Those who want a new mechanical keyboard may notice that many of the top-rated are expensive, but there are plenty of great affordable options too!
Logitech's recent launch of mechanical keyboards optimized for Macs has opened a whole new door of hardware for Apple users. A keyboard is one of the most essential pieces of equipment anyone can own, and while most people are content with their laptop keyboards, some enthusiasts, professionals, and gamers prefer a mechanical keyboard over anything else. Whether it is the RGB lighting or the feedback of pressing down on a key, the reasons for choosing mechanical keyboards are never-ending.
While there are many mechanical keyboards out there, some people believe that a good piece of hardware has to cost a lot of money. But this isn't quite true, as there are great mechanical keyboards at all price points available on the market. Every keyboard on the list can be found below $100.
The Cooler Master CK552 is considered to be one of the best budget mechanical keyboards, and it meets the needs of most users. It is a full-sized gaming keyboard with RGB backlighting and an aluminum top plate. The onboard memory can also store up to four different profiles.
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One of the added benefits is also the inclusion of a 5.9-foot long USB 2.0 cable and a wide variety of switch types, including tactile, clicky, and linear. While the keyboard performs very well for gamers, fast typers may have a problem with the extremely responsive keys, especially the linear key types.
The HyperX Alloy FPS Pro was built particularly for professional gamers. It has a compact design, a USB cable that is detachable, and solid steel construction which makes it extra sturdy for travel. The keyboard is available with Cherry MX branded linear red or clicky blue switches. It is definitely one of those accessories that gamers cannot do without.
One of the drawbacks here is the lack of an RGB option, which is only available with red backlighting, which can be further customized. The keyboard also lacks any dedicated media keys, but this shouldn't be much of a problem for gamers. The keyboard also featured n-key rollover and 100 percent anti-ghosting.
The Logitech K845 is another great choice for gamers who are looking for a great keyboard under a budget. The keys are rated for up to 50 million clicks and offer a choice between TTC linear, clicky tactile, or quiet tactile. The updated model also boasts white backlighting which can be adjusted based on user needs.
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The keyboard does lack RGB backlighting and the plastic shell does not offer a very premium feel. There are no dedicated media or macro keys or any detachable cable, but the molded keycaps ensure that the labeling won't fade away anytime soon.
The Havit KB487L offers the perfect balance of work and play while also delivering a standout design that doesn't feel cheap or like a budget keyboard. The mix of TKL shape but without the shortcut keys or the number pad might throw off some people. The unique color coding offers a breath of fresh air among black and silver colored keyboards in the market.
The lack of any backlighting might be a deal breaker for some people out there, but the durable PBT keycaps make up for it. The responsiveness of the keyboard is perfect for both gamers and heavy typers.
The MSI Vigor GK50 Elite is more geared towards heavy typers over gamers. The clicky tactile switches can be tiresome for pressing repeatedly, but offer great support for long typing sessions. The keyboard comes with a sturdy metal plate, but the rubber wire does not feel as durable.
The keycaps do a great job of keeping any fingerprints away, and users don't have to worry about smudgy keys after spending hours on a game like Destiny 2 or one of its expansion packs. Although the keyboard does not have any lavish gaming features like macro keys or onboard memory, it is a great choice for professionals who are looking for a great typing experience. The addition of RGB backlighting is also a bonus.
The Aukey KMG14 is also another great choice for heavy typers. Although the company markets the keyboard toward gamers, the lack of tactile or linear key options makes the 'clicky' keyboard sounds quite distracting for gamers, especially for multiplayer sessions.
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The keyboard does offer full RGB backlighting and n-key rollover along with double-shot ABS keycaps. One unique factor here is the presence of a keycap puller to make it easier to swap keycaps. Even with the presence of the 'clicky' sound, it isn't as annoying or distracting while typing.
The cheaper alternative to the Elite model, the MSI VIgor GK50 Low Profile is a great choice for the heavy typers out there. The Kailh Choc switches have an old-school typewriter feeling which along with the RGB backlighting offers a perfect blend of old school and new. While RGB lights do not add much utility to the experience, playing games like Horizon Forbidden West, for example, feels completely different with some "fancy" lighting on your keyboard.
The stiffer shift keys and spacebar can be a hindrance for gamers. The braided cables at this price point are a welcome surprise but the lack of wrist support and problems with the software download is a bit annoying.
The Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition is a bit too good to be true for the price point. The exceptionally low latency and optical linear switches make this a perfect keyboard for gaming. The keyboard features a hard metal plate, double-shot PBT keycaps, and a detachable cable.
One thing to keep in mind is that it is not a great choice for typing because the sensitive linear keys are prone to typos. This model was a part of the Huntsman flagship lineup that has just reduced in price, which explains the excellent features that are rarely found at this price point.
One of the only wireless mechanical options on the list, the Keychron K10 can connect with up to three devices and offers a 250-hour battery life. The stock Gateron G Pro switches feel great, but there is also the option to get the hot-swappable circuit board to customize the keyboard.
The keyboard also has a compatibility toggle for switching operating systems. Users can also choose between different size options. Even for Bluetooth keyboards, users can expect very low latency here, although it is not the best choice for gaming.
The Keychron V1 is a great choice for programmers because of its customization options. Users can change the switches, stabilizers, and internal components until they find the perfect combinations. But even out of the box, the V1 offers a great typing experience.
Users can also use the VIA software to customize the software side of things, including the RGB settings, macro keys, key assignments, and profiles. Even for people who don't want to spend too much time customizing each and every setting, the default V1 will meet most people's needs. One thing to keep in mind though is that the default version is not that good for gaming.
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