Struggling to find a fantastic keyboard that won’t totally empty your wallet? I know the feeling. It seems like everywhere you look, the “best” keyboards come with a price tag that makes your eyes water. But here’s the good news: you absolutely can snag an awesome keyboard for under 100 euro that delivers a genuinely great typing or gaming experience. You might need to make a few small compromises here and there, but honestly, the value you can find in this price range is pretty mind-blowing. We’re talking about options with satisfying mechanical switches, solid build quality, and even some cool customization features.
So, if you’re ready to find a real gem for your setup without breaking the bank, stick with me. We’re going to dive into what makes a great budget keyboard and then highlight some of my top picks. Here’s a quick rundown of some fantastic options, no matter what you’re looking for:
- For Gaming Enthusiasts Compact, High Performance: Check out the MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra. This little powerhouse offers incredible speed and wireless freedom.
- For Versatile Use & Customization: The Keychron V Series e.g., V5 Max, V1 Max gives you a premium feel with lots of room to personalize.
- For Solid Gaming Performance: The Corsair K70 RGB TKL is a sturdy and reliable choice for serious play.
- For Quiet Office/General Use Wireless: The Logitech Signature K650 is all about comfort and quiet productivity.
- For Mechanical Value 75% layout: The Ajazz AK820 Pro packs a ton of features into a compact, hot-swappable design.
- For a Budget-Friendly Mechanical Starter Full-Size: The Keychron C2 Pro is a fantastic entry point into the mechanical keyboard world with a classic layout.
Why a Keyboard Under 100 Euro is the Sweet Spot
Alright, let’s clear something up right away: a keyboard doesn’t need to cost a fortune to be good. A lot of people assume that anything under 100 euro is going to be flimsy or just plain bad, but that’s a total myth these days. The market has absolutely exploded with amazing options that give you incredible bang for your buck.
What can you actually get for your money in this price bracket? You’re often looking at mechanical switches, which offer a far more satisfying and precise typing or gaming experience than those mushy membrane keyboards that come bundled with most PCs. You’ll also find decent build quality, often with sturdy plastic or even aluminum top plates that feel much more robust. And yes, RGB lighting is usually on the table too, letting you customize the look of your setup. Sometimes, you even get wireless connectivity and the ability to swap out your switches!
It’s all about finding that sweet balance. You might not get every single high-end feature, like super-premium materials or advanced custom software, but you’ll get the core experience done really, really well. Think of it as getting 80-90% of the performance and features of much pricier options, but for a fraction of the cost. It’s truly a sweet spot for value.
Key Features to Look For Without Breaking the Bank
When you’re shopping for a keyboard under 100 euro, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the specs. But don’t worry, I’m here to break down the most important things to consider so you can make an informed choice.
Mechanical vs. Membrane: The Big Debate
This is probably the first big decision you’ll face. Most keyboards fall into one of these two camps: Finding the Beat: Best DJ Controller for Under $100
- Membrane Keyboards: These use a rubber dome under each key that, when pressed, completes a circuit. They tend to be quieter and softer to type on, but often lack the tactile feedback and durability of mechanical switches. You’ll find a lot of budget and office keyboards using this tech.
- Mechanical Keyboards: These have individual switches under each key. They come in various types:
- Linear: Smooth and consistent keystroke, no bump e.g., Red switches. Great for fast gaming.
- Tactile: A noticeable “bump” partway through the keystroke e.g., Brown switches. Good for typing as it tells you the key has registered.
- Clicky: A tactile bump and an audible “click” e.g., Blue switches. Many typists love the feedback, but they can be loud!
Why is mechanical often preferred, even on a budget? Well, the feedback is usually better, leading to more accurate typing and gaming. They’re also generally more durable. And the good news is, quality Mechanical Keyboards are now readily available for less than 100 euro.
Switch Types: Finding Your Feel
Once you decide on mechanical, you’ll encounter a whole world of switch types. While Cherry MX used to be the gold standard, many budget brands now offer excellent alternatives. You’ll often see switches from companies like Gateron, Kailh, HyperX, and TTC. They usually come in colors similar to Cherry MX Red, Brown, Blue to denote their feel.
- Linear like Red: Super smooth, no bumps. Think Gateron Red or HyperX Red. Perfect for rapid-fire gaming where quick, consistent presses are key.
- Tactile like Brown: A subtle bump you feel as you press. Gateron Brown or Kailh Box Brown are common. Great for typing as they give you clear feedback without being too loud.
- Clicky like Blue: A distinct “click” sound and tactile bump. Gateron Blue is a popular choice. Some typists swear by them, but your roommates might not!
A huge plus in the budget mechanical world is hot-swappable switches. This means you can easily pull out the switches that come with the keyboard and pop in different ones, without any soldering! It’s amazing for customization and means your keyboard can literally last forever if a switch ever breaks.
Form Factors: Size Matters!
Keyboards come in all shapes and sizes. Picking the right “form factor” depends on your desk space and how you plan to use it. Where is the best exchange rate for the us dollar
- Full-size 100%: This is your traditional keyboard with a numpad on the right. Great for anyone who crunches numbers or just likes having all the keys available. The Keychron C2 Pro is a good example here.
- Tenkeyless TKL / 80%: This gets rid of the numpad, making the keyboard more compact. It saves desk space and keeps your mouse closer to your hands, which can be more ergonomic for gaming. The Corsair K70 RGB TKL is a classic TKL.
- 75%: Even more compact than a TKL. It usually keeps the function row F1-F12 and arrow keys, but crams everything closer together, often including a handy knob for volume. The Ajazz AK820 Pro is a popular 75% option.
- 60% / 65%: These are super compact, minimalist keyboards that remove the function row, numpad, and often even the arrow keys you access them via a function layer. They free up a ton of desk space, which is awesome for gaming, especially for low-DPI mouse users. The MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra is a prime example of a performance-focused 60% keyboard.
Consider your daily tasks. Do you use the numpad a lot? Go full-size. Need more mouse room for gaming? TKL or smaller Compact Keyboards could be perfect.
Build Quality & Materials
Even on a budget, you can find keyboards that feel surprisingly premium.
- Case Material: Most keyboards under 100 euro will have a plastic case, which is perfectly fine. Some might feature an aluminum top plate, which adds rigidity and a more premium feel, like the HyperX Alloy Origins Core. If you see an all-aluminum frame, like on the MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra, that’s a huge bonus at this price point.
- Keycaps: Look for PBT keycaps if possible. They’re more durable and resistant to shine over time compared to thinner ABS keycaps.
- Gasket Mount: This is a feature usually found on much more expensive custom keyboards. It means the keyboard plate is mounted with soft material gaskets, which gives the typing experience a softer, bouncier, and often quieter feel. The Keychron V Series and Ajazz AK820 Pro are great examples bringing this to the budget segment.
Connectivity: Wired, Wireless, or Both?
How you connect your keyboard also matters, especially for gaming or portability.
- Wired: This is the most reliable option with the absolute lowest latency. Great for competitive gaming and generally more affordable. Many excellent budget mechanical keyboards are wired.
- 2.4GHz Wireless: This uses a small USB dongle and offers very low latency, making it suitable for gaming. It’s often bundled with Bluetooth.
- Bluetooth: Great for multi-device setups connecting to your PC, tablet, or phone and offers excellent portability. Latency can be slightly higher than wired or 2.4GHz, so it might not be ideal for competitive gaming, but it’s fine for most casual use and productivity.
- Tri-mode: The holy grail! This means the keyboard supports wired, 2.4GHz, and Bluetooth connectivity. It gives you the ultimate flexibility. You’ll find this on some fantastic budget options like the Keychron V Max Series and Ajazz AK820 Pro. Many Wireless Keyboards offer dual or tri-mode connectivity now.
RGB Lighting & Software
Who doesn’t love a little flair?
- RGB Lighting: Many budget keyboards offer some form of RGB. It can be per-key RGB, meaning each key’s backlight can be individually controlled, or zone lighting, where the keyboard is divided into a few sections with customizable colors.
- Software: Some keyboards come with companion software that lets you customize keybindings, create macros, and tweak lighting effects. While budget software might not always be as polished as premium brands, it’s a nice bonus to have. QMK/VIA support, found in keyboards like the Keychron V Series, offers incredibly powerful, open-source customization.
Top Picks: Best Keyboards Under 100 Euro
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! Based on current trends, reviews, and overall value, here are my top recommendations for keyboards you can grab for under 100 euro. The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best iPhone Under $300
1. Best Overall & Versatile Pick: Keychron V Series e.g., Keychron V5 Max / V1 Max
If you’re looking for a keyboard that feels way more expensive than it is, the Keychron V Series is a fantastic starting point. Models like the Keychron V5 Max or V1 Max are seriously impressive. What makes them so good? They come with hot-swappable switches, which means you can easily try out different switch types later on without any hassle. Plus, they feature a gasket mount design and multiple layers of acoustic foam, which gives them a soft, bouncy typing feel and a wonderfully satisfying sound profile that many describe as “creamy”. Seriously, it’s a must at this price.
They offer a range of sizes, from compact to full-size, ensuring there’s a V-series for everyone. The Max versions even offer tri-mode connectivity wired, 2.4GHz, and Bluetooth, giving you ultimate flexibility. Keychron’s V Series also supports QMK/VIA software, allowing for deep customization of key functions and macros, which is super rare for this price point. Believe it or not, some even say its raw gaming performance can “put many other dedicated gaming keyboards to shame.”
- Key Features: Hot-swappable Keychron K Pro switches linear/tactile options, gasket mount, PBT keycaps, QMK/VIA support, tri-mode connectivity Max versions, various sizes.
- Pros: Excellent typing and sound experience, highly customizable, versatile connectivity, premium features for the price.
- Cons: RGB lighting can be south-facing, meaning shine-through keycaps might not look as good.
- Target User: Anyone who wants a premium, customizable keyboard for both typing and gaming without splurging.
- Check it out: Keychron V5 Max
2. Best for Competitive Gaming Compact: MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra
For the serious gamer who needs every advantage, the MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra is an absolute standout, especially considering its price. This 60% keyboard is a compact beast, leaving tons of space for wide mouse movements during intense gaming sessions. What really sets it apart are its magnetic Hall Effect switches and an “exceptionally low single- and multi-key latency and an effective update rate of 8000Hz”. This means your inputs register incredibly fast and consistently. You can even adjust the actuation distance to suit your playstyle, which is a feature usually reserved for much pricier gaming boards.
But it’s not just about speed. it also boasts a premium all-aluminum frame, a feature that’s almost unheard of in this budget category, giving it a solid, durable feel. And for connectivity, you get both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless, offering versatility without compromising performance. Finding Your Perfect 65-inch TV Without Breaking the Bank: A 2025 Guide
- Key Features: Magnetic Hall Effect switches with adjustable actuation, 8000Hz polling rate, compact 60% layout, all-aluminum frame, 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless.
- Pros: Top-tier gaming performance, premium build quality for the price, wireless flexibility, adjustable switches.
- Cons: 60% layout might take some getting used to if you need dedicated arrow keys or function row.
- Target User: Competitive gamers looking for maximum performance and durability in a compact, wireless form factor.
- Check it out: MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra
3. Solid Gaming All-Rounder: Corsair K70 RGB TKL
The Corsair K70 RGB TKL has been a go-to for gamers for a reason, and the TKL version offers excellent value under 100 euro. It’s built with a sturdy plastic chassis and comes with wear-resistant PBT keycaps, which means it can take a beating during those intense gaming sessions and still look good. When it comes to performance, it delivers “outstanding all-around latency and supports an effective polling rate of 4000Hz,” ensuring your commands are registered quickly and reliably.
Being a TKL Tenkeyless keyboard, it ditches the numpad, giving you more space on your desk for dynamic mouse movements, which is crucial for many gamers. It’s a wired keyboard, which guarantees the lowest possible latency and a rock-solid connection every time.
- Key Features: Sturdy plastic chassis, PBT keycaps, excellent low latency, 4000Hz polling rate, TKL layout, RGB lighting.
- Pros: Reliable and consistent performance, durable build, good for competitive gaming, saves desk space.
- Cons: Wired-only, lacks some of the customizability of newer budget mechanicals.
- Target User: Gamers who prioritize rock-solid, low-latency performance and durability in a TKL form factor.
- Check it out: Corsair K70 RGB TKL
4. Best Budget Wireless for Productivity: Logitech Signature K650
If your main goal is a comfortable, quiet, and reliable keyboard for office work, studying, or general everyday use, then the Logitech Signature K650 is a brilliant choice. It might not be a mechanical keyboard, but its quiet rubber dome switches are perfect for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions where you don’t want to disturb anyone.
One of its biggest selling points is its versatility in connectivity. You can connect it wirelessly via Bluetooth or with the included USB receiver, giving you options depending on your setup. Plus, it boasts an incredible battery life of up to 36 months on a pair of AA batteries, so you won’t be constantly swapping them out. It’s a full-size keyboard, so you get a dedicated numpad, which is super handy for data entry.
- Key Features: Quiet rubber dome switches, full-size layout, wireless Bluetooth & 2.4GHz dongle, up to 36-month battery life, integrated palm rest.
- Pros: Very comfortable and quiet, excellent battery life, reliable wireless connectivity, great for office or general use.
- Cons: Not mechanical, less satisfying for some typists/gamers, no backlighting.
- Target User: Office workers, students, or anyone needing a comfortable, quiet, full-size wireless keyboard for productivity.
- Check it out: Logitech Signature K650
5. Excellent Value 75% Mechanical: Ajazz AK820 Pro
The Ajazz AK820 Pro is a serious contender for one of the best value mechanical keyboards you can get for under 100 euro. It’s a 75% layout, meaning it’s compact but still retains your function row and arrow keys, often with a handy knob on the side. What’s truly remarkable is its feature set: it includes a gasket mount design, pre-lubed switches and stabilizers, and PBT keycaps, all contributing to a smooth, premium typing feel and sound that you’d usually find on much more expensive boards. It even has a small TFT display and a metal volume knob, adding to its high-end feel. Finding the Best 65-inch TV Under $1000: Your Ultimate Guide
On top of all that, it’s tri-mode wireless 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.1, and wired USB-C, offering incredible flexibility, and its switches are hot-swappable, allowing for easy customization. Many reviewers say it “looks and feels like something that could easily cost $100 or more,” and I wholeheartedly agree.
- Key Features: Gasket mount, pre-lubed hot-swappable switches, PBT keycaps, metal knob, small TFT display, tri-mode wireless 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired, 75% layout.
- Pros: Incredible value for features, premium typing experience, highly customizable, versatile connectivity.
- Cons: Plastic case, companion software can be tricky to find.
- Target User: Enthusiasts and casual users who want a feature-packed, customizable mechanical keyboard with a compact layout for both gaming and typing.
- Check it out: Ajazz AK820 Pro
6. Best Entry-Level Mechanical Full-Size: Keychron C2 Pro
If you’re new to the mechanical keyboard world and want a solid, reliable full-size option without a huge investment, the Keychron C2 Pro is an excellent starting point. Keychron is known for delivering quality, and the C2 Pro is no exception, bringing a durable build and a satisfying typing experience to the budget segment.
It comes with durable PBT keycaps and supports QMK/VIA software, which, as we discussed, is a fantastic feature for remapping keys and creating macros, giving you a level of control typically found in higher-priced boards. While it’s a wired-only keyboard, this ensures consistent performance and keeps the price down. It’s a straightforward, no-frills mechanical keyboard that just works and feels good to use.
- Key Features: Full-size 100% layout, durable PBT keycaps, QMK/VIA support, hot-swappable Keychron K Pro switches linear/tactile options, wired connectivity.
- Pros: Solid entry into mechanical keyboards, full layout for productivity, good build quality, powerful customization via QMK/VIA.
- Cons: Wired-only, lacks advanced gaming features found in more specialized boards.
- Target User: Beginners to mechanical keyboards, users needing a full layout for productivity, or anyone seeking a reliable wired mechanical keyboard on a budget.
- Check it out: Keychron C2 Pro
7. Budget-Friendly Mechanical Gaming TKL: HyperX Alloy Origins Core
The HyperX Alloy Origins Core is another excellent choice if you’re a gamer on a budget but still want that mechanical edge in a TKL form factor. HyperX is a reputable gaming brand, and this keyboard delivers on performance and durability. It features an aluminum body, which contributes to its sturdy feel and longevity.
You get HyperX’s own mechanical switches available in linear Red, tactile Aqua, or clicky Blue, offering different feels to suit your preference. It also comes with per-key RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant customization, and a detachable USB-C cable, making it easier to transport or replace if needed. It’s a no-nonsense, responsive gaming keyboard that focuses on the essentials to keep the price accessible. The Ultimate Guide to the Best IEMs Under $100, According to Reddit (2025 Edition)
- Key Features: Aluminum body, HyperX mechanical switches Red/Aqua/Blue options, TKL design, per-key RGB lighting, detachable USB-C cable.
- Pros: Durable build, responsive switches, good RGB customization, compact for gaming.
- Cons: Wired-only, software can sometimes be less intuitive than competitors.
- Target User: Gamers looking for a reliable, durable, and responsive TKL mechanical keyboard for under 100 euro.
- Check it out: HyperX Alloy Origins Core
8. Quiet & Durable Membrane Gaming: SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL
Not everyone wants or needs a mechanical keyboard, especially if noise is a concern or you prefer a softer keypress. The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL is an fantastic option for a gaming-focused membrane keyboard under 100 euro. It’s celebrated for its whisper-quiet gaming switches, making it a great choice for shared spaces.
Its Tenkeyless TKL form factor is a huge plus for gamers, as it frees up valuable desk space for expansive mouse movements. SteelSeries built this keyboard with durability in mind, giving it IP32 water resistance, which means it can handle minor spills and dust without a problem – a common concern for budget options. You also get dedicated multimedia controls, which are always a nice touch. While it won’t offer the raw performance of its mechanical counterparts, for a “cheaper, non-mechanical option,” it’s highly recommended.
- Key Features: Quiet rubber dome switches, TKL form factor, IP32 water resistance, dedicated multimedia controls, RGB zone lighting.
- Pros: Very quiet, spill-resistant, good for dynamic mouse movements, comfortable for long sessions, affordable.
- Cons: Membrane switches won’t have the tactile feel of mechanical, less performance for competitive play.
- Target User: Gamers who prefer a quieter, softer keypress, need spill resistance, or want to save desk space without going mechanical.
- Check it out: SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL
Frequently Asked Questions
Are mechanical keyboards under 100 euro actually good?
Absolutely! The market for budget mechanical keyboards has improved dramatically. You can find excellent options with features like hot-swappable switches, decent build quality sometimes even aluminum top plates, PBT keycaps, and satisfying switch types. While you might miss some ultra-premium features, the core typing and gaming experience can be incredibly good, often rivaling keyboards that cost two or three times as much. Many brands like Keychron, Ajazz, HyperX, and Royal Kludge consistently offer great value in this price range.
What’s the difference between a 60%, TKL, and full-size keyboard?
These terms refer to the keyboard’s layout or “form factor”:
- Full-size 100%: This is a standard keyboard with all keys, including a dedicated numpad, function row F1-F12, and arrow keys. Great for productivity tasks involving numbers.
- Tenkeyless TKL / 80%: This layout removes the numpad, making the keyboard more compact. It’s popular among gamers and those who want more desk space while still retaining the function row and arrow keys.
- 60%: This is a very compact layout that removes the numpad, function row, and dedicated arrow keys. These functions are typically accessed via a “Fn” key combination. It maximizes desk space, often preferred by competitive gamers. There are also 65% layouts that are similar but usually include dedicated arrow keys.
Can I get a wireless mechanical keyboard for under 100 euro?
Yes, you definitely can! Brands like Keychron, Ajazz, and Royal Kludge offer some fantastic wireless mechanical keyboards in this price range. Many even feature “tri-mode” connectivity, meaning they support wired, 2.4GHz wireless via a dongle for low-latency gaming, and Bluetooth great for connecting to multiple devices. The Ajazz AK820 Pro and the Keychron V Max series are excellent examples that deliver solid wireless performance and features for under 100 euro.
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What are hot-swappable switches?
Hot-swappable switches are a must for mechanical keyboards, especially at the budget level. It means you can literally pull out the individual switches from your keyboard like the Red, Brown, or Blue switches and pop in new ones without needing any soldering. This offers a ton of flexibility for customization, letting you easily try different switch types to find your perfect feel, and it also makes repairs super easy if a switch ever fails. It significantly extends the lifespan and versatility of your keyboard.
Which switch type is best for gaming vs. typing?
Choosing the “best” switch type often comes down to personal preference, but here are some general guidelines:
- For Gaming: Linear switches like Red or Yellow are generally favored. They offer a smooth, consistent keystroke without any tactile bump, allowing for rapid, unhindered presses and quick double-taps. This can be crucial for games.
- For Typing: Tactile switches like Brown or Clear are very popular. The noticeable bump gives you feedback that the key has registered, which can improve typing accuracy and speed. Some typists also love clicky switches like Blue for their audible feedback, but these can be quite loud for shared environments.
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