Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Keyboards Under $100
From the K55 CORE TKL to the K617 HE: five keyboards ranked on polling rate and layout, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Under $100, gaming keyboards now include magnetic switches with rapid trigger as well as budget mechanical boards. Every pick was $100 or less, ordered by polling rate.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: layout, switches and connection come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and gaps in the specs are flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic Keyboard
Adjustable rapid trigger.
Best for: Buyers who want adjustable rapid trigger.
Our take Check price for DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard
The top of this price range, adding rapid trigger.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Corsair K55 CORE TKL Gaming Keyboard
A lower price than the DK68E and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for Corsair K55 CORE TKL Gaming Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Pre-lubed Linear Switches
DIERYA DK68E 60% Keyboard
Pre-lubed linear switches.
Best for: Buyers who want pre-lubed linear switches.
Our take Check price for DIERYA DK68E 60% Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Full-size Layout
Corsair K55 CORE Gaming Keyboard
A full-size layout.
Best for: Buyers who want a full-size layout.
Our take Check price for Corsair K55 CORE Gaming Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjustable rapid trigger. | Buyers who want adjustable rapid trigger. | Check price for DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic Keyboard (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding rapid trigger. | Spending more for the fullest feature set. | Check price for Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard (opens in a new tab) |
| A lower price than the DK68E and the rest when we checked. | Keeping the budget tight. | Check price for Corsair K55 CORE TKL Gaming Keyboard (opens in a new tab) |
| Pre-lubed linear switches. | Buyers who want pre-lubed linear switches. | Check price for DIERYA DK68E 60% Keyboard (opens in a new tab) |
| A full-size layout. | Buyers who want a full-size layout. | Check price for Corsair K55 CORE Gaming Keyboard (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
DAREU's EK60 HE pairs Hall effect switches with 8000Hz polling and a web driver that supports macOS.
Best for
- Buyers who want adjustable rapid trigger.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no dedicated arrow keys or function ro is a problem.
Why we like it
It is priced near $35 at the time of writing. It matches the K617 HE on polling rate (8,000Hz). It shares a 60% layout with the K617 HE and DK68E; the K55 CORE goes with a full-size layout.
It shares hall effect magnetic switches with the K617 HE; the DK68E goes with pre-lubed linear switches. It also offers adjustable rapid trigger. The EK60 HE needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
High polling rates use more CPU time; drop to 1,000Hz if an older system stutters. Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. When we checked, only the DK68E and cheaper picks cost less, and the K55 CORE cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 60%
- Switches: Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- 8,000Hz polling
- Adjustable rapid trigger
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- Costs more than the K55 CORE TKL at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The K617 HE brings Hall effect switches, rapid trigger and 8000Hz polling to Redragon's 60% frame.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Pass on it if no dedicated arrow keys or function ro rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Calibration runs in a desktop or web app. It matches the EK60 HE on polling rate (8,000Hz). It shares a 60% layout with the EK60 HE and DK68E; the K55 CORE goes with a full-size layout.
It shares hall effect magnetic switches with the EK60 HE; the DK68E goes with pre-lubed linear switches. It also offers the lowest price among the 8000Hz boards here. The K617 HE needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
High polling rates use more CPU time; drop to 1,000Hz if an older system stutters. Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. Only the K55 CORE came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 60%
- Switches: Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- 8,000Hz polling
- Rapid trigger
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- Costs more than the K55 CORE TKL at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
Corsair K55 CORE TKL Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The K55 CORE TKL is a membrane board, not mechanical, but it is quiet, cheap and has dedicated media keys.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Pass on it if membrane switches, not mechanica rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It resists spills of up to 300ml, and four media buttons sit above the keys. Eight RGB zones light the board. On polling rate it ties with the DK68E and the K55 CORE at 1,000Hz.
No other pick in this guide offers a TKL layout; compare the DK68E, which has a 60% layout. Like the K55 CORE, it has membrane switches, while the EK60 HE uses hall effect magnetic switches. It also offers 12-key rollover.
The K55 CORE TKL needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. It undercut the DK68E and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: polling rate of 1,000Hz, behind the EK60 HE (8,000Hz). If that matters, the EK60 HE offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: TKL
- Switches: Membrane
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 1,000Hz
Pros
- Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
- Dedicated media keys
- 12-key rollover
- A lower price than the DK68E and the rest when we checked
Cons
- Membrane switches, not mechanical
- Wired only
- Polling rate of 1,000Hz, behind the EK60 HE (8,000Hz)
Pre-lubed Linear Switches4 of 5
DIERYA DK68E 60% Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
DIERYA's DK68E uses pre-lubed linear switches and dampening foam in a 60% frame.
Best for
- Buyers who want pre-lubed linear switches.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no dedicated arrow keys or function ro is a problem.
Why we like it
Remapping runs in a browser on Windows, macOS or Linux. On polling rate it ties with the K55 CORE TKL and the K55 CORE at 1,000Hz. Like the EK60 HE and K617 HE, it has a 60% layout, while the K55 CORE TKL uses a TKL layout.
No other pick in this guide offers pre-lubed linear switches; compare the K55 CORE TKL, which has membrane switches. The DK68E needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. Its price falls between the K55 CORE TKL and the EK60 HE, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 60%
- Switches: Pre-lubed linear
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 1,000Hz
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- Pre-lubed linear switches
- Hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches
- Browser-based remapping on Windows, macOS or Linux
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- Costs more than the K55 CORE TKL at the time of writing
Full-size Layout5 of 5
Corsair K55 CORE Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The full-size K55 CORE is the same idea with a number pad, at one of the lowest prices in Corsair's range.
Best for
- Buyers who want a full-size layout.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: full-size board takes more desk width.
Why we like it
Ten-zone RGB lighting and four media keys cover the basics, and its membrane keys are quiet. It is a low-cost first gaming keyboard. It matches the K55 CORE TKL and the DK68E on polling rate (1,000Hz).
A full-size layout is unique to it among these picks, while the K617 HE uses a 60% layout. It shares membrane switches with the K55 CORE TKL; the DK68E goes with pre-lubed linear switches. You also get 12-key rollover.
The K55 CORE needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. It gives ground on polling rate, where the EK60 HE offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: Full-size
- Switches: Membrane
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 1,000Hz
Pros
- Dedicated media keys
- 12-key rollover
- Full-size layout, the only one here
Cons
- Full-size board takes more desk width
- Membrane switches, not mechanical
- Wired only
How We Chose These Gaming Keyboards Under $100
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Layout and switches
- We recorded the layout, the switch type and whether the switches are mechanical, magnetic or membrane.
- Build
- We noted keycap material, frame material and extra controls such as knobs or screens.
- Polling rate
- We recorded polling rates where listings state them.
- Connection
- We checked wired, dongle and Bluetooth options and rated battery life.
What to Look for in a Gaming Keyboard Under $100
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Choose the layout before the switch
Full-size boards keep the number pad; tenkeyless drops it and gives the mouse more room. 75% and 65% boards keep arrows in a tighter frame, while 60% boards move arrows and F-keys to a function layer.
Wired, dongle or Bluetooth
A 2.4GHz dongle is fine for games; Bluetooth adds latency and suits typing on other devices. Wired boards never need charging.
Keycap material lasts longer than lighting
PBT keycaps resist the shine that ABS caps develop. Double-shot legends do not wear off.
Hot-swap sockets allow switch changes
Hot-swappable boards let you pull and replace switches without soldering. Check whether the sockets take 3-pin or 5-pin switches.
Polling rate is a small factor
1,000Hz is enough for most players. 8,000Hz cuts reporting delay further, but the gain is small and uses more CPU time.
Linear, tactile or magnetic
Linear switches travel smoothly, tactile switches have a bump, and clicky switches add a click. Hall effect switches read a magnet, so actuation can be adjusted and rapid trigger resets a key as soon as it rises.
How to Choose a Gaming Keyboard Under $100
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want adjustable rapid trigger | EK60 HE | Adjustable rapid trigger |
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | K617 HE | The top of this price range, adding rapid trigger |
| Keeping the budget tight | K55 CORE TKL | A lower price than the DK68E and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want pre-lubed linear switches | DK68E | Pre-lubed linear switches |
| Buyers who want a full-size layout | K55 CORE | A full-size layout |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection | Polling rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EK60 HE | 60% | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| K617 HE | 60% | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| K55 CORE TKL | TKL | Membrane | Wired | 1,000Hz |
| DK68E | 60% | Pre-lubed linear | Wired | 1,000Hz |
| K55 CORE | Full-size | Membrane | Wired | 1,000Hz |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these keyboards has the fastest polling rate?
The EK60 HE leads at 8,000Hz, ahead of the K617 HE at 8,000Hz; the K55 CORE sits at the other end with 1,000Hz.
What is the least I can spend on one of these keyboards?
The K55 CORE TKL. It undercut the DK68E when we checked, while the K617 HE cost the most of the group.
Is a wireless keyboard slower?
Not over a 2.4GHz dongle for most players. Bluetooth adds more latency and is better kept for other devices.
Is a membrane keyboard bad for gaming?
No. It is quieter and cheaper, but it feels softer and usually lacks per-key rollover guarantees beyond what the listing states.
Do these keyboards need software?
They work without it, but lighting, macros and actuation settings usually need the maker's app.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the EK60 HE, chosen for adjustable rapid trigger. Look at the K617 HE for the top of this price range, adding rapid trigger, the K55 CORE TKL for a lower price than the DK68E and the rest when we checked and the DK68E for pre-lubed linear switches if those matter more to you.
Choose the layout first; a compact board leaves more room for the mouse.