Wafiy Yahya
For gamers, spending on a good gaming desktop or laptop typically costs a lot of money. It doesn’t matter whether it was a pre-made model or a custom-built gaming rig. Let’s not forget about the gaming peripherals too, namely the mouse and keyboard.
For the latter, gaming keyboards usually come in wired or wireless varieties (wired is preferred). And some of the essential features found in such keyboards including RGB lighting, programmable macro keys and mechanical switches. But if you are on a budget, there are a few of them you can find online.
We have covered what you should know about choosing a budget-friendly gaming keyboard, found after this list. Otherwise, here are the best budget gaming keyboards worth looking for.
Table of Contents
Why It’s Our Top Pick:
"You’re getting a lot for your money on this keyboard. Everything from the mechanical keys and brilliant RGB to the build quality definitely makes this gaming keyboard one of the best budget choices out there."
Overview
This affordable mechanical gaming keyboard uses blue switches, offering gamers both clicky and tactile feedback upon pressing the keys. Even if you are not using them for gaming, it also works great for typing. This one boasts a solid build quality, thanks to its sturdy combination of metal alloy and ABS material. Other highlights include adjustable RGB backlighting, an anti-ghosting feature for a conflict-free gaming experience and a strong, rubberised USB cable.
Redragon K552 KUMARA LED Backlit Mechanical Keyboard Specs
- Size: TKL (80%)
- Key Switch: Cherry MX switches
- Connectivity: Wired USB connection
- Lighting: RGB backlighting
- Compatibility: Windows XP and above
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 353 x 124 x 38mm
- Weight: 0.997kg
Who is this for?
All in all, this is a great choice for those seeking budget keyboards. The major gripe about this Redragon K552 model is that it's lacking a number pad, packing only a total of 87 keys, far from the usual full-size keyboard variety. However, unless you’re an accountant dealing with numbers every now and then, this keyboard suits your gaming lifestyle and allows seamless productivity.
Overview
The compact RK61 comes with different mechanical switches for you to choose from such as Gateron and Cherry MX keys. It features RGB backlighting mode as well, complete with adjustable brightness and different colour effects.
Sturdy and solid, the build quality is rather decent for it price. It can be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth or through a detachable Type-C cable, so you can get the best of both worlds. The hot-swappable switches come in handy too and you replace individual switches whenever you need them the most.
Royal Kludge RK61
- Size: Compact (60%)
- Key Switch: Hot-swappable CherryMX / Gateron Mechanical Switches
- Connectivity: Tri-mode; Wired USB Type-C, Wireless 2.4Ghz, Bluetooth
- Lighting: RGB backlit displaying with 17 backlit modes
- Compatibility: Windows and macOS
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 290 x 100 x 35mm
- Weight: 0.56kg
Who is this for?
The RK61 is a good and affordable compact mechanical keyboard that performs in various aspects. Although it isn’t exactly built for gamers, it performs well for gaming, typing and general usage altogether. If you prefer the keyboard in other sizes, you can check out the other models such as the RK84 (TKL) or RK71 (70%).
Overview
The HP K110 comes in a full-size keyboard layout as well as an ergonomically angular design and built-in wrist support for a comfortable typing experience. It’s not a true mechanical keyboard, but the keys are still tactile enough to make it feel like a proper gaming keyboard.
This keyboard also comes with a cool RGB backlighting with adjustable brightness. The 26-key anti-ghosting comes in handy too, allowing you to press multiple keys at once upon playing a game.
HP K110 Specs:
- Size: Full-size (100%)
- Key Switch: HP Linear switches
- Connectivity: Wired USB connection
- Lighting: RGB backlighting
- Compatibility: Windows 7 and above, macOS 10.3 or later
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 480 x 200 x 40mm
- Weight: 1kg
Who is this for?
For such a price point, the HP K110 still packs a punch. It’s definitely worth the price and great for gamers on a budget!
Overview
This is also not a true mechanical keyboard, but its membrane linear switches gives it a nice, thocky feeling when typing.
There’s also LED backlighting, where you can switch up to 7 different vibrant colours according to your mood and preference. Another nice feature is that it comes with dedicated media hotkeys for customising purposes, though it lacks a much-needed wrist rest. As for the mouse, it packs adjustable on-the-fly DPI settings up to 2,400.
Cooler Master Devastator 3 Plus Keyboard Specs:
- Size: Full-size (100%)
- Key Switch: Membrane Linear Switches
- Connectivity: USB 1.1 (PC), PVC, 1.8M, USB Type-A
- Lighting: 6-zone RGB backlighting
- Compatibility: Windows 7 and above
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 450 x 148 x 36 mm
- Weight: 0.898kg
Who is this for?
Looking for a gaming keyboard-and-mouse combo for the price of one? You might want to consider the Cooler Master Devastator 3. The mouse is fitted with an ergonomic design along with an ultralow flat profile for convenience and a large mouse wheel for easy accessibility.
Overview
With Outemu blue mechanical switches, users can get to enjoy distinctly tactile feedback. It has extendable feet at the back, allowing you to enjoy a more ergonomic and comfortable typing experience.
The cable is detachable, offering convenience for those who want to bring or move it around. Build quality, however, feels flimsy. Still, gamers can expect a few other highlights like full N-key rollover to prevent ghosting and multiple backlighting effects.
Armaggeddon SMK-2C Specs:
- Size: TenKeyLess (80%)
- Key Switch: Outemu Low-Profile Blue Switch
- Connectivity: Detachable wired USB connection
- Lighting: RGB backlighting
- Compatibility: Windows XP and above, macOS
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 355 x 124 x 28 mm
- Weight: 1kg
Who is this for?
Need to save more desktop space? You'll want this tenkeyless gaming keyboard from Armageddon. TKL keyboards are highly sought-after for gamers, and those looking for great keyboards in general.
Overview
Although the words “Philips” and “gaming keyboard” doesn’t really go together, don’t write off their G614 model just yet. This model's keys are quiet and soft to the touch while the RGB backlighting allows you to adjust its brightness and turn it off as well. The budget-friendly price tag does mean that you will have to compromise on build quality, but the plastic case is still quite decent. It comes with a dual-media control dial too.
Philips G614 Specs:
- Size: Full-size (100%)
- Key Switch: Philips Mechanical Switches
- Connectivity: Wired USB connection
- Lighting: RGB backlighting
- Compatibility: Windows and macOS
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 435 x 193.6 x 35.5 mm
- Weight: 0.82kg
Who is this for?
Despite its restricted features, the G614 is still a passable gaming keyboard that does the job. Whether you’re gaming or browsing the web, be assured that the G614 will give you what you need.
Overview
In terms of durability, it has an acceptable build quality even though the whole thing is made entirely of plastic. Despite its entry-level price point, the Ornata V3 X packs numerous features including customisable keys and macros. The keyboard is also ergonomically designed and the low-profile keys provide quieter and more comfortable typing feel.
Razer Ornata V3 X Specs:
- Size: Full-size (100%)
- Key Switch: Razer™ Membrane Switch
- Connectivity: Wired USB connection
- Lighting: Single Zone Razer Chroma™ RGB Lighting
- Compatibility: Windows and macOS
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 443 x 144 x 31 mm
- Weight: 0.76kg
Who is this for?
If you prefer something quieter for your gaming sessions, the Razer Ornata V3 X happens to be one of those keyboards that come with cushioned membrane keys. The keyboard is also spill-resistant, giving you some peace of mind in case of unfortunate accidents.
Overview
Much like its 60% and 80% brothers, the RK71 has tri-mode connection, which means its capable of connecting via Bluetooth, wireless 2.4Ghz receiver or wired. Because it’s hot-swappable, you can try on different switches that suit your typing feel and there are many options to choose from; Gateron, Cherry MX, you name it.
Royal Kludge RK71 Specs:
- Size: 71-key (70%)
- Key Switch: Hot-swappable CherryMX / Gateron Mechanical Switches
- Connectivity: Tri-mode; Wired USB Type-C, Wireless 2.4Ghz, Bluetooth
- Lighting: RGB backlit displaying with 17 backlit modes
- Compatibility: Windows and macOS
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 327 x 101 x 36mm
- Weight: 0.8kg
Who is this for?
The RK71 is perfect for people who want a smaller device without giving up productivity. Juggling between work and play seems seamless with this keyboard as it is portable and lightweight, with an overall good mechanical performance.
What Makes a Gaming Keyboard Good?
A great gaming keyboard is the one that is the most comfortable for you. This is because there’s no use in buying the best expensive keyboard with fancy RGB and switches but doesn't sit right with your fingers when you game or type.
Which Key Switch Type is For Me?
When it comes to key switches type, you'd get the clicky ones from mechanical or quiet ones from membrane varieties. Both, of course, have their pros and cons.
Key switches can improve or affect the feel of your typing experience regardless of gaming or other computing purposes.
For instance, stiffer switches would allow a role-playing gamer to avoid accidentally pressing other keys down too easily. Such games usually have many keys needed and would appreciate not making any mistakes during gameplay.
Mechanical keyboards: rely heavily on mechanical key switches consisting of keycaps (top caps with the alphabet letter or numbers), stems (the plastic parts found under the keycaps) and housing (the case that holds every component together).
Pros:
- Come with different colour switches such as blue (for clicky and tactile), red (for smoother and linear action) and black (for a stiffer press).
- Lasts longer, commonly over 10 years.
- Keycaps are removable for customising purposes.
- Provides a very nice tactile feel (when you press on the keycaps)
Cons:
- Mechanical keyboards, particularly branded ones, usually cost a lot.
- Depending on the switch type, can be loud upon pressing the keys.
- Heavier than non-mechanicals, not as great for portability.
Membrane keyboards: the more common variants selling in the market. They basically work by having a thin membrane to push or press on a circuit layer. Each key that you press will be registered, and the signal is sent to your computer.
Pros:
- Membrane varieties are generally quiet upon pressing the keys.
- As they are usually made from plastic, they are lighter and portable.
- Affordably priced.
- More choices in the market.
Cons:
- Tend to wear out quicker than mechanical keyboards.
- The typing experience can feel “mushy”, not as nice as mechanicals
- Membrane keycaps are usually not removable, making them hard to clean.
Verdict - Mechanical versus Membrane Keyboards
Our guest gamer expert vouches for mechanical keyboards as the tactile satisfaction is something that he personally (and is sure that many gamers out there too) love. They are also much more durable and can stand rougher gameplays.
On the other hand, membranes have a slimmer build and are typically cost-friendly.
If you like the satisfaction of “clickiness” from a keyboard, then mechanical is the way to go. But if you prefer a quieter keyboard with a soft key press and low profile form factor, go with membrane.
More Tips To Choose a Gaming Keyboard
There's no superior keyboard as different users will have different needs. So, if still in doubt, read up the online reviews about the keyboard. Focus on the negative reviews and decide whether you’ll be ok with those downsides, then dig deeper on them.
What Keyboard Sizes Do Gamers Need?
There are typically three main form factors when it comes to gaming keyboards: Full size (104 keys), tenkeyless (87 keys) and 60% or TKL (68 keys).
Full size
- The most common of them all since they are 100% keyboards, complete with function keys and a number pad on the right. Such keyboards are useful for those who love to play MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) games.
- Not to mention, full-size keyboards mean they have more keys to add such as dedicated media buttons.
Tenkeyless and TKL
- They are usually for those who don’t mind not having a dedicated number pad. These types of keyboards are designed to be compact and portable, making them suitable for those who want to save more desktop space.