10 Best Gaming Keyboards under $100

keyboards

by Perfect Tech Reviewers

Updated

1 years ago

Whether you are a casual or professional gamer, having a fast-paced and quality keyboard is a must. But not everyone can afford the best-selling, high-end gaming keyboard. This is why most people feel hesitant to even decide the budget for their purchase.

I would say if you are saving on money and need a basic yet performance-efficient alternative, $100 is a good start. There are a number of models you can find within this price from renowned brands.

To help you with the search, here are some best keyboards under $100, along with useful buying instructions. So, dive right in and choose wisely.

At A Glance:


Best pick

Top-rated gaming keyboards


10-Best-Gaming-Keyboards-under-100 10 Best Gaming Keyboards under $100

Razer Cynosa V2 Gaming Keyboard


Soft and responsive


Feels really quiet


Resist spills ideally


Looks visually appealing

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Budget Pick

Budget-friendly gaming keyboards


1714876671_114_10-Best-Gaming-Keyboards-under-100 10 Best Gaming Keyboards under $100

Corsair K65 RGB MINI Mechanical Gaming Keyboard


Fast, responsive keys


Better tactile feedback


Saves so much space


Precision-molded key switches

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Staff Pick

Quality gaming keyboards


1714876671_515_10-Best-Gaming-Keyboards-under-100 10 Best Gaming Keyboards under $100

Keychron K2 Hot-swappable Mechanical Keyboard


Looks quite appealing


Easy to repair


Durable and spill-resistant


Need no wires

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Our Recommendations Best Gaming Keyboards under $100



Razer Cynosa V2 Gaming Keyboard


Best pick


1714876672_342_10-Best-Gaming-Keyboards-under-100 10 Best Gaming Keyboards under $100

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Brand: Razer | Compatible Devices: PC | Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wired – Attached | Keyboard Description: Gaming | Special Feature: Lighting | Color: Black | Number of Keys: 16 | Keyboard backlighting color support: RGB | Style: Cynosa V2 | Item Dimensions LxWxH: 18.25 x 6.6 x 1.19 inches

The first pick for my list of the best gaming keyboard under $100 is this Razer Cynosa, all thanks to its soft and responsive design. I am currently using it and would say it is working so far, quite ideally. Do consider that it is a membrane keyboard, so you will find the keys a bit softer and quiet.

The reason why I picked this one is its RGB lighting function. This one has a lot of preset customizable RGB effects that allow gamers to set the ambiance as they like for long and intense gaming sessions. The best part is that it comes with Synapse 3.0 software, with which you can control the RGB backlight.

Another good thing about this keyboard is that it feels responsive. This is all thanks to the programmable membrane keys that are absolutely great for working and gaming alike. Finally, it is equally worth noting that all the keys are spill-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about them getting damaged by moisture.

Wrapping up, if you are a gamer who likes quiet keys that are quick to respond and looks appealing, do give this Razer Cynosa V2 a try. I absolutely love this keyboard, partly because it has amazing RGB colors and effects for fun games. Also, you can opt for no wires, which keeps the setup neat and clean.

The Pros


Soft and responsive


Feels really quiet


Resist spills ideally


Looks visually appealing

The Cons


Needs regular cleaning

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Durgod Taurus K320 TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard


1714876672_460_10-Best-Gaming-Keyboards-under-100 10 Best Gaming Keyboards under $100

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Brand: DURGOD | Compatible Devices: Gaming Console | Connectivity Technology: USB-C | Keyboard Description: US | Recommended Uses For Product: Gaming | Special Feature: Travel | Color: Space Grey | Operating System: Windows 10 | Number of Keys: 87 | Keyboard backlighting color support: Single Color

For anyone who is concerned about the looks as well as the performance, this Durgod Taurus is the one to go for. The highlight of this keyboard is its blue key switches that look not only appealing but also offer incredible feedback. It also has a number of customization options for gamers.

The first thing to appreciate about this model is its construction quality. It has a total of 87 keys; all made up of aluminum. These are pretty durable and resist spills. The numbers are also more than enough for a smooth gaming experience. The good news is that they are mechanical and make a satisfying sound.

The feedback offered by keys is absolutely top-notch and has no lag. Moreover, this one incorporates multiple RGB modes, so you can use them to make it look attractive, specifically while playing multimedia. You can use the SpecialRGB software for this. I used this to set different keys for the gaming modes.

In conclusion, this Durgod Taurus mechanical keyboard is one of the best for anyone in search of something responsive and aesthetically pleasing. The keys offer better tactile feedback and have no lag. Moreover, the RGB effects customizations make it stand out among competitors.

The Pros


Fast and responsive


Durable and strong


Exciting RGB effects


Better tactile feedback

The Cons


It can be a little heavy

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Corsair K65 RGB MINI Mechanical Gaming Keyboard


Budget Pick


1714876673_470_10-Best-Gaming-Keyboards-under-100 10 Best Gaming Keyboards under $100

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Brand: Corsair | Compatible Devices: Gaming Console | Connectivity Technology: Wired | Keyboard Description: Mechanical | Special Feature: Lighting | Color: Black | Number of Keys: 62 | Keyboard backlighting color support: RGB | Style: K65 RGB MINI | Item Dimensions LxWxH: 11.57 x 4.13 x 1.73 inches

The next keyboard under $100 on this list is the Corsair gaming keyboard. This is all thanks to its mechanical keys and a full-size layout. Despite this, it comes with a compact size, which means it saves space and is easy to travel with. I also experience no tactile lag with the keys that add to their value.

The first thing that will impress you about this keyboard is that it is powered by the patented Corsair Axon processing technology. This one improves the speed and tactile feedback of the keys and makes it eight times better. It has 62 keys and, despite that, has a 60% form factor, so you can place it in tighter spaces.

Now, speaking of the RGB light, this one uses ultra-fast Cherry MX speed switches. This simply means that the effects respond immediately within an actuation distance of 1.3mm and no lag at all. Overall, you can personalize the effects as well as program the keys for certain commands to your liking.

Finally, this Corsair K65 has been my favorite for a long time at this competitive price, all thanks to its performance. I really like the fact that it has precision-molded key switches, all of them powered by the AXON processor. This improved its speed and feedback significantly. All in all, I experience no lag at all.

The Pros


Fast, responsive keys


Better tactile feedback


Saves so much space


Precision-molded key switches

The Cons


It does not resist spills

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Whirlwind FX Atom Gaming Keyboard


1714876673_791_10-Best-Gaming-Keyboards-under-100 10 Best Gaming Keyboards under $100

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Brand: Whirlwind FX | Connectivity Technology: USB-C | Keyboard Description: Mechanical | Special Feature: Lighting | Color: Blue Clicky | Operating System: Windows | Number of Keys: 61 | Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | Included Components: Usb cable | Number of Buttons: 61

If you are building a compact PC and need a space-saving yet efficient keyboard for gaming, this Whirlwind FX one is the best. The good thing about this design is that it can be packed in a bag and doesn’t need a special cable for connectivity. This doesn’t mean it is any less in response or feels.

Despite being small, this one has around 61 keys, which is more than enough for a smooth gaming experience. All the keys are mechanical and produce a satisfying typing sound. It is further accompanied by smart RGB effects that worked best for me. I was able to change them with the SingleRGB app.

It also has an extensive library with preset effects. All you need to do is select and apply one for regular use and make the experience exciting. Another good thing about this one is its compatibility. It supports approximately 150+ devices from all leading brands like Razer, Corsair, Logitech, and SteelSeries.

Finally, this Whirlwind FX keyboard is the best-suited alternative for anyone who wants to get the real gaming feels. It features mechanical keys that produce a satisfying sound and are pretty easy to repair. Moreover, the RGB lightning effects were my favorite to use whenever any media was playing.

The Pros


Scope for customization


Light and portable


A full-size keyboard


Offers better compatibility

The Cons


Not the most durable

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Logitech G413 Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard


1714876674_460_10-Best-Gaming-Keyboards-under-100 10 Best Gaming Keyboards under $100

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Brand: Logitech G | Compatible Devices: Gaming Console | Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth | Keyboard Description: Gaming | Recommended Uses For Product: Gaming | Special Feature: Backlit | Color: G413 Carbon | Operating System: Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows 10 | Number of Keys: 84 | Style: G413 Carbon

Logitech is a leading name when it comes to gaming accessories for its detailed and quality designs. This one is no exception and is a great option for gamers who are building a minimalist PC. I absolutely loved its simple and slim design with mechanical keys, as it gives perfect looks and feels the entire time.

Despite the price, this keyboard has durable keys. All of them are made up of aluminum and magnesium alloy. So, it is pretty safe to say that it is built to last for a long time. There were many times when I spilled water on it and still found no damage, which is a plus. It is also pretty easy to repair on your own.

In addition, this keyboard comes with its own Logitech G Hub software. With this, you can personalize a lot of keys and personalize the RGB effects, even using the single available color. I used this one to set the F keys for multiple game modes, and this made the entire thing pretty easy and quick.

Finally, this Logitech G 413 keyboard is one of my all-time favorites for small PC setups. This is all credit to its full-size mechanical keys that are responsive as well as offer a perfectly satisfying sound. I prefer this over competitors for its software function that provides gamers with scope for personalization.

The Pros


Durable and strong


Light and durable


No wires attached


Scope for customization

The Cons


Picks up dirt easily

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Keychron K2 Hot-swappable Mechanical Keyboard


Staff Pick


1714876674_855_10-Best-Gaming-Keyboards-under-100 10 Best Gaming Keyboards under $100

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Brand: Keychron | Compatible Devices: Gaming Console | Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth & USB | Keyboard Description: Gaming | Special Feature: Backlit | Color: Hot-swap Gateron G Pro Brown Switch | Operating System: Mac,Windows | Number of Keys: 84 | Keyboard backlighting color support: Single Color | Item Dimensions LxWxH: 4.84 x 12.32 x 1.61 inches

This Keychron K2 has been a best-selling brand for gaming. I absolutely loved its 75% mechanical layout that maximizes its utility and allows you to personalize the keys. Another thing to appreciate about this one is that it has an LED backlight function and doesn’t need any wires for the setup.

The first thing to note about this keyboard is its connectivity compatibility. It has two options, a USB and Bluetooth, that work for most 5.1 chipsets. So, at a time, you can connect it with three devices, which is best for busy streaming setups. It also supports LED lighting effects, making gaming exciting.

Likewise, speaking of layout, although it has a Mac outline, you can use it for Windows, as it is compatible and has all the functional keys you will need. All the keys are mechanical and highly durable. It also resists spills. So, for the most part, you don’t have to worry about moisture damage.

In essence, this Keychron K2 keyboard is a great choice for anyone in search of something gaming-efficient and visually appealing. It is equipped with 75% programmable keys that produce satisfying sound and are easy to repair. In the end, I absolutely loved its slim and sleek black looks.

The Pros


Looks quite appealing


Easy to repair


Durable and spill-resistant


Need no wires

The Cons


Not the lightest out there

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Razer Ornata V2 Gaming Keyboard


1714876675_941_10-Best-Gaming-Keyboards-under-100 10 Best Gaming Keyboards under $100

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Brand: Razer | Compatible Devices: Gaming Console | Connectivity Technology: Wired – Attached | Keyboard Description: Gaming | Special Feature: Lighting | Color: Black | Number of Keys: 110 | Keyboard backlighting color support: RGB | Style: Ornata v2 | Item Dimensions LxWxH: 60.68 x 18.24 x 1.22 inches

Here comes yet another best gaming keyboard under $100 with solid looks and incredible performance. This is perfect for long and intense gaming sessions, owing to its soft-touch keys and wrist rest. That being said, it has a number of mechanical switches for better tactile feedback and response.

The first thing you will like about this keyboard is its scope for personalization. For this, the manufacturers have added full-size RGB backlighting. This further integrates multiple effects. So, all you need to do is use the Razer Synapse3 software and change the lights when multimedia is playing in the background.

This further incorporates Razer Hypershift keys that work on macro commands. Hence, by using the Razer application, you can set certain keys for game mode. It is equally worth mentioning that this keyboard has a magnetic wrist rest, so even during long streaming sessions, you feel comfortable.

This Razer Ontara V2 is a great choice for anyone in search of something comfortable and performance-oriented. It has a slim design with multiple RGB effects and interesting color options. I also really like the addition of hybrid mechanical keys, as they work on complex macro commands.

The Pros


It has low latency


Amazing RGB effects


Better tactile feedback


Macro programmable keys

The Cons


It lacks built-in memory

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Keychron K7 Hot-swappable Mechanical Keyboard


1714876675_351_10-Best-Gaming-Keyboards-under-100 10 Best Gaming Keyboards under $100

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Brand: Keychron | Compatible Devices: Laptop, PC, Tablet | Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth & USB | Keyboard Description: Gaming | Special Feature: Travel | Color: Low-profile optical brown switch | Operating System: MacOS/Windows | Number of Keys: 68 | Item Dimensions LxWxH: 12.91 x 5.47 x 1.54 inches | Material: Aluminum

This one from Keychron is an updated version of the K2 with a 65% mechanical layout that works perfectly for gaming. It offers not only fairly decent tactile feedback but also is compact enough to carry around. Likewise, it has low-profile keys with individual-switch personalization that makes it of great value.

Starting off with the connectivity, this one has both wired and Bluetooth options. So, you can opt for one based on convenience. It also has 68 mechanical brown keys, all of them with LED backlighting. All these keys are low-profile and have minimal latency. I also find them quite responsive and fast-paced.

In addition, this keyboard has a galvanized steel and aluminum body, which is durable and resists spills ideally. So you don’t have to worry about moisture damage. It is also considerably small, making it easy to pack in your suitcase and travel. The only drawback is that it has no traditional programmable keys.

Final thoughts, this Keychron K7 mechanical keyboard is best suited for casual games who want a basic and subtle alternative that is also perfect for traveling. It features a small size with 68 keys that offers pretty decent tactile feedback. Overall, this one can support three devices at a time.

The Pros


Support wireless connectivity


It is travel-friendly


Light and durable


Offers low latency

The Cons


No conventional mechanical switches

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SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard


1714876675_632_10-Best-Gaming-Keyboards-under-100 10 Best Gaming Keyboards under $100

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Brand: SteelSeries | Compatible Devices: Gaming Console | Connectivity Technology: USB | Keyboard Description: Gaming | Special Feature: Wrist Rest | Color: Hybrid Blue – Tactile & Clicky | Operating System: Windows, Mac OS X, Xbox, and PlayStation. USB port required | Number of Keys: 104 | Keyboard backlighting color support: RGB |
Style: Hybrid Blue – Tactile & Clicky

This SteelSeries Apex 5 is the literal definition of a keyboard loaded with features. It has everything from RGB backlighting to built-in memory, hybrid keys, and easy-to-use software. The best part about using this Apex 5 is that it has programmable keys that are dedicated to multimedia and a scrolling wheel.

First of all, this one is a full-size keyboard, which means you are getting 104 mechanical keys. These include basic and programmable keys, so you can personalize them according to utility. Moreover, all these switches work on Cherry MX speed with unrivaled tactile feedback. I noticed no latency at all.

In addition, speaking of construction quality, this keyboard is made up of aluminum alloy. This is pretty durable and ideally resists spills. There were many times when I spilled water on the keys, and it is still working fine. Finally, the RGB light function has multiple effects with perfectly rich and sharp color mixing.

Wrapping up, this Apex 5 keyboard is a perfect budgeted option for anyone in search of a high-end alternative to facilitate gaming. It has no latency and awesome tactile feedback, making the entire experience fun. Similarly, the RGB effects have rich color mixing for individual keys.

The Pros


It is long-lasting


Includes macro-programmable keys


Amazing color mixing


It has a num pad

The Cons


No MMO keys at all

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Logitech G PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard


1714876676_825_10-Best-Gaming-Keyboards-under-100 10 Best Gaming Keyboards under $100

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Brand: Logitech G | Compatible Devices: Gaming Console | Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth | Keyboard Description: Gaming | Special Feature: Lighting | Color: Black | Number of Keys: 90 | Keyboard backlighting color support: RGB | Style: G Pro Keyboard | Item Dimensions LxWxH: 15.1 x 6.3 x 2 inches

Last but not least on my list of the best gaming keyboards under $100 is this travel-friendly Logitech G Pro. This is all credit to its tenkeyless design that is portable as well as performance-efficient. I have been using it for the past year and would say it is perfect for someone who wants to travel light.

To begin with the design, the keyboards look thin and compact. Despite this, it has a black aluminum structure and low-profile keys. This prevents the water from getting under the keys and resists spills significantly. Also, one thing I can safely claim is that the keys have no latency, despite their low profile.

Finally, the RGB backlighting function has almost 16 different colors. To personalize these effects for playing multimedia, you can use the LightSync software for color mixing. You can do everything from static effects to random color patterns that look cool. I loved using this app for setting macro commands.

Wrapping up, this Logitech G Pro has been a favorite for me whenever I used to travel for tournaments. It features a tenkeyless design that cuts down weight without influencing performance in any way. I absolutely loved utilizing its rich color-mixing effects and macro programmable keys for intense gaming sessions.

The Pros


Ideal for travels


Resist spills ideally


Amazing RGB colors


Personalized macro commands

The Cons


No palm or wrist rest included

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What to Look for While Buying the Best Gaming Keyboard under $100: All You Need to Know

Whether you are fond of gaming or professionally follow it, upgrading your entire PC setup is inevitable at one point. If you are in a similar situation and are currently in search of a quality keyboard within a budget to facilitate intense practice sessions, it can be a bit challenging.

This is because the real trouble is finding the right match, as there may be many options, but not all of them will work for you. So, here are some useful tips and tricks that will help you safely get the right keyboard.

Keyboard Layout

The first thing you should focus on when buying any keyboard is the layout. This is because it will determine the looks and your comfort level during intense streaming sessions. Generally, most gamers prefer a full-size layout keyboard that has around 104 keys. On the contrary, some people like hybrid layouts with around 68 keys, as they have to travel around frequently.

Hence, at the end of the day, it all comes down to what you need. That being said, I would advise full-size layouts to anyone who is a mid-level gamer. This is because they have a great scope for learning new tricks and how to make the process fast-paced. Moreover, small keyboards work best if you are a professional who usually travels for tournaments.

Wired or Wireless

Another significant aspect you should look into when buying a gaming keyboard is the connectivity options. Well, it comes down to your preferences. Some people like having long wires, while others feel good about having a neat PC and no wires messing around.

However, wireless keyboards are a bit more expensive than wired ones. So, if you want Bluetooth under a certain budget, like $100, you may have to compromise on other functions. Anyhow, I have used some quality entry-level keyboards with both wired and Bluetooth connectivity options. Hence, it is always wise to dig deeper.

Comfort

It is equally important to take your comfort level into consideration, as you will be spending most of your day on a chair in front of the computer. I would advise everyone to go for a wrist or palm rest for this. Apart from this, I like using low-profile keys as they generally have low latency and better response. So you feel comfortable during intense streaming sessions.

Types of Switches

Moreover, when buying a budget keyboard, it is significant to look into the type of switches. Across the market, you can find three different types of switches, including membrane, mechanical, and scissors. And here is what you need to know about all of them before buying one.

● Mechanical Switches

These switches are by far the most popular among all, partly because they are high-quality and offer better tactile feedback. This is because you don’t have to press the button too hard to get it activated. This keeps the process fast-paced. Hence, they generate keystrokes even after traveling half the distance.

They also come in different sizes and types. Some commonly used among them are light tactile, audible tactile, quiet tactile, and linear tactile. So, choose the one that feels comfortable.

● Membrane Switches

These switches are made up of either silicone or rubber membrane, which is why they feel soft and don’t produce any sound. They generally have a plastic stem that is expandable. So, when the person presses any key, the stem is pushed, and you get a response. However, I would say they have relatively high latency.

● Scissor Switches

These switches are an extension of membrane switches. The only apparent difference between them is that the scissor keyboards have a plastic stem that is non-expandable. So, when you push the membrane, it doesn’t move and recognizes the response. This is why they have low latency and better tactile response. However, they can be really tricky to clean.

Durability and Material Construction

Whenever you are planning to invest in a gaming keyboard, it is ideal for making sure that it will last you for many years. This is even important if you are a gamer and will be using the keyboard for long hours regularly. And the best part is that you can easily get a durable gaming keyboard for less than a hundred dollars.

With that said, you will have to research to find the right material construction. Most commonly, this includes aluminum and galvanized, both of which resist spills and tend to have a longer life span. Here, do consider that aluminum keyboards are heavyweight and also can be expensive.

If you are opting for plastic, make sure it is high-quality and comes from a known brand. Or else it will get ruined with one or two spills easily. All in all, plastic keyboards tend to be lightweight and afford them easily. So, you can always carry them around for frequent traveling trips.

Appearance

Now that you know how much durability matters when buying a gaming keyboard, it is equally important to have it matches your PC setup. Here, you not only have to look at its color and design but also the RGB light options and their effects. I usually prefer going for Razer and Logitech keyboards, as they look appealing and have rich LED lighting effects.

Price Range

Finally, quite obviously, I am going to talk about its price range, which in this case, is $100. The good news for all budget enthusiasts here is that you can easily find a quality keyboard at this price. My advice would be to target affordable series from renowned brands. My all-time favorite is the Logitech G413, as it has a lot of features for tactile feedback and looks quite appealing.

Finally, I hope you will soon be able to find the best gaming keyboard under $100 that matches your individual requirements.

Summary Best Gaming Keyboards under $100

Conclusion

Final Thoughts

Saving money and need a quality keyboard? Start from a $100 model, as they are best for casual or professional gamers who frequently have intensely long practice sessions. Here are some of my favorites you may consider buying;

● Razer Cynosa V2 Gaming Keyboard is best for its soft feel and spill-resistant structure.

● Logitech G PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is best known for its high tactical feedback, low latency value, and fun RGB effects.

● Razer Ornata V2 Gaming Keyboard is known for its macro programmable keys, better keystroke memory, and durable structure.

Finally, I hope, after reading this guide, you will find a perfect match for your skill set and budget limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best gaming keyboard under $100?

Razer Ornata V2 is undoubtedly the most loved at this price range, owing to its intelligent design. It has all mechanical keys that offer low latency and better response. Moreover, it resists spills and is incredibly easy to clean. Not only this, you get to match and mix RGB colors to create fun and exciting effects.

Are mechanical switches better than membrane switches?

Well, it all comes down to an individual’s preferences and comfort level. For instance, some games like the quiet and soft texture of the membrane switch, while others prefer the tactile performance of the mechanical switches. I usually prefer using mechanical switches as they have relatively better actuation and keystroke efficiency.

Are budget gaming keyboards worth it?

Yes, budget gaming keyboards are the best for casual gamers or for anyone who wants a quality alternative for intensely long practice sessions. This is because they have pretty decent tactile feedback and response that helps you improve your pace and moves. Apart from this, the good news is that you can find multiple options with RGB backlighting while being on a budget.

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