To find the best gaming keyboard under $100, we tested out a bunch starting as low as $30 and found that all but one performed really well for the money compared to higher-end models, even with some features missing or cheaper materials used in the budget finds.

Just like picking out a new gaming mouse, getting the right gaming keyboard has a lot to do with personal preference, from ergonomic design to whether you prefer RGB lighting, a mechanical gaming keyboard, a wireless keyboard, or a full-size keyboard.

Also, some keyboards might feel great for gaming, but you might not like them for day-to-day typing.

The tactile switch on this mechanical gaming keyboard is relatively quiet with no click when actuated, just a subtle bump and a short actuation.

Overall it's a more polished mechanical gaming keyboard than the others here, but it's also pricier at $64 and up.

The $40 G6 mechanical gaming keyboard uses Outemu Blue mechanical key switches that are clicky, and you'll have no problem feeling the actuation point as you go through your keystrokes.

This relatively cheap mechanical keyboard is short on features -- you won't find any macro keys -- and there's no software to install for programmable buttons.

That's really it, though, so if you're just looking for a budget mechanical keyboard with lights, media shortcut keys and a number pad, this hits the spot.

It's a membrane keyboard not mechanical, so the keys are quiet and definitely feel softer than the others here.

Wireless gaming keyboards are a rarity because the last thing you want to do is potentially introduce lag into your performance.

This budget wireless keyboard uses rubber-dome switches with a pronounced actuation point, which gives it more of an office-keyboard feel like the Razer Cynosa.

Gaming on it requires a touch more force than the mechanical keyboards here and rollover is limited to eight keys.

Plus, Corsair's software is straightforward to use, which makes creating custom keyboard lighting and setting up those macro keys pretty painless.

Made from ABS plastic and aluminum, the $40 waterproof K561 (yes, waterproof) mechanical gaming keyboard feels as solid as it sounds

This one is tenkeyless, too, for those who don't want or need a numberpad, but the company makes several other mechanical keyboards and all are less than $70 if you're looking for a full-size keyboard

Whether it's for comfort or you're looking to save space on your desk or in your backpack, the K561 mechanical gaming keyboard is a good pick

AmazonBasics Mechanical Feel Gaming Keyboard

It's huge, clunky and generic and won't win any design awards, and you definitely won't mistake it for a genuine mechanical keyboard

However, the keyboard may appeal to people with a budget, going for around $38 and does have some decent gaming features for the money, like RGB lighting (whole keyboard only), a row of five macro keys and three profile/mode keys for up to 15 macro keys total and gray keycaps for the WASD and arrow keys

While the macro keys are nice to have, the bottom one is directly across from the Ctrl key, so you might end up hitting the macro key by accident

(I did. A lot.) It's not a great keyboard for typing in general, either