The 5 Best Gaming Keyboards Under $100 in 2023
Gaming keyboards can elevate your play with faster inputs and more precision. Fortunately, you can get a high-quality keyboard without spending a lot. We’ve researched the top affordable gaming keyboards priced under $100 for 2023.
This buying guide covers what to look for in a budget gaming keyboard and provides detailed recommendations to help you find the right one.
: How to Choose the Best Gaming Keyboard Under $100
Consider these factors when picking an affordable gaming keyboard:
: Switch Type
Mechanical switches are ideal for gaming due to their responsiveness but may cost more. Membrane and scissor switches are cheaper alternatives.
: Key Rollover
Look for at least a 6-key rollover to avoid ghosting when pressing multiple keys at once.
: Backlighting
RGB offers customizable backlighting. Red is good for visibility without being distracting.
: Programmable Keys
Allow you to bind macros and shortcuts. Great for MMOs and MOBAs.
: Comfort and Ergonomics
Keycaps, wrist rests, and the overall shape affect comfort during extended gaming.
: Extra Features
Media controls, USB passthrough, and software can provide added functionality.
5 Best Gaming Keyboards Under $100
1. Redragon K552 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Brand: Redragon | Compatible Devices: Gaming Console, PC | Connectivity Technology: Wired | Keyboard Description: Mechanical | Special Feature: Lighting | Color: Black | Number of Keys: 87 | Keyboard backlighting color support: RGB | Style: K552-RGB | Item Dimensions LxWxH: 13.9 x 4.8 x 1.4 inches
The Redragon K552 is a compact tenkeyless mechanical gaming keyboard with custom mechanical switches designed to mimic Cherry MX Blue switches. It delivers great quality and performance for the price.
This keyboard from Redragon uses high-quality mechanical switches to deliver responsive, tactile feedback for gaming. The compact tenkeyless design conserves desk space without sacrificing performance.
With a metal top plate for durability and mechanical keys that can withstand 50 million keystrokes, the Redragon K552 is built to last through intense gaming marathons. The red LED backlighting creates visibility in dark settings without being overly bright.
: REASONS TO BUY
- Sturdy, compact design
- Smooth, tactile switches
- RGB backlighting
- N-key rollover
- Great value
: REASONS TO AVOID
- Thin keycaps
- No wrist rest
- Limited customization
2. HyperX Alloy Core RGB Membrane Gaming Keyboard
Brand: HyperX | Compatible Devices: Gaming Console, PC | Connectivity Technology: Wired | Keyboard Description: Membrane | Special Feature: Lighting | Color: Black | Number of Keys: 104 | Keyboard backlighting color support: RGB | Style: Alloy Core RGB | Item Dimensions LxWxH: 17.4 x 5.2 x 1.5 inches
The HyperX Alloy Core RGB features responsive membrane keys, dynamic RGB lighting effects, and a spill-resistant design. It's a great mid-range option for gaming and typing.
With customizable per-key lighting and a sleek, compact design, the Alloy Core RGB delivers functionality and style without breaking the bank. The spill-resistant build makes it more durable than typical budget keyboards.
The steel-reinforced body of the Alloy Core RGB gives it a sturdy, premium feel uncommon for a budget gaming keyboard. And with convenient onboard memory, you can save your favorite RGB lighting profiles for gaming on the go.
: REASONS TO BUY
- Sleek, compact design
- Smooth membrane keys
- Customizable RGB lighting
- Spill/dust resistant
: REASONS TO AVOID
- Keys feel mushy
- Limited onboard memory
3. Logitech G213 Prodigy Gaming Keyboard
Brand: Logitech G | Compatible Devices: Gaming Console, PC | Connectivity Technology: Wired | Keyboard Description: Membrane | Special Feature: Lighting, Media Control | Color: Black | Number of Keys: 104 | Keyboard backlighting color support: RGB | Style: Prodigy | Item Dimensions LxWxH: 18.74 x 8.34 x 1.34 inches
Logitech’s G213 combines durable spill-proof membrane keys with RGB lighting and dedicated media controls. The integrated wrist rest boosts comfort.
With dedicated media controls and a built-in wristrest, the Logitech G213 is designed for comfortable, convenient gaming and entertainment. The tactile mechanical-dome switches provide a more responsive feel than typical membranes.
The unique angled design of the Logitech G213 helps reduce hand and wrist fatigue during marathon gaming sessions. With 16.8 million color RGB lighting, you can customize colors and effects to match your setup.
: REASONS TO BUY
- Slim, modern design
- Tactile mechanical dome switches
- RGB backlighting
- Built-in wrist rest
: REASONS TO AVOID
- Shallow keypresses
- Wrist rest adhesive can melt
4. Havit RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard and Mouse
Brand: Havit | Compatible Devices: Gaming Console, PC | Connectivity Technology: Wired | Keyboard Description: Mechanical | Special Feature: Lighting | Color: Black | Number of Keys: 104 | Keyboard backlighting color support: RGB | Style: HV-KB390L | Item Dimensions LxWxH: 18.1 x 6.6 x 1.4 inches
This combo from Havit provides a 104-key RGB backlit mechanical keyboard and a 6-button gaming mouse for one low price. The keyboard uses Outemu Blue switches for a satisfying clicky feel.
With a full-size mechanical gaming keyboard and a 6-button gaming mouse, this Havit bundle provides an immersive gaming experience out of the box. The ergonomic wrist rest enhances comfort for marathon gaming sessions.
The injection molded suspended keycaps on the Havit keyboard allow each keypress to register rapidly with a satisfying click. And with 7 different LED lighting modes, you can pick vibrant effects to suit your mood or game.
: REASONS TO BUY
- Great value keyboard + mouse bundle
- Tactile, clicky Outemu Blue switches
- RGB backlighting
- Ergonomic wrist rest
: REASONS TO AVOID
- Bulky footprint
- No macro customization
5. SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard
Brand: SteelSeries | Compatible Devices: Gaming Console, PC | Connectivity Technology: Wired | Keyboard Description: Membrane | Special Feature: Lighting, Spill Resistant | Color: Black | Number of Keys: 104 | Keyboard backlighting color support: RGB | Style: Apex 3 | Item Dimensions LxWxH: 17.24 x 5.11 x 1.57 inches
The Apex 3 from SteelSeries features premium membrane keys, 10-zone RGB illumination, and IP32 water resistance. It delivers solid performance and durability.
With extensive RGB lighting customization and IP32 water resistance, the SteelSeries Apex 3 adds gamer-centric features without the premium price tag. The fast membrane switches provide a responsive feel for gaming.
The specially coated ABS keycaps on the Apex 3 allow smooth, consistent movement even during competitive play. With 10-zone brilliant RGB illumination, you can highlight important key groups for MOBAs, MMOs, or FPS games.
: REASONS TO BUY
- Sleek, compact design
- Smooth membrane switches
- 10-zone RGB lighting
- IP32 water resistant
: REASONS TO AVOID
- Macro customization limited
- Non-detachable cable
: Conclusion
You can get excellent gaming keyboard performance without having to spend a lot. Mechanical keyboards like the Redragon K552 provide responsive, tactile keys for gaming. Quality membrane keyboards like the SteelSeries Apex 3 offer smooth, fast inputs at an affordable price.
Focus on the switch type, rollover, and ergonomics first when shopping in this budget range. Extra features like RGB lighting, media controls, and wrist rests are nice bonuses. With this list of the top sub-$100 options, you can upgrade your setup with a reliable, high-performing gaming keyboard.
