A few months ago, I switched to the Aula F75 Pro, and it completely changed the way I work. If you read my review, My Honest Review: Using the Aula F75 Pro Keyboard for 2 Months, you know I went from using a flat Apple Magic Keyboard to finally enjoying the comfort and feel of a mechanical keyboard. Typing suddenly became easier on my hands and honestly more enjoyable.
That upgrade got me curious about what else is out there. If one affordable keyboard could make such a big difference, what other options could help remote workers like us? So, I did the research and put together this guide to the best budget mechanical keyboards under $100. Each one delivers solid value, reliable quality, and features that make long hours of typing a lot more comfortable.
Here are my top five picks for 2025.
#5 Keychron K5 QMK – $99
The vibe: The sleek, low-profile professional.
Why it stands out: If you love the slim feel of laptop keyboards but want the satisfying touch of mechanical switches, this one is a great choice. Its ultra-slim design is easier on the wrists compared to taller keys, and it’s fully customizable with QMK software, so you can remap keys however you like. The Bluetooth 5.2 connection is stable and lets you pair it with your laptop, tablet, or even your phone.
Keep in mind: If you prefer the classic tall keycaps of a traditional mechanical keyboard, the low-profile design may feel a bit different.
#4 Durgod Taurus K320 – $95
The vibe: The sturdy and silent workhorse.
Why it stands out: This board feels built to last. It’s solid, doesn’t slide around, and features Cherry MX Silent Red switches. You get the mechanical feel without the loud clacking, which is perfect for shared spaces or Zoom-heavy days.
Keep in mind: This one skips the number pad, so if you use it often, the compact “tenkeyless” design might take some adjusting.
#3 Cherry KC 200 MX – $80
The vibe: The modern office classic.
Why it stands out: From the brand that basically invented the mechanical switch, this is all about professional reliability. It uses the new MX2A Silent Red switches for smooth and quiet typing, and the metal plate inside makes it feel sturdy and premium. The clean design also blends nicely into any home office setup.
Keep in mind: This one’s focused on productivity, so don’t expect RGB lighting or hot-swappable switches.
#2 Epomaker Ajazz AK820 Pro – $70
The vibe: The smooth custom keyboard with a twist.
Why it stands out: The typing experience here feels soft and cushioned thanks to its gasket-mounted design. It also has a small customizable display and a knob you can program for volume or shortcuts. It works wired or wireless, making it flexible for different setups.
Keep in mind: The little screen is more about style than necessity, but it does add some character.
#1 Aula F75 Pro – $64
The vibe: The all-around champ.
Why it stands out: This one is my daily driver and my top pick for value. It comes loaded with premium features at a budget price: three connection modes (USB-C, wireless dongle, Bluetooth), a volume knob, and hot-swappable switches. That last feature is huge—it means you can swap out the switches anytime without needing special tools or soldering.
Keep in mind: It’s not officially designed for Mac, so if you’re an Apple user you’ll need a free app like Karabiner-Elements to remap keys. Once that’s set, it works smoothly.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend hundreds to upgrade your typing experience. All of these keyboards prove that under $100, you can still find great build quality, comfort, and features that make remote work easier.
If you’ve been thinking about making the switch, now’s the time. A good keyboard doesn’t just look nice on your desk, it can genuinely improve how you feel after a long day of work.
Want to plan your own setup?
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