A mechanical keyboard is a great investment. You will type faster and more accurately, and you might like RBG lighting effects. The tricky part is finding a great mechanical keyboard that fits your budget.
So, here are the best mechanical keyboards for under $ 100.
1. VicTsing mechanical keyboard
Let’s get started with VicTsing Mechanical Keyboard, an affordable wired budget RGB backlit mechanical keyboard.
The VicTsing model is a complete keyboard with 104 keys correctly configured. Each key has an individual LED backlight that illuminates the keyboard with one of nine different lighting modes. Lighting modes include breathing, broadcast, racing and more, as well as adjustable brightness and speed.
VicTsing mechanical keyboard uses Outemu Blue switches rated for 50 million keystrokes. Outemu Blue switches are Cherry MX Blue switches that provide audible click and tactile feedback. Outemu Blue switches are well established as a budget replacement for Cherry MX switches in general, so it’s a great entry-level option.
2. Razer Ornata V2
The Razer Ornata V2 remains one of the top-selling gaming mechanical keyboards under $ 100 in the US, even topping the charts between 2017 and 2019.
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It offers a hybrid mechanical switch that combines the advantages of a membrane keyboard and a mechanical keyboard. These benefits include fast keystroke and response, tactile click and softness of a conventional membrane key. The Razer Ornata V2 keys are rated for 80 million keystrokes. Plus, they’re fully programmable with the Razer Synapse 3 desktop app.
The Razer Ornata also integrates with the Razer Chroma RGB sync tool. Chroma RGB helps you sync color schemes across any other Razer RGB device you own. If you have a custom color scheme for your favorite game, each device will sync and use it for that.
Another plus for Ornata is the built-in media keys. Media control keys aren’t the most important thing for a keyboard, but they’re certainly a handy addition.
Struggling to choose between a controller or a keyboard for gaming? Read our article on comparing controllers with keyboard and mouse to finally fix this problem.
3. Corsair K63 Compact
If you don’t have much desk space but still need a mechanical keyboard, consider the Corsair K63 Compact
This reduced-size mechanical gaming keyboard uses a ten-keyless design to reduce footprint by 20 percent. (A keyboard less than ten keys means it doesn’t have a numeric keypad.) However, even with its downsizing, the K63 Compact includes a few convenient multimedia keys, which is always welcome.
The Corsair K63 Compact uses Cherry MX Red mechanical switches that provide linear actuation, but no click or haptic bump. The K63 Compact could be a mechanical keyboard for those who work in a shared office or just want to be quiet.
Unfortunately, the Corsair K63 Compact doesn’t offer the full RGB effect (again, a plus for office workers), but it does have red LED backlighting for use in darker spaces.
4. Redragon K556 RGB
Redragon is a mechanical keyboard brand that sometimes goes unnoticed. It’s not as well known as Corsair or Razer, but it still offers excellent mechanical keyboard options for under $ 100. The Redragon K556 RGB is another strong option from the Chinese manufacturer.
The K556 itself has a slim 104-key design, with a numeric keypad but no wrist rest. In fact, the K556 doesn’t have that much bezel on it, which would make it a decent option for a minimalist desktop style. The keys use Outemu Brown switches that mimic their Cherry MX Brown counterparts. Brown switches provide a tactile bump without an audible click.
Interestingly, the Redragon K556 includes a switch removal tool and a pair of Outemu Blue, Black and Red switches. You can then switch certain keys to try them out, and possibly order the whole set if you like the feel of them.
5. SteelSeries Apex 5
The SteelSeries Apex 5 is the best gaming mechanical keyboard for under $ 100, crafted from high quality aluminum and featuring a comfortable magnetic wrist rest.
The keystrokes on the Apex 5 are controlled by hybrid gaming mechanical switches that provide a tactile kick but the softness of a membrane keyboard. The hybrid mechanical keyboard is popular with gamers because it allows you to press keys accurately without fatiguing them.
The SteelSeries Apex 5 also has a smart OLED display. The small OLED screen can display small messages, game statuses, and even GIFs. Along with the OLED screen, you’ll find integrated media controls, including a neat volume scroll wheel. Plus, the Apex 5 is IP32 rated for dust and water resistance, splash resistance and harmful dirt ingress.
Overall, the SteelSeries Apex 5 is one of the best under $ 100 mechanical keyboards you’ll find.
6. Dierya DK61E
So, if the Corsair K63 Compact was still too big for your requirements, then you need to check out the Dierya DK61E 60 percent mechanical keyboard. The 60 percent keyboard is like a ten-key design, no Numpad. But it also takes it a step further, moving the keys closer together and removing excess fat from the keyboard. The result is a mechanical keyboard under $ 100 that will fit in any bag or office desk.
The DK61E uses Gateron Brown optical switches to provide a decent tactile bump, but with a sharper click than other mechanical switches. Beneath the switches is a full array of RGB LEDs, allowing light displays to be programmed using Dierya desktop software. The desktop application allows you to assign special keys and create keyboard macros.
Finally, Dierya connects to your PC using Bluetooth or USB Type-C cable. When using wireless mode, the Dierya DK61E uses a 1900mAh battery, giving you several days of keyboard battery life.
Wireless keyboards and mice reduce the amount of cables on your desk, which is great. But can you do well in online gaming with a wireless mouse?
Should you spend more than $ 100 on a mechanical keyboard?
These six mechanical keyboards show you don’t have to waste your budget on an expensive option. You can find great quality for under $ 100, even if you find items from some of the best mechanical keyboard manufacturers.
Once you’ve installed your new keyboard, it’s time to start exploring the complete guide to Windows keyboard shortcuts – they’ll save you tons of time!
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