Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $100 

Tired of the mushy, unresponsive feel of your standard membrane keyboard? Ready to upgrade your typing experience, boost your productivity, and maybe even win a few more games? You’ve heard the hype about mechanical keyboards, but you probably think a good one will break the bank.

Think again.

The world of mechanical keyboards has exploded, and you no longer need to spend $150+ to get a fantastic, high-quality board. The sub-$100 market is packed with incredible options that offer premium features like hot-swappable sockets, robust construction, RGB lighting, and even wireless connectivity.

This ultimate guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect mechanical keyboard under $100 for your needs. We’ll cover the key benefits, explain the crucial terminology, and then dive into our top picks and thorough reviews.

Why Make the Switch to Mechanical?

Before we get to the recommendations, let's establish why you're making a smart move.

· Durability and Longevity: Mechanical keyboards are built to last. Where a membrane keyboard might start to fail after 5-10 million keystrokes, individual mechanical switches are often rated for 50-80 million keystrokes. This is a buy-it-for-years purchase.

· Superior Typing Experience: The tactile bump, audible click, or smooth linear feel of mechanical switches provides consistent feedback that makes typing more accurate and satisfying. It reduces fatigue and can actually make typing enjoyable.

· Customization and Performance: This is a huge draw. Many budget boards now are "hot-swappable," meaning you can change the switches without any soldering. This lets you customize the feel and sound of your keyboard endlessly. For gamers, the consistent actuation point (the point where a keypress is registered) can provide a competitive edge.

· Better Build Quality: Even in the budget range, mechanical keyboards typically feature sturdier plastic frames, metal plates, and double-shot keycaps that won't wear out, compared to the flimsy construction of most office keyboards.

Key Terms You NEED to Know (The 2-Minute Jargon Buster)

Navigating this world requires understanding a few key terms.

1. Switches: The heart of the keyboard. These are the physical mechanisms under each keycap. The three main types are:

   · Clicky (e.g., Cherry MX Blue, Kaihua Box White): Provide a loud, audible "click" and a tactile bump. Great for typists who love feedback, but notoriously annoying to anyone nearby.

   · Tactile (e.g., Cherry MX Brown, Gateron Brown): Provide a noticeable bump when the key activates, but without the loud click. A perfect middle ground for typing and gaming.

   · Linear (e.g., Cherry MX Red, Gateron Red): Smooth from top to bottom with no bump or click. They activate quietly and are a favorite among gamers for rapid key presses.

2. Hot-Swappable: This is a must-have feature in the budget realm. A hot-swappable PCB (printed circuit board) has sockets that allow you to pull out switches and plug new ones in effortlessly. It future-proofs your keyboard and makes customization a breeze.

3. Keycaps: The plastic pieces you actually touch. Look for double-shot or PBT keycaps. Double-shot means the legends (letters) are a separate piece of plastic, so they can never wear off. PBT plastic is more durable and has a textured, higher-quality feel than the cheap, shiny ABS plastic found on many pre-built keyboards.

4. Form Factors:

   · Full-Size (100%): Includes the number pad, navigation cluster, and function row.

   · Tenkeyless (TKL 80%): Lacks the number pad, saving desk space. Very popular.

   · 75%: Compacts the navigation cluster into a tighter layout, keeping the function row.

   · 65%: Lacks the function row and navigation cluster, further maximizing space.

   · 60%: The most compact common layout; lacks the function row, number pad, and arrow keys (they are accessible via a function layer).

Top 5 Mechanical Keyboards Under $100: Detailed Reviews

After extensive testing and research, these keyboards consistently rise to the top for their build, features, and value.

1. Royal Kludge RK84 – The Best All-Rounder Wireless Pick

The RK84 is a perennial favorite for a reason. It perfectly balances critical features without any significant weaknesses.

· Form Factor: 75%

· Key Features: Triple-mode connectivity (2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.1, wired USB-C), hot-swappable version available, white backlighting (RGB version may be slightly over $100 on sale), includes a keycap and switch puller.

· Build Quality: Solid plastic case with a metal plate for rigidity. The stock keycaps are decent ABS, but an upgrade to PBT is recommended down the line.

· Why We Love It: The wireless freedom is a game-changer. You can connect to three different devices (e.g., PC, laptop, tablet) and switch between them instantly. The 75% layout keeps the arrow keys and function row while saving immense desk space. It’s the complete package.

· Best For: Anyone who wants a versatile, wireless workhorse for a hybrid office/home setup.

2. Keychron V Series (V1, V3, V5, V6) – The Custom Keyboard Experience on a Budget

Keychron has dominated the "entry-level custom" market, and their V Series is arguably the best value in keyboards today, period.

· Form Factor: V1 (75%), V3 (TKL), V5 (65%), V6 (100%)

· Key Features: Fully customizable: QMK/VIA software support (allows for deep, easy reprogramming of every key), south-facing RGB LEDs (better for custom keycaps), double-shot PBT keycaps, screw-in stabilizers (lubed and pre-clipped for a better sound), and of course, hot-swappable.

· Build Quality: Fantastic for the price. It includes foam between the PCB and plate to reduce hollow sounds, a feature usually found in more expensive custom boards.

· Why We Love It: It’s not just a keyboard; it’s a platform. The V Series is designed for enthusiasts who want to get into customization without a soldering iron. The out-of-the-box experience is excellent, and the ability to use VIA software makes it incredibly powerful.

· Best For: Beginners looking to dive into the custom keyboard hobby and users who want maximum software customization.

3. Epomaker TH80 Pro / Akko 5075B Plus – The Premium Feature Powerhouse

These two boards are very similar and represent the absolute peak of what you can get feature-wise under $100. They often go on sale, pushing them firmly into this budget.

· Form Factor: 75%

· Key Features: Triple-mode wireless, gasket-mounted structure (provides a softer, more flexible typing feel than a rigid tray mount), rotary knob for volume control, double-shot PBT keycaps, hot-swappable, and fantastic RGB.

· Build Quality: Excellent. They come with multiple layers of sound-dampening foam (case foam, PE foam, IXPE switch pad) that make them sound "thocky" and premium right out of the box.

· Why We Love It: The gasket mount and knob are premium features that were unheard of at this price a year ago. They offer a typing feel and acoustic signature that rivals keyboards twice their price.

· Best For: Users who want the most premium-feeling keyboard possible without spending premium money.

4. Redragon K Series (K552, K617, etc.) – The Unbeatable Budget King

Redragon is a legend in the budget gaming space. Their keyboards are ubiquitous for offering a mechanical experience at a membrane price.

· Form Factor: Various (K552 is TKL, K617 is 60%)

· Key Features: Often comes with Outemu Blue clicky switches (very loud and tactile), vibrant RGB lighting, solid metal top plate, and a decently sturdy build. Most are not hot-swappable, so check the model carefully.

· Build Quality: Surprisingly robust for the price. It’s a no-frills, functional build that can withstand years of abuse.

· Why We Love It: It’s the perfect "my first mechanical keyboard." For often under $40, it lets you experience the mechanical difference with zero risk. If you love it, you can upgrade later. If you don't, you're not out much money.

· Best For: Gamers and first-time buyers on an extremely tight budget.

5. Logitech G G513 – The Brand-Name Bargain Hunter's Pick

You'll often find previous-generation flagship keyboards from big brands like Logitech, Corsair, and Razer on deep discount. The G513 is a prime example.

· Form Factor: Full-Size

· Key Features: Premium aluminum alloy top frame, dedicated media controls, sophisticated RGB lighting (Logitech's Lightsync is excellent), and comes with Logitech's own Romer-G or GX switches (which are often tactile and low-profile).

· Build Quality: Top-tier. The aluminum build feels fantastic and is a step above the plastic used in most other boards on this list.

· Why We Love It: It represents a chance to get a high-end build quality and premium brand-name software from a previous generation at a bargain price. The catch: It is not hot-swappable and uses proprietary switches, meaning customization is very limited.

· Best For: Users who want a solid, full-size keyboard from a trusted brand and don't care about customization.

How to Choose: A Simple Decision Matrix

· "I need wireless for my clean desk setup." -> RK84 or Epomaker TH80 Pro

· "I want to customize and tweak everything later." -> Keychron V Series

· "I want the best possible feel and sound out of the box." -> Epomaker TH80 Pro / Akko 5075B Plus

· "I'm on a super tight budget and just want to try mechanical." -> Redragon K552

· "I want a full-size keyboard from a well-known brand." -> Logitech G513 (on sale)

Beyond the Board: Simple & Cheap Upgrades

If you get a hot-swappable board, the upgrade path is endless and affordable.

1. New Switches ($20-$40): Try a different feel. Popular choices are Gateron Yellow (smooth linear) or Akko CS switches (great budget tactiles).

2. PBT Keycaps ($25-$50): This is the single biggest upgrade for sound and feel. A good set of thick PBT keycaps will make your keyboard sound deeper and feel more substantial.

3. Modding ($0-$10): You can easily open your keyboard and add cheap foam to the case to reduce hollow echoes—a trick known as the "force break mod." Lubing the stabilizers (the large bars under Shift, Enter, etc.) will eliminate any rattly sounds.

Final Verdict

The Keychron V1 is our top overall recommendation for most people looking for a mechanical keyboard under $100. Its commitment to the custom keyboard philosophy with QMK/VIA support, excellent stock keycaps, and solid build makes it an unparalleled value.

However, if wireless is non-negotiable, the Royal Kludge RK84 remains the champion of versatility. And for those who want to push the budget to its absolute limit for premium features, the Epomaker TH80 Pro is a stunning achievement.

Gone are the days of compromising for affordability. Your perfect mechanical keyboard, one that will transform your daily computer use, is waiting for you—and it costs less than you think.

What's your favorite budget mechanical keyboard? Let us know in the comments below!