Recently, we talked about one essential gaming accessory, the best gaming mice under $100, as we tried to find the best models available right now.
Well, we’re now moving forward in our quest, talking about another essential element of any gaming setup, the best gaming keyboards under $100. And yes, you guessed it, we’re once again trying to avoid breaking the bank.
Initially, we believed that this will be very difficult since gaming keyboards are usually a bit more costly than mice, but in the end, we managed to put together a list with some excellent models, worth giving at least a shot. Therefore, without much further ado, let’s see which are the best gaming keyboards under $100!
The Best Gaming Keyboards Under $100 Reviewed
Razer Ornata
Ok, let’s start this list with a model coming from one of the most reputed manufacturers out there, specialized in making high-end gaming gear. The Razer Ornata is definitely one of the best deal of the moment, as, for just one cent under $100, you’re getting a keyboard with a clicky feeling, just like a mechanical keyboard! Actually, a potential buyer that’s not familiar with mechanical gaming keyboards might as well take that sound for granted. But this one is quieter, though.
The keyboard features mecha-membrane keys, with a soft cushioned membrane rubber, as well as mid-height keycaps, designed for quicker actuation, without missing a single stroke.
The feature list is completed by the Razer Chroma lighting system, with 16.8 million customizable color options, as well as a 10-key rollover, with anti-ghosting, allowing you to execute up to ten commands at the same time. Bonus points for the so-called leatherette wrist rest, which makes using this peripheral a real pleasure. And this is why we believe that the Razer Ornata is one of the best keyboards under $100 money can buy right now.
Cougar Ultimus
Next up, we have a gaming keyboard coming from a brand that may sound unknown to some people, but the truth is that the folks over at Cougar have some great devices in their portfolio.
For example, they have Ultimus, a keyboard with a rock-solid metal structure, staying in place even when it’s subject to serious keystrokes in the middle of an intense gaming session. Besides the sturdy construction, the keyboard has mechanical keys, which feel springy and responsive. Sure, considering the price, it’s obvious that these aren’t the most impressive switches on the market, but they do provide a great tactile feedback.
Moving on with the features list with of this rather affordable gaming keyboard, the Cougar Ultimus has an impressive range of RGB lighting. Specifically, we’re talking about 14 backlighting effects ranging from a subtle, steady glow under the keys, to light waves or a nice pulse effect. And everything is customizable, meaning that you can create your own!
Of course, the keyboard comes with a few handy features as well, like shortcut keys and an n-key rollover, proving that this keyboard is always ready to compete with more expensive models.
Corsair K70 LUX
Corsair is a reputed manufacturer to a lot of PC-related things and it’s been some time since they started making a name for themselves in the gaming market. And man, they do have some amazing things in their portfolio, like the Corsair K70 LUX, one of the best gaming keyboards under $100 we could find.
If you’re looking for an all-purpose gaming keyboard, the K70 LUX is one worthy candidate. Featuring the Cherry MX Brown switches, delivering excellent tactile feedback with an audible click that’s not disturbing at all, as well as the stylish red backlight, which can be set to various intensities and to glow behind every key, there’s no doubt that this model is present in our top.
Using the Corsair Utility Engine, you can assign each key and turn this keyboard into one that’s really yours, in both terms of form and function. It has dedicated media controls, as well as a USB port. The latter is incredibly practical, as you can use it for a USB drive or a wireless headset adapter.
The biggest downside ok this keyboard, because it does have one, is the fact that the Utility Engine is now available for OSX. Otherwise, it’s an awesome keyboard, worth every penny.
HyperX Alloy Elite
Looking for a gaming keyboard with a price tag of under $100 but also looks very good? In this case, you should seriously consider the HyperX Alloy Elite. It’s a solid model, with a steel frame able to endure the clumsiest drops or…well, you know, the most furious tosses. What? We’ve all been through this, at least once, while gaming!
The keyboard itself feels like a luxurious model, with a decent weight and very durable feel. Still, the media controls and additional keys give it a feel of a way more expensive model! And don’t get us wrong, all the added stuff is very helpful.
Unfortunately, the HyperX Allow Elite doesn’t come with a special software, so the keys aren’t individually programmable. Still, there’s no need to be sad, as the keyboard gives you the possibility to choose from a range of Cherry switches, depending on your needs: Brown, Red, or Blues. However, if you’re willing to use the keyboard solely for gaming, definitely go with Reds or Browns, as the Blues are a bit difficult to press.
As a side note, we’re really thankful for the dedicated media buttons and the big volume wheel, very useful when you want to adjust the volume quickly, in-game, and don’t have to look for those small buttons most keyboards come with.
Havit HV-KB359SL
To be honest, we don’t know much about this brand, but the Havit HV-KB359SL keyboard is definitely a device worth our attention. And don’t judge this model according to the price, since the price is not always the decisive factor!
Even from the start, we can observe the low-profile Kailh Blue switches, very similar to the more expensive Cherry MX Blue, except these have a shorter travel and actuation, making you feel like you’re typing on an expensive laptop.
The keyboard features a multiple RGB custom backlighting mode, being excellent for gaming at night, not to mention that the keys’ luminescence is customizable, so you can adjust the amount of light according to your preferences.
We were a bit upset seeing that there are no media controls, not even on the function keys, neither macro keys for gamers. But hey, this doesn’t mean that this is not one of the best gaming keyboards under $100, great for putting together a setup if you’re on a budget!
Cooler Master MasterKeys S
Relax, this company does way more than just coolers for your PC! For example, a gaming keyboard, with a pocket-friendly price tag and solid as a rock!
The Cooler Master MasterKeys S is a great addition to a gaming setup, featuring Cherry MX Blue switches – yes, it’s mechanical – as well as strategically placed, as they like to call them, green switches, requiring a bit of extra force, to assist in eliminating accidental presses. And we’re not done yet…
The keyboard comes with anti-ghosting, as well as a set of replaceable keycaps if you want to personalize it a bit by highlighting certain keys in red. This is something we’re big fans of, especially when it comes to playing games that require more than just a few buttons. Oh, and it has an onboard Cortex processor, allowing changes in macros, adjusting the repeat rate and many more
Design-wise is not that impressive, looking like a classic gaming keyboard, but again, it’s a solid model, worth the money.
Logitech G610 Orion
A top like this feels incomplete without a product from Logitech, so we had to put the G610 Orion on our list. It’s a performance-driven gaming keyboard, delivering a pure, fluid experience in pretty much any title.
The keyboard comes with the durable Cherry MX Red mechanical key switches – excellent in terms of noise, delivering a linear keypress, for rapid actuation. Obviously, it’s a backlit model, with customizable lighting (just white, unfortunately), so you can personalize each key’s brightness to keep track of your favorite commands. This is something yours truly doesn’t use that often, but it’s definitely helpful for people, in a lot of different games.
The easy access media control are conveniently placed in the top right corner, while the software allows you to program custom macros from F1 to F12.
A palm rest would’ve made this model one of the best choices of the moment, but this doesn’t mean that the Logitech G610 Orion is not one of the best gaming keyboards under $100 we came across!
Razer Blackwidow Ultimate
Don’t blame us for putting another Razer product on this list. After all, they’re one of the top gaming accessories manufacturers! And the Blackwidow Ultimate is one solid argument in favor of this statement.
Therefore, if you’re a fan of Razer products and want a gaming keyboard, but without spending more than $100, the Blackwidow Ultimate could be the best choice.
It features the manufacturer’s own proprietary mechanical switches, based on the Cherry MX switches. Very nice to type on, as well as game on it, the keys provide a great level of responsiveness, not to mention that the general feel is very smooth. By the way, they’re engineered to deal with up to 60 million keystrokes, so this keyboard will last you for at least a few years.
The lighting system is also present, featuring an option which allows you to program each key to have its own light setup, while a series of dynamic effects can be easily set using Razer Synapse.
Finally, let’s also mention the USB port and the audio jacks built into the side, very useful for plugging in a headset, whether wired or wireless.
If you’re in need of a high-quality mechanical keyboard, well built and with programmable buttons, the Blackwidow Ultimate is a serious option to consider. Be warned, though: it’s a bit heavy!
Havit HV KB-390L
Yes, another one from these guys, because their keyboards are so good! The fact that the Havit HV KB-390L is not made by a top brand doesn’t mean that it’s not a model worth your consideration!
It’s a solid mechanical gaming keyboard, featuring pretty much all the essentials a gamer needs, like Kailh Blue mechanical switches and a full 87-key NRKO layout, for complete accuracy. We’re big fans of the clicky blue switches, with their characteristic audible sound, very similar to the Cherry MX Blue.
However, there’s one thing at which the Havit HV KB-390 excels: the profile. It’s thin and compact, weighing just 520 grams. The fact that it doesn’t feature a numpad is another plus for anybody who wants a mechanical problem as slim as possible.
The keyboard has a unique Ice Blue light, as well as multiple backlight modes, for an intense experience even in the dark. It’s driver-free, so you don’t need to install anything. However, if you want to enjoy all the features, you can download the manufacturer’s software, from the official website.
Rosewill RK900V2
Let’s end our list with another manufacturer that deserves a chance! The Rosewill RK900V2 is, at first, a pretty basic keyboard, but even though it doesn’t look very special, it comes with Cherry MX mechanical switches (and you can choose from all the ‘colors’), delivering a fast and precise response, with great tactile feedback. They’re also guaranteed to last for up to 50 million clicks!
Built with gaming in mind, it features an N-key rollover, multimedia keys, providing full control, directly from the keyboard, and shortcut keys. On the bottom, you can find rubber pads, preventing sliding while typing or gaming.
It’s available in three models, with RGB lighting, Blue lighting, or no lighting at all. But come on, it’s totally worth going for the RGB one. Otherwise, it’s one basic model, but worth of our best gaming keyboards under $100 list. After all, if it does the job, it looks and feels good, while having a good price, can you ask for more?
And this sums it up, folks. Below you have a list – short, we’d say – with carefully selected gaming keyboards under $100. Even though if you’re on a budget, you can build a nice gaming setup, with a great keyboard. We believe that these models are some of the best one hundred bucks can buy now, but we’re always open to suggestions.
If you know any other model under $100 that should be mentioned here, do let us know. Also, we want to know what do you think about this selection, so feel free to drop a few lines in the comments section below!
Last update on 2023-11-11 at 11:43 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
