Best Gaming Keyboard Under $100 Australia
You don't need to spend $200+ to get a solid gaming keyboard in Australia. Under $100 AUD, brands like Logitech, Razer, and SteelSeries offer mechanical switches, RGB lighting, and anti-ghosting that handle competitive gaming well. The key decision at this price is mechanical vs membrane and whether you need wireless.
Buying Guide: What to Look For
- 1Mechanical switches (Cherry MX, Gateron, or Razer equivalents) feel better and last longer than membrane — prioritise these even at the budget end
- 2Check the switch type: Red/Linear for fast gaming, Blue/Clicky for typing feedback, Brown/Tactile for a middle ground
- 3Full-size keyboards include a numpad but take more desk space — TKL (tenkeyless) saves ~10cm of mouse room which matters for low-sensitivity FPS players
- 4Look for N-key rollover or at least 6-key rollover to ensure every keypress registers during intense gaming
- 5USB passthrough and media keys are nice-to-haves but add cost — skip them if you're tight on budget
Top 5 Gaming Picks for Australia
Logitech
Logitech G413 SE Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
| switchType | Tactile Mechanical |
| layout | Full-size |
| backlighting | White LED |
| connection | USB-A wired |
| keycaps | PBT |
Pros
- Tactile mechanical switches with a satisfying feel
- Aluminium-alloy top case feels premium at this price
- White LED backlighting with adjustable brightness
- PBT keycaps included — more durable than standard ABS
Cons
- No RGB — single-colour white backlighting only
- Full-size only — no TKL variant available
Verdict
Best overall pick with tactile mechanical switches, aluminium top plate, and reliable Logitech build quality under $80.
Razer
Razer BlackWidow V3 Tenkeyless
| switchType | Razer Green (Clicky) |
| layout | Tenkeyless (TKL) |
| backlighting | Razer Chroma RGB |
| connection | USB-C wired |
| keycaps | Doubleshot ABS |
Pros
- TKL layout frees up mouse room for low-sensitivity players
- Razer Chroma RGB with per-key customisation
- Doubleshot ABS keycaps resist fading
- Detachable USB-C cable for easy transport
Cons
- Razer Green switches are loud — not ideal for shared spaces
- Sits near the $100 ceiling — watch for sales to get it under budget
Verdict
Compact TKL layout with Razer Green switches and full RGB — ideal for FPS gamers who want desk space.
SteelSeries
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL Gaming Keyboard
| switchType | Membrane (Whisper-Quiet) |
| layout | Tenkeyless (TKL) |
| backlighting | 10-zone RGB |
| connection | USB-A wired |
| keycaps | ABS |
Pros
- Near-silent keystrokes won't disturb housemates
- IP32 water and dust resistance protects against spills
- 10-zone RGB lighting with SteelSeries Engine software
- Magnetic wrist rest included in the box
Cons
- Membrane switches lack the crisp feel of mechanical
- Limited macro customisation compared to mechanical boards
Verdict
Whisper-quiet membrane switches with IP32 water resistance — great for late-night gaming or spill-prone desks.
HyperX
HyperX Alloy Origins Core TKL
| switchType | HyperX Red (Linear) |
| layout | Tenkeyless (TKL) |
| backlighting | Per-key RGB |
| connection | USB-C wired |
| keycaps | ABS |
Pros
- Full aluminium body is unusually sturdy at this price
- HyperX Red linear switches are smooth for gaming
- Per-key RGB with HyperX NGENUITY software
- Detachable USB-C cable
Cons
- No included wrist rest
- Software is Windows-only — Mac users get basic RGB only
Verdict
Aircraft-grade aluminium body with HyperX Red linear switches — feels like a $150 keyboard at under $90.
Redragon
Redragon K552 Kumara RGB Mechanical Keyboard
| switchType | Outemu Blue (Clicky) |
| layout | Tenkeyless (TKL) |
| backlighting | Per-key RGB |
| connection | USB-A wired |
| keycaps | ABS |
Pros
- Usually under $50 AUD on Amazon AU
- Outemu Blue mechanical switches rated for 50M keypresses
- Per-key RGB backlighting with multiple effects
- Compact TKL layout
Cons
- Outemu Blue switches are very loud
- Keycap quality is noticeably cheaper than Logitech or Razer
Verdict
Under $50 AUD with real mechanical switches and RGB — the budget king for gamers who want mechanical without the price tag.
Editor's Note
In Australia, Logitech G413 and Razer BlackWidow V3 are frequently discounted on Amazon AU during mid-year sales. Hot-swappable switches are starting to appear under $100 from brands like Redragon and Royal Kludge — worth considering if you want to customise feel later. Avoid grey imports for warranty; local Logitech and Razer warranty is 2 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cheap mechanical keyboards good for gaming?
Yes. Budget mechanical keyboards from Logitech, Razer, and SteelSeries use quality switches rated for 50-100 million keypresses. The main trade-off vs premium boards is build material (plastic vs aluminium) and software features, not switch quality.
What switch type is best for gaming?
Linear switches (Red) are most popular for gaming because they actuate smoothly without a tactile bump, allowing faster repeated presses. Tactile (Brown) switches work well if you also type a lot. Clicky (Blue) switches are loud and generally not recommended for gaming.
Is a TKL keyboard better for gaming than full-size?
For FPS and competitive gaming, yes. TKL keyboards free up desk space for wider mouse movements. If you use the numpad for work or MMO keybinds, stick with full-size.
Do I need a wrist rest with a gaming keyboard?
It depends on your desk setup. Most budget keyboards sit at a fixed height. A separate wrist rest ($15-25 AUD) helps reduce strain during long sessions. Some keyboards like the Razer Ornata include one in the box.
Affiliate disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. If you purchase via our links, AUPicks may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our rankings — all picks are based on genuine research.