Best mechanical keyboards under $100 [2025]

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Innocent BenjaminWriter | Editor | SEO expert

The mechanical keyboard is a specialised keyboard where each key is equipped with its individual switch. The construction is distinct from membrane and pantograph keyboards, which have a single sheet switch.

Within the keycap of a mechanical keyboard is usually a spring and a switch, allowing you to type while feeling firm. As a result, it is a favourite among gamers and programmers.

Due to their complicated construction, mechanical keyboards are more expensive than membrane and pantograph keyboards. In addition, there are multiple axes, such as the blue and red axes, and each has a distinct typing sensation and sound.

Selecting a high-quality mechanical keyboard under $100 can be challenging, given the plethora of options available. However, several models stand out in 2025 for their exceptional features, performance, and value. Below are the top five recommendations, each offering a unique blend of functionality and affordability.

The Keychron V5 Max is a 96% mechanical keyboard that stands out in the budget market by offering a compact full-size layout, including a dedicated number pad, function row, and arrow keys. This design makes it an excellent option for users who need the functionality of a full-sized keyboard but want to save space on their desk. Whether you're a writer, programmer, accountant, or gamer, the V5 Max provides a well-balanced layout that caters to different usage scenarios without compromising on usability.

One of the most notable features of the V5 Max is its gasket-mount design, a premium mounting style typically found in high-end custom keyboards. Unlike traditional tray or top mounts, a gasket-mounted keyboard reduces vibrations and distributes pressure more evenly across the frame, resulting in a softer and more cushioned typing experience. This minimizes finger fatigue and enhances comfort during long typing sessions.

In addition to its excellent typing feel, the V5 Max comes with high-quality PBT keycaps, which are known for their long-lasting durability and resistance to wear. Unlike cheaper ABS keycaps that develop a shiny surface over time, PBT keycaps retain their matte texture and legibility, ensuring that the keyboard maintains its premium feel even after extensive use.

The V5 Max is also hot-swappable, meaning users can swap out mechanical switches without soldering. It supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, making it compatible with a wide range of aftermarket switches, allowing for further customization of the typing experience. Users can experiment with linear, tactile, or clicky switches to find the perfect combination for their needs.

Connectivity-wise, the V5 Max is incredibly versatile, offering both wired and wireless options:

• Wired USB-C mode ensures a stable and lag-free experience, ideal for gaming or professional workloads.
• 2.4GHz wireless provides a low-latency connection, making it great for productivity and casual gaming.
• Bluetooth 5.1 allows for seamless multi-device pairing, enabling users to switch between up to three devices effortlessly—perfect for those who frequently use a PC, tablet, or smartphone.

One of its biggest advantages is its robust battery life, making it one of the longest-lasting wireless keyboards in its price range. On a full charge, the battery can last up to 200 hours with RGB off and approximately 80 hours with RGB lighting enabled. This ensures that users don’t have to worry about frequent recharging, even during extended use.

The Epomaker TH80 Pro is a 75% mechanical keyboard that strikes an excellent balance between functionality and compactness. Unlike traditional full-size keyboards, its 75% layout retains essential keys like arrow keys and function keys while eliminating unnecessary bulk, making it an ideal choice for users who want a more space-efficient setup without sacrificing usability.

A standout feature of the TH80 Pro is its gasket-like mount design, which enhances both the typing feel and sound profile. This design provides a soft and cushioned keystroke, reducing harsh bottom-out impacts and making typing more comfortable during extended sessions. Combined with built-in dampening foams, this keyboard delivers a quieter and more premium typing experience, making it a great choice for both work and gaming environments.

The TH80 Pro comes equipped with thick PBT keycaps in an MDA profile, which contribute to a deep and satisfying typing sound. PBT keycaps are known for their superior durability and resistance to shine over time, ensuring that the legends remain intact even after prolonged use. The MDA profile offers a slightly sculpted shape, enhancing ergonomics and improving typing comfort.

For switches, users have the option to choose between Epomaker's in-house Flamingo linear switches or Budgerigar tactile switches. The Flamingo switches provide a smooth keystroke with minimal resistance, making them ideal for fast typists and gamers who prefer a seamless press. On the other hand, the Budgerigar switches offer a satisfying tactile bump, making them a great option for those who enjoy more feedback while typing. Both switch options are factory-lubed, ensuring a silky-smooth and consistent performance right out of the box.

When it comes to connectivity, the TH80 Pro is highly versatile, offering three different connection modes:

• Wired USB-C for stable and ultra-fast response times.
• 2.4GHz wireless for lag-free performance, ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing.

Bluetooth 5.0, allowing easy pairing with up to three devices simultaneously, making it a perfect companion for multi-device users who frequently switch between their PC, tablet, or smartphone.

One particularly useful feature is the automatic operating system detection, which seamlessly switches key functions between macOS and Windows without requiring manual adjustments. This makes it one of the most user-friendly mechanical keyboards for cross-platform users.

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The Keychron K12 is a compact 60% mechanical keyboard designed for users who need a portable yet functional typing solution. With its minimalist and space-saving layout, it eliminates the function row, number pad, and navigation cluster, making it ideal for those who want a lightweight and clutter-free setup. Despite its small size, the K12 does not compromise on functionality, making it a great option for both productivity and gaming.

One of its standout features is its hot-swappable switch support, allowing users to easily replace switches without soldering. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to experiment with different mechanical switch types, from linear and tactile to clicky options, providing a truly customizable typing experience. The keyboard supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, ensuring compatibility with a wide variety of aftermarket switches.

For connectivity, the Keychron K12 offers both wired and wireless options. The Bluetooth 5.1 technology enables seamless multi-device pairing, allowing users to connect up to three devices simultaneously and switch between them effortlessly. This makes it perfect for those who frequently switch between a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. When a more stable and low-latency connection is required, the USB-C wired mode provides a reliable alternative, especially for gaming or professional workloads.

Customization is another strong point of the K12. It is fully compatible with VIA software, enabling extensive key remapping, macro programming, and RGB lighting customization. Users can fine-tune their keyboard layout to suit their workflow or gaming needs, enhancing overall efficiency and comfort.

In terms of build quality, the K12 features durable PBT keycaps, which are more resistant to wear and shine compared to ABS keycaps. The frame is made of sturdy plastic, with an optional aluminum frame variant for added durability and a more premium feel. The keyboard also has adjustable feet for ergonomic typing, helping users reduce wrist strain during extended use.

The Flesports MK870 is a tenkeyless (TKL) mechanical keyboard that provides an excellent foundation for users who want a fully customizable typing experience. With its barebones design, this keyboard does not come pre-installed with switches or keycaps, allowing users to select and install their preferred components to match their personal preferences in feel, sound, and aesthetics. This feature makes the MK870 ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy fine-tuning their keyboards to suit their specific needs, whether for gaming, office work, or general typing.

Priced at around $42, the MK870 stands out as an affordable yet high-quality option. Despite its budget-friendly cost, it boasts a solid build quality, featuring a sturdy plastic case with a reinforced structure to ensure durability over time. The hot-swappable PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, meaning users can easily swap switches without soldering, making experimentation with different switch types effortless.

The MK870 also features per-key RGB backlighting, allowing users to customize lighting effects and adjust brightness levels to match their setup. The keyboard includes sound-dampening foam inside the case, which helps minimize hollow sounds and enhances the overall typing acoustics. This results in a more premium typing experience despite its affordable price.

For connectivity, the MK870 supports a detachable USB-C connection, ensuring a reliable and fast response time. While it is a wired-only keyboard, the stable USB-C connection ensures minimal input lag, making it suitable for competitive gaming and professional tasks.

The Drop ENTR Mechanical Keyboard is a tenkeyless (TKL) mechanical keyboard that offers a perfect balance of simplicity, durability, and premium feel, making it an excellent choice for both casual and professional users. Priced at $79, it stands out as one of the best budget-friendly options for those seeking high-quality construction and a smooth typing experience without unnecessary extras.

Designed with a clean and modern aesthetic, the Drop ENTR features an aluminum top case that not only enhances the keyboard's durability but also gives it a solid and weighty feel, reducing flex during intense typing sessions. The high-quality plastic bottom case keeps the keyboard lightweight, making it sturdy yet portable. Its minimalist look makes it a great addition to office setups, gaming stations, or work-from-home environments.

The keyboard's PBT keycaps offer a textured feel and superior longevity compared to standard ABS keycaps. PBT material is resistant to fading, shine, and wear, ensuring that the key legends remain crisp and intact even after years of use. These high-profile keycaps also contribute to a satisfying typing experience, reducing key wobble and enhancing overall stability.

Also, the Drop ENTR is equipped with Gateron Yellow switches, which are linear switches known for their silky-smooth keystrokes. These switches have an actuation force of 50g, striking the right balance between light and firm keypresses, making them ideal for both fast typists and gamers. Unlike clicky or tactile switches, Gateron Yellows do not have a bump or loud click, making them an excellent choice for quiet work environments or late-night gaming.

For those who prefer fast response times and effortless keystrokes, the low-friction design of Gateron Yellow switches ensures consistent performance, reducing finger fatigue even during prolonged typing or gaming sessions.

One of the biggest advantages of the Drop ENTR is its hassle-free setup. It offers plug-and-play functionality, meaning no additional software or drivers are required for it to work. Simply connect the keyboard via USB-C, and it's ready to go. The universal compatibility ensures seamless operation across Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile choice for various users.

The USB-C connection not only provides a fast and stable connection but also makes the keyboard future-proof, ensuring long-term compatibility with modern devices.