Best Gaming Keyboards Under $100: Top Picks for Budget-Friendly Quality

For many gamers, a keyboard is more than just a tool; it’s a vital part of the gaming experience. A good gaming keyboard can enhance gameplay, provide comfort during long gaming sessions, and even contribute to the overall aesthetic of your gaming setup. But high quality doesn’t always mean high price. This comprehensive guide explores the best gaming keyboards you can get for under $100, based on extensive research and user reviews. For each keyboard, we delve into the pros and cons to help you find your perfect match without breaking the bank.

As part of our commitment to transparency, we want to inform you that some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means that at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link.

We want to assure you that our decision to feature these products is based solely on their quality and relevance to your needs, not the potential commission. Our priority is always to provide you with honest and valuable information to help you make informed decisions. We rigorously research and select products that we believe are the best in their category, and our recommendations are always made with your satisfaction in mind.

Our Favorite Gaming Keyboards:

1. HyperX Alloy FPS Pro

• Pros:
  • Durability: The Alloy FPS Pro is renowned for its sturdy frame and long-lasting mechanical keys, designed to withstand intense gaming sessions.
  • Precision and Responsiveness: Equipped with Cherry MX mechanical keys, it offers excellent tactile feedback, making every keystroke count.
  • Space Efficiency: The tenkeyless design is perfect for smaller desks or gamers who need more room for mouse movement.
• Cons:
  • Lacks RGB Lighting: The absence of customizable RGB lighting might be a downside for those who enjoy personalizing their gaming environment.
  • Basic Features: This model focuses on fundamental performance, meaning it skips extra features like macro keys or USB pass-through ports.

The HyperX Alloy FPS Pro is built with a solid steel frame, offering durability and stability. This design choice makes it suitable for intense gaming sessions and regular typing. The keyboard is tenkeyless, meaning it lacks a numeric keypad, which contributes to a more compact footprint, making it ideal for gamers with limited desk space or those who prefer a minimalist setup​​​​.

One of the standout features of this keyboard is the use of authentic Cherry MX mechanical switches, known for their reliability and long lifespan. Cherry MX switches are a gold standard in the industry, and the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro offers them in three variants: Red, Blue, and Brown, catering to different typing preferences. The Red switches, for instance, provide a smooth motion with no detent, making them comfortable for both gaming and typing​​​​​​.

The keyboard comes with red LED backlighting, featuring six LED modes and five brightness levels, adding to its aesthetic appeal. However, it does not offer RGB lighting, which might be a downside for users who prefer more color customization options. The lighting effects can be adjusted using key combinations, adding some level of personalization to the keyboard’s look​​​​.

In terms of functionality, the keyboard includes multimedia keys, a game mode that disables the Windows key to prevent accidental interruptions, and anti-ghosting with N-key rollover for precise gaming inputs. However, it lacks features like macro recording and dedicated media controls, which might be a drawback for users seeking more advanced features​​​​​​.

The detachable cable is a convenient feature for gamers on the go, making the keyboard more portable and easy to set up. Its compact design further enhances this aspect, making it a good option for those who attend LAN parties or have limited desk space​​.

While the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro is not the most feature-rich keyboard, its solid build and reliable performance offer good value for its price. It’s seen as a suitable choice for FPS gamers and those who prefer a straightforward, functional mechanical keyboard without unnecessary frills​​​​.

In conclusion, the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro is a robust and reliable mechanical keyboard, particularly suited for FPS gamers and users who appreciate a minimalistic, compact design with high-quality switches. Its lack of RGB lighting and some advanced features may deter some users, but its build quality, typing experience, and portability make it a strong contender in its price range.

2. Razer Cynosa Chroma

• Pros:
  • Extensive RGB Customization: Razer’s Chroma software allows for extensive customization of the RGB lighting, letting you personalize your setup to your heart’s content.
  • Durability: The spill-resistant design adds a layer of protection against accidents, making it a durable choice.
  • Quiet Operation: The membrane keys offer a quieter typing experience, ideal for shared spaces or late-night gaming.
• Cons:
  • Membrane vs. Mechanical: The softer membrane keys may lack the satisfying click and responsiveness of mechanical switches.
  • Responsiveness: Some fast-paced gamers might find the keys less responsive than high-end mechanical models, which could impact gaming performance.

The Razer Cynosa Chroma is a full-sized keyboard with a solid build, featuring a steel plate on top of a plastic lower section. The design includes a small row of LEDs in the top right corner to indicate Game mode and Caps Lock status, although the symbols beneath them are noted as being barely visible. The keyboard’s substantial bezels might seem a bit outdated, especially with the current trend of minimizing bezels in design. Additionally, the keycaps are laser-etched with a UV coating for durability, but they are non-removable, which could raise questions about long-term maintenance​​​​.

The keyboard’s ‘soft cushions’ make for a quieter typing experience compared to mechanical keyboards, which can be a significant advantage if you prefer less noise. The keys are said to provide a good gaming experience, handling fast-paced games like Doom efficiently, although some might find the space bar less responsive for quick actions. For typing, the keyboard allows for a comfortable and familiar experience, but some may find that they need to press the keys more firmly than usual​​.

The Razer Cynosa Chroma excels in its RGB lighting, offering a visually striking experience with extensive customization options through Razer Synapse 3 software. It supports macro programming, which is easy to set up, and has a spill-proof design for added durability. The keyboard also offers a 10-key rollover, which is adequate for most gaming needs. However, the membrane keys might not be the first choice for those who prefer the tactile feel of mechanical switches​​.

Overall, the keyboard is suited for both gaming and general typing. It’s a considerable upgrade from basic membrane keyboards, offering a balance between higher-end gaming features and affordability. However, the lack of USB passthrough and the need for more forceful typing may not appeal to everyone​​​​.

In summary, the Razer Cynosa Chroma is a solid choice for gamers and typists looking for an affordable upgrade from basic membrane keyboards. It offers impressive RGB lighting, decent gaming performance, and a quieter typing experience, though it lacks some features of higher-end mechanical keyboards. The key feel and non-removable keycaps might not suit everyone’s preferences, but overall, it’s a capable keyboard that delivers value for its price.

3. Logitech G413

• Pros:
  • Elegant and Robust Design: The G413 boasts a sleek, minimalist design with a strong and stylish aluminum top case.
  • Romer-G Tactile Switches: These unique switches are a hallmark of the G413, offering a great balance of speed, precision, and quiet operation.
  • Extra Features: The inclusion of a USB pass-through port is a convenient addition, allowing for easy connection of other devices.
• Cons:
  • Limited Backlighting Options: With only red backlighting available, customization options are somewhat restricted.
  • Lack of Dedicated Media Controls: The absence of separate media keys can be an inconvenience for those who frequently adjust volume or playback during gaming.

The Logitech G413 is a mechanical keyboard that strikes a balance between gaming performance and a clean, functional design. It stands out for its solid build quality, which includes a brushed aluminum top case and durable PBT keycaps. These keycaps are designed to withstand long gaming sessions and resist wear, making them a good choice for gamers who need durability​​.

The keyboard features Long Hua brown tactile mechanical keys, offering a soft tactile typing experience. These keys are rated for a 50 million cycle lifespan, ensuring long-term reliability, especially for frequently used keys like A, W, S, and D. The tactile feedback of these keys offers a quieter typing experience compared to some other mechanical keyboards, which might be appealing if you prefer less noise​​.

Each key on the G413 is individually backlit with a red LED light, providing clear and bright illumination. This lighting is effective in both the regular and changeable keycaps, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions. However, the red backlighting might be seen as too aggressive for some, and the lack of alternative backlighting colors could limit its appeal in more professional settings​​.

When it comes to software, the G413 requires the Logitech Gaming Software (LGS) for full functionality. This software allows for key remapping, macro programming, and control over the backlighting. The keyboard supports a range of customization options through LGS, although these are somewhat limited compared to more advanced models. The software itself is well-designed and easy to use, supporting most of Logitech’s gaming accessories range​​.

In terms of performance, the G413 excels in gaming scenarios. Its Romer-G switches are responsive and offer a discernible click and tactile bump with each keystroke, contributing to a confident and precise typing and gaming experience. The keyboard performs well in fast-paced games, allowing for quick actions and efficient control​​.

However, the G413 has some limitations. It requires two USB ports for operation, lacks dedicated media controls, and offers limited customization options for macros and key mapping. Additionally, while the G413 includes gaming-specific keycaps, it lacks USB passthrough and the extensive feature set found in some of its competitors​​​​.

Overall, the Logitech G413 is a solid choice for gamers looking for a durable, responsive, and straightforward mechanical keyboard. Its emphasis on tactile feedback and build quality makes it suitable for both gaming and general typing, though it may not satisfy those looking for extensive customization options or a variety of backlighting colors.

4. Corsair K55 RGB

• Pros:
  • Macro Functionality: The six dedicated macro keys are a boon for gamers who love to customize their controls for different games.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: The dynamic three-zone RGB backlighting adds a vibrant touch to any gaming setup.
  • Comfortable Wrist Rest: The detachable wrist rest is ergonomically designed to reduce strain during prolonged gaming.
• Cons:
  • Membrane Keyboard: The membrane design might not satisfy gamers who prefer the tactile feel of mechanical keys.
  • Size Considerations: Its larger footprint may not be ideal for compact gaming areas or minimalistic setups.

The K55 RGB PRO XT is characterized by its membrane switches, which are a significant aspect of its design. It features six configurable G-keys on the left side, standard thin mainstream ABS plastic keycaps with laser-etched legends, and supports backlighting. While it is a membrane keyboard, it is designed to offer a decent upgrade from basic models in its category. The keyboard is aesthetically pleasing, offering a good value for money from a design perspective​​.

The keycaps are made of thin ABS plastic, which is fairly standard for membrane keyboards at this price point. The keycaps support backlighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. However, they are not removable, which could impact long-term maintenance and customization options. The membrane switches are preferred by some users over mechanical switches, especially those who find mechanical keyboards too loud. However, membrane switches may require more force to actuate and could feel stickier, especially for fast typists​​​​.

One of the keyboard’s strong points is its software support, particularly the integration with Corsair’s iCUE software and Elgato Stream Deck functionality. The iCUE software is comprehensive and allows for extensive customization of the keyboard, including the RGB backlighting. This software integration significantly enhances the user experience, making the K55 RGB PRO XT stand out in the membrane keyboard market. The six G-keys add to its functionality, especially for streamers or those who require quick access to macros​​​​.

: The keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience and is suitable for gaming. It has a spill-proof design and includes features such as dedicated macro keys and dynamic RGB backlighting with five lighting zones. However, some users may find the keys louder compared to previous models or other keyboards in the same category. The K55 RGB PRO XT is capable of handling gaming and everyday use effectively​​.

Priced at around $69.99 for the PRO XT model, it offers good value for its features and performance. The non-XT model, K55 RGB PRO, is priced lower but still provides essential features like five-zone RGB backlighting. The keyboard’s pricing is competitive, especially considering the software support and customization options it offers​​​​.

In conclusion, the Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT is a well-rounded membrane gaming keyboard that offers a balance between functionality, aesthetics, and price. Its software support and customization options make it a strong contender in its category, especially for users who prefer membrane over mechanical switches. While it may have some limitations inherent to membrane keyboards, such as the feel of the keys and non-removable keycaps, its overall performance and features make it a viable choice for gamers and general users looking for a budget-friendly yet feature-rich keyboard.

5. SteelSeries Apex 3

• Pros:
  • Silent Gaming Switches: The Apex 3 is designed for gamers who need to keep noise to a minimum, making it ideal for shared spaces.
  • Enhanced Durability: The IP32 water-resistant build protects against accidental spills, ensuring the longevity of the keyboard.
  • Vibrant RGB Lighting: With 10-zone RGB customization, it offers plenty of options for personalizing your gaming atmosphere.
• Cons:
  • Non-Mechanical Feel: Gamers accustomed to mechanical switches might find the feel of the Apex 3 lacking.
  • Connectivity Limitations: The absence of additional connectivity options like a USB pass-through may be a drawback for those needing more ports.

The Apex 3 is known for its sleek design and solid build. It comes with a steel frame, providing durability and stability, and its keys are raised, which, while adding to its aesthetic appeal, make the keyboard more susceptible to dust and dirt. However, it’s worth noting that it’s also water-resistant, with an IP31 rating, making it resilient against spills and easy to clean​​​​.

The keyboard uses membrane keys, which results in a quieter typing experience compared to mechanical keyboards. This can be a significant advantage for users who prefer a less noisy keyboard. However, some users might find the need to press the keys more firmly, as the Apex 3 has a pre-travel distance of 2.4mm. The typing experience is generally good, with the keyboard being responsive and tactile, although it may lack some feedback for more precise gaming scenarios​​​​.

The SteelSeries Apex 3 performs well in both gaming and general usage. It features dedicated media keys and a volume wheel, enhancing its functionality for media control. The keyboard operates with the SteelSeries Engine software, allowing for custom RGB lighting settings, macro key programming, and more. The RGB lighting on the Apex 3 is zonal rather than per-key, offering less customization than some other keyboards but still providing a variety of lighting effects and presets​​​​.

The SteelSeries Engine software is robust, offering various options for RGB lighting, key bindings, and adding apps to the keyboard. Users can program macro keys for shortcuts and bind actions to certain keys for activities they do often. While the customization is extensive, it’s limited to eight different lighting zones rather than individual key lighting, which might be a downside for users looking for more in-depth customization​​.

The multimedia controls, while a nice addition, have some limitations. For instance, they work well with PC programs like iTunes and Windows Media Player but don’t function with online programs like YouTube or Spotify. This might reduce their usefulness for some users​​.

The SteelSeries Apex 3 is a robust and affordable keyboard that offers a good balance between gaming and general usage features. Its near-silent switches and dedicated media controls make it great for a variety of environments. While it may not have the tactility of a mechanical keyboard, its features, and price point make it an attractive option for those looking for a silent, feature-rich gaming keyboard​​.

In conclusion, the SteelSeries Apex 3 is a well-rounded keyboard that offers good value for its price, especially for users who prefer a quieter typing experience and are looking for a water-resistant, customizable keyboard with dedicated media controls. While it may lack some of the tactility and customization options of higher-end mechanical keyboards, its overall performance and features make it a solid choice in the budget gaming keyboard segment.

Honorable Mentions

If you’re a gamer looking for a great keyboard to enhance your gaming and typing experience, consider the mechanical gaming keyboard options available. For those on a budget, the Redragon K552 offers a solid, no-frills mechanical gaming experience, complete with an aluminum body and satisfying clicky switches. For a more compact form factor, the Razer Huntsman Mini, with its per-key RGB backlighting and detachable cable, is an awesome gaming choice, especially if you’re a fan of Razer’s Chroma lighting effects. The wireless mechanical keyboard segment is led by options like the Logitech G613, known for its Romer-G tactile switches and dedicated media keys, ensuring a seamless gaming setup without the hassle of cable management.

PC gaming enthusiasts seeking a full-size keyboard might appreciate the HyperX Alloy Origins, which offers a robust aluminum body, a comfortable detachable palm rest, and vibrant RGB gaming aesthetics. For those who prefer a TKL keyboard, the ROCCAT Vulcan is a top pick with its sleek design, detachable wrist rest, and advanced switch options, balancing work and play perfectly. The Royal Kludge RK61 is another great keyboard that stands out with its wireless functionality, offering Bluetooth connectivity and a long battery life, making it a versatile choice for both gaming and typing.

With so many gaming keyboards available, each with unique features like per-key RGB backlighting, tactile bump in keypress, and switch options, you can easily find one that fits your gaming setup, play style, and price tag. Whether it’s a wireless mechanical keyboard for clutter-free gaming or a membrane keyboard like the Corsair Cynosa for those who prefer a softer keypress, the right keyboard can truly take your gaming to the next level.

Conclusion

Your choice of gaming keyboard should align with your specific needs, whether that’s responsive keystrokes, customizable lighting, or quiet operation. Each of the keyboards listed here offers a unique blend of features and performance at a price that won’t stretch your wallet. Consider what aspects — from key type to additional functionalities — are most critical for your gaming style. With these budget-friendly options, you’re sure to find a gaming keyboard that enhances your gameplay, boosts your performance, and complements your gaming setup, all under $100. Happy gaming!

Q: What are the best gaming keyboards under $100 in 2023?

A: The best gaming keyboards under $100 in 2023 are those that offer a good balance of features, durability, and performance for the price. Some popular options include mechanical keyboards, wireless keyboards, TKL (tenkeyless) keyboards, and those with RGB lighting and customizable keycaps.

Q: What should I look for in a gaming keyboard under $100?

A: When searching for a gaming keyboard under $100, look for features such as mechanical switches, customizable RGB lighting, durable build quality, programmable keys, reliable wireless connectivity, and ergonomic design. Pay attention to the type of keycaps, key switch, and any additional features like USB-C cable or onboard memory for profiles and macros.

Q: Are there any good wireless gaming keyboards available for under $100?

A: Yes, there are several good wireless gaming keyboards available for under $100. These keyboards offer the convenience of wireless connectivity without compromising on gaming performance. Look for options from reputable brands that offer good battery life, reliable wireless technology, and responsive key switches.

Q: What are the advantages of using a mechanical gaming keyboard under $100?

A: Mechanical gaming keyboards under $100 offer the benefits of tactile and responsive key switches, customizable keycaps, and durability. They are preferred by many gamers for their superior performance and feel compared to membrane keyboards.

Q: Can I find a budget gaming keyboard under $100 with per-key RGB lighting?

A: Yes, there are budget gaming keyboards under $100 that offer per-key RGB lighting. These keyboards provide customizable RGB backlighting for individual keys, allowing for personalized lighting effects and enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Q: What is a TKL keyboard and are there good options under $100?

A: A TKL (tenkeyless) keyboard is a compact keyboard that lacks the number pad, providing a more ergonomic and space-saving design. There are several good options for TKL gaming keyboards under $100, offering mechanical switches, customizable backlighting, and durable build quality.

Q: Are there wireless mechanical gaming keyboards under $100 with good build quality?

A: Yes, there are wireless mechanical gaming keyboards under $100 with good build quality. Look for keyboards with an aluminum body, durable key switches, and reliable wireless connectivity to ensure a satisfying gaming and typing experience.

Q: What are the best budget gaming keyboard options for PC gaming in 2023?

A: The best budget gaming keyboard options for PC gaming in 2023 include mechanical keyboards, wireless keyboards, TKL keyboards, and those with customizable RGB lighting. Focus on finding a keyboard that offers the features and performance you need for an enjoyable gaming experience within your budget.

Q: Can I find a good wireless gaming keyboard under $100 with per-key RGB lighting?

A: Yes, you can find a good wireless gaming keyboard under $100 with per-key RGB lighting. These keyboards provide the convenience of wireless connectivity and customizable per-key RGB lighting for a personalized and immersive gaming setup.

Q: What are the best gaming keyboards under $100 for typing and gaming?

A: The best gaming keyboards under $100 for typing and gaming are those that offer a balance of tactile feedback, key switch options, build quality, and additional features such as customizable RGB lighting and ergonomic design. Look for keyboards that can cater to both your gaming and typing needs effectively.