5 Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $100

These 5 mechanical keyboards, priced under $100, offer a balance between aesthetics, performance, customization, and more.

5 Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $100
Image showing three mechanical keyboards (Image via Amazon)

Selecting the best mechanical keyboard for your needs can be a challenging task. Finding the right aesthetic form factor, click sound, actuation, customization, and numerous other parameters is crucial. For example, some prefer no lighting, others like a particular color, and still others prefer full ARGB lighting, complete with LED screens and the like. However, today’s list primarily comprises the best of all worlds. These options offer incredible value for money and can suit most of your gaming needs. That said, with numerous possibilities available for purchase, here are the 5 very best we’ve selected for you.

Note: Pricing is accurate as of June 24, 2025, and is subject to change based on your location, stock availability, and other factors.

1. HyperX Alloy Origins Core ($79.99 – $89.99)

Alloy Origins core mechanical keyboard, under $100
Image showing the Origins keyboard from Hyper X (Image via Amazon)

Alloy Origins is a renowned tenkeyless premium keyboard under $100. The one mentioned here is the Red linear model, but you can also purchase other switches, such as aqua or blue; it’s entirely up to you. For gaming, the red switches feel the most relevant, and the keyboard’s form factor is perfectly tuned for hardcore FPS fans.

Specs:

  • Switches: HyperX Red, linear, 45 g actuation force.
  • Keycaps: Double-shot ABS, standard profile.
  • Frame: Full aluminum alloy for rigidity.
  • Lighting: Per-key RGB, customizable via NGenuity software
  • Connectivity: USB-C, wired only
  • Size: 87 keys; dimensions 14″ × 5″ × 1.5″

2. Keychron K6 Pro ($80 – $84)

Image showing the Keychron K6 Pro mechanical keyboard under $100
Image showing the Keychron K6 Pro, a niche mechanical keyboard under $100 (Image via Amazon)

A compact 65% keyboard offering wireless versatility and deep customization. This one is different from every other brand mentioned. This is particularly for niche individuals who prefer a soothing click and want that adaptability in sound, i.e., you can change an entire switch and make your board sound exactly as you want it to. There are even advanced modders who disassemble the board and apply further customization. Warranty void or not, they want the sound to hit right.

Specs:

  • Switches: Hot-swappable Gateron pre-built, various options.
  • Keycaps: OSA-profile PBT for durability.
  • Frame: Plastic body with optional aluminum top plate.
  • Lighting: Per-key RGB, programmable via VIA/QMK.
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1 (3-device), USB-C wired.
  • Battery: 4,000 mAh, up to 240 hours standby.
  • Size: 68 keys; 10.5″ × 4″ × 1.5″.

3. Redragon K552 Kumara ($29-$32)

Image showing the Redragon Kumara 552, a budget mechanical keyboard under $100 (Image via Amazon)
Image showing the Redragon Kumara 552, a budget mechanical keyboard under $100 (Image via Amazon)

The Kumara series from Redragon has a large fan following. This particular board is popular worldwide and gets a lot of positive feedback regarding its build quality.  At $29, you really can’t complain much. The model we are using here is the clicky one, and linear options are also available. You can find the specifications below, just like every other model here.

Specs:

  • Switches: Outemu Blue, clicky, 55 g actuation force.
  • Keycaps: ABS with non-shine coating.
  • Frame: Metal plate with ABS housing.
  • Lighting: Single-color red LED.
  • Connectivity: USB-A wired.
  • Size: 87 keys; compact TKL layout (13.9″ × 4.9″ × 1.5″).

4. Tecware Phantom 87 ($40-$45)

Budget Mechanical Keyboard
Image showing the Techware Budget mechanical keyboard (Image via Amazon)

Just like Redragon, Tecware is another brand that offers identical specs. The Phantom 87 also adopts the same high-quality build and affordable approach, offering multiple switches. You can choose any model according to your preference. 

Specs:

  • Switches: Outemu (Red, Brown, Blue options).
  • Keycaps: Double-shot ABS with clear legends.
  • Frame: Steel plate with a plastic case.
  • Lighting: RGB, programmable via free software.
  • Connectivity: USB-C, wired only. 
  • Size: 87 keys; standard TKL form factor.

5. Royal Kludge N80 ($80-90)

Incredibly potent mechanical keyboard
Image showing the Royal Kludge N80 mechanical keyboard for under $100 (Image via Amazon)

At a price point below $100, finding a keyboard that’s 75% and has a low profile is extremely rare. The Royal Kludge N80 is a prime example, enabling us to fulfill the ‘best of all worlds’ commitment we mentioned. As per gamers, it sounds fantastic, and the brand Royal Kludge is gaining incredible popularity. In a recent development, the brand has also expanded its availability to India and several other emerging markets.

Specs:

  • Switches: Jerrzi low-profile Brown/Red, factory lubed, hot-swappable
  • Keycaps: Double-shot ABS low-profile, Sandy Grey or Dune Red colorways
  • Frame: Top-mounted construction with screen-equipped rotary knob 
  • Lighting: RGB backlight with customizable effects via display
  • Connectivity: Tri-mode (Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4GHz wireless, USB-C wired)
  • Display: Integrated screen with rotary knob for settings and animations
  • Size: 82 keys; compact 75% layout

Verdict

All of the mechanical keyboards mentioned here are unique and stand out in their own ways. Each of which can be customized according to your wishes. Based on your budget, make your choice, but according to our recommendation, the Royal Kludge N80 is a no-brainer.


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