Keyboards Under $100
Boards whose lowest listed price is under $100. Starters we would still recommend.
The Keychron V3 is the programmable tenkeyless we marked Budget King. The Aula F75 is the cheap 75%. The Ducky One 3 Mini and the Tofu60 cover 60%. Corsair and Akko are the full-size options under the line.
If you only want one, start with Keychron V3 . It is the one we marked Budget King, and it is finished.
92 keyboards
“QMK support under $100 is absurd”
A wired 80% TKL with QMK/VIA, hot-swap sockets, PBT keycaps and an optional knob, in a plastic tray-mount case. Keychron lists it as sold out.
“Akko's full-size tri-mode hot-swap board in themed editions”
A full-size, hot-swappable tri-mode board with PBT dye-sub keycaps, an ABS frame and a 3,000 mAh battery. The only review read, from SmartZone, liked its flexibility and smooth lubed switches and found battery life modest.
“Aula's budget gasket-mount 75% with tri-mode wireless and a knob”
A budget 75% with an 80-key layout, a gasket mount, five layers of dampening, hot-swap sockets, tri-mode wireless and a knob. Gizmochina praised the sound, and Prime Audio and IGN Middle East the value; IGN also noted it is hard to open and has no VIA.
“Corsair's full-size board with quiet, pre-lubed MLX Red switches and a control dial”
A wired full-size board with pre-lubed Corsair MLX Red linear switches, an aluminum top plate, two layers of EVA foam, a control dial with presets and a magnetic wrist rest. Tom's Hardware loved the switch feel; Trusted Reviews disliked the fixed cable and the dial's action.
“The original DrunkDeer 75%”
The original DrunkDeer 75%: a wired Hall-effect board with a volume knob, ANSI and three ISO layouts, and an optional aluminum PVD case. Reviewers liked the smooth switches and disliked the early software.
“The $50 magnetic 60%”
A compact budget 60% with magnetic switches and a plastic ABS case. HLPLANET found the switches smooth and the build good for the price, but noted unlubed switches and average keycap printing.
“The budget 65%”
The G65 adds an arrow cluster to the G60 for a 65% layout at 580 g. It uses a plastic ABS case, has 1000 Hz polling and a barebone option, but one review reports uneven quality control and a finicky driver.
“The cheap 75%”
The budget 75% with a plastic case, a tray mount, 1000 Hz polling, and the option of silent magnetic switches. No knob; it is hot-swap but only with Raesha magnetic switches.
“Ducky's wired hot-swap 60% with PBT keycaps and extra dampening”
A wired 60% with a hot-swappable PCB, Cherry MX switches, double-shot PBT keycaps and foam dampening in a plastic case. ProSettings praised the feel and stabilizers; the trade-offs are no software, slight case flex and firmware key-registration issues on some versions.
“Ducky's wired hot-swap TKL with PBT keycaps and Cherry MX”
A wired 80% (TKL) board with a hot-swappable PCB, Cherry MX switches and double-shot PBT keycaps. Tom's Guide found the typing feel outstanding, and faulted the lack of wireless, companion software and macOS support.
“Glorious's modular gasket-mount barebones with a knob and hot-swap PCB”
A wired, modular barebones with a polymer case, aluminum plate, modular gaskets, hot-swap sockets and knob support. Reviews cover the HE and Boardsmith versions: decent typing, rattly stabilizers, and software that is not great.
“HyperX's aluminum-bodied TKL with red or aqua switches”
A wired TKL with a full aluminum body, HyperX Red linear or Aqua tactile switches, a detachable USB-C cable and per-key RGB. ZDNet loved the case but called the keycaps among the worst it had reviewed; TweakTown rated it highly.
“KBDfans' aluminum 60% kit with brass weight and several mounting styles”
A 60% aluminum case kit with a brass weight, silicone bowl and sock mounting options, and QMK/VIA PCB choices. Leaf&Core called it high-end on a budget; it noted a thin PCB that flexes with soft plates and a 7° typing angle.
“Ultra-slim 75% scissor-switch board with ZMK and no backlight”
A low-profile 75% wireless keyboard with scissor-switch keys, ZMK firmware and no backlight. Tom's Guide and WIRED liked the typing feel; the plastic build and missing backlight are the trade-offs.
“Ultra-slim 96% scissor board with a numpad and no backlight”
A low-profile 96% wireless keyboard with a numpad, ABS keycaps and no backlight. No review of this exact model turned up; evidence is Keychron's specs and its siblings' reviews.
“Ultra-slim 75% scissor board with Launcher remapping”
A low-profile 75% wireless board with Launcher remapping, 1000Hz over 2.4GHz and wired, and no backlight. Parka Blogs liked it but hit shortcut problems.
“75% scissor-switch wireless board with non-replaceable keycaps”
A 75% wireless scissor-switch keyboard in ABS with no backlight. Keychron lists no NKRO and says the keycaps cannot be replaced. No review of this exact model found.
“80% TKL scissor-switch wireless board with 3.5 mm travel”
A tenkeyless wireless keyboard with taller scissor switches, ABS construction and no backlight. TechPowerUp covered the launch; no independent review of the B33 itself turned up.
“96% scissor-switch wireless board with a numpad and no NKRO”
A 96% wireless scissor-switch keyboard in ABS with no backlight. Keychron lists no NKRO. No review of this exact model found.
“Full-size scissor-switch wireless board, quiet but with accuracy complaints”
A 100% wireless keyboard with taller scissor switches, ABS construction and no backlight. Tom's Guide found it quiet and light but struggled with the keycap shape and the missing NKRO.
“96% Alice-layout scissor board with macro column and knob”
A 96% Alice-style wireless keyboard with scissor keys, a macro column and a knob, in ABS with no backlight. Only launch coverage found; no review yet.
“Ultra-slim 96% wireless board with 1000Hz and no backlight”
A low-profile 96% wireless keyboard, 495 g by Keychron's figure, with no backlight. No review of this exact model found; evidence is Keychron's specs and sibling reviews.
“75% Alice-layout scissor board with macro column and knob”
A 75% Alice-style wireless keyboard with scissor keys, a macro column and a knob, in ABS with no backlight. Only launch coverage found; no review yet.
“Ultra-slim full-size wireless board with 112 keys and no backlight”
A low-profile 100% wireless keyboard with 112 keys, 623 g by Keychron's figure and no backlight. No review of this exact model found.
“Wired retro TKL with 8000Hz polling, QMK and OSA keycaps”
A wired retro TKL with up to 8000Hz polling, hot-swap Super switches and Launcher. Tom's Guide and Notebookcheck both rated it highly for the price. Also covers the C1 and C1 Pro.
“Wired full-size with 8000Hz polling and no knob”
A wired full-size with up to 8000Hz polling, OSA keycaps and Launcher. SemiPro Tech+Gear called it strong value; keycaps feel thin and there is no knob. Also covers the C2 and C2 Pro.
“Low-profile 75% wireless board with hot-swap and QMK”
A low-profile 75% tri-mode board with QMK, the Launcher web app and a 2000 mAh battery. Evidence is Keychron's spec page and a comparison listing; no standalone review found.
“Wireless 75% with hot-swap, QMK and a knob in an ABS case”
A tri-mode 75% with QMK and Launcher, hot-swap sockets, foam-damped sound and a plastic case. GamepadSquire rated it highly for value; evidence is limited.
“Wireless 80% TKL with hot-swap, QMK and a big battery”
A tri-mode tenkeyless with QMK and Launcher, hot-swap sockets and a 3750 mAh battery. No standalone review found; evidence is Keychron's specs and a comparison listing.
“Wireless full-size with hot-swap, QMK and a numpad”
A tri-mode full-size with QMK and Launcher, hot-swap sockets and a 3750 mAh battery. No standalone review found; evidence is Keychron's specs and a comparison listing.
“K1, from Keychron's store”
The current K1 is a low-profile 80% with Keychron Milk POM switches, shine-through ABS keycaps and a 160-hour battery rating, over Bluetooth or wired. No review of this version was found.
“K1 Max, from Keychron's store”
The K1 Max adds a 2.4 GHz dongle to the low-profile TKL. Wccftech and GGRecon found it comfortable and travel-friendly; low-profile switches are the main limit.
“K1 Pro, from Keychron's store”
The K1 Pro is the QMK/VIA low-profile TKL. AppleInsider called it an excellent upgrade with redesigned stabilizers and a 1000 Hz wired rate; wireless is Bluetooth only.
“K1 SE, from Keychron's store”
The K1 SE is the budget-tier low-profile TKL: ABS keycaps, a 190-hour battery rating, optical or mechanical switch options and about 550 g. The maker lists no QMK support on this version.
“K10, from Keychron's store”
The K10 (version 2) is the basic 100% full-size: OEM ABS keycaps, Bluetooth and wired, plastic or aluminum-frame builds, and a 240-hour battery rating. It lacks the PBT caps of the K10 Pro.
“K10 Pro, from Keychron's store”
The K10 Pro is the QMK/VIA full-size with PBT keycaps and K Pro switches. AppleInsider called it a great pick for Apple users wanting a 100% layout without overspending.
“K11 Max, from Keychron's store”
The K11 Max is a low-profile 65% Alice ergonomic board with 2.4 GHz and QMK/VIA. Tom's Guide praised the comfort and build but flagged loose feet and finicky software.
“K11 Pro, from Keychron's store”
The K11 Pro is the Bluetooth-only slim 65% Alice with a knob and QMK/VIA at about 510 g. No review of this model was found.
“K12, from Keychron's store”
The K12 is the original 60% with ABS keycaps, tray mount and a 240-hour battery rating. Keebnews called it well built with a loud spacebar and a high profile; the maker lists no QMK support.
“K12 Pro, from Keychron's store”
The K12 Pro is the 60% with QMK/VIA, PBT keycaps and a steel plate at about 737 g. Evidence is limited to the maker page and the K12 review.
“K13 Max, from Keychron's store”
The K13 Max is a low-profile 80% with an integrated numpad, 2.4 GHz and QMK/VIA at 600 g. Tom's Guide liked the comfort but flagged loose feet, short battery life and a numpad learning curve.
“K13 Pro, from Keychron's store”
The K13 Pro is the Bluetooth-only slim numpad TKL with QMK/VIA at about 580 g. Buyer feedback on the maker's page mentions a locked numpad; no professional review was found.
“K14, from Keychron's store”
The K14 is a 70% budget board with ABS keycaps, a plastic case with metal reinforcement and a 240-hour battery rating. Inverse called it a great starting board with a basic typing feel.
“K14 Pro, from Keychron's store”
The K14 Pro is the QMK/VIA 70% with PBT keycaps and a steel plate at about 835 g. Evidence is limited to the maker page and sibling reviews.
“K15 Pro, from Keychron's store”
The K15 Pro is the slim 75% Alice with a programmable aluminum knob, Bluetooth and QMK/VIA at about 696 g. No review of this model was found.
“K17 Max, from Keychron's store”
The K17 Max is a low-profile 96% with a numpad, 2.4 GHz and QMK/VIA at about 750 g. No board-specific review was found.
“K17 Pro, from Keychron's store”
The K17 Pro is a slim 96% with a knob and waterfall-shaped keycaps. Crafting Worlds liked the design but found the stock switches unpleasant; the maker lists little data.
“K2, from Keychron's store”
The original 75% K2: a wired and Bluetooth board with a plastic or aluminum-frame case, ABS keycaps and a 4000 mAh battery. The older, simpler design that the Pro, Max, HE and Ultra 8K build on.
“K2 Max, from Keychron's store”
The K2 Max adds 2.4 GHz wireless at 1000 Hz to the 75% K2 and keeps QMK/VIA, PBT keycaps and a 4000 mAh battery. Only sibling-board reviews were found.
“K2 Pro, from Keychron's store”
The K2 Pro puts QMK/VIA, screw-in stabilizers and a steel plate into the 75% K2 with Bluetooth only for wireless. EnosTech called it a no-frills board that just works; Tom's Hardware's K8 Pro review found the Pro platform's Bluetooth and keycaps weak.
“K3 Max, from Keychron's store”
The K3 Max adds a 2.4 GHz dongle to the ultra-slim 75% with QMK/VIA, PBT keycaps and foam. SemiPro found the wireless stable but the stabilizers rattly. Also covers the K3, K3 Pro and K3 Max SE.
“K4, from Keychron's store”
The original 96% K4: compact full-size with Bluetooth, Keychron Super switches, double-shot PBT keycaps and a 4000 mAh battery. Little review coverage; this is the least equipped K4.
“K4 Pro, from Keychron's store”
The K4 Pro is the 96% with a steel plate, PBT keycaps and QMK/VIA at about 1280 g. Evidence is limited to the maker page and sibling Pro reviews.
“K5, from Keychron's store”
The K5 Ultra-Slim is the aluminum-and-plastic version of the SE slim full-size at about 770 g, with LSA ABS keycaps and a 90-hour battery rating.
“Slim low-profile full-size with 2.4 GHz and QMK/VIA”
The K5 Max adds a 2.4 GHz dongle and IXPE foam to the slim full-size. GameRevolution and Phandroid found it light and refined; non-shine-through keycaps were the main complaint. Also covers the K5 (Version 2) and K5 Pro.
“K5 SE, from Keychron's store”
The K5 SE Ultra-Slim is an aluminum, tray-mount full-size with LSA ABS keycaps, a 90-hour battery rating and about 673 g. Simpler and lighter than the K5.
“K6, from Keychron's store”
The original 65% K6 is a small, light plastic or aluminum-bezel board with ABS keycaps. The Keeblog found the stock keycaps thin and the plastic version hollow.
“K6 Pro, from Keychron's store”
The K6 Pro brings QMK/VIA, a steel plate and PBT keycaps to the 65% K6 for about 762 g. Coverage of this board is thin; Tom's Hardware's review of the K8 Pro shows the platform's weak points.
“Slim low-profile 65% with 2.4 GHz and QMK/VIA”
The K7 Max is a slim 65% with 2.4 GHz, QMK/VIA and a 73-hour battery rating at about 436 g. Android Police found the build premium and the keyboard growing on it as a portable. Also covers the K7 Pro and K7 Ultra-slim.
“TKL with 2.4 GHz, QMK and a 4000 mAh battery”
The K8 Max is the 2.4 GHz K8: QMK, hot-swap, PBT keycaps and an aluminum-frame option. MakeUseOf scored it 9 out of 10 as a customizable board with a plastic base and a heavy, sturdy feel. Also covers the K8 and K8 Pro.
“Wired 75% aluminum Q with a steel plate”
The version 2 wired Q1: a 1.8 kg CNC aluminum 75% with a steel plate, gasket mount, QMK/VIA and a knob. No Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz.
“Wired 65% aluminum Q with a steel plate”
The original wired Q2: a 1.6 kg CNC aluminum 65% with steel plate, double gasket, QMK/VIA and an optional knob in place of Insert. No wireless.
“Wired 80% TKL aluminum Q with a steel plate”
A wired 80% tenkeyless in CNC aluminum, about 2 kg, with a steel plate, double gasket, QMK/VIA and an optional knob. Reviewers liked the value; Windows Central found the stock damping weaker than pricier boards.
“Wired 60% aluminum Q with a steel plate”
The wired 60% Q: CNC aluminum, steel plate, gasket mount, QMK/VIA and 1.5 kg of weight. No arrow keys or function row; no wireless.
“Wired 96% aluminum Q with a number pad”
A wired 96% aluminum Q with number pad, knob, steel plate and double gasket, over 2.3 kg. Reviewers liked build and value; it is very heavy with no adjustable feet.
“Wired 70% aluminum Q with a four-pound body”
A wired 70% aluminum Q with steel plate, double gasket and QMK/VIA, about 1.8 kg. Tom's Guide gave it an Editor's Choice for build, switches and sound; it has no wireless version.
“Retro-styled 80% wireless hot-swap board with QMK and Launcher”
A retro-styled 80% TKL with 2.4GHz, Bluetooth and wired modes, hot-swap Keychron Super switches and QMK. Evidence is Keychron's page and one Japanese owner write-up that found it loud and heavy.
“Wired low-profile 75% in CNC aluminum with a steel plate”
A wired low-profile 75% with a full CNC aluminum body, steel plate and hot-swap option. MakeUseOf and How-To Geek praised the build and typing feel.
“Wired 75% in plastic with a steel plate and tray mount”
A wired 75% with a steel plate, tray mount, hot-swap sockets and QMK. Reviewers like the value and the sound; the stiff tray-mount feel and plastic case threads are the recurring complaints.
“Wired 75% with 8000Hz polling and a gasket mount”
A wired V1 refresh with Keychron Super switches, a gasket mount, PC plate and 8000Hz polling. Tom's Guide praised the build and sound; some body flex and no wireless are the trade-offs.
“Wired 75% Alice layout with five macro keys and a knob”
A wired 75% Alice with five macro keys, a knob, a steel plate and tray mount. Clements praised value and comfort but hit KVM and layout issues.
“Wired 65% with a steel plate, tray mount and optional knob”
A wired 65% in ABS plastic with a steel plate and tray mount, hot-swap sockets and QMK. The V-series feel is stiff and accurate; the plastic case and tall profile are the trade-offs.
“Wired 80% TKL with 8000Hz polling and a knob”
A tray-mounted plastic TKL with a steel plate, 8000Hz polling and a volume knob. APH Networks found it solid and quiet but its switches slightly squishy.
“Wired 60% with a steel plate and tray mount”
A wired 60% in ABS plastic with a steel plate, tray mount, hot-swap sockets and QMK. Expert Reviews found the build superb and the feel accurate; the tall profile and missing arrows are the trade-offs.
“Wired 96% with a numpad, knob and tray-mounted plastic case”
A wired 96% with a knob, hot-swap sockets and QMK. An owner who set up macros found it capable but noted missing PgUp, PgDn and menu keys, and bright south-facing LEDs.
“Wired 96% with 8000Hz polling, a steel plate and a knob”
A wired 96% with a numpad, knob, steel plate, tray mount and 8000Hz polling. No review of this exact model turned up; evidence is Keychron's specs and sibling reviews.
“Wired full-size with a steel plate, tray mount and optional knob”
A wired 108-key with a steel plate, tray mount, hot-swap sockets and QMK/VIA. Tom's Guide praised the build, sound and value; weight and the VIA tool were the nitpicks.
“Wired full-size with 8000Hz polling, a steel plate and a knob”
A wired 108-key with 8000Hz polling, a steel plate, tray mount and knob. No review of this exact model turned up; evidence is Keychron's specs and the V6 review.
“Wired 70% with a steel plate, tray mount and no knob”
A wired 70% in ABS plastic with a steel plate and tray mount. Independent coverage is thin; Keychron's specs and sibling V-line reviews are the evidence.
“Wired 65% Alice layout with a steel plate and tray mount”
A wired split-style Alice 65% in plastic with a steel plate and tray mount. Layout adaptation is the main issue; evidence comes from Keychron's specs and Alice-layout reviews of siblings.
“The cheap magnetic 60%”
A 60% Hall-effect board with an aluminum plate, 8K polling and a very low entry price. Reviewers call the plastic case and sound adequate rather than premium.
“The TMR 60%”
The FUN60 with a CNC aluminum case, a 4,000 mAh tri-mode battery and a choice of Hall-effect or TMR sensors. TechteamGB found it nicer to use than the Pro, though not because of the sensor.
“The cheap magnetic 65%”
A wired 65% Hall-effect board with arrow keys, a plastic case, bottom foam and 8K polling. A Japanese review picks it over the FUN60 and Akko TAC75 HE for everyday use.
“The Gem 75%”
A tri-mode aluminum 75% from the Akko and MonsGeek Gem line. Gasket mount, ball-catch case and VIA, without the Mineral 01's curved frame and weight.
“The translucent 75%”
A fully transparent 75%: acrylic case, clear polycarbonate keycaps, gasket or top mount and tri-mode wireless with a 3,000 mAh battery. Style-led, and lighter than the metal M1.
“The M3's 75% sibling”
An aluminum 75% with a ball-catch case, gasket mount, 8,000 mAh tri-mode battery and VIA. Reviewers praise the build and easy disassembly and fault the switches and the hidden mode switch.
“The magnetic M1 V5”
The M1 V5 chassis with Hall-effect magnetic switches, 8K polling over USB and 2.4GHz, and 0.005 mm Rapid Trigger. Magnetic switches only; the mechanical-capable version is the TMR.
“The wired 65% kit”
A wired aluminum 65% barebone kit with gasket mount, a clear polycarbonate plate and VIA. The plainer, cheaper sibling of the wireless M7W.
“The plastic full-size”
A plastic full-size with a tray mount, an iron plate and PBT keycaps. The base MG108 is wired and not hot-swappable; MG108B and W variants add wireless.
“The plastic wireless 75%”
A cheap plastic 75% (82 keys) with tray mount, hot-swap sockets and wired or 2.4GHz wireless. No Bluetooth, and a small 500 mAh battery.
“The Shine 60%”
A budget 60% Hall-effect board branded Veekos and sold through MonsGeek and Akko, with an aluminum plate, 8K polling and a DIY light box. Wired or tri-mode.
“The wireless magnetic 65%”
A style-first 65% with a perforated ABS shell over a clear polycarbonate frame, Hall-effect switches and 8K polling. Wired or tri-mode.