Whether you’re a serious or casual gamer, finding a gaming keyboard that suits your needs is difficult and can be very expensive. Luckily, there are keyboards on the market for less than 100$. Although most of them lack the features of high-end keyboards such as additional macro keys, better build quality, or sometimes even full RGB lighting, they are still reliable for gaming. When looking for a gaming keyboard, it is important to consider what types of switches you are most comfortable with, as some come with mechanical switches while others have rubber dome switches, which are more comfortable than mechanical ones.
Best Gaming Keyboard Under 100$ Are:
1. Corsair K63 ( Best Gaming Keyboard Under 100$
The best gaming keyboard under 100$ that we’ve tested so far is the Corsair K63 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. This TKL console accompanies Cherry MX Red direct switches and blue backdrop illumination. The console can be associated through its USB recipient or through Bluetooth, which makes it very flexible.
It comes with a nice and quite comfortable wrist rest, although it is not stuffed like other high-end products.
Unfortunately, this keyboard is a bit cheap and it doesn’t seem the most durable. On the other hand, the Corsair has a dedicated Windows key lock that prevents your game from being accidentally minimized.
2. Razer Ornata V2 ( Best Gaming Keyboard Under 100$ )
The best gaming keyboard under $ 100 with non-mechanical switches we’ve tested is the Razer Ornata V2. This full-size corded model uses Razer Mecha-Membrane switches that combine the feel of soft rubber domes with the click of mechanical switches. It really shines due to its full RGB lighting, and each key can be customized in Razer’s Synapse 3 software.
It comes with a detachable plush wrist rest and has two tilt adjustments, giving it a nice ergonomic feel that should make you feel comfortable while gaming. Unlike the original Razer Ornata, this version comes with dedicated multimedia keys and a volume control wheel, while the much-appreciated Game Mode feature can be activated with a function button. It is fully compatible with Windows and partially compatible with iOS due to the context keys not working.
Unfortunately, the spacebar button feels wobbly, and the ABS keys feel cheap overall. The click switches make the keyboard quite loud, which could be annoying after prolonged use. Also, their software doesn’t work on iOS or Linux, which means it can’t be customized on those operating systems. Overall, if you prefer non-mechanical keyboards and want something that doesn’t sacrifice performance or features, this is a great pick.
3. SteelSeries Apex 3 ( Best Gaming Keyboard Under 100$ )
If you are looking for an even cheaper non-mechanical keyboard, the SteelSeries Apex 3 is an excellent choice. It’s made from a solid plastic frame that has a fair amount of flex and is rated IP32 for water and dust resistance, though this isn’t something we test. The ABS keys feel stable and have a nice, smooth finish. The SteelSeries Engine software that comes with the keyboard is excellent, allowing you to customize the backlighting of each key individually, reprogram each key, set macros, and save unique profiles.
If you’re looking for a keyboard that has better RGB lighting and feels better when typing, get the Razer.
4. SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid ( Best Gaming Keyboard Under 100$ )
The best gaming keyboard under 100$ with mechanical switches that we have tested so far is the SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard.
This is an excellent gaming keyboard that comes with the same features as other SteelSeries series keyboards but for less than 100$. It has individually illuminated keys, an OLED screen where you can display anything you want, and a scroll wheel. Its software is compatible with both Windows and macOS. The keys are easy to press, ensuring your actions are quickly recorded. It is very well built and comes with a wrist rest. Overall, it’s a very good keyboard, making it the best under $ 100 mechanical keyboard we’ve seen.