Best Gaming Keyboard Under $100 2023: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Gaming has become one of the most highly sought-after leisure activities for children as well as adults alike. Modern games represent a dynamic range of creations that range from shooters to mystical open-world exploration to various arcade systems meant for casual fun with friends.

Online gaming has come up in a big way and the number of players playing pc games all over the world are now expected to stretch into a number of millions. The coronavirus-induced lockdown has also massively transformed the gaming industry as it led to further inflation of demand when it comes to gaming accessories.

Gamers who have been involved in gaming for any length of time know that a good gaming keyboard is one of the most fundamental needs for PC gaming. In this article, we plan to unearth the best gaming keyboard under $100 that the modern market has to offer to enthusiastic gamers. Our plan in this article is to compile a list of some of the best gaming keyboards that we could find under 100 so that you can choose the right keyboard for yourself.

If you are looking for something under $50, please check our article on – Best gaming keyboards under $50

Top 8 Best Gaming Keyboard Under $100 in 2023

1. Corsair K63

Corsair is undoubtedly one of the most highly rated popular brands when it comes to the world of PC accessories and gamers especially have a special relationship with Corsair as a lot of its products are specifically tailor made for gamers.

The K63 is just one of many impressive Corsair gaming keyboards that has the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality related aspects. The tenkeyless design of this keyboard is perfect for gamers who do not have a large amount of space for their gaming keyboard.

One of the biggest reasons as to why so many gamers prefer this keyboard is because of the Cherry MX switches which are widely considered by many to be the best for competitive gaming. Corsair’s very own Cue software allows you to create dynamic lighting effects as well assigning macros to different keys.

2. Corsair K60 RGB Pro

Continuing with our focus on Corsair and its supreme gaming accessories, the Corsair K60 is a full sized gaming keyboard that should be perfect for moderate as well as intensive gamers. The design of this keyboard is elegant while also being very durable in terms of its capacity to withstand the rigours of regular high intensity gaming.

Along with this you also have dynamic RGB individual key lighting that is a big plus for a keyboard in this price range. The ICUE software from Corsair is one of the best configuration softwares in the industry as it has very simple and wide ranging options for you to customize your keyboard according to your own tastes and preferences.

It also gives you the chance to have a fully integrated lighting setup across all other Corsair devices which are compatible with the software. The aluminum frame acts as the base of this beauty and gives it adequate strength and durability while also looking stylish thanks to the black anodized finish. We are very pleased with the performance of this keyboard and it’s one of the best gaming keyboards under 100.

3. Razer BlackWidow Elite

Razer is one of the most popular gaming accessories manufacturers in the industry and it is right up there with a few other heavy hitters who have a dedicated and loyal customer base that has full trust in their products. The Razer BlackWidow Elite Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is one of the most high end keyboards on this list that is basically perfect for hardcore gamers as well as various comeptive gamers.

With fully programmable macro keys, it offers the ideal flexibility and usage space that modern gamers desire. It also features a dedicated wrist rest as well to manage fatigue during those long extended gaming sessions where time simply flows by without you realizing it.

The Orange mechanical switches used in this keyboard are perfect for gamers who like the feeling of high tactile switches but also appreciate low noise levels during their gaming activities. It also features a dedicated USB port and cable so that you can route with wires according to your cable management requirements.

For all of these reasons, we have received an overwhelming level of positive feedback from its users and we are sure that you will feel the same way about the Razer BlackWidow Elite Mechanical Gaming Keyboard.

4. Logitech G213

Logitech needs no real introduction in the world of gaming accessories as well as PC equipment. It has built up a colossal reputation among gamers over the years thanks to keyboards like the G213 Prodigy Gaming Keyboard which sets the standard very high for any competitor on this list.

Apart from the superior build quality and high gaming feasibility, this keyboard has upto 16.8 million different colour options for RGB backlighting and this elevates its potential for aesthetic visual appeal. Along with this it also has anti-splash properties that make it a perfect fit for gamers who struggle to keep their gaming station free from accidental spills and other realities of everyday gaming.

The integrated palm rest along with the wrist rest add to the usefulness of this keyboard. Considering all of these factors, we are sure that this keyboard could be considered to be the best mechanical gaming keyboard under 100. We would urge you to go for it straight away without hesitation as so many have done before you and are now reaping the benefits.

5. Logitech G512 SE Lightsync

The Logitech G512 SE Lightsync RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is our next gaming keyboard on this list and we are proud to present this highly flexible gaming keyboard to our readers. One of the most lightweight keyboards in this list, the G512 is ultra light and ideal for carrying around and transporting to different locations as per requirements.

It features minimalist but detailed backlight customization options and is known for its durability despite how light it is. This is largely thanks to an aluminum-magnesium-crafted alloy that makes up the body of this keyboard. The Logitech G HUB can be used to further enhance this keyboard-based upon the user’s requirements as the software is simple and easy to use.

The Logitech G512 SE Lightsync RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is the best-advanced keyboard for new and fresh gamers who are looking to get that authentic gaming experience regardless of what types of games they play.

6. Lenovo GY40T26478 Legion K500

Lenovo is another  very popular name in the PC world since they have a plethora of highly efficient gaming grade products that are in use all over the world because of their quality and affordable pricing practices.

The Lenovo GY40T26478 Legion K500 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is easily one of the most visually unique keyboards that we have in this list and it can certainly pack a punch when it comes to the question of gaming performance.

Despite being visually stunning, it still has an air of minimalism and elegance that has resonated with many gamers. It also features a separate gaming mode that guards against accidental key presses.

The RGB settings on this keyboard are also massively in demand as it has up to 16.8 million different color options. The Red mechanical switches are excellent for gaming and have a shelf life of up to 50 million clicks which is significant in the long-run health of the keyboard.

7. GK61 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

The GK61 mechanical keyboard is a highly functional compact gaming keyboard that is ideal for moderate to heavy gamers. The compactness of this keyboard is one of its major strong points and you can easily use this keyboard with a PC or a laptop with no issues whatsoever.

In Fact it is perfectly built to be an all purpose gaming keyboard that you can use on your travels as well as a part of your stationary gaming PC setup. It is compatible with all of the major Windows Versions since WIndows XP and is also compatible with a Mac oS as well which adds  to this superb, compact gaming keyboard.

The design of this keyboard is nothing flashy, but there is a quiet elegance and beauty in the minimalism of design that this keyboard carries. The Gateron switches do a reasonably good job in terms of tactile feedback and they can also be hot swapped with other keys of your choice.

8. HyperX Alloy Core RGB

After traveling the length and breadth of the PC accessories world and delving into a host of different types of mechanical gaming keyboards, we thought that it would be ideal to include  non mechanical membrane gaming keyboard for those of you who like the feel of membrane keyboards and the low levels of pressure they demand on each individual keystroke.

The HyperX Alloy Core RGB gaming keyboard features a strong and solid frame that makes it highly durable and capable of withstanding the pressures of rough intensive gaming.

The keyboard is compatible with all of the recent versions of Windows and all you need to do to get it running is to plug and play whenever you are ready. It also features a host of different quick access buttons to manage things such as Brightness, Lighting Mode, and Game Mode along with separate media control buttons as well.

We have spoken to a lot of people who have nothing but glowing praise for this keyboard and we can see why that is the case. The HyperX Alloy Core RGB – Membrane Gaming Keyboard is the perfect solution for gamers who are interested in heavy gaming but do not like the feel or sound of mechanical keyboards.

Factors To Consider Before Buying A Gaming Keyboard

In this section we will try and go through some of the important factors that can be used to gauge the value of a gaming keyboard and whether you should buy a particular model or not.

Ofcourse, there are many variations when it comes to gaming keyboards and it is difficult to cover each and every aspect of different variants within the scope of this article. Still ,we will try our best to give you  the best and most comprehensive review regarding these keyboards.

1. Mechanical Or Membrane

When we talk about gaming keyboards, there are two main options that you can go with.  You can either choose to go with a membrane keyboard which has rubber dome switches or you can go for the mechanical keyboard version which is the type that is usually preferred by most gamers across the board.

Mechanical keyboards are in fashion in a big way for a number of different reasons as compared to the traditional membrane keyboard models. First off all, mechanical keyboards generally tend to have better and more durable build quality and are also additionally supplied with a host of different gamer grade features which are specifically made for gamers.

Mechanical keyboards are also equipped with better RGB customization options as well and feature more unique and quirky designs as compared to some of the other traditional keyboards. If you do not like the higher actuation force required by mechanical keyboards, you can go for non mechanical ones.

2. Tactile Feedback

Every good gaming keyboard is measured in large parts based upon the level and nature of tactile feedback that they offer to gamers. It’s important to understand what tactile feedback is and why it is important.

Basically, while gaming, you are often required to press different sets of combinations of keys to perform different functions or commands. For this reason, it is important to know when you are pressing different keys in a short space of time so that you get the best gaming experience.

Mechanical keyboards are a lot higher on the list when it comes to tactile feedback as opposed to rubber dome or membrane keyboards and this is an important aspect to consider in the case of gaming.

3. Noise

A lot of people have made the point that they do not like to hear the clicky sound feedback that is a feature of most if not all of the mechanical gaming keyboards that the modern manufacturers produce.

If you are one of those individuals who does not prefer to hear the clicky sound of pressing switches, then there are special low sound mechanical keyboards that are also available. Ultimately this is a question of subjective preference and you can go with what you like.

4. Cleaning

This is a very important point that doesn’t have enough attention paid to it. A clean gaming setup is always better than a messy setup and studies have shown that the cleanliness of your gear may have an impact on your overall gaming performance and efficiency.

There are some specially designed gaming keyboards that are equipped with switches that can be removed in order to clean them periodically. This is a great feature to have as it allows you to take better care of your gaming equipment and it can also arguably lead to an extended lifespan of the keyboard itself.

5. Wired or Wireless

The general idea nowadays with regard to any kind of pc accessories or gear is that wireless is always better. This is not necessarily correct in the case of gaming keyboards. It’s important to mention that wireless feature in itself is a very handy and useful feature to have, if you play games on your laptop and you carry around your gaming setup often to different locations.

However, if you have a stationary gaming setup and there is no requirement of having the wireless feature,then a good wired mechanical keyboard is more than enough.

Also, keep in mind that wireless gaming keyboards in the medium price range tend to have higher response times as compared to wired ones. Response time is basically the time that it takes for your computer to process the commands that you insert through the keyboard and mouse and showcase them on screen.

A higher response time means that you could end up losing some degree of competitive advantage if you are interested in playing online multiplayer games especially first-person shooters which are also called FPS games.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What Makes A Mechanical Keyboard Better Than Membrane Keyboards?

There are a few things that make a mechanical keyboard more desirable and ideal for seasoned gamers as opposed to the traditional membrane keyboards. Generally, mechanical keyboards are equipped with better quality switches which is a big factor in gaming.

Higher quality switches mean that you can button mash easily without worrying about the well being of the switches. There are also differences between the switches used by mechanical keyboards which we will get into in a follow-up question below this one.

Also, as we have already mentioned, mechanical keyboards tend to have better build quality and this also separates them from nonmechanical ones in terms of their longevity and average shelf-life duration. There are also numerous detailed features that you get for mechanical keyboards when it comes to backlighting and RGB customization options and for all these reasons, mechanical keyboards are preferred by gamers as a general rule of thumb.

Q2. What Are The Differences Between Linear And Tactile Switches Used On Mechanical Keyboards?

Most mechanical keyboards have two types of switches which are known as tactile and linear switches respectively. It’s important to mention that these two types represent two different kinds of characteristics of the switches. In most simple terms, linear switches do not require too much pressure to actuate and they travel in a general downward direction when the key is pressed.

In contrast to this, mechanical keyboards which use tactile switches generally tend to have a higher actuation force to press the keys and this is something that is a matter of individual preference., We already mentioned why some gamers like the feel of having to use a higher degree of force while gaming.

Tactile switches also require a slightly additional push once the key is already halfway down and this gives you the irrevocable tactile feedback that the key has been pressed and the command has been registered. This is also one of the reasons as to why tactile switches are not only preferred by a majority of gamers but also professional typists who have to type lengthy articles on a regular basis.

Q3. What Is The Most Popular Liner Switch Type?

CHerry MX Red switches are one of the most popular linear switch types if not the most popular switch type that is currently being used by a major percentage of gamers all over the world. It has a moderately low actuation force and is preferred by many gamers especially because of its capacity for fast paced key presses.

This feature helps those gamers especially who play a lot of FPS games as well as MMO games. It’s also preferred by a certain section of typists who prefer to have higher speed as opposed to higher tactile feedback.

Q4. What Is Anti-ghosting And N-key Rollover?

Anti-ghosting is a feature that is found in most gaming grade keyboards nowadays. A lot of the modern games require the player to press multiple different key combinations at the same time to achieve different specific functions.

Anti-ghosting allows you to do that without giving the computer any mixed ambiguous signals. N-key rollover is a measure where n is used to denote the number of different keys that can be pressed at the same time during gaming.

Conclusion

In this article today, we have tried to give you the most comprehensive review of gaming keyboards that we could possibly undertake. We started off with a brief intro regarding which gaming keyboards are and how they are different from traditional professional keyboards.

Following this, we prepared a list of some of the best gaming keyboards under 100 that we could find on Amazon and we mentioned numerous highlights, pros, and cons of each of these products in detail.

We hope that this article is of good use to you and after reading this, you are a lot more knowledgeable about gaming keyboards than you were before. With that, we wish you the best of luck and hope you choose a kickass keyboard!