You’ve finally secured your new gaming rig, a powerful machine ready to dive into the latest titles. But if you’re still using a cheap, mushy membrane keyboard that came bundled with an old office PC, you are leaving a massive amount of performance and satisfaction on the table. The single most impactful upgrade you can make to the feel of your setup is one of the best mechanical gaming keyboards under $100.
\For gamers on a smart budget, the sub-$100 price point is the sweet spot for mechanical keyboards. You’re getting the vast majority of the performance, features, and durability of high-end models without the premium price tag. After you’ve picked out your best pre-built gaming PC under $1000, finding the right keyboard is the next crucial step.
This guide will break down the top 5 best mechanical gaming keyboards under $100 that deliver a true enthusiast-grade experience without breaking the bank.
What to Look for in the Best Mechanical Gaming Keyboards Under $100
Even in this budget-friendly category, you can find incredible features. Here’s what separates a great budget mechanical keyboard from a bad one.
- Switch Type (The “Feel”): This is the most important factor. Mechanical switches come in three main flavors:
- Linear: A smooth, consistent keystroke with no bump or click. (e.g., Red switches). Ideal for fast-paced gaming.
- Tactile: A noticeable “bump” in the middle of the keypress to let you know you’ve activated the key. (e.g., Brown switches). A great all-around choice for typing and gaming.
- Clicky: A tactile bump accompanied by a loud, satisfying “click” sound. (e.g., Blue switches). Fantastic for typing, but can be loud for streaming or shared spaces.
- Build Quality & Keycaps: Look for keyboards with a sturdy frame (ideally with a metal top plate) and durable keycaps. PBT keycaps are a premium feature to look for, as they are more durable and resistant to the shine that develops on cheaper ABS keycaps over time.
- Form Factor: Do you want a full-size keyboard with a number pad, or a more compact TKL (Tenkeyless) design that gives you more room for your mouse? The choice is a matter of personal preference and desk space.
- Extra Features: RGB lighting, dedicated media controls, and customizable software are all excellent features that can now be found on the best mechanical gaming keyboards under $100. For a deep dive into the history and technology of mechanical switches, the experts at PCWorld have a fantastic guide.
Our Top 5 Picks for the Best Mechanical Gaming Keyboards Under $100
1. SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL: The Best Overall Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Under $100
The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL is our top recommendation because it delivers a premium experience in a budget-friendly package. While its “Whisper-Quiet” switches aren’t traditionally mechanical, they are a huge step up from membrane and provide a satisfying tactile feel with near-silent operation, making it perfect for dorm rooms or shared spaces. More importantly, it inherits features from its more expensive siblings, including brilliant RGB lighting, dedicated media controls, and IP32 water resistance for protection against spills.
- Switch Type: SteelSeries Whisper-Quiet (Tactile, Silent)
- Form Factor: TKL
- Key Feature: IP32 Water Resistance & Premium Features
For the gamer who wants the feel, features, and build quality of a high-end keyboard at an incredible price, the Apex 3 TKL is the smartest buy on the market.
2. Razer Huntsman Mini: The Best for Competitive Speed
If you are a competitive FPS player, speed is everything. The Razer Huntsman Mini brings elite-tier optical switch technology down to an affordable price point. Optical switches use a beam of light to register a keypress, making them faster and more durable than traditional metal-contact switches. The compact 60% form factor removes everything but the essential keys, maximizing the desk space available for your mouse.
- Switch Type: Razer Linear Optical Switches
- Form Factor: 60% Compact
- Key Feature: Lightning-Fast Optical Actuation
For the serious Valorant, CS:GO, or Apex Legends player, the Huntsman Mini’s combination of speed and size provides a tangible competitive advantage.
3. Keychron C2: The Best for Typing and Gaming
Keychron has taken the custom keyboard world by storm, and the C2 brings that enthusiast DNA to a budget-friendly, full-size layout. It’s a fantastic, no-frills keyboard that focuses on the typing experience above all else. It comes with high-quality Gateron switches (available in Red, Brown, or Blue) and is compatible with both Windows and macOS right out of the box. It’s also hot-swappable, an incredible feature at this price that allows you to easily try out new switches in the future without soldering.
- Switch Type: Gateron G Pro (Red, Brown, or Blue)
- Form Factor: Full-Size
- Key Feature: Hot-Swappable Switches & Mac/Windows Compatibility
For the user who splits their time evenly between writing emails, coding, and gaming, the Keychron C2 offers the best all-around typing experience under $100.
4. Logitech G413 SE: The Best for a Clean, Minimalist Setup
Not every gamer wants a keyboard covered in flashy RGB. The Logitech G413 SE is for the gamer who appreciates a more mature, minimalist aesthetic. It features a stunning black-brushed aluminum top case that gives it a premium look and feel. The tactile mechanical switches provide a responsive gaming experience, while the white-only backlighting offers a clean, professional look. It’s a durable, no-nonsense keyboard built to perform.
- Switch Type: Tactile Mechanical
- Form Factor: Full-Size
- Key Feature: Premium Brushed Aluminum Build
If you want a keyboard that delivers reliable gaming performance without screaming “gamer,” the Logitech G413 SE is a sleek and durable choice.
5. RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61: The Best 60% Wireless Keyboard Under $100
The RK61 is a legend in the budget keyboard community, and for good reason. It’s a 60% compact keyboard that offers an incredible feature set for its low price. It can be used wired or wirelessly via Bluetooth, it’s hot-swappable, and it comes with decent software for programming layers and RGB effects. It’s the perfect entry point for someone who wants to try out the compact form factor and the world of wireless mechanical keyboards.
- Switch Type: RK Switches (Red, Brown, or Blue)
- Form Factor: 60% Compact
- Key Feature: Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity & Hot-Swappable
For the gamer on the go or the one who wants the cleanest possible desk setup, the RK61 offers unbeatable wireless versatility for the price.
Conclusion: A Worthy Upgrade for Any Gamer
Moving to one of the best mechanical gaming keyboards under $100 is one of the most satisfying upgrades you can make. The improvement in feel, sound, and responsiveness is immediate and impactful. While all the keyboards on this list offer fantastic value, the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL stands out as our top pick for its winning combination of quiet tactile switches, water resistance, and premium features that are rarely seen at this price point. It’s an investment in your daily gaming experience that you won’t regret.