Best mechanical keyboard under $100?

Combined ranking

1. 1
   KKeychron V1 Max—8 pts

   GPT —Claude #1Gemini #3

   Full QMK/VIA remapping, hot-swappable south-facing sockets, gasket mount with pre-installed foam, 2.4GHz/Bluetooth/wired tri-mode, and a genuinely good typing feel out of the box — all consistently under $100; the best all-around value in the category.

   To stay #1 Ship with a more premium stock keycap set (it uses double-shot PBT but the profile/sound still trails boutique kits) to close the gap on feel.

2. 2
   KKeychron V1 8K—5 pts

   GPT #1Claude —Gemini —

   $74 class-leading value, 8,000Hz polling, gasket mount, hot-swappable switches, double-shot PBT keycaps, strong RGB and easy web-based customization

   To rank higher Add reliable 2.4GHz wireless without pushing it over $100

3. 3
   WWobkey Rainy 75—5 pts

   GPT —Claude —Gemini #1

   Dense CNC 6063 aluminum build, excellent pre-lubed HMX switches, and a 5-layer internal foam stack that produce an incredibly premium, deep, and marbly "thocky" typing experience out of the box.

   To rank higher Relocate the physical power switch from underneath the Caps Lock keycap to an easily accessible external toggle.

4. 4
   NNuPhy Air75 V2—4 pts

   GPT —Claude #2Gemini —

   Standout low-profile design, excellent wireless, hot-swap low-profile switches, and the best-in-class portability/aesthetics for a slim board that still types well.

   To rank higher Bring the price down more reliably under $100 (it often hovers right at the line) and improve stock stabilizer rattle.

5. 5
   NNuPhy Node75—4 pts

   GPT #2Claude —Gemini —

   Excellent all-round 75% typing feel, standard or low-profile options, tri-mode wireless, gasket mount, PBT keycaps, useful customizable touch bar

   To rank higher Upgrade the plastic case rigidity while keeping the $99 price

6. 6
   SShortcut Studio Bridge75—4 pts

   GPT —Claude —Gemini #2

   Features a tool-free ball-catch quick-release mounting case that makes hardware modding incredibly simple, alongside superb stock acoustics and tri-mode wireless connectivity with VIA software support.

   To rank higher Upgrade the stock keycaps to a set with cleaner, more consistent legend printing and thicker PBT construction.

7. 7
   EEpomaker P75—3 pts

   GPT #3Claude —Gemini —

   Aluminum chassis, tri-mode connectivity, hot-swap switches, volume knob, crisp tactile or smooth linear options, premium feel for around $80

   To rank higher Improve the remapping software and long-term availability

8. 8
   EEpomaker TH80 Pro / AULA F75—3 pts

   GPT —Claude #3Gemini —

   Tons of features for the money — hot-swap, tri-mode wireless, gasket mount, knob, and a deep "thocky" stock sound that punches way above its ~$60 price.

   To rank higher Upgrade QC consistency and switch to fully open QMK/VIA firmware instead of the proprietary software.

9. 9
   AAULA F75—2 pts

   GPT —Claude —Gemini #4

   Incredible budget value under $60 offering exceptionally smooth stock linear switches, a highly flexible gasket-mounted plate, and full tri-mode wireless capabilities.

   To rank higher Add native QMK/VIA software support to replace its clunky, resource-heavy proprietary driver software.

10. 10
    GGamakay TK75 V2—2 pts

    GPT #4Claude —Gemini —

    Very strong $60-$70 value, comfortable 75% layout, Bluetooth/2.4GHz/USB-C, PBT keycaps, smooth switch options, per-key RGB

    To rank higher Tighten build quality and stabilizer consistency

11. 11
    RRoyal Kludge RK84 / RK R65—2 pts

    GPT —Claude #4Gemini —

    Cheapest credible entry into hot-swap tri-mode wireless, compact 75%/65% layouts, and reliable availability — an unbeatable budget on-ramp under ~$70.

    To rank higher Improve stock stabilizers and firmware/software polish, which lag the Keychron/NuPhy tier.

12. 12
    EEpomaker Ajazz AK820 Pro—1 pts

    GPT #5Claude —Gemini —

    Extremely feature-rich for under $70, tri-mode wireless, smooth linear switches, double-shot PBT keycaps, RGB, sturdy feel, battery/status screen

    To rank higher Replace the gimmicky screen with better software and cleaner firmware

13. 13
    Epomaker Galaxy80—1 pts

    GPT —Claude —Gemini #5

    Provides a heavy, premium aluminum tenkeyless (TKL) form factor with gasket-mount dampening and a rich, marbly acoustic profile for under $90.

    To rank higher Improve the factory stabilizer lubrication to eliminate the out-of-the-box wire rattle on larger keys.

14. 14
    GGMMK 2—1 pts

    GPT —Claude #5Gemini —

    Solid aluminum-accented build, hot-swap, clean compact 65%/full-size options, and easy access to Glorious's switch/keycap ecosystem.

    To rank higher Add wireless and gasket mounting at this price — it now feels dated next to tri-mode gasket boards.

By model

Tracked by ModelsAgree · rank 1 = 5 pts … rank 5 = 1 pt · re-polled continuously