Best Mechanical Keyboard Under £100 UK
You no longer need to spend £150+ for a quality mechanical keyboard. The sub-£100 market in the UK now includes hot-swappable switches, wireless connectivity and solid aluminium frames. Whether you type code all day or game in the evenings, these boards deliver the tactile feedback membrane keyboards cannot match.
What to Look For
- 1Choose your switch type first: Red (linear, quiet) for gaming, Brown (tactile bump, moderate noise) for mixed use, Blue (clicky, loud) for typing purists — most UK offices will tolerate Brown but not Blue.
- 2Hot-swappable sockets let you change switches later without soldering — worth paying an extra £10-15 for if you are new to mechanical keyboards and unsure which switch you prefer.
- 3UK ISO layout is essential unless you specifically want US ANSI — check the product listing carefully, as many Amazon UK listings default to US layout.
- 4If you plan to use it wirelessly, check Bluetooth version and battery life — Bluetooth 5.1 gives faster reconnection than older versions.
- 5Keycap material matters: PBT keycaps resist shine and finger oil far longer than ABS plastic, which gets glossy within months of daily use.
Our Top Picks
Keychron V3 QMK/VIA Wired Mechanical Keyboard
Pros
- Hot-swappable sockets work with any 3-pin or 5-pin MX-style switch
- Fully programmable via QMK/VIA open-source firmware
- Pre-lubed Gateron switches feel smooth out of the box
- Screw-in stabilisers reduce rattle on larger keys
Cons
- Wired only — no Bluetooth option at this price point
- Stock keycaps are decent ABS, not premium PBT
The best all-rounder under £100 — hot-swappable Gateron switches, QMK programmability and a solid build that punches well above its price.
HyperX Alloy Origins Core TKL Mechanical Keyboard
Pros
- Full aluminium body feels premium and stays put on desk
- HyperX Red linear switches are pre-lubed and very smooth
- Detachable USB-C cable for easy transport
- Per-key RGB with HyperX NGENUITY software customisation
Cons
- Not hot-swappable — switches are soldered
- No wireless option
A compact tenkeyless board with HyperX's own smooth linear switches and aircraft-grade aluminium frame — built to survive years of heavy use.
Royal Kludge RK84 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Pros
- Triple-mode connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4GHz dongle and USB-C wired
- Hot-swappable switches for easy customisation
- 75% compact layout with dedicated arrow and function keys
- Priced consistently under £60 on Amazon UK
Cons
- Bluetooth can occasionally lag during fast gaming
- Stock stabilisers are rattly — benefit from a DIY lube job
The cheapest way to get wireless, hot-swappable and RGB in one package — remarkable value under £60 that has earned a cult following in the UK mech community.
Corsair K65 Plus Wireless 75% Mechanical Keyboard
Pros
- Hot-swappable MLX Red linear switches pre-lubed from factory
- Corsair iCUE software for deep RGB and macro customisation
- Wireless via Slipstream 2.4GHz with sub-1ms latency
- PBT double-shot keycaps included — rare at this price
Cons
- Sits right at the £100 mark — less headroom than budget options
- iCUE software is resource-heavy on older PCs
Corsair's entry into the enthusiast-friendly 75% space with hot-swap, pre-lubed switches and their polished iCUE software — a safe choice from a trusted brand.
Redragon K552 Kumara Mechanical Keyboard
Pros
- Consistently under £40 — lowest entry point for mechanical
- Outemu Blue switches deliver a satisfying clicky typing experience
- Splash-resistant PCB for minor spill protection
- Compact TKL layout saves desk space
Cons
- Blue switches are loud — not suitable for shared offices
- No wireless option and non-detachable cable
At around £40, this is the cheapest way into mechanical keyboards — no frills, but the Outemu switches are genuinely satisfying to type on.
Editor's Note
The sub-£100 mechanical keyboard market has been transformed by brands like Keychron and Royal Kludge offering features that were £150+ territory two years ago. For UK buyers, check whether the listing ships from a UK warehouse — some budget brands ship from overseas with 2-3 week delivery. Amazon Prime-eligible listings are the safest bet for returns if you dislike the switch feel.