Buying Guide
The Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $150
Five keyboards ranked on polling rate and layout; the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless is the cheapest route in.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Between $100 and $150, mechanical keyboards add wireless, hot-swap sockets, gasket mounts or magnetic switches. Every pick has its switches and was $150 or less at the time of writing.
We ranked these keyboards on layout, switches and connection using manufacturer specifications; where a maker leaves out polling rate, we say so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Premium Pick
Logitech G PRO X TKL Rapid Keyboard
The top of this price range, adding rapid trigger with adjustable actuation.
Best for: Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Our take Check price for Logitech G PRO X TKL Rapid Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Polling
ASUS ROG Falchion Ace HFX
The fastest polling rate here (8,000Hz).
Best for: Competitive players who want the quickest listed report rate.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Falchion Ace HFX (opens in a new tab)
Doubleshot PBT Keycaps
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini
Doubleshot PBT keycaps.
Best for: Buyers who want doubleshot PBT keycaps.
Our take Check price for Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Keychron K2 HE Wireless
Rapid trigger and adjustable actuation.
Best for: Buyers who want rapid trigger and adjustable actuation.
Our take Check price for Keychron K2 HE Wireless (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless Gaming Keyboard
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Spending as little as possible.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless Gaming Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Premium Pick1 of 5
Logitech G PRO X TKL Rapid Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The PRO X TKL Rapid is Logitech's magnetic-switch board.
Best for
- Spending more for the fullest feature set.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: wired only.
Why we like it
Rapid trigger and adjustable actuation matter most in shooters where keys reset constantly. You get a TKL layout here, which sets it apart from the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless and its a 96% layout. Hall effect magnetic switches is unique to it among these picks, while the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini uses analog optical Gen-2 switches.
The PRO X TKL Rapid 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. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Falchion Ace HFX the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed polling rate, look to the Falchion Ace HFX instead: it offers 8,000Hz, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: TKL
- Switches: Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: Wired
Pros
- Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- Rapid trigger with adjustable actuation
- The top of this price range, adding rapid trigger with adjustable actuation
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless at the time of writing
Fastest Polling2 of 5
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
- Competitive players who want the quickest listed report rate.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wired onl is a problem.
Why we like it
Two USB-C ports let it switch between two PCs. No other pick in this guide offers a 65% layout; compare the K2 HE, which has a 75% layout. It is the only pick here with ROG HFX Hall effect magnetic switches; the PRO X TKL Rapid has hall effect magnetic switches instead.
Like the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless, it has PBT keycaps, while the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini uses doubleshot PBT keycaps. It also comes with 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. Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper Huntsman V3 Pro Mini and the pricier PRO X TKL Rapid, at the time of writing.
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 Strix Scope II 96 Wireless at the time of writing
Doubleshot PBT Keycaps3 of 5
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Razer's Huntsman V3 Pro Mini uses analog optical switches with rapid trigger and Snap Tap.
Best for
- Buyers who want doubleshot PBT keycaps.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Why we like it
The switches are rated for 100 million keystrokes. It is the only pick here with a 60% layout; the PRO X TKL Rapid has a TKL layout instead. No other pick in this guide offers analog optical Gen-2 switches; compare the PRO X TKL Rapid, which has hall effect magnetic switches.
It is the only pick here with doubleshot PBT keycaps; the Falchion Ace HFX has PBT keycaps instead. It also comes with dual-purpose modifier keys. The Huntsman V3 Pro Mini 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 K2 HE and the Falchion Ace HFX, 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: 60%
- Switches: Analog optical Gen-2
- Connection: Wired
- Keycaps: Doubleshot PBT
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- Rapid trigger and Snap Tap
- Switches rated for 100 million keystrokes
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- Costs more than the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless at the time of writing
Also Consider4 of 5
Keychron K2 HE Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Keychron's K2 HE adds Gateron magnetic switches, rapid trigger and tri-mode wireless to the K2's 75% layout.
Best for
- Buyers who want rapid trigger and adjustable actuation.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It supports macOS and Windows. No other pick in this guide offers a 75% layout; compare the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini, which has a 60% layout. It is the only pick here with gateron Hall effect magnetic switches; the Falchion Ace HFX has ROG HFX Hall effect magnetic switches instead.
No other pick in this guide offers shine-through PBT keycaps; compare the Falchion Ace HFX, which has PBT keycaps. It also comes with acoustic foam. Use the K2 HE's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet.
Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Strix Scope II 96 Wireless and the pricier Huntsman V3 Pro Mini, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 75%
- Switches: Gateron Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
- Polling rate: 1,000Hz
- Keycaps: Shine-through PBT
Pros
- Compact 75% layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- PBT keycaps resist shine
Cons
- Costs more than the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless Gaming Keyboard 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
- Spending as little as possible.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It connects over 2.4GHz, Bluetooth or cable, with a 1,500 hours of battery on 2.4GHz. You get a 96% layout here, which sets it apart from the K2 HE and its a 75% layout. It shares PBT keycaps with the Falchion Ace HFX; the K2 HE goes with shine-through PBT keycaps.
It also offers sound-dampening foam and switch-dampening pads and a detachable wrist rest. Use the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the K2 HE was closest. If you want a confirmed polling rate, look to the Falchion Ace HFX instead: it offers 8,000Hz, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 96%
- Switches: ROG NX Snow linear, pre-lubed, hot-swappable
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth (3 devices), wired
- Battery life: 1500 hours
- Keycaps: PBT
Pros
- ROG NX Snow linear, pre-lubed, hot-swappable switches
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- Up to 1500 hours per charge
- PBT keycaps resist shine
How We Chose These Mechanical Keyboards Under $150
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 Mechanical 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Choose a Mechanical Keyboard Under $150
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending more for the fullest feature set | PRO X TKL Rapid | The top of this price range, adding rapid trigger with adjustable actuation |
| Competitive players who want the quickest listed report rate | Falchion Ace HFX | The fastest polling rate here (8,000Hz) |
| Buyers who want doubleshot PBT keycaps | Huntsman V3 Pro Mini | Doubleshot PBT keycaps |
| Buyers who want rapid trigger and adjustable actuation | K2 HE | Rapid trigger and adjustable actuation |
| Spending as little as possible | Strix Scope II 96 Wireless | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection | Polling rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRO X TKL Rapid | TKL | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | Not listed |
| Falchion Ace HFX | 65% | ROG HFX Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| Huntsman V3 Pro Mini | 60% | Analog optical Gen-2 | Wired | Not listed |
| K2 HE | 75% | Gateron Hall effect magnetic | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired | 1,000Hz |
| Strix Scope II 96 Wireless | 96% | ROG NX Snow linear, pre-lubed, hot-swappable | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth (3 devices), wired | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pick costs the least here?
At our last price check the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless was the cheapest pick and the PRO X TKL Rapid the most expensive; the K2 HE was the next step up from the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless.
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 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 Hall effect switches help in games?
Adjustable actuation and rapid trigger help most in fast strafing games. In slower games the difference is small.
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
Our first pick is the PRO X TKL Rapid, chosen for the top of this price range, adding rapid trigger with adjustable actuation. Look at the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini for doubleshot PBT keycaps, the K2 HE for rapid trigger and adjustable actuation and the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless for the lowest price of the group at our last check if those matter more to you.
Hot-swap sockets let you change the feel later without buying a new board.