Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Keyboards Under $100
Six gaming keyboards under $100 at the time of writing, from a Hall effect 68-key board to wireless and full-size mechanical picks.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
A good gaming keyboard no longer needs to cost $150. Under $100 at the time of writing there are Hall effect, wireless and full-size mechanical options, each giving up something else.
We compared layout, switches, connection and keycaps from each maker's listing; we did not test these keyboards.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Fastest Polling
AULA WIN68 HE Magnetic Switch Keyboard
The fastest polling rate here (8,000Hz).
Best for: Competitive players who want the quickest listed report rate.
Our take Check price for AULA WIN68 HE Magnetic Switch Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Best PBT Keycaps
Keychron C1 Pro Wired Mechanical Keyboard
Double-shot PBT keycaps on a tenkeyless board.
Best for: Typing feel on a budget.
Our take Check price for Keychron C1 Pro Wired Mechanical Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Most Spill-Resistant
ASUS TUF Gaming K3 Gen II
An IP57 rating for water and dust.
Best for: Desks with drinks nearby.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming K3 Gen II (opens in a new tab)
Best Wireless
Redragon K686 PRO Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
2.4GHz, Bluetooth and wired modes.
Best for: Cable-free desks.
Our take Check price for Redragon K686 PRO Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Worth Considering
HyperX Alloy Origins Core Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard
HyperX puts the Alloy Origins Core in an aluminum body, which makes it the sturdiest board in this list.
Best for: Buyers who want tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse.
Our take Check price for HyperX Alloy Origins Core Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Best Full-Size
Logitech G413 SE Full-Size Mechanical Keyboard
A full-size layout with PBT keycaps.
Best for: Keeping a number pad.
Our take Check price for Logitech G413 SE Full-Size Mechanical Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Fastest Polling1 of 6
AULA WIN68 HE Magnetic Switch Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The WIN68 HE brings magnetic switches down to a budget price.
Best for
- Competitive players who want the quickest listed report rate.
Skip if
- Pass on it if wired onl rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
The 68-key layout keeps arrows while dropping the function row. It is the only pick here with a 68-key compact layout; the C1 Pro has a TKL (80%) layout instead. No other pick in this guide offers hall effect magnetic switches; compare the Alloy Origins Core, which has HyperX tactile switches.
It also comes with a Hall effect board at a membrane-keyboard price. The WIN68 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. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Alloy Origins Core was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 68-key compact
- Switches: Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
Pros
- Compact 68-key compact layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- 8,000Hz polling
- Hall effect board at a membrane-keyboard price
Cons
- Wired only
Best PBT Keycaps2 of 6
Keychron C1 Pro Wired Mechanical Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The C1 Pro is the most complete typing board here.
Best for
- Typing feel on a budget.
Skip if
- Pass on it if wired onl rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Double-shot PBT keycaps and QMK/VIA support are rare at this price, and the tactile brown switches suit mixed work and play. No other pick in this guide offers a TKL (80%) layout; compare the K686 PRO, which has a 98-key layout. It is the only pick here with brown tactile switches; the WIN68 HE has hall effect magnetic switches instead.
No other pick in this guide offers double-shot PBT keycaps; compare the TUF K3 Gen II, which has PBT keycaps. The C1 Pro needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. On price it sat third of 6, between the cheaper Alloy Origins Core and the pricier K686 PRO, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: TKL (80%)
- Switches: Brown tactile
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 1,000Hz
- Keycaps: Double-shot PBT
Pros
- Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
- Brown tactile switches
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- QMK and VIA remapping support
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the WIN68 HE at the time of writing
Most Spill-Resistant3 of 6
ASUS TUF Gaming K3 Gen II on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's TUF K3 Gen II is a 97-key wired board with optical-mechanical switches, PBT keycaps and an IP57 rating against water and dust.
Best for
- Desks with drinks nearby.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wired onl is a problem.
Why we like it
A gasket mount and foam are unusual at its price. A 97-key compact layout is unique to it among these picks, while the C1 Pro uses a TKL (80%) layout. You get optical-mechanical switches here, which sets it apart from the G413 SE and its tactile mechanical switches.
It shares PBT keycaps with the G413 SE; the C1 Pro goes with double-shot PBT keycaps. You also get a detachable top plate. The TUF K3 Gen II needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
It was priced above the K686 PRO and below the G413 SE at the time of writing. There is no published polling rate figure, whereas the WIN68 HE offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 97-key compact
- Switches: Optical-mechanical
- Connection: Wired
- Keycaps: PBT
Pros
- Optical-mechanical switches
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- IP57 water and dust resistance
- Silicone gasket mount with dampening foam
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the WIN68 HE at the time of writing
Best Wireless4 of 6
Redragon K686 PRO Wireless Mechanical Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The K686 PRO is the only wireless board here, with a dongle, Bluetooth and a cable.
Best for
- Cable-free desks.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the WIN68 HE was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
The gasket mount and knob are touches usually found on pricier boards. One knob controls volume and lighting, and it switches between USB-C, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz without re-pairing. The gasket mount and dampening layers soften each keystroke.
It comes in a blue and white colourway, and the software handles lighting effects and macros. The gasket mount gives a soft, quiet bounce. It suits a desk where a blue and white colour scheme sets it apart from typical black boards.
No other pick in this guide offers a 98-key layout; compare the WIN68 HE, which has a 68-key compact layout. Use the K686 PRO's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. The maker doesn't give its polling rate; if that figure matters, the WIN68 HE offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 98-key
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
Pros
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- Gasket-mounted plate
- Rotary knob for volume
- 98-key layout, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the WIN68 HE at the time of writing
Worth Considering5 of 6
HyperX Alloy Origins Core Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
HyperX puts the Alloy Origins Core in an aluminum body, which makes it the sturdiest board in this list.
Best for
- Buyers who want tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: wired only.
Why we like it
It is wired only, but the cable detaches for transport. Its tenkeyless layout frees mouse space, and the aluminium body resists flex. No other pick in this guide offers a TKL layout; compare the C1 Pro, which has a TKL (80%) layout.
It is the only pick here with HyperX tactile switches; the WIN68 HE has hall effect magnetic switches instead. The Alloy Origins Core needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. On price it sat second of 6, between the cheaper WIN68 HE and the pricier C1 Pro, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its polling rate; if that figure matters, the WIN68 HE offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: TKL
- Switches: HyperX tactile
- Connection: Wired
Pros
- Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
- HyperX tactile switches
- Aircraft-grade aluminum body
- Detachable USB-C cable
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the WIN68 HE at the time of writing
Best Full-Size6 of 6
Logitech G413 SE Full-Size Mechanical Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The G413 SE is the only full-size Logitech here.
Best for
- Keeping a number pad.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: full-size board takes more desk width.
Why we like it
PBT keycaps and an aluminum top case lift it above typical budget boards. A full-size layout is unique to it among these picks, while the C1 Pro uses a TKL (80%) layout. You get tactile mechanical switches here, which sets it apart from the Alloy Origins Core and its HyperX tactile switches.
It shares PBT keycaps with the TUF K3 Gen II; the C1 Pro goes with double-shot PBT keycaps. You also get anti-ghosting for gaming key combinations. The G413 SE needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
Only the TUF K3 Gen II came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks. There is no published polling rate figure, whereas the WIN68 HE offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: Full-size
- Switches: Tactile mechanical
- Connection: Wired
- Keycaps: PBT
Pros
- Tactile mechanical switches
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- Aluminum top case
- Anti-ghosting for gaming key combinations
Cons
- Full-size board takes more desk width
- Wired only
- Costs more than the WIN68 HE at the time of writing
How We Chose These Gaming Keyboards Under $100
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- 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.
- Layout and switches
- We recorded the layout, the switch type and whether the switches are mechanical, magnetic or membrane.
What to Look for in a Gaming Keyboard Under $100
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first 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.
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.
Keycap material lasts longer than lighting
PBT keycaps resist the shine that ABS caps develop. Double-shot legends do not wear off.
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.
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.
How to Choose a Gaming Keyboard Under $100
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive players who want the quickest listed report rate | WIN68 HE | The fastest polling rate here (8,000Hz) |
| Typing feel on a budget | C1 Pro | Double-shot PBT keycaps on a tenkeyless board |
| Desks with drinks nearby | TUF K3 Gen II | An IP57 rating for water and dust |
| Cable-free desks | K686 PRO | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth and wired modes |
| Keeping a number pad | G413 SE | A full-size layout with PBT keycaps |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection | Polling rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WIN68 HE | 68-key compact | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| C1 Pro | TKL (80%) | Brown tactile | Wired | 1,000Hz |
| TUF K3 Gen II | 97-key compact | Optical-mechanical | Wired | Not listed |
| K686 PRO | 98-key | Not listed | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired | Not listed |
| Alloy Origins Core | TKL | HyperX tactile | Wired | Not listed |
| G413 SE | Full-size | Tactile mechanical | Wired | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | WIN68 HE, Alloy Origins Core, C1 Pro, K686 PRO |
| About $50 to $100 | TUF K3 Gen II, G413 SE |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Do Hall effect switches help in games?
Adjustable actuation and rapid trigger help most in fast strafing games. In slower games the difference is small.
Do I need 8,000Hz polling?
No. It is a marginal gain on top of 1,000Hz and can cost battery life and CPU time.
Do these keyboards need software?
They work without it, but lighting, macros and actuation settings usually need the maker's app.
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.
Should I pick tenkeyless or full-size?
Tenkeyless if you want more mouse room and rarely type numbers; full-size if you enter numbers often.
Bottom Line
The AULA WIN68 HE brings Hall effect switches under $50, and the C1 Pro is the tenkeyless pick with PBT keycaps. The TUF K3 Gen II suits spill-prone desks, and the K686 PRO covers wireless.