Best Gaming Keyboards Under 100

Just as you need the best gaming mouse, you need a great gaming keyboard to help you achieve that competitive edge you require over your rivals.  And while the best gaming keyboards come at hefty prices, there are cheap ones that still deliver incredible performance.

As a gamer, you not only need a keyboard that’s just made to help you improve your gaming skills but also one that helps elevate your overall experience. That said, not every keyboard out there is right for you.

Our list includes gaming keyboards that come with the best ergonomics, some with RGB lighting, wireless connectivity, media controls, and lots of other super features. To help you find the best one for your gaming needs at amazingly affordable prices, here’s our list of the best gaming keyboards under $100 that are worth considering.

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     Best for 2021

Razer BlackWidow Mechanical

Razer BlackWidow Mechanical

After research, we choose the Razer BlackWidow Mechanical keyboard as our top recommended option on our list as it is ergonomically designed to keep your wrist comfy and well-supported. It also features Chroma LED lighting, mechanical switches with superb tactile, Hypershift for macro-keys, and much more for the best performance.

For those looking for a wireless option, the Cosair K63 is the best choice as it allows you to enjoy your game on your big screen wirelessly. And those looking for something with full-RGB lighting, the Razer Cynosa Chroma can be an ideal option.

Best Gaming Keyboards under $100

1. Razer BlackWidow Mechanical- RZ03-02860200-R3U1

Razer has earned a great reputation for its popular collection of gaming keyboards. And the Razer Blackwidow is one of their best budget keyboards for gaming.

To begin with, the Blackwidow is compact, matte-black keyboard with numeric keypad and a Razer logo at the center. It boasts Chroma led backlit keys with a whopping 16.8 million color options, allowing you to customize the backlighting effect and brightness to your liking.

This versatile keyboard features green mechanical switches that deliver exceptional tactile and clicky feel that any gamer would love. The switches are rated to eighty million keystrokes, so you can expect it to last longer.

The keys come with a dual-wall design for improved stability. With 1000Hz Ultrapolling, this Razer model is incredibly responsive and also comes with anti-ghosting and N-key rollover technologies. The Hypershift feature lets you assign each key a secondary function.

Pros 

  • It’s fully compatible with Razer Synapse
  • Incredibly easy to set up
  • Up to 80 million keystrokes rating for exceptional durability
  • Customizable backlit keys with plenty of color options
  • Superb Green clicky switches for the best gaming performance
  • It’s equipped with USB and 3.5mm jack pass through for seamless cable routing
  • It has Razer Hypershift
  • It comes with a 2-year warranty

Cons 

  • Doesn’t include dedicated macro keys but has Hypershift
  • Cable management could be better
  • Lacks a wrist rest

2. CORSAIR K63

Probably the best budget wireless gaming keyboard out there, the Cosair K63 allows you to seamlessly connect up to two devices via Bluetooth or USB for easy multi-tasking. This versatile keyboard boasts linear Cherry MX Red switches that deliver great responsiveness.

It has blue backlighting on each key and you can easily adjust the brightness as you wish. This keyboard is ergonomically designed with a wrist rest for added comfort and arm support while you’re busy gaming.


It comes with long USB cable with a receiver adapter, allowing for increased range for better performance. It’s equipped with dedicated keys for media control, backlight control, and Windows lock. You also find hotkeys that allow you to switch between your connected devices, and one for putting your laptop on sleep mode.

Pros

  • Great compatibility with different operating systems
  • The switches offer an enhanced typing experience
  • Superb software support
  • Allow for multiple pairing of devices
  • It has full-RGB backlighting
  • It has dedicated media control keys
  • Comes with a wrist rest for added comfort

Cons

  • Limited RGB backlighting color options
  • Doesn’t come with onboard memory

3. Razer Cynosa Chroma

Another great gaming keyboard from Razer’s lineup, the Razer Cynosa Chroma boasts a solid build and full-RGB backlighting as well as programmable keys.

This full-sized keyboard is made of hard plastic with durable ABS keycaps that feel incredibly smooth and very quiet while typing. The keyboard’s keys are designed stable enough to prevent any wobbling as you’re gaming. It also designed spill-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about accidental spillages.

With key Rollover and anti-ghosting technologies, this keyboard can easily execute nearly ten commands simultaneously. 

Another amazing thing about this keyboard is the Razer Chroma backlighting that offers you up to 16.8 million color options to customize the backlit on each key individually.

It also comes with Hypershift feature, allowing you to assign every key on the keyboard a different function. And there are also dedicated keys for backlight brightness adjustments, media control, and Windows lock key. Using the Synapse 3 software, you can seamlessly customize the keys you’d want to lock.

Pros

  • It has a solid construction with stable keys
  • Good compatibility with various operating systems
  • Full RGB backlighting with individual key backlit customization
  • Programmable function keys
  • Great lighting synchronization with other Razer peripherals
  • Comes with a 2-year warranty
  • Rated to 80 million keystrokes for longevity
  • Can execute multiple commands at a time without any issue

Cons

  • Doesn’t have the best ergonomics
  • Limited to wired connection only

4. Razer BlackWidow Elite

BlackWidow Elite from Razer is a superb option for any gamer looking to invest on a top-level keyboard for less than $100. The BlackWidow Elite features just about everything you’d need in a gaming keyboard for prime performance.

Firstly, this is a full-size mechanical keyboard made of an all-black plastic cover with elegant, elevated keycaps. It is equipped with USB and audio cable pass-through on one side and Chroma RGB backlit keys on its top-surface.

It has ABS keycaps and comes with a plushy wrist wrest, which helps ensure your wrist rests comfortably throughout your entire gaming session.

This model is designed with Green mechanical switches but also comes in other two different switch styles, allowing you to choose one that suits your preference. The switches provide faster actuation and are rated to eighty million keystrokes for extended durability.

When it comes to customization, this keyboard lets you set a different backlit color on every key with ease and adjust the overall backlight brightness. With the help of Synapse 3 software, you can key-bind, create macro keys, and even connect to other Razer devices and some of the popular games out there.

You also can fully reprogram the keys for secondary functions such as media control using the Hypershift feature.

Pros

  • Great build quality and incredibly durable
  • Available in three different switches
  • Provides full-RGB backlighting with customizable key backlight
  • Great customization options
  • Comes with two USB plugs and an audio jack
  • It has a comfortable wrist rest for a better gaming experience
  • Available in different switch styles to choose from

Cons

  • It’s a large size and may take up much desktop space
  • Customization limited to Windows operating systems

5. Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition

Featuring Linear Optical switches, the Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition provides tremendous responsiveness for the ultimate gaming performance.

It has a compact design and a solid build as it’s made of an aluminum top frame for increased rigidity and durable PBT keycaps that’s oil resistant. When it comes to ergonomics, this keyboard boasts two different incline settings with the keys properly raised for easy typing without causing fatigue while gaming for longer hours.

The Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition feature full RGB backlighting that you can easily customize via the Synapse 3 software. 

You can as well preset the backlight on each key to your liking.  It’s designed to use detachable USB-C cable, which comes handy when you’re travelling and can easily be replaced in case it gets damaged.

The keys are programmable for secondary functions and there are hotkeys for ‘Game mode’ and ‘sleep mode’. With this keyboard, you also get onboard memory where you can save up to five profiles.

Pros 

  • Exceptional build quality
  • Great typing experience
  • Detachable USB-C cable for portability and easy replacement
  • Full RGB backlighting
  • Works great with different game genres
  • Programmable keys for macros

Cons

  • Limited to wired connection only
  • Doesn’t come with a wrist rest
  • Some gamers may find the keys overly sensitive

6. HyperX Alloy Origins

Uniquely designed for exceptional durability and functionality, the HyperX Alloy Origins has an impressive build quality made of full-aluminum chassis with a soft finish coating and non-skid rubber backing for enhanced stability.

It is also ergonomically designed with keyboard feet that can be set in three different incline positions. Unlike many of the other mechanical keyboards, this keyboard has a compact design that allows you plenty of desktop room for mouse movements.  It also comes with a soft ergonomic wrist rest for enhanced comfort.

The keys come made of ABS caps and are well-spaced and stable enough for typing accuracy and a better typing experience with reduced noise. 

The linear switches are amazingly responsive and light to type on, allowing you to enjoy longer gaming sessions without getting fatigued.

The RGB backlighting is bright enough to allow for an immersive gaming experience in the dark. You can effortlessly customize backlighting for individual keys to your preference and save a maximum of three profiles in the onboard memory.

Using the NGENUITY software, you can as well program the keys for macro functions, set DPI, and even adjust Game mode.

Pros 

  • Compact, aesthetically pleasing design
  • Great RGB lighting
  • Three incline settings for comfortable typing
  • Comes with a 2-year warranty
  • Removable USB cable makes it travel-friendly
  • It has programmable keys
  • Minimal typing noise
  • Onboard memory can store up to three profiles

Cons 

  • Customization software only works on Windows operating systems
  • Doesn’t have dedicated macros but has programmable keys

7. HyperX Alloy Elite RGB

One of the most stylish yet incredibly functional gaming keyboards, the HyperX Alloy Elite RGB boasts Cherry MX Red mechanical switches with excellent in-game performance.

Measuring 17.48 x 6.65 x 1.53 inches, the Alloy Elite is a full-sized keyboard with almost every key you might need for competitive gaming. This model has a solid build since it’s made of a plastic case and sturdy steel frame with plastic wrist rest and non-skid rubber pads on the feet for increased stability and durability.

You can flip out the keyboard’s feet to elevate the keyboard for a better and more comfy typing experience. The keys come with ABS caps and are perfectly designed with ample spacing and well-elevated for easy typing.

This keyboard features dynamic RGB backlighting effect and a unique RGB light bar that beautifully illuminates a bezel area. You can easily customize the keyboards RGB lighting via the NGenuity software, to personalize each key’s backlight.

It also comes loaded with features that are mostly found on higher-end models such as N-Key rollover and anti-ghosting capability for greater typing accuracy. You also get dedicated buttons for media control, lighting and game mode controls, and a convenient metal-volume roller. You also can program the keys you want for macros, which can come handy mostly while you’re playing intense games.

Pros 

  • Great customization options
  • Works well with Ngenuity software for easy customization
  • Offers full RGB backlighting with customizable key backlight
  • The keyboard is available in three different switch style options
  • Offers onboard memory for saving your profiles
  • Synchronizes with a great number of game genres
  • Anti-ghosting ensures better tying accuracy
  • It allows you to set up your own macros pretty easy

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with dedicated macro keys
  • Customization software could be made better

8. Redragon K552-RGB

A great entry-level keyboard for any budget constrained gamer, the Redragon K552 features a good build quality with a tenkeyless compact design that’s simple yet remarkably functional.

This compact gaming keyboard is made of a metal alloy base and hard plastic case with double-shot ABS keycaps for enhanced durability. It boasts a spill-resistant design with adjustable non-slip rear feet for the most comfortable typing angle.

This keyboard comes with full RGB lighting with five lighting effects and five brightness settings that you can customize on a per-key level from the keyboard itself.

It employs custom switches similar to Cherry blue ones, which provide better precision and tactile feedback that’s vital for gaming purposes. They keys offer minimal resistance, so you can rest assured they are pretty easy to type on. You also get a total of eighty-seven anti-ghosted keys with up to twelve keys being dedicated for multimedia control.

When it comes to connectivity, the keyboard provides high-speed USB cable with a USB connector that can seamlessly facilitate for fast intense gaming.

Pros 

  • Great overall construction for improved durability and stability
  • Great custom switches that guarantee exceptional responsiveness
  • Handy backlight brightness settings
  • It has perfectly mounted keys that feel light to type on
  • Comes with dedicated multimedia keys
  • Water-resistant design, eliminates the worry of spillages

Cons

  • Doesn’t offer onboard memory for storing your profiles
  • Customization could be made easier
  • Typing noise could be somewhat annoying for some gamers

9. HAVIT Backlit Mechanical Keyboard

A great low-profile keyboard, the Havit HV KB-390L is probably the slimmest and ultra-light keyboard out there that comes loaded with every essentials you need for improved performance.

This keyboard features a compact design with a 3mm travel key travel that delivers a special mechanical feel and more accurate actuation. It is made of plastic ABS chassis and keycaps and strong aluminum alloy surface-plate with matte-black finish.

It employs Kailh’s low-profile PG1350 blue switches with nicely elevated keycaps that produce a satisfying clicky sound while you’re typing. It also comes equipped with a cool Ice-blue lighting that’s not overly bright yet illuminates the keys pretty well for a better gaming experience even in the dark.

With this keyboard, you get five custom backlight modes and up to thirteen presets that allow you to adjust the lighting effects to your liking via Havit’s software. The software also lets you assign macros and hotkeys to each individual key.

Pros 

  • Great build quality ensures it can last long
  • It has clicky khali low-profile switches
  • Ultra-lightweight and compact design for portability
  • It comes with N-rollover functionality
  • Offers a good number of onboard functionality
  • It has some nice extra features such as customizable lighting
  • The keys are programmable for macros

Cons

  • The backlighting is limited to only one color option
  • It doesn’t come with a wrist rest

10. Das Keyboard X50Q

The Das X50Q is full-size, modern designed gaming keyboard that has RGB backlighting and low pre-travel switches for an excellent gaming experience.

This keyboard is well-built since it’s made of an aluminum plated top and a solid plastic on the base. This makes the keyboard robust and heavy enough for intense gaming.  The keycaps are designed with ABS plastic for durability. The keyboard also boasts a detachable wrist rests that’s soft enough to keep you comfortable during long gaming sessions.

Instead of the standard Cherry switches, the X50Q uses a more advanced Gamma Zulu switches that feel ultra-soft and deliver excellent tactile feedback. Compared to most standard switches, the X50Q’s switches have a relatively shorter travel distance and actuation point, allowing you to enjoy speedy and more accurate typing.

This keyboard’s RGB lighting is also much brighter and offers you up to 16.8 million color options for per-key backlight customization.  You also get three different media control keys and a convenient volume knob.

Another great thing with this keyboard is its Q software that lets you to easily personalize the backlighting and offers signal notifications.

Pros 

  • Top-notch typing experience
  • Great overall build quality
  • Key switches feel awesome and stable on pressing
  • Beautiful RGB lighting with easy customization
  • Rated to 100 million keystrokes lifespan for longevity
  • It has N-key rollover and anti-ghosting technologies
  • Convenient cloud storage
  • Compatible with different operating systems
  • Comes with built-in color profiles for different game genres

Cons

  • Doesn’t offer onboard memory
  • It lacks USB hub

11. Dell Alienware AW768 Mechanical Keyboard

Uniquely made in a gamer-centric design, the Alienware AW768 comes equipped with Cherry brown switches that provide low-actuation force for a great tactile feedback.

The AW768 comes in an aesthetically pleasing iconic Alienware design with AlienFX RGB backlight that adds a touch of style and color for an immersive gaming experience. This model also allows you to customize the backlighting effect on a zonal level for personalization.

All keys come with N-key rollover and Anti-ghosting functionality for increased accuracy and precision control. There are also dedicated macro buttons for media control and up to fifteen macro key functions that you can program and save on the onboard memory.

The AW768’s braided cable is non-removable but comes handy when you’re gaming from your laptop as you can easily plug-in and enjoy a superior gaming experience.

This keyboard also comes fitted with three non-skid rubber feet for improved stability and two flip-out feet that allows for a comfortable keyboard angle.

Pros 

  • The switches feel exceptionally great for gaming.
  • Rated to 50 million keystrokes lifespan
  • Sleek, angular design
  • It has a convenient volume roller
  • The Alienware’s Software installs automatically and is pretty easy to use
  • It has non-skid rubber base for stability
  • It comes with two flip-out feet
  • Offers dedicated macro keys functions

Cons

  • AlienFX is only compatible with Alienware systems.
  • It doesn’t come with a wrist rest

12. Logitech K840

Logitech is a brand well-known for designing cutting-edge wireless gaming keyboards. The company also has some great mechanical keyboards such as this K840 model that come with a solid build quality and Romer-G switches for an elevated gaming performance.

This mechanical keyboard is designed with anodized aluminum top panel that’s durable and sturdy enough to withstand intense gaming sessions with no problem.

The Romer-G switches are expertly engineered to deliver a quiet operation and great tactile feedback for an overall better gaming experience. 

The switches are rated to seventy million keystrokes, providing prolonged reliability and durability. The keys are perfectly elevated that you can easily game or type on for hours without getting fatigue.

Gaming with this keyboard, means you’ll have dedicated macro keys for media control and hotkeys, giving you total control over your entertainment.  You can as well program every key to perform macro function.

Pros 

  • Great construction quality
  • It is incredibly quiet while typing
  • Simple and attractive design
  • Expertly engineered switches deliver an elevated performance
  • Good typing quality
  • It offers convenient macro keys
  • It’s equipped with programmable keys

Cons

  • It may feel less comfortable for longer gaming sessions since it doesn’t have a wrist rest
  • It doesn’t come with backlighting

13. SteelSeries Apex M750

Apex M750 is one of SteelSeries’ most reliable options from their extensive range of mechanical gaming keyboards. This keyboard is designed highly customizable to meet the unique needs of every gamer out there whether you’re just an enthusiast or an e-sport professional.

To start with, the Apex M750 comes made of aluminum alloy top panel with matte black finish. It is designed with QX2 switches with low actuation point and force, allowing you to enjoy remarkably faster gameplays.

The keys are rated to fifty million keystrokes, making it highly reliable and longer-lasting. This model is also equipped with N-Key Rollover and anti-ghosting capability to ensure every keystroke is accurate and precise while gaming.

When it comes to customization, the Apex M750 comes with SteelSeries’ software that allows you to perform key binding by assigning a secondary function to any of the keys. You also can assign macros to certain keys and record the specified function behavior upon pressing it.

Using this software, you can as well personalize the backlighting on every key by choosing from the provided twelve lighting modes for total immersion. There is also an onboard memory where you can conveniently save your profiles.

Pros 

  • Backed by a great configuration software that’s also easy to use
  • SteelSeries’ custom switches ensure an elevated gaming performance
  • Uniquely designed for gaming purposes only
  • Stunning, useful backlighting
  • Solid build quality for longevity
  • Diverse function key customization

Cons

  • Not the most ideal option for tying purposes
  • It doesn’t come with adjustable feet
  • It doesn’t provide USB pass-through

14. SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL Compact Mechanical

The last gaming keyboard on our list is another great model from SteelSeries’ lineup. The Apex 7 is TKL tenkeyless keyboard that comes loaded with a bunch of amazing features and per-key actuation customization.

This keyboard has a compact design that looks impressively attractive and has nicely elevated keycaps and low-profile base with a detachable plushy wrist rest.  There is also an OLED screen at the top-right, which allows you to adjust lighting effects and easily record macros. You also get a convenient volume dial.


The SteelSeries’ Apex 7 employs Brown switches that deliver an ultra-soft tactile feel upon pressing. This gives you a light and comfy typing experience, letting you to enjoy your gameplays for extended periods of time. The best part is that this keyboard comes in a range of switch styles, so you can choose one that suits your gaming style.

It also includes a USB pass-through port and USB cable routing, letting you connect your flash drives and other USB devices seamlessly.

Pros 

  • Compact, aesthetically-pleasing design
  • An easy-to-use OLED screen for customization
  • Good typing quality and accuracy
  • It’s equipped with USB pass-through port
  • Has dedicated media controls
  • Allows saving of up to five profiles on the onboard memory
  • It comes with an ergonomic wrist rest
  • Compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems

Cons

  • It’s not designed spill-resistant
  • Lacks adjustable feet

As you’ve seen from our list, there are exceptional gaming keyboards that come at remarkably affordable prices. So, with a budget of less than $100, you can get yourself a good gaming keyboard that’s sure to give you a competitive edge in your gameplays.

While most of the keyboards on our list share lots of things in common, some come equipped with unique features such as the multiple device connection capability offered by the Cosair K63. The Hypershift feature found on the Razer models and even the custom switch styles that offer low actuation and more precise gameplays.

From SteelSeries’ Apex 7 to the Razer Blackwidow mechanical keyboard, our list includes the best keyboards that vary greatly in terms of style so you can find one that best suits your gaming style and needs.

FAQ

  • What makes a good gaming keyboard?

The best gaming keyboard for you strikes a perfect balance between price and functionality. As such, you should try finding a keyboard with the features that help improve your overall gaming performance and experience.

That said, the best gaming keyboard should include features such as key Rollover and anti-ghosting technologies for faster registering of every key-press.

 A quality keyboard should also come equipped with the right switch type. Not only are mechanical switches durable but also come in different styles so you can easily find one that suits your gaming style. The best switches are often rated ten million keystrokes and above for longevity.

It should also have a great build quality for enhanced durability, sturdiness, and stability. Find one with a metal or ABS construction. It also has the right ergonomics in place to allow you to enjoy gaming for longer hours without getting fatigue.

Added features such as per-key backlighting, macro keys, and customization software are also worth considering for an immersive gaming experience.

  • What’s a mechanical keyboard?

These are Keyboards fitted with mechanical switches under the keys. These switches are useful for recording every keypress you make. They are available in diverse options and typically vary greatly in terms of style and design and can be distinguished by their unique colors.

Every switch type delivers a unique feel and varying degree of noise upon pressing. Mechanical keyboards also come packed with a bunch of extra features to give you the best gaming or typing experience.

They are more popular among gamers for their longevity, diverse customization options, and enhanced overall performance in gaming.

  • How loud is a mechanical keyboard?

While most mechanical keyboards make some noise, the degree of loudness is usually influenced by several factors such as the design where keyboards with heavy keycaps and metal plates are typically very quiet.

The switch type used also contributes to the level of noise and blue switches are designed to produce less noise compared to other mechanical switches.

Switches are typically differentiated by color that also helps identify its characteristics such as actuation force, tactile and linear, and the audibility, which helps you determine the amount of noise produced.

  • What’s the lifespan of mechanical keyboards?

Mechanical switches are typically designed to last you for quite some time. However, the lifespan of your mechanical keyboard is mostly determined by the type of switch it uses.

Cherry MX switches, for example, come with a rating of 50 million keystrokes, meaning it can last for up to 15 years even with heavy usage. Average options like the rubber dome can last for about two years as they’re rated to 5 million keystrokes. There are also more advanced switches such as Gamma Zulu found on Das X50Q keyboard is rated to 100 million strokes which is much higher than the average options.

Mechanical keyboards from big brands like Logitech and Razer come equipped with switches rated up to 80 million strokes, so you can expect them to last for several years without any problem.

Originally posted 2021-01-19 11:24:00.

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