Buying Guide
The Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $150
Five keyboards ranked on polling rate and layout; the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
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
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Premium Pick
Logitech G PRO X TKL Rapid KeyboardThe top of this price range, adding rapid trigger with adjustable actuation.
Best for: Spending more than the Huntsman V3 HE TKL costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Check price for Logitech G PRO X TKL Rapid Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASUS ROG Falchion Ace HFXActuation adjustable from 0.1 to 4.0mm with Rapid Trigger.
Best for: Buyers who want actuation adjustable from 0.1 to 4.0mm with Rapid Trigger.
Check price for ASUS ROG Falchion Ace HFX on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic TKL 8KHzSnap Tap and Rapid Trigger.
Best for: Buyers who want Snap Tap and Rapid Trigger.
Check price for Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic TKL 8KHz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless Gaming KeyboardSound-dampening foam and switch-dampening pads.
Best for: Buyers who want sound-dampening foam and switch-dampening pads.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro MiniThe cheapest way into this group, below the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless.
Best for: Getting rapid trigger and Snap Tap for the least money.
Check price for Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Premium Pick1 of 5
Logitech G PRO X TKL Rapid Keyboard
The PRO X TKL Rapid is Logitech's magnetic-switch board.
Best for
- Spending more than the Huntsman V3 HE TKL costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
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. It shares a TKL layout with the Huntsman V3 HE TKL; the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless goes with a 96% layout. It shares hall effect magnetic switches with the Huntsman V3 HE TKL; the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini goes with 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 Huntsman V3 HE TKL 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 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 Huntsman V3 Pro Mini at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
ASUS ROG Falchion Ace HFX
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
- Buyers who want actuation adjustable from 0.1 to 4.0mm with Rapid Trigger.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wired only 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 Strix Scope II 96 Wireless, which has a 96% 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 HE TKL 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 third of 5, between the cheaper Strix Scope II 96 Wireless and the pricier Huntsman V3 HE TKL, at the time of writing.
Key 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 Huntsman V3 Pro Mini at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic TKL 8KHz
The Huntsman V3 HE TKL stands out for Snap Tap and Rapid Trigger.
Best for
- Buyers who want Snap Tap and Rapid Trigger.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wired only is a problem.
Why we like it
It also offers an 8,000Hz polling rate. It shares a TKL layout with the PRO X TKL Rapid; the Falchion Ace HFX goes with a 65% layout. It shares hall effect magnetic switches with the PRO X TKL Rapid; the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini goes with analog optical Gen-2 switches.
It shares doubleshot PBT keycaps with the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini; the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless goes with PBT keycaps. The Huntsman V3 HE TKL 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.
Key specs
- Layout
- TKL
- Switches
- Hall effect magnetic
- Connection
- Wired
- Polling rate
- 8,000Hz
- Keycaps
- Doubleshot PBT
Pros
- Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- 8,000Hz polling
- PBT keycaps resist shine
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless Gaming Keyboard
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
- Buyers who want sound-dampening foam and switch-dampening pads.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini was cheaper at our last price check.
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 Huntsman V3 Pro Mini and its a 60% layout. It shares PBT keycaps with the Falchion Ace HFX; the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini goes with doubleshot 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. 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 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
Cons
- Costs more than the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini
Razer's Huntsman V3 Pro Mini uses analog optical switches with rapid trigger and Snap Tap.
Best for
- Getting rapid trigger and Snap Tap for the least money.
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.
Like the Huntsman V3 HE TKL, it has doubleshot PBT keycaps, while the Falchion Ace HFX uses PBT keycaps. 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. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless was the next step up.
Key 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
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed polling rate should compare it with the Falchion Ace HFX, which offers 8,000Hz.
How We Chose These Mechanical Keyboards Under $150
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- What we compared
- We compared five keyboards on layout, switches, connection and polling rate from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 3 of the 5 fields compared are stated for every pick, while polling rate and keycaps have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the PRO X TKL Rapid to the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini, state layout, switches and connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The PRO X TKL Rapid, the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless and the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini give no polling rate; the PRO X TKL Rapid gives no keycaps.
- Price range
- From the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini to the PRO X TKL Rapid, all sat in the $100 to $150 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Mechanical Keyboard Under $150
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Keycaps
The Falchion Ace HFX and the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless list PBT; the Huntsman V3 HE TKL and the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini list Doubleshot PBT.
Setup checks
The PRO X TKL Rapid needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Use the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet.
A grey mechanical keyboard beside a mouse on a wooden desk Extras that separate them
The Huntsman V3 HE TKL: Snap Tap and Rapid Trigger. The Strix Scope II 96 Wireless: a number pad in a body 1 cm wider than an 80% board. The Huntsman V3 Pro Mini: switches rated for 100 million keystrokes.
How much to spend
All 5 sat in the $100 to $150 tier when we checked, from the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini at the low end to the PRO X TKL Rapid at the top, so decide on features first.
A mechanical keyboard with RGB-lit keycaps Start from what matters most
Spending more than the Huntsman V3 HE TKL costs for the fullest feature set in this group: the PRO X TKL Rapid. Getting rapid trigger and Snap Tap for the least money: the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini.
How to Choose a Mechanical Keyboard Under $150
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending more than the Huntsman V3 HE TKL costs for the fullest feature set in this group | PRO X TKL Rapid | The top of this price range, adding rapid trigger with adjustable actuation |
| Buyers who want actuation adjustable from 0.1 to 4.0mm with Rapid Trigger | Falchion Ace HFX | Actuation adjustable from 0.1 to 4.0mm with Rapid Trigger |
| Buyers who want Snap Tap and Rapid Trigger | Huntsman V3 HE TKL | Snap Tap and Rapid Trigger |
| Buyers who want sound-dampening foam and switch-dampening pads | Strix Scope II 96 Wireless | Sound-dampening foam and switch-dampening pads |
| Getting rapid trigger and Snap Tap for the least money | Huntsman V3 Pro Mini | The cheapest way into this group, below the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The PRO X TKL Rapid, the Falchion Ace HFX and the rest, as their makers list 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 HE TKL | TKL | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| Strix Scope II 96 Wireless | 96% | ROG NX Snow linear, pre-lubed, hot-swappable | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth (3 devices), wired | Not listed |
| Huntsman V3 Pro Mini | 60% | Analog optical Gen-2 | Wired | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini our Lowest Price Here pick?
It carries the badge for the cheapest way into this group, below the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless. It suits getting rapid trigger and Snap Tap for the least money.
Do the PRO X TKL Rapid and the Falchion Ace HFX differ on layout?
The PRO X TKL Rapid and the Huntsman V3 HE TKL use TKL; the Falchion Ace HFX uses 65%; the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless uses 96%; the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini uses 60%.
Will the PRO X TKL Rapid work with my setup?
The PRO X TKL Rapid needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. In this guide it ranks first of 5, as our Premium Pick.
What extras do the PRO X TKL Rapid and the Falchion Ace HFX include?
The PRO X TKL Rapid: rapid trigger with adjustable actuation. The Falchion Ace HFX: actuation adjustable from 0.1 to 4.0mm with Rapid Trigger. The Huntsman V3 HE TKL: Snap Tap and Rapid Trigger.
Should I pick the PRO X TKL Rapid or the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini?
The PRO X TKL Rapid suits spending more than the Huntsman V3 HE TKL costs for the fullest feature set in this group; the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini suits getting rapid trigger and Snap Tap for the least money.
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 Falchion Ace HFX for actuation adjustable from 0.1 to 4.0mm with Rapid Trigger, the Huntsman V3 HE TKL for Snap Tap and Rapid Trigger and the Strix Scope II 96 Wireless for sound-dampening foam and switch-dampening pads if those matter more to you.
Hot-swap sockets let you change the feel later without buying a new board.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Keyboards Right Now
- Related guideThe Best Quiet Gaming Keyboards
- Related guideThe Best TKL Keyboards
- Lower budgetThe Best Gaming Keyboards Under $120
- Higher budgetThe Best Keyboards Under $200
- ExplainerHow to Choose a Mechanical Keyboard
- ExplainerKeyboard layouts compared: full-size, TKL, 75%, 65% and 60%
- Also see: miceWired, 2.4 GHz dongle or Bluetooth: which connection for a mouse or keyboard?
- Similar guideThe Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $50
- Topic hubAll keyboards guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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