If you play PC games, you probably already know how crucial a gaming keyboard is to your toolkit. You make your conquests using the keyboard in conjunction with an excellent gaming mouse. You must be sure to choose a top-notch gaming keyboard due to how crucial it is. There are several factors to take into account, including size, additional controls, keycaps, and actuation switches.
Check out our list of the top gaming keyboards under $100 for models that won’t break the bank. However, if you have more money to invest, you may purchase features like wrist rests, dedicated media keys and controls, higher-quality switches, and overall construction. The buying advice section at the bottom will also be helpful if you are unsure of what a membrane keyboard is or the distinction between an optical switch and a mechanical switch.
Like choosing a new gaming mouse, finding the ideal gaming keyboard mostly depends on personal choice (and budget). As with the two writers of this list, Josh prefers tactile switches—those where the actuation point can be felt—but dislikes sound-producing clicky key switches.
Lori uses a hybrid membrane-mechanical Razer Cynosa v2 at work for the click and the bounciness of its membrane but prefers clicky and tactile gaming mice because she wants to feel the actuation point and enjoys the mechanical sound. She became a pounder after many years of learning on a manual typewriter and playing the piano with stiff-action keys.
Additionally, certain keyboards could work well for gaming but not for regular typing. For instance, some typists can find the same Cherry MX Red switches that are excellent for gaming to be excessively light. Even though linear switches, like Cherry MX Reds, lack the tactile feedback of Cherry MX Blues, gamers prefer them due to their low force and smooth actuation, especially when pressing the same key repeatedly.
I strongly advise trying out several keyboards to find your preferred switch type before you buy (such as Cherry MX Brown, Cherry MX Red, and others). To help you focus your choices, go through this dictionary of keyboard words.
Are you prepared to locate the ideal keyboard for your gaming requirements now? Find out more about ten excellent choices by reading on.
1. Apex 3 and Apex 3 TKL from SteelSeries
Since we last updated this report, keyboard prices have decreased, going against the trend. However, many individuals would still choose not to spend $100 or more on a keyboard, particularly if they are clumsy. The mechanical switches used in SteelSeries’ entry-level gaming keyboards, the Apex 3 ($50) and its tenkeyless little companion ($45), may turn some people off.
In exchange, it has features you often won’t find in a cheap keyboard, such as cable management, six macro keys, 10 lighting zones, and media controls. This makes it ideal for day-to-day work from home. For those of us who spill things frequently, the best part is that they are IP32 water-resistant.
You might not love them if you have a finicky sense of touch. While slightly superior to standard membrane switches, they eventually start to feel a touch mushy. Additionally, because they demand more actuation force than clicks, I wouldn’t use them for any game that calls for rapid reactions. However, either is a decent option for sims and other games that don’t need speed but do benefit from the programmability.
2. GMMK – Glorious PC Gaming Race
The GMMK is the gaming keyboard with the best price. Although there are less costly solutions, the Glorious Modular Mechanical Keyboard, to give it its full name, is unmatched by its $110 cost in terms of both style and features. The keyboard is modular and allows for hot-swapping of its key switches. It is available in full, tenkeyless, and 60% sizes as well as in black on black or white on silver colors. ABS Doubleshot keycaps and Gateron Brown tactile switches, which are suitable for both typing and gaming, are included as standard equipment.
However, you may also add one of the 13 additional Gateron or Kailh switches or the company’s Glorious Panda switches, which are smooth yet have a distinct tactile bump. Alternatively, you may buy simply the board and install your preferred switch. The same is true for the keycaps; you have a choice of four or none at all.
A braided USB cable with three-way routing is hooked to the full-size keyboard (it also has a keycap puller stored on the bottom). The cables on the two smaller boards may be taken off. The aluminum top of the GMMK features attractive beveled edges. It has a simple design with only the necessary features; there are no additional media controls, a volume dial, or a large, heavy body to go with it. When paired with the metal top, the board’s heaviness helps it stay put on your desk. The bottom is plastic, but you can’t see it unless you move the board.
This is a great gaming keyboard even if you never change the switches or keycaps. The GMMK stands out, though, because you have the choice to carry out those tasks with ease.
3. BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed by Razer
Want a 65% wireless mechanical keyboard that is portable for both work and gaming? There aren’t many wireless keyboard choices available (most are 60% the size and lack distinct navigation keys), and none include Bluetooth and lag-free 2.4GHz wireless like the BlackWidow V3 Min HyperSpeed. It is also well-built, comfortable for typing, quick and fluid for gaming, and helps to justify the extra $130 price.
There are now just two types of key switches available: linear and clicks tactile, so if you want a tactile switch without a clicking sound, you’re out of luck. Aside from switch options, you’ve found it if you’re looking for a fantastic tiny wireless mechanical gaming keyboard that can also serve as your daily car for work.
G Pro X by Logitech
TKL, or our current top ten keyless gaming keyboard, is devoid of a number pad. The Logitech Pro X is an improvement over the basic G Pro in that it contains swappable switches that let you select the precise feel you like from the company’s GX switches, which are available in blue clicky, red linear and brown tactile sets for $50 each. If you have the money, you may easily modify your experience by removing and changing the switches. It makes modding simple.
However, there aren’t many design differences between the G Pro, which would be our runner-up selection, and the Logitech keyboard overall. It’s designed for esports and is portable thanks to its tiny size, solid construction, and braided wire. The G Hub software from Logitech is simple to use, so you won’t have to waste much time looking for settings or control choices. It’s simple to add macros to the function keys. Note: Logitech is not currently selling this device.
Xtra Alloy HyperX
The HyperX Alloy Origins range offers a lot of variety so you can choose the perfect keyboard for your requirements. It is available in full, TKL, and 60% sizes with HyperX’s unique linear, tactile, and clicky switches. All of them include aluminum bodies, thin, streamlined designs, and detachable braided USB-C to USB-A connections. Although the company’s Elite 2 keyboard has distinct media controls, the function keys are still designated with media controls and include a Game Mode so you may deactivate the Windows key and certain key combinations while gaming.
