perfect for gaming, work or school. The white LED backlight is easy on the eyes, and the inclined bottom frame makes it more comfortable to type without a palm rest.
Plus, it comes with a USB Type-C cable, so you can use it wired or wireless. This keyboard offers a Mac layout as well as compatibility with Windows and comes with extra keycaps for both operating systems. It also features a 4000 mAh big battery that is capable of lasting up to 72 hours of typing or 7 days of regular use.
NKRO on wired mode or 6KRO on wireless mode means you’ll never miss a keystroke again. It comes with a charming white LED backlight and elegant keycap legends to help you type in any environment. Plus, the durable Gateron mechanical switch provides unrivaled tactile responsiveness on the brown switch.
Razer Cynosa Chroma
Most Affordable Pick
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Razer | Series: RAZER USA LTD | Color: Black | Number of Keys: 104 | Style: Cynosa Chroma | Connectivity Technology: Wired | Compatible Devices: Gaming Console
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Programmable keys
✓ Whisper-quiet switches
✓ Excellent RGB implementation
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Mediocre ergonomics
✗ No dedicated macro keys
Introducing the Razer Cynosa Chroma gaming keyboard - the perfect all-around performer for gamers of all levels. With built-in key rollover anti-ghosting, this keyboard can execute up to ten commands at the same time, ensuring that you always have the upper hand in any game. And with Razer Chroma backlighting, you can customize your keyboard’s color palette to match your gaming setup perfectly.
Plus, it supports 16.8 million colors on individually backlit keys for an utterly immersive gaming experience. The Razer Cynosa Chroma Gaming Keyboard is specially designed for gamers, with features like spill-resistant construction and fully programmable macros. The Razer Hypershift function allows you to remap any key or key combination to execute complex commands.
This durable keyboard features a construction that can withstand up to 80 million clicks, and it comes with a 2 year manufacturer warranty.
Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT
Good All Round Gaming Keyboard
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Corsair | Series: CORSAIR K55 RGB PRO XT | Color: Black | Style RGB Pro XT | Material: Rubber | Compatible Devices: PC | Keyboard Description: Gaming
REASONS TO BUY
✓ iCue customization
✓ Superb ergonomics
✓ Surprisingly low latency
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Membrane switches
✗ Mediocre build quality
The Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT is a great gaming keyboard for anyone on a budget. This keyboard has everything you need to take your gameplay to the next level, including vivid per-key RGB backlighting, six dedicated macro keys, and IP42-rated dust and spill resistance.
Plus, with ten onboard lighting effects to choose from and CORSAIR iCUE software for customizing your own lighting effects, you’ll have plenty of ways to light up your desktop. The soft rubber detachable palm rest helps reduce stress on your hands, and the textured surface prevents them from slipping.
Dedicated volume and media keys make it easy to control media playback without interrupting your game. This keyboard offers dynamic RGB lighting that reacts to in-game actions, quiet and responsive keys, and anti-ghosting with selective key rollover. It has a dedicated Windows Key lock button to prevent accidental key presses.
EVGA Z20
Best MMO Gaming Keyboard
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: EVGA | Color: Black | Style: Clicky | Item Dimensions LxWxH: 18.58 x 5.94 x 1.5 inches | Connectivity Technology: USB | Keyboard Description: Mechanical
REASONS TO BUY
✓ USB and Audio passthrough
✓ Five dedicated macro buttons
✓ Noticeably responsive keystrokes
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Expensive
✗ The keys are sloppy.
Are you looking for a gaming keyboard that won’t break the bank? EVGA has you covered with their Z20TOF Proximity Range Sensor. This keyboard offers Light Strike LK Optical Mechanical switches, which generate a 25% faster response time than traditional mechanical switches. And with N-key rollover, you can enjoy precise control over your gameplay.
Plus, the EVGA Z20TOF Proximity Range Sensor features a proximity sensor that detects user movement to trigger the system awake or send it to sleep. This keyboard Features a 32-bit Arm Cortex-M33 core USB microprocessor; this also supports a 4,000Hz polling rate, allowing you to enjoy an even more responsive and accurate gaming experience.
The left and right RGB lightbars create an impressive visual effect, while the 14 pre-set lighting effects can be customized. It features five dedicated and programmable Macro E keys, customizable via the UNLEASH RGB software. Additionally, the keyboard comes with built-in wrist rests and media control buttons to keep you comfortable and in control even during long gaming sessions.
Corsair K63
Best Wireless Gaming Keyboard
SPECIFICATIONS
Keyboard Description: Wireless| Connectivity Technology: Wireless| USB 3.0 or 3.1 Type-A | Compatible Devices: Gaming Console | Special Feature: Wireless, Lighting
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Affordable
✓ Sleek, angular design
✓ Sharp LED backlighting
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Odd macro key placement
✗ Requires optional palm rest for maximum comfort
Introducing the Corsair K63 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – a super-fast, ultra-portable gaming keyboard that lets you play your favorite PC games without having to fumble with cables. This amazing keyboard features 100% Cherry MX Red mechanical key switches, per-key Blue LED backlighting and large font keycaps for vibrant lighting effects. Plus, its compact and portable keyless design makes it easy to take with you on the go.
And best of all, the K63 Wireless supports ultra-fast 1ms 2.4GHz gaming-optimized wireless technology, low latency Bluetooth wireless, and USB wired connectivity – giving you the flexibility to connect whichever way is most convenient for you. So don’t miss out on this incredible keyboard.
The rechargeable battery lasts up to 15 hours, and there’s no need to plug it in – you can just game wirelessly. Dedicated multimedia and volume controls make it easy to adjust your audio while you play, and the keyboard itself is backlit with customizable lighting so you can always see what you’re doing.
Logitech G413
Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Logitech G | Keyboard Description: Gaming| Special Feature: Lighting | Compatible Devices: Gaming Console | Color: Carbon
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Good build quality
✓ Roomy palm rest
✓ Comfortable and quiet for typing and gaming.
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No dedicated macro or media keys
✗ RGB lighting that isn't too bright.
With the Logitech G413 Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, you’ll enjoy the pro-grade performance, responsiveness, and durability. The Romer-G mechanical switch is purpose-built for gaming, providing precise and clean lighting through the keycap. You’ll always be able to see the keys clearly, even during those late-night gaming sessions.
Plus, an additional USB cable connects the USB pass-through port to its own input for 100% power throughput and data speed. You can even plug in a device to charge or plug in a mouse to charge your adversaries.
The brushed aluminum-magnesium alloy top case gives the keyboard a premium look and feels, while the FN keys provide easy control of volume, playback, lighting, game mode, and more.
Lenovo Legion K500
Best RGB Mechanical Keyboard
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Lenovo | Color: Black | Number of Keys: 104 | Item Dimensions LxWxH: 8.58 x 17.47 x 1.31 inches | Connectivity Technology: USB | Compatible Devices: PC
REASONS TO BUY
✓ minimalistic design
✓ User-friendly software
✓ Well built
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ There is no lighting on Media Keys.
✗ No USB passthrough
The Lenovo Legion K500 gaming keyboard is perfect for gamers who want a minimalist design with essential features. This minimalist gaming Keyboard is ideal for gamers who want results without all the clutter. It features a sleek, professional design with essential gaming features, making it perfect for any gamer looking to declutter their desk. Plus, it’s comfortable to type on and offers total typing comfort.
This top-quality keyboard features 7 media keys and a dedicated game mode key, making it perfect for any gamer. With 16.8 million RGB LED colors per Key and 50 million-click Red mechanical keys, you’re guaranteed an unbeatable gaming experience. And thanks to its high-quality build and durable materials, the Legion K500 will last you for years to come. Its 1.8M tangle-free cable ensures that you’re always in control of your game.
Conclusion
Keyboards are an important part of any gaming PC build. Not only do they provide a way to interact with your games, but they can also help you improve your gameplay. Gamers know that a good gaming keyboard can make all the difference in their gameplay. A quality keyboard should be comfortable, have well-built keys, and include features useful for gamers.
We’ve outlined some of the best gaming keyboards under 100 dollars and what makes them great choices for gamers. So, whether you’re looking for a comfortable keyboard with backlighting or programmable keys, we have you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a gaming keyboard?
The answer is definitely yes. A gaming keyboard has quicker response times and better accuracy than traditional keyboards when it comes to hitting multiple keys at once, something intensive gamers often do.
They also typically feature more macro-keys so various buttons can be assigned different tasks, media player controls and downloadable custom layouts. The customization options available on some gaming keyboards are even more significant.
Does RGB make you a better gamer?
Many gamers believe that RGB gaming keyboards offer a number of advantages over non-RGB gaming keyboards. Some of these advantages include the following:
- RGB gaming keyboards are often more customizable than non-RGB gaming keyboards, allowing you to personalize your setup to match your preferences.
- RGB lighting can help you to better orient yourself in games that feature dark or confusing environments.
What kind of keyboard do professional gamers use?
Professional gamers use gaming keyboards that have features specifically designed for gaming. Some of these features include backlighting, macro keys, and on-the-fly key mapping. These keyboards are also often built with durability in mind to withstand the intense use that gamers put them through.
