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What are the best computer keyboards under $100?

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CM Storm QuickFire Rapid vs Leopold Tenkeyless Tactile Touch vs Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

 vs SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL vs Redragon K596 Vishnu vs Azio Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard vs Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard (5KV-00001) vs MechanicalEagle Z77 vs Qisan Gaming Keyboard

Specs

Weight

2.1 lbs. (0.95 kg.)

Layout

Ten key-less

USB Hub

No

Dimensions

14×5.3×1.4 in. (35.5×13.5×3.5 cm.)

Warranty

2-year

Available Switches

Cherry MX (Blue/Red/Brown/Green)

Key backlighting

No

Keycap Material

Laser-printed ABS

Detachable USB Cable

Yes (braided)

Media keys

Yes

Accessories

Keycap puller

Coating

Soft touch paint

Key layout

QWERTY

Polling Rate

1 kHz (1 ms.)

N-key Rollover

Yes (in PS/2 mode)

Keycaps

Removable (DSA)

Backplate

Reinforced steel

Backlighting

-

Macros

-

Switches

-

Full Media Controls

-

External dimensions

-

Detachable USB

-

Weight

-

Layout

Ten key-less

USB Hub

No

Dimensions

-

Warranty

-

Available Switches

Cherry MX (Brown)

Key backlighting

No

Keycap Material

Laser-printed

Detachable USB Cable

Yes

Media keys

No

Accessories

-

Coating

-

Key layout

-

Polling Rate

-

N-key Rollover

-

Keycaps

-

Backplate

-

Backlighting

-

Macros

-

Switches

-

Full Media Controls

-

External dimensions

-

Detachable USB

-

Weight

1.3 kg / 2.9 lbs

Layout

QWERTY

USB Hub

No

Dimensions

-

Warranty

3 years

Available Switches

-

Key backlighting

-

Keycap Material

-

Detachable USB Cable

-

Media keys

-

Accessories

-

Coating

-

Key layout

-

Polling Rate

-

N-key Rollover

-

Keycaps

-

Backplate

-

Backlighting

No

Macros

Yes

Switches

Rubber dome

Full Media Controls

Yes

External dimensions

503 x 262 x 82.8 mm ( 19.8'' x 10.3'' x 3.26'' )

Detachable USB

No

Weight

1.41 pounds

Layout

-

USB Hub

-

Dimensions

364mm x 150mm x 40mm

Warranty

-

Available Switches

-

Key backlighting

-

Keycap Material

-

Detachable USB Cable

-

Media keys

-

Accessories

-

Coating

-

Key layout

-

Polling Rate

-

N-key Rollover

-

Keycaps

-

Backplate

-

Backlighting

-

Macros

-

Switches

-

Full Media Controls

-

External dimensions

-

Detachable USB

-

Weight

1.26 kg / 2.78 lbs

Layout

-

USB Hub

-

Dimensions

-

Warranty

-

Available Switches

-

Key backlighting

-

Keycap Material

-

Detachable USB Cable

-

Media keys

-

Accessories

-

Coating

-

Key layout

-

Polling Rate

-

N-key Rollover

-

Keycaps

-

Backplate

-

Backlighting

-

Macros

-

Switches

-

Full Media Controls

-

External dimensions

-

Detachable USB

-

Weight

-

Layout

-

USB Hub

-

Dimensions

-

Warranty

-

Available Switches

-

Key backlighting

-

Keycap Material

-

Detachable USB Cable

-

Media keys

-

Accessories

-

Coating

-

Key layout

-

Polling Rate

-

N-key Rollover

-

Keycaps

-

Backplate

-

Backlighting

-

Macros

-

Switches

-

Full Media Controls

-

External dimensions

-

Detachable USB

-

Weight

-

Layout

-

USB Hub

-

Dimensions

-

Warranty

-

Available Switches

-

Key backlighting

-

Keycap Material

-

Detachable USB Cable

-

Media keys

-

Accessories

-

Coating

-

Key layout

-

Polling Rate

-

N-key Rollover

-

Keycaps

-

Backplate

-

Backlighting

-

Macros

-

Switches

-

Full Media Controls

-

External dimensions

-

Detachable USB

-

Weight

-

Layout

-

USB Hub

-

Dimensions

-

Warranty

-

Available Switches

-

Key backlighting

-

Keycap Material

-

Detachable USB Cable

-

Media keys

-

Accessories

-

Coating

-

Key layout

-

Polling Rate

-

N-key Rollover

-

Keycaps

-

Backplate

-

Backlighting

-

Macros

-

Switches

-

Full Media Controls

-

External dimensions

-

Detachable USB

-

Weight

-

Layout

-

USB Hub

-

Dimensions

-

Warranty

-

Available Switches

-

Key backlighting

-

Keycap Material

-

Detachable USB Cable

-

Media keys

-

Accessories

-

Coating

-

Key layout

-

Polling Rate

-

N-key Rollover

-

Keycaps

-

Backplate

-

Backlighting

-

Macros

-

Switches

-

Full Media Controls

-

External dimensions

-

Detachable USB

-

Pros + Cons

Pro
 Solid build quality and durability

The keyboard has few seams, and feels very sturdy. It feels a lot more substantial than other budget keyboards.
Comment

Pro
 High quality mechanical key switches

The CM Storm QuickFire Rapid uses genuine Cherry MX keyswitches which are the most common and generally considered the best switches available for keyboards. This means a few things: First, the durability and quality testing are top notch. LinusTechTips took a tour there, and was extremely impressed. They go through vigorous testing, and are the highest quality keyswitches available. Second, because they're standard Cherry MX switches, they are interchangeable with custom keycaps. Down the road, if you prefer you can get your own custom keycaps which totally change the look of your board. From a minimalist design like this to a custom image like this, or even different shaped keys like this you can modify them to your hearts content.
Comment

Pro
 Choice of switch available

Cherry MX switches come in a variety of options which are differentiated by their colour. This keyboard is available with 4 different switches - blue, brown, green, and red. Each has it's strengths and unique feel. Blues are commonly thought of as the best switch for typing as they have a tactile bump and click when they activate. Reds are better suited for quick activations and double tapping and are also quieter as they don't offer a tactile bump or a click. Brown switches offer the same tactile bump as the blue switches, but don't click. Green switches are a heavier blue switch which means it has a click and bump, but takes more pressure to activate the key giving it a different feel. Different people prefer different switches, and it's great that you have a decent selection when looking at the QuickFire Rapid.
Comment

Pro
 Great cable solution

Not only is the cable detachable, but it has cable routing as well. If you want, you can swap out the included braided cable for a longer/shorter/different coloured one that suits your setup better. Also, if you brake the cable (or your pet does), it's cheap to get a new one and very easy to do. Cable routing helps organize your cables in a more pleasing way. Instead of having the cord come right out the middle of the back, you can have it go on either side of the back which can help make your setup look cleaner.
Comment

Con
 Full numberpad costs more

The tenkeyless design (no numberpad on the right) makes the keyboard more compact, but isn't great for anybody that works with spreadsheets. The full sized keyboard is also available, however it costs significantly more.
Comment

Con
 No backlite

There isn't any backlighting on this keyboard. Typing in the dark will be harder to find the keys (especially special characters like @, $ and &). A backlit keyboard also brings a more premium feel to it.
Comment

Pro
 Removable USB cable

While this might not seem like a big deal, having to replace your beloved keyboard because the cable has been broken through frequent wrapping can be frustrating.
Comment

Pro
 Cherry stabilizers

The Leopold Tenkeyless Tactile Touch uses Cherry stabilizers on all of its keys.
Comment

Pro
 Grainy keycaps

This Leopold keyboard ships with PBT (short for "polybutylene terephthalate") keycaps which have a grainy texture that some might prefer as it helps prevent fingers from slipping. They are also known to withstand wear well.
Comment

Pro
 High quality components for a low price

The practical design of this keyboard is typical of high-end mechanical keyboards, only differing in the details. The matte black chassis has rounded corners and a simple design. This keyboard uses Cherry MX switches, common among keyboards that cost significantly more than the Leopold.
Comment

Con
 Easily bends

This keyboard easily suffers from a bit of flexing, something other keyboards in this price range don't suffer from.
Comment

Con
 No extra features (such as macros or USB passthrough)

This is an affordable board, therefore it lacks some of the more premium features found on more expensive boards. It doesn't have any macro capabilities which can be useful for heavy users (macros are recorded key sequences which can be activated with a single button press - these can be used in games to automate some tasks, or in other programs to get repetitive tasks done quicker). There's also no USB passthrough option. Some keyboards let you plug your mouse or a USB key right into the keyboard, which helps keep cables looking tidier, while being more accessible.
Comment

Con
 No backlighting makes night-time use harder

Backlighting is common among high-end keyboards, but the Leopold doesn't have this feature. While most users looking for a mechanical keyboard will be able to type without looking at the keys, sometimes the special characters can still be hit or miss. In the dark, it might take a few tries before getting the intended special character.
Comment

Pro
 Great value for money

With a retail price of $96.86, this keyboard is considerably more affordable than most ergonomic keyboards on the market. It doesn’t have the same caliber as more premium keyboards, but it’s a top option for those on a budget who are looking for a good ergonomic option.
Comment

Pro
 Ergonomic and comfortable

The 4000 keyboard is designed to be more comfortable to type on than regular rectangular keyboards. Its key rows curve to match the human hands’ angled resting position, eliminating the wrist strain that happens with regular keyboards. This is an important factor in reducing the risk of injury.
Comment

Pro
 Key swapping for macOS

On macOS, users have the option of swapping the Windows and Alt keys, so they match the Option and Command key order found on standard Apple keyboards, even if no alternate keycaps or stickers are provided for use with this OS.
Comment

Pro
 Several additional, personalizable keys

This keyboard has hotkeys for things like media control, zoom or launching applications. The function keys also have secondary functions, activated by an F-lock key. Some of them are customizable via a companion app (for Windows and macOS) that ships with the keyboard.
Comment

Pro
 Great for people with big hands

Due to its size, this keyboard is great for those who have big hands.
Comment

Pro
 Can be used with a negative tilt

While the 4000 keyboard can be raised at the back like conventional keyboards, it also comes with a detachable platform that raises the front of the keyboard. This creates a negative tilt more natural to the arm-hand alignment.
Comment

Pro
 Ergonomic wrist support

Foam cushions support one’s wrists while typing, preventing “hanging hands,” which can cause fatigue over extended periods.
Comment

Con
 Noisy

Despite not using mechanical switches, the 4000 keyboard is quite noisy, so it’s not the best pick for those looking for a silent option.
Comment

Con
 Most of the extra functionality keys are not supported on macOS

This keyboard has a lot of extra functionality keys useful for daily tasks, like media controls or back/forward keys. Unfortunately, most of them are not supported on macOS, even after driver installation.
Comment

Con
 No mechanical switches

The 4000 keyboard uses the same traditional rubber dome switches found on common keyboards, unlike the mechanical switches found on many other good programming keyboards. Rubber dome switches are inconsistent and always need to be bottomed out with each key press. They are also not especially durable, lasting about a quarter of the time their mechanical counterparts last. It should be noted this switch option is one of the main reasons why this keyboard is so affordable.
Comment

Con
 No USB ports

Can't connect any external devices, since there aren't any USB ports.
Comment

Con
 Almost all the keys are hard to press

The keys can feel too rigid due to the force needed to press them down. This hinders the typing process, making it less fluid.
Comment

Con
 Key layout is hard to reconfigure

It's hard to reconfigure the 4000's default key layout. Some users would like to have the option of moving a few keys around, which is very difficult with this keyboard.
Comment

Con
 No right hand Windows key

There is no right hand Windows key.
Comment

Con
 Not very portable

With external dimensions of 19.8’’ x 10.3’’ x 3.26’’ (503 mm x 262 mm x 82.8 mm) and weighing 2.9 pounds (1.3 kg), this keyboard is not easy to carry around.
Comment

Con
 Only solves some RSI problems

While this does help with many RSI problems, it still has the ergonomic disadvantages of a standard keyboard layout.
Comment

Con
 Key printing gets erased after a short time

After 2 or 3 months of use, the most used keys loose their printed symbols.
Comment

Con
 The space bar is hard to press

While it's new, the space bar needs quite some force to be pressed down.
Comment

Pro
 Quiet

Comment

Pro
 Waterproof

Comment

Con
 Fixed cable

Comment

Pro
 Wired and Wireless mode

Comment

Pro
 Wrist rest

Comment

Pro
 Quiet

Quiet red switches.
Comment

Pro
 Wired and Wireless mode

Comment

Pro
 RGB model available under $100 as well

While the RGB model costs $80, it provides full per-key RGB lighting complete with different effects. While this doesn't offer any extra functionality, it adds some flashiness to your build.
Comment

Pro
 White backlight has adjustable brightness levels

The base model of the keyboard offers a white backlight (no RGB), and the brightness of the backlight can be adjusted to suit the ambient lighting.
Comment

Con
 Uses knockoff switches

This keyboard uses the Kailh switches instead of the more common Cherry MX switches. Kailh switches are made in China instead of Germany where the Cherry MX switches are made. The Kailh switches don't last as long, and the quality testing isn't as vigorous as Cherry's. The switch naming scheme is very similar, however Kailh switches are typically heavier than the comparable Cherry switches.
Comment

Pro
 Choice of brown or blue switches

There are two switches to choose from: Kailh blue or Kailh brown. The blue switches offer a bump at the activation point as well as a click, while the brown switches offer a bump without the click. These switches are slightly heavier than the corresponding Cherry MX switches, but are similar in the way they act.
Comment

Pro
 Minimal, sleek looking design

The bezels of the keyboard are small, and the design of the board is minimal instead of gaudy gamer-focused designs. It has a volume roller in the top right accompanied by the mute button which makes the board feel more premium than it's price point would suggest. The keys also appear to be floating - while most keyboards have their keys recessed behind the casing, these ones aren't. this leaves their side exposed, and makes for a more unique design than other boards.
Comment

Con
 Not adjustable/programmable, and no macro support

Other than brightness levels (and lighting modes for the RGB model), this is a basic board. It doesn't support macros, and there are no profiles you can adjust. This will be fine for most users, however heavy users will miss these features.
Comment

Pro
 Split 3D layout for extremely comfortable typing

Our hands naturally rest angled when in front of us, and this keyboard has been built to conform to that instead of us awkwardly trying to straighten our hands on a regular flat keyboard which puts strain on our wrists. The split in the middle lets the keyboard be angled to best suit natural typing position. The keyboard is also curved into a 3D dome shape, which also helps reduce strain and make typing more comfortable, because this design puts the keys where your fingers naturally rest.
Comment

Pro
 Low impact keys

The Sculpt's keys absorb impact quite well, avoiding injuries related to repetitive movements.
Comment

Pro
 Quiet

Thanks to the scissor switches used, this keyboard is very quiet.
Comment

Pro
 Wireless means cleaner look and flexible use

This keyboard connects to your computer or laptop wirelessly. This offers many benefits: • Clean look (no cables to get tangled or droop around your desk) • Flexible use (range is much longer than a wired connection so you have the flexibility to move the keyboard around) • Doesn't require ports (especially if you have a laptop, the number of ports are limited. A wireless keyboard doesn't require a port, which frees an additional one up for another use).
Comment

Pro
 Optional detachable numberpad

The numberpad is detachable, which means that you can move it out of the way when you aren't using it. This allows for more ergonomic mouse use, as then your mouse hand isn't reaching way past the keyboard straining your shoulder (like in a ten-keyless design). However, if you are going to be number crunching, the numberpad is going to be very handy.
Comment

Con
 Key switches used aren't ideal for long typing sessions

The switches used are scissor switches, which are similar to the ones used in laptops. They provide shallow keystrokes which don't provide the same feedback as a mechanical keyboard. These keys need to be bottomed out in order to activate, which means some strain on your finger's joints as they are constantly hitting the bottom of the stroke. Scissor-switches are also known to be less accurate than other keyboards. The key-tops are flat, and it's much easier for fingers to go wandering while mechanical and rubber dome keyboards often have recessed key-tops that help to keep your fingers in the right place and hit the keys dead-center every time.
Comment

Con
 Less durable than flat keyboards

Because of its shape and thin design, this keyboard will be easier to break in a backpack or bag than typical flat rectangular keyboards. This also makes it less portable unless you're very careful.
Comment

Pro
 Coloured lighting (not RGB)

This keyboard offers colourful lighting, and a number of lighting modes from reactive (which lights up the buttons you press) to pinwheel or linear movement. You can also program which keys you want to light up, and create your own custom lighting mode.
Comment

Pro
 Real mechanical switches provide comfortable typing

While the keyswitches aren't the popular Cherry MX switches, they are still mechanical switches: more specifically Outemu blue switches. These switches are made in China, and work similarly to the Cherry MX blue switches. They offer a tactile bump and a click at the activation point (about half way down) which is not only satisfying to hear and feel, but also provides more accurate and comfortable typing.
Comment

Con
 Uses knockoff mechanical switches

This keyboard uses the Outemu blue switches which are clones of the massively popular Cherry MX blue switches. There isn't much information available on these Outemu switches, but they are made in China and likely aren't help up to the same standard that the German made Cherry switches are.
Comment

Con
 Per-row lighting only (not RGB)

Each key only has a single LED beneath it, and can only illuminate a single colour. When all lit up, it looks colourful however the QWERTYUIOP (top row) keys will always be green, and the ZXCVBNM (bottom row) keys will always be purple.
Comment

Pro
 Minimal design looks futuristic

This keyboard has no casing surrounding the keys, which make them look like they are floating. It's a very compact keyboard and doesn't take up anymore space than it needs to, and it nails the minimalistic approach.
Comment

Pro
 Compact design is great for traveling and comfort

Unless you often use the number pad, it's actually better to not have one. It puts your mouse about 3 inches closer to the keyboard which is a more natural position for your shoulder, making it more ergonomic to use for long periods of time (especially when gaming). Because it's shorter, it's also easier to fit into a backpack or bag to bring to or from work/LAN parties/home etc.
Comment

Pro
 Mechanical switches for fast, accurate typing

The Zorro switches used offer a tactile bump as well as a satisfying click which signifies when the key has been pressed (activation point is about halfway down the keystroke). These work similar to the extremely popular Cherry MX blue switches. The feedback (both physical and audio) lets you know when the key has been pressed far enough, which lets you type faster as you don't have to press the key down fully. It also lets you know if you mistakenly hit a key, as you'll hear one too many clicks and can correct the typo before typing more.
Comment

Con
 Data entry is harder without a number-pad

Anybody who uses Excel or other spreadsheet programs for even personal use will really appreciate having a dedicated number-pad. This keyboard doesn't have a variant that includes a number-pad.
Comment

Con
 Imitation key switches have poor quality control

Chinese knock-off switches quality varies a lot between manufacturers - some knock-offs provide a similar switch to Cherry's MX line of switches, while others have many issues. The switches used in this board are Zorro, and there is almost no information online about them. Based on Amazon reviews, it seems like these switches aren't as high quality as Cherry MX switches and the stems are a bit wobbly. Your mileage may vary.
Comment
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