Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Keyboards Under $150
Six gaming keyboards between about $100 and $150 at the time of writing, with Hall effect, wireless and hot-swap options.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
Between $100 and $150 at the time of writing, gaming keyboards add Hall effect switches, wireless and hot-swap sockets. The choice is mostly about layout and connection.
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.
Best Hall Effect TKL
Corsair K70 PRO TKL Wired Keyboard
MGX Hall effect switches with double-shot PBT keycaps.
Best for: Competitive play.
Our take Check price for Corsair K70 PRO TKL Wired Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Best Compact
ASUS ROG Falchion Ace HFX
A 65% Hall effect board with 8000Hz polling.
Best for: Small desks and low mouse sensitivity.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Falchion Ace HFX (opens in a new tab)
Best Wireless With Numpad
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless
A 96% layout with 2.4GHz and Bluetooth.
Best for: Work and games on one board.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless (opens in a new tab)
Best Low-Profile
Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL Wireless Keyboard
A low-profile TKL with Lightspeed wireless.
Best for: Laptop-style key travel.
Our take Check price for Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL Wireless Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Best With a Display
Corsair Vanguard 96 Gaming Keyboard
A built-in display with 8000Hz polling.
Best for: Quick settings changes.
Our take Check price for Corsair Vanguard 96 Gaming Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Best Wired Full-Size
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II X
A hot-swappable 100% layout.
Best for: Customising switches later.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Scope II X (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Hall Effect TKL1 of 6
Corsair K70 PRO TKL Wired Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The K70 PRO TKL is Corsair's magnetic tenkeyless board.
Best for
- Competitive play.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: wired only.
Why we like it
MGX switches with rapid trigger and double-shot PBT keycaps suit competitive play. It is the only pick here with a TKL layout; the Falchion Ace HFX has a 65% layout instead. No other pick in this guide offers MGX Hall effect magnetic switches; compare the Falchion Ace HFX, which has ROG HFX Hall effect magnetic switches.
Like the G515 TKL and Scope II X, it has double-shot PBT keycaps, while the Falchion Ace HFX uses PBT keycaps. The K70 PRO TKL needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows.
Its price falls between the Scope II 96 Wireless and the Vanguard 96, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed polling rate should compare it with the Falchion Ace HFX, which offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: TKL
- Switches: MGX Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: Wired
- Keycaps: Double-shot PBT
Pros
- Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- Rapid trigger support
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the Scope II X at the time of writing
Best Compact2 of 6
ASUS ROG Falchion Ace HFX on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Falchion Ace HFX uses Hall effect switches with actuation adjustable from 0.1 to 4.0mm and Rapid Trigger, in a 65% layout.
Best for
- Small desks and low mouse sensitivity.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: wired only.
Why we like it
Two USB-C ports let it switch between two PCs. A 65% layout is unique to it among these picks, while the Scope II 96 Wireless uses a 96% layout. You get ROG HFX Hall effect magnetic switches here, which sets it apart from the G515 TKL and its tactile switches.
It shares PBT keycaps with the Scope II 96 Wireless; the G515 TKL goes with double-shot PBT keycaps. You also get a protective cover for travel. The Falchion Ace HFX 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. Only the Vanguard 96 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 6 picks. There is no published battery life figure, whereas the Scope II 96 Wireless runs for 1500 hours.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 65%
- Switches: ROG HFX Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
- Keycaps: PBT
Pros
- Compact 65% layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- 8,000Hz polling
- PBT keycaps resist shine
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the Scope II X at the time of writing
Best Wireless With Numpad3 of 6
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless keeps a number pad in a frame ASUS lists as only 1cm wider than an 80% board.
Best for
- Work and games on one board.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Scope II X, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It connects over 2.4GHz, Bluetooth or cable, with a 1,500 hours of battery on 2.4GHz. Like the Vanguard 96, it has a 96% layout, while the Scope II X uses a full-size (100%) layout. Like the Falchion Ace HFX, it has PBT keycaps, while the G515 TKL uses double-shot PBT keycaps.
You also get hot-swappable pre-lubed switches and sound-dampening foam. Use the Scope II 96 Wireless's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. Its price falls between the G515 TKL and the K70 PRO TKL, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed polling rate should compare it with the Falchion Ace HFX, which offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 96%
- Switches: ROG NX Snow linear or NX Storm clicky
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
- Battery life: 1500 hours
- Keycaps: PBT
Pros
- ROG NX Snow linear or NX Storm clicky switches
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- Up to 1500 hours per charge
- PBT keycaps resist shine
Cons
- Costs more than the Scope II X at the time of writing
Best Low-Profile4 of 6
Logitech G515 Lightspeed TKL Wireless Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The G515 TKL is Logitech's most flexible board for its price: three connection modes, PBT keycaps and a slim profile.
Best for
- Laptop-style key travel.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: shorter 36-hour battery.
Why we like it
Its 36-hour battery is the trade. Its low-profile GL Brown switches are factory-lubed for a smoother tactile press, and it connects over LIGHTSPEED, Bluetooth or USB. The slim tenkeyless body frees mouse space.
It is rated for up to 36 hours on a charge, and double-shot PBT keycaps resist shine. KEYCONTROL assigns up to 15 functions per key. You get tactile switches here, which sets it apart from the Falchion Ace HFX and its ROG HFX Hall effect magnetic switches.
It shares double-shot PBT keycaps with the K70 PRO TKL and Scope II X; the Scope II 96 Wireless goes with PBT keycaps. Use the G515 TKL's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. It was priced above the Scope II X and below the Scope II 96 Wireless at the time of writing. There is no published polling rate figure, whereas the Falchion Ace HFX offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: TKL, low-profile
- Switches: Tactile
- Connection: Lightspeed, Bluetooth, wired
- Battery life: 36 hours
- Keycaps: Double-shot PBT
Pros
- Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
- Tactile switches
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- PBT keycaps resist shine
Cons
- Shorter 36-hour battery
- Costs more than the Scope II X at the time of writing
Best With a Display5 of 6
Corsair Vanguard 96 Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Vanguard 96 keeps a number pad in a compressed layout and adds a small display and 8,000Hz polling.
Best for
- Quick settings changes.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: wired only.
Why we like it
It maps Stream Deck functions to programmable G-keys, polls at 8,000Hz, and FlashTap SOCD resolves opposing key presses. A 1.9-inch LCD shows custom images or system info. Like the Scope II 96 Wireless, it has a 96% layout, while the Falchion Ace HFX uses a 65% layout.
The Vanguard 96 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. The maker doesn't give its battery life; if that figure matters, the Scope II 96 Wireless runs for 1500 hours.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 96%
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
Pros
- 8,000Hz polling
- Built-in display
- 96% layout that keeps the number pad in a smaller frame
- A built-in display with 8000Hz polling
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the Scope II X at the time of writing
Best Wired Full-Size6 of 6
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's Scope II X is a wired 100% board with hot-swappable, pre-lubed NX V2 switches and double-shot PBT keycaps.
Best for
- Customising switches later.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: full-size board takes more desk width.
Why we like it
An aluminium top plate and a multi-function wheel round it out. No other pick in this guide offers a full-size (100%) layout; compare the Scope II 96 Wireless, which has a 96% layout. Like the K70 PRO TKL and G515 TKL, it has double-shot PBT keycaps, while the Falchion Ace HFX uses PBT keycaps.
The Scope II X needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. It undercut the G515 TKL and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its polling rate; if that figure matters, the Falchion Ace HFX offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: Full-size (100%)
- Switches: ROG NX Snow V2 linear or NX Storm V2 clicky
- Connection: Wired
- Keycaps: Double-shot PBT
Pros
- ROG NX Snow V2 linear or NX Storm V2 clicky switches
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- Hot-swappable pre-lubed switches
- Aluminium top plate
Cons
- Full-size board takes more desk width
- Wired only
How We Chose These Gaming Keyboards Under $150
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Connection
- We checked wired, dongle and Bluetooth options and rated battery life.
- Polling rate
- We recorded polling rates where listings state them.
- 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.
What to Look for in a Gaming Keyboard Under $150
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.
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.
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.
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 $150
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive play | K70 PRO TKL | MGX Hall effect switches with double-shot PBT keycaps |
| Small desks and low mouse sensitivity | Falchion Ace HFX | A 65% Hall effect board with 8000Hz polling |
| Work and games on one board | Scope II 96 Wireless | A 96% layout with 2.4GHz and Bluetooth |
| Laptop-style key travel | G515 TKL | A low-profile TKL with Lightspeed wireless |
| Quick settings changes | Vanguard 96 | A built-in display with 8000Hz polling |
| Customising switches later | Scope II X | A hot-swappable 100% layout |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection | Polling rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K70 PRO TKL | TKL | MGX Hall effect magnetic | Wired | Not listed |
| Falchion Ace HFX | 65% | ROG HFX Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| Scope II 96 Wireless | 96% | ROG NX Snow linear or NX Storm clicky | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired | Not listed |
| G515 TKL | TKL, low-profile | Tactile | Lightspeed, Bluetooth, wired | Not listed |
| Vanguard 96 | 96% | Not listed | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| Scope II X | Full-size (100%) | ROG NX Snow V2 linear or NX Storm V2 clicky | Wired | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bottom Line
Corsair's K70 PRO TKL is the Hall effect pick, and the Falchion Ace HFX suits small desks. The Scope II 96 Wireless keeps a number pad without a cable, and the G515 TKL suits low-profile typists.