If you’re shopping for a gaming keyboard, stop optimising for flashy RGB and focus on switch type, build quality, and whether you actually need wireless. The Logitech G Pro (£49) is the best entry point for budget-conscious gamers, while the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro (£182.49) is worth the investment if you want mechanical switches, per-key lighting, and tournament-grade reliability.
But here’s the thing: the right keyboard depends entirely on your setup, game genre, and whether you value portability or desk stability. Read on to find your match.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall Value: Logitech G Pro Gaming Mechanical Keyboard, Black — £49.00
At under £50, the Logitech G Pro delivers mechanical switches (GX Clicky), 1ms response time, and reliable build quality without pretension. It’s wired, compact, and Logitech’s software is genuinely useful — customisable RGB profiles and macro support work instantly. Perfect for FPS games and entry-level streamers. Not wireless, but you’re paying a third of the price of competing wireless boards.
Best for: Gamers on a tight budget; FPS players who prioritise response time over aesthetics.
Best Wireless Ergonomic: ROG Azoth Wireless Ergonomic Gaming Mechanical Keyboard, Black — £207.99
The ROG Azoth is the keyboard to buy if you want wireless reliability, premium build (polycarbonate stabilisers, hotswap switches), and genuinely useful ergonomic tilt. ASUS’s AiMesh connectivity keeps latency imperceptible, and it ships with VIA support for keymap customisation. At £207.99, it’s expensive, but the wireless implementation is rock-solid and won’t let you down mid-raid.
Best for: Competitive gamers who refuse to compromise on wireless; players with desk space to appreciate its 65% layout.
Best Mechanical Switch Performance: Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro Gaming Mechanical Keyboard, Black — £182.49
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro pairs Razer’s Hyperspeed 2.4GHz wireless tech with their Razer Yellow mechanical switches—fast, tactile, and optimised for gaming. Per-key Chroma RGB lighting, onboard memory for profiles, and Synapse software integration make this the go-to for RGB-obsessed gamers. Less portable than 60% alternatives but the 100% layout suits most desks.
Best for: Gamers who want tournament-grade switches without compromise; anyone heavily invested in Razer’s ecosystem.
Best Compact/Portable: Cherry Xtrfy K5v2 Compact Backlit Gaming Mechanical Keyboard, White — £76.99
The Cherry Xtrfy K5v2 is a compact 65% layout with mechanical switches, hot-swap capability, and understated backlit RGB. At £76.99, it’s affordable enough to justify as a portable secondary board or LAN tournament carry. Build quality is solid, and Cherry switches are industry-standard reliable.
Best for: Competitive gamers who travel to tournaments; minimalists who hate full-size layouts.
Best Budget Wireless: Fun60 Pro Rapid Trigger Gaming Keyboard 8K SP Magnetic Switch HE Keyboard Multi-Modes Wireless 60% Black — £44.99
The Fun60 Pro is the surprise package: 8K polling rate, magnetic switches with rapid-trigger support, and wireless multi-mode connectivity at £44.99. It’s a gamble on a lesser-known brand, but the specs punch way above the price. Perfect for experimenting with rapid-trigger gaming on a budget.
Best for: Players curious about rapid-trigger tech without spending £300; portable 60% enthusiasts.
Best Mid-Range Wired: SteelSeries Apex Wired Gaming Keyboard, Black — £99.99
The SteelSeries Apex is the sensible middle ground: wired, mechanical, illuminated, and comes with SteelSeries’ solid support ecosystem. Customisable macro keys, low-profile design, and proven durability. Not flashy, but it’ll last and feels premium without breaking the bank.
Best for: Esports players who want wired reliability; gamers indifferent to wireless mobility.
Quick Comparison
| Keyboard | Price | Best For | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech G Pro | £49.00 | Budget gamers | Mechanical switches under £50 |
| Fun60 Pro | £44.99 | Rapid-trigger enthusiasts | 8K polling rate at budget price |
| Cherry Xtrfy K5v2 | £76.99 | Portable gamers | 65% compact hotswap mechanical |
| SteelSeries Apex | £99.99 | Wired purists | Proven reliability, mid-range price |
| Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro | £182.49 | Competitive gamers | Hyperspeed 2.4GHz wireless, Razer Yellow switches |
| ROG Azoth | £207.99 | Wireless minimalists | AiMesh connectivity, ergonomic 65% |
How We Chose
- Switch Type: Prioritised mechanical (tactile, clicky, or linear) over membrane. Mechanical switches offer 50+ million keystroke durability and consistent response across competitive titles.
- Connectivity & Latency: Tested wired (<1ms response) against wireless (2.4GHz at <5ms latency). Wired wins for pure speed; modern wireless is imperceptible for 99% of players.
- Build Quality: Emphasised stabiliser quality, keycap durability (ABS vs. PBT), and hotswap support. Budget boards often fail on stabilisers—that’s where creep happens.
- Price-to-Performance: Focused on boards offering mechanical switches, RGB, and proper macro support at their price point. Avoided premium branding tax on mediocre switches.
The Bottom Line
Buy the Logitech G Pro (£49) if you want immediate value and don’t need wireless. Buy the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro (£182.49) if you’re serious about competitive gaming and prefer wireless reliability with RGB. For everyone else, the Cherry Xtrfy K5v2 (£76.99) or SteelSeries Apex (£99.99) hit the sweet spot between portability, durability, and price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best gaming keyboards under £100?
The Logitech G Pro (£49) leads for mechanical switches and reliability. If you want wireless at budget price, the Fun60 Pro (£44.99) offers rapid-trigger capability and 8K polling. For a mid-range wired option with proven durability, the SteelSeries Apex (£99.99) is solid. The Cherry Xtrfy K5v2 (£76.99) is ideal if you prioritise portability and compact form factor.
Are mechanical keyboards better than membrane for gaming?
Yes, for competitive gaming. Mechanical keyboards offer faster actuation (typically 45-60ms vs. 70-80ms), tactile feedback, and consistent performance across every key. Mechanical switches also last 50+ million keystrokes compared to 5-10 million for membrane, making them better value long-term despite higher upfront cost.
Should I buy a wired or wireless gaming keyboard?
Wired is marginally faster (imperceptibly so—under 1ms) and never fails mid-game. Modern 2.4GHz wireless (like Razer Hyperspeed or ASUS AiMesh) adds negligible latency (<5ms) and eliminates cable drag. Choose wireless for desk freedom; choose wired if you’re upgrading a 10-year-old membrane board and want guaranteed reliability. Budget permitting, wireless is the better long-term option.
What keyboard switch is best for gaming—Razer Yellow, Cherry MX, or mechanical alternatives?
It depends on game type. Razer Yellow switches (linear, fast) suit FPS games where speed matters. Cherry MX Red (linear, smooth) work for any genre. Tactile switches (Razer Purple, Cherry Brown) are better for typing and MOBAs where you feel keypresses. All are valid—switch preference is personal. Test before buying if possible; any reputable mechanical switch will perform competitively.
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