These 5 Compact Mechanical Keyboards All Cost Under $100

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Your mouse needs room to move, and your full-size keyboard is in the way. A compact mechanical keyboard clears some space while keeping your everyday keys close. The choice comes down to which keys and features you want on your desk.

A 75% layout keeps a dedicated function row and arrow keys while dropping the number pad. A 65% board removes the function row and puts those commands on a secondary layer. Here are five options under $100, from a wired board to a wireless model you can customize.

Start with the keys you use. If you enter numbers all day, none of these replaces a full-size number pad. If you use the function row for shortcuts, a 75% layout keeps it within reach. If a smaller key layout comes first, the R65 keeps arrow keys and moves the function commands to a layer.

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1. Keychron K2: A familiar layout for a smaller desk

Keychron packs 84 keys into the K2’s 75% layout, including arrow and function keys. You get more desk space and keep those controls right where you can reach them.

It connects to up to three devices over Bluetooth and also works through USB-C. If you split your day between a laptop and a tablet, you can switch devices instead of moving a cable every time. Mac and Windows keycaps are included, and the listed version has white backlighting.

The K2 has a 4,000 mAh battery. Keychron lists up to 240 hours with the backlight off. Turn the light off to use the keyboard under those rated conditions.

Price: $79.99
Where to Buy: Amazon

The trade-off is that Bluetooth and a cable are your connection choices. If you want a USB wireless receiver or plan to change switches, look at the V1 Max instead.

Buy the K2 for a compact wireless keyboard with a function row. Skip it if you need a number pad or a 2.4 GHz receiver.

2. Keychron K3 v2: A slimmer keyboard for moving around

The K3 v2 keeps the function row and arrow keys of a 75% layout in a slimmer body. Keychron lists its weight at about 1.06 pounds.

Pair it with up to three devices over Bluetooth or connect through USB-C. Keychron rates the battery for up to 34 hours with the backlight at its lowest setting.

Price: $84
Where to Buy: Amazon

The listed Amazon model has brown low-profile mechanical switches and white lighting. Keychron says the low-profile switches are 40% slimmer than conventional switches. That lower design is the point here: you keep a mechanical keyboard and get a slimmer board to carry.

Keychron includes Mac and Windows keycaps, so you can label the controls for the computer you use.

Buy the K3 v2 if you want a low-profile 75% board for a shared desk or travel. Skip it if you want a taller, traditional keyboard or a 2.4 GHz receiver.

3. Keychron V1 Max: The one for changing switches

The V1 Max gives you Bluetooth, a 2.4 GHz receiver, and USB-C on a 75% layout. The receiver gives you a wireless option for a computer that doesn’t have Bluetooth. Keychron lists a 1,000 Hz polling rate over 2.4 GHz and wired, while Bluetooth runs at 90 Hz.

Its hot-swappable sockets let you replace compatible mechanical switches without soldering. Connect the keyboard by cable and use Keychron’s browser-based Launcher to remap keys, set macros, and assign shortcuts. The listed model has Gateron Jupiter Red switches, a knob, and double-shot PBT keycaps.

Price: $99.99
Where to Buy: Amazon

Keychron says the gasket mount and internal foam reduce resonance. The PBT keycaps don’t let the backlight shine through their legends, so choose another board if illuminated letters are important to you.

The V1 Max supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. Keychron includes Mac and Windows keycaps and a system toggle, so you can change the layout when you change computers.

Buy the V1 Max if you want wireless choices and room to customize. Skip it if you want the lowest price or a slim board for your bag.

4. AULA F75 Pro: Wireless features for less

AULA’s 81-key board connects over Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, or USB-C. Use the receiver at your desktop and Bluetooth with another device.

The black version has pre-lubed Reaper switches and side-printed PBT keycaps. The hot-swap sockets support compatible three- and five-pin switches, so a change of switch doesn’t mean buying another keyboard.

Price: $68.99
Where to Buy: Amazon

AULA lists five layers of sound-dampening material and a gasket mount. The board also has a rechargeable 4,000 mAh battery, so the cable isn’t your only way to use it at a desk.

The knob has separate modes for media and lighting. In office mode, turn it to change volume and press it to play or pause. In gaming mode, it controls lighting brightness and effects. The side-printed legends leave the tops of the keycaps clear, a different look from the conventional legends on the Keychron boards.

Buy the F75 Pro if you want a wireless 75% keyboard with replaceable switches for less than the Keychron V1 Max. Skip it if you want low-profile keys or a smaller 65% layout.

5. RK Royal Kludge R65: A wired board with fewer keys

RK calls the R65 a 65% keyboard. Its 66-key layout keeps arrow keys and a volume knob, but the function commands share the number row. Press Fn + left Ctrl to switch between the number and function keys. Check the space on your desk against the keyboard’s dimensions, not the layout percentage alone.

The listed black model connects by USB-C and comes with linear Cream switches. Its hot-swappable sockets accept compatible three- and five-pin switches, and QMK/VIA support lets you remap keys. RK also includes four spare switches and a puller.

Price: $59.99
Where to Buy: Amazon

The knob adjusts volume and mutes audio when pressed. RK also lists double-shot PBT keycaps and QMK/VIA programming for shortcuts and macros. The included spare switches give you replacements in the box if you need one later.

The wired connection keeps the R65 tied to your desk. For a keyboard you can switch between devices wirelessly, choose one of the other models. The R65 works for a fixed setup where you want arrow keys, a volume control, and the option to change switches.

Buy the R65 if you want dedicated arrow keys in a smaller layout and don’t mind a cable. Skip it if you need wireless or use the function row constantly.

Which keyboard should you buy?

If you want a function row without spending the full $100, start with the K2. Choose the K3 v2 for a slimmer board, or the F75 Pro for wireless options and replaceable switches at a lower price than the V1 Max.

Spend more on the V1 Max if key remapping and switch changes are priorities. If you prefer fewer keys and a wired setup, the R65 keeps the arrow keys and costs the least after the coupon.

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