The best gifts to get keyboard lovers — even if they already have a keyboard they love.
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If you've got a gamer, a writer, or, well, anyone who uses a computer for any reason in your life, they could probably use a keyboard upgrade. Even keyboard enthusiasts with multiple mechanical boards will appreciate a new one, especially if it fills a niche — say, a low-profile board that's portable and perfect for traveling, or a nostalgia-inducing retro-inspired board that's reminiscent of their favorite old-school game console.
Mechanical keyboards don't usually come cheap, but there are several budget-friendly boards that any keyboard lover would be thrilled to receive. And if they've already got the board of their dreams, pick up a fun accessory — a cool-looking cable, some pretty keycaps, or a wrist rest — to really elevate their typing experience.
There aren't a ton of budget-friendly mechanical keyboards built for keyboard enthusiasts, but there are a few. These are all pre-built, so your recipient won't need to know how to assemble anything, but you can also often pick up bare-bones keyboard kits for cheaper than their fully built counterparts.
This full-size wired mechanical keyboard comes with red (linear) or brown (tactile) switches and has a hot-swappable PCB, PBT keycaps, and up to a 1,000 Hz polling rate — so it's great for both work and play.
This full-size wired mechanical keyboard comes with red (linear) or brown (tactile) switches and has a hot-swappable PCB, PBT keycaps, and up to a 1,000 Hz polling rate — so it's great for both work and play.
This compact 75% keyboard comes with Leobog Reaper switches, PBT keycaps, and a programmable knob. The shell is mostly plastic, but the layers of sound-dampening material make for a nice "thock."
This compact 75% keyboard comes with Leobog Reaper switches, PBT keycaps, and a programmable knob. The shell is mostly plastic, but the layers of sound-dampening material make for a nice "thock."
This 75% wireless mechanical keyboard features a gasket mount design, PBT keycaps, bright RGB backlighting, and a customizable TFT screen, as well as a programmable knob. And a hot-swappable PCB so you can bring your own switches.
This 75% wireless mechanical keyboard features a gasket mount design, PBT keycaps, bright RGB backlighting, and a customizable TFT screen, as well as a programmable knob. And a hot-swappable PCB so you can bring your own switches.
This low-profile wireless 75% mechanical keyboard comes with a wrist rest that doubles as a keyboard stand to adjust the angle. The board comes with low-profile linear switches and features a full aluminum body, so it looks and feels premium — but still costs under $100.
This low-profile wireless 75% mechanical keyboard comes with a wrist rest that doubles as a keyboard stand to adjust the angle. The board comes with low-profile linear switches and features a full aluminum body, so it looks and feels premium — but still costs under $100.
This 87-key Bluetooth/2.4GHz/USB keyboard has all the retro vibes of a classic IBM-style keyboard, but without the huge price tag! Kailh Box Switch V2 White mechanical key switches, dye-sub PBT keycaps, and multiple connection options make this a great keyboard for retro computing and getting work done.
This 87-key Bluetooth/2.4GHz/USB keyboard has all the retro vibes of a classic IBM-style keyboard, but without the huge price tag! Kailh Box Switch V2 White mechanical key switches, dye-sub PBT keycaps, and multiple connection options make this a great keyboard for retro computing and getting work done.
An OG-Xbox-inspired 87-key keyboard with RGB backlight! You get 87 keys with Kailh Jellyfish X switches, double-layered ABS keycaps, and a lovely translucent green plastic shell! The colored cursor keys are beautiful.
An OG-Xbox-inspired 87-key keyboard with RGB backlight! You get 87 keys with Kailh Jellyfish X switches, double-layered ABS keycaps, and a lovely translucent green plastic shell! The colored cursor keys are beautiful.
If you're shopping for a keyboard enthusiast — or anyone who already has a keyboard they love, getting them a keyboard as a gift probably won't go over quite as well. But that doesn't mean you can't still pick up an accessory or two to complement their favorite board.
Best Budget Mechanical Keyboards 2026: Our tested picks under $100
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Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/gift-guides-seasonal-sales/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/gift-guides-seasonal-sales/keyboards-and-keyboard-accessories-under-usd100-budget-friendly-gifts-for-keyboard-enthusiasts#main
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Informational only. No financial advice. Do your own research.