An excellent suggestion.

I have had Zalman ZM-K500 mechanical keyboard since September and I can honestly say that I love it. It is also substantially less than $100 (£37) [0]. The quality is not quite as nice as some of the more expensive mech keyboards out (the labels on my meta keys are rubbing off extraordinarily quickly...) there but it is leagues ahead of any of the membrane based keyboards I have tried.

[0] http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zalman-ZM-K500-USB-Mechanical-Keyboa...

Oddly, I've been using the same keyboard since about the same time. Would have to agree that it's a nice keyboard for the price.

I have a Vortex KBC Poker II with PBT keycaps, probably one of the best purchases I've made in recent years. I blew off buying one for a couple of years because it was "just like any other keyboard" - not true. They switches (I have Cherry MX Reds) make it a joy to type on!

I should have added that I got mine for about $120, including shipping.

The abs/backlit Vortex Poker II is on massdrop, with the lowest level at $94.99. I'm typing on it right now (except I swapped in DSA PBT keys) and it's super nice.

I type this on original IBM mechanical keyboard that I got in 1998 when IBM was cleaning their overstocks (I used to work there).

Works like a charm and make noise few people in my office hate :)

Great comment.

I recommend picking up an IBM Model M. There are plenty out there for around ~ $20 (PS/2, no Windows key). Toss in a PS/2 -> USB adapter and you have an extremely high quality keyboard for next to nothing.

I believe Ducky and Leopold make mechanical keyboards under or near $100.

Das is a little over $100. But, I absolutely love using it.