Finest Gaming Keyboards For Beneath $A Hundred In 2024

The miniStreak keyboard features a USB-C-to-Type-A cable that can be detached, although it doesn't have the same aesthetic appeal as the MK730's braided cable. Following a minimalist design approach, Fnatic opted for a low-profile gray aluminum and plastic case for the miniStreak, similar to the MK730. While the backside of the keyboard is constructed from plastic, you can route the cable exclusively out the back. Unlike the angular design of the MK730, the miniStreak has rounded corners, giving it a softer and less aggressive look.

The miniStreak incorporates a function-lock button between the Esc key and the function row. When enabled, this feature allows you to use the media keys without having to hold down the Fn button, similar to how it works on a Mac. Instead of a gaming mode, the miniStreak offers competition mode functions. In addition to disabling the Windows key, you have the option to dim the lights and turn off other distracting features. The software for macro recording and key mapping is intuitive and easy to use. However, it lacks the capability to handle complex macros with mouse actions or custom delays like Razer's Synapse software.

The MK730 comes with an instruction pamphlet and includes special symbols on the keys, although it may still require watching a YouTube video to fully understand its functionality. The Portal software offered by Fnatic is user-friendly and doesn't allow for complicated lighting programming but is easier to use compared to other gaming keyboard software. The MK730's sturdy aluminum and plastic case provide a satisfying gaming experience.

While the miniStreak offers a solution for those who don't frequently use function keys, the dedicated buttons on the keyboard are not of the highest quality and may stick or be difficult to press down. In terms of lighting, the front of the keyboard features an RGB light bar, with smaller areas of customizable RGB lighting on each side. However, these areas are not very visible in daylight. The bottom half of the MK730 is made of plastic and provides cable routing options, while the removable braided USB-C-to-Type-A cable offers a more premium feel compared to the miniStreak's rubber cable.

If you prefer dedicated media keys, the miniStreak is a good choice with its well-implemented gaming mode and minimalist design, although it may not be as durable as the MK730. The BlackWidow TE Chroma V2 from Razer is a suitable option if you require more dynamic lighting options or complex macro recording. It features a compact layout and Razer's switches, but its all-plastic high-profile case may not be as appealing as the MK730's aluminum case. The BlackWidow TE Chroma V2 is slightly more expensive than the MK730.

The MECHLITE keyboard offers 5 programmable buttons that can execute a series of keystrokes with a single press. This is useful for creating shortcuts for common commands while gaming or simplifying tasks outside of gaming, such as entering passwords or executing multi-key commands in programs like Photoshop. The MECHLITE also has a Windows key lock function and an All-Key lock to prevent unwanted keystrokes. Left-handed gamers can swap the W, A, S, D, and arrow key functions for optimal gaming positioning. The keyboard's heavy weighted base enhances stability during gaming.

Fnatic's OP software, similar to Cooler Master's Portal software, allows for customization of per-key lighting, selection of premade animations, macro recording, and the creation of up to four profiles. However, the software is still in beta and may have occasional issues with certain features depending on whether it is running or not. The miniStreak and MK730 both use shine-through ABS keycaps, but the miniStreak's keycaps are glossier and more prone to fingerprints. Consider replacing them with shine-through PBT keycaps for better durability and appearance.

Overall, the miniStreak and MK730 keyboards offer different features and design elements to cater to different preferences. The miniStreak is ideal for those who prioritize dedicated media keys and gaming mode functions, while the MK730 excels in its sturdy construction and user-friendly design.