The best cheap gaming keyboards

Even if you're on a budget, the best cheap gaming keyboards can still deliver a great experience for your fingers.

The best cheap gaming keyboard will offer the same pleasing typing experience as a high-end model, minus the financial assault it often entails. If it hadn't become clear browsing guides, PC peripherals are getting pricey. Keyboards are no exception, with the best models hitting well over $200, and some companies thinking they can charge that just for the basics. 

There are still affordable gaming keyboards out there though, so we tested them out so you can spend your cash on something worthwhile. Also remember that "cheap" doesn't have to mean bad, as we've been lead to believe by the droves of false economy rubbish on the market. This list showcases the best budget keyboards we found for under $100, even less than $30 in some cases. 

The first thing you might see that's missing from this page, over the best gaming keyboards(opens in new tab) page, are extra features. The cheaper keyboards sacrifice things like media controls, LED displays, or mechanical switches to keep costs down, but it's sometimes hard to tell what's worth the sacrifice.

So we called in a ton of cheap keyboards and tested them with a bunch of the latest games. Then we picked out the ones that felt best to work and game on, and that didn't crumple under the weight of Alan's heavy-ass typing technique. We've even included some keyboards that come bundled with other accessories to try and save you even more money. 

However, if you have some money to burn, head over to the best mechanical keyboards(opens in new tab) because we'll always recommend these first.

5. HyperX Alloy Core RGB

SPECIFICATIONS 

Switch: Membrane                                     Size: Full Size                                    Backlights: 16.8 Million Color RGB         Passthroughs: No                                    Media controls: Dedicated                         Wrist rest: No

PROS

+Dedicated media keys

+Dedicated software

+Trusted brand

+Spill-resistant

CONS

-Plastic body

-Membrane switches

HyperX is a trusted name among peripheral manufacturers. While it typically caters to a more premium brand, the Alloy Core RGB brings extensive features and reliable performance at an affordable price. The price does skirt the definition of a "budget" keyboard, but the dedicated media controls and customization software help justify the MSRP. 

HyperX has had to incorporate membrane switches for this particular model, but that has the added effect of making the Alloy Core spill-resistant. We'd prefer mechanical keys, but a quality membrane is still much better than some old office board.

With the Alloy Core, it's a decision of what you're after in a gaming keyboard. If you're after a full-size keyboard with some extra features and solid RGB lighting effects, something like the Alloy Core or the Roccat Magma are more your speed. You're not going to find many mechanical keyboards going for very cheap with a full-size layout, as every switch is an added cost. Though if you don't necessarily want a full-size board, we still recommend a mechanical keyboard first and foremost, like those above.

A really rubbish mechanical board can feel worse under finger than a much better made membrane one, so we wanted to throw in a couple of alternatives for the mechanical switches if, for whatever reason, those weren't your thing.

4. Keychron K2 (Version 2)

SPECIFICATIONS

Switch: Gateron                                         Size: 84-key                                       Backlight: White LED                               Passthrough: None                               Media Controls: Function shortcuts        Wristrest: None                               Keycaps: ABS

PROS

+Well-priced

+Great overall build quality

+Seamless connectivity

CONS

-Somewhat scratchy switches

This is exceptionally cheap for a wireless keyboard. Even more so for its high quality. It starts out at just $69, and for that, you get a decent-sized gaming keyboard with great wireless functionality and genuinely mechanical Gateron switches.

Its design is nicely simple with grey ABS keycaps and a slightly more compact 84-key layout that only skimps out on the numpad and offers a slightly squashed nav cluster. Whilst I’ve previously argued that 60% compact keyboards may be the way to go if you’re a spacesavin’ gamer, the Keychron K2’s 75% offering may just make me rethink that decision. For more of an affordable board, the build quality is nicely sturdy with no deck flex and a decent bit of heft. It’s no Model M of course, but for the price, I don’t have any complaints.

The triple device connectivity definitely makes short work of switching devices.

As switches go, my review sample is kitted out with some Cherry MX Brown clones courtesy of Gateron. As much as Gateron say there’s a 55g weight to them, I can’t help but think they feel an awful lot lighter than that, and in comparison to the real things, also feel a tad hollow. To make matters worse, underneath the Backspace and Enter key, it’s possible to hear the sound of the metal stabilizer making the switches pretty pingy, which brings the feeling of the Keychron K2 being a more affordable board too close to home.

The triple device connectivity definitely makes short work of switching devices or locations throughout the working day. I checked it out on my PC and MacBook Pro and on the K2’s left-hand side there's a little switch next to the Bluetooth/Wi-Fi switch that lets you choose whether to use it in Windows or Mac mode. All the changes are practically instantaneous, and as for the pairing process via Bluetooth, it couldn’t have been simpler.

Battery life is also something to write home about with a 4000mAh capacity ensuring the K2 can go the distance, with or without backlighting. You’ll find a total of 68 hours with full lighting and 240 hours with it off.

All in all, if you’re looking for an entry-level mechanical keyboard, this is a good choice, especially if you’re working from home and using multiple devices. That's not even considering its wireless capability, which really feels like the icing on the cake of the already impressive Keychron K2. And if the Gaterons aren't to your taste, the K2 is also available in a hot-swappable form.

3. Havit Mechanical Keyboard and Mouse Combo

SPECIFICATIONS

 Switch: Proprietary Blue                        Size: Full Size                                   Backlights: Preset RGB                          Passthroughs: No                                       Media Controls: Function key               Wrist rest: Yes

PROS

+Sleek industrial look

+Included mouse

+Side backlighting

+Detachable wrist rest

CONS

-No software

-No dedicated media keys

While only available with colicky proprietary blue switches, this model does come packaged with a wired, optical gaming mouse. That's the big benefit of this two-in-one Havit package: you don't need to throw even more money at a gaming mouse. You're essentially ready to game with this one, surprisingly affordable package.

The exposed hardware and aluminum backplate give this version of the Havit mechanical keyboard a sturdy, industrial look. And it must be said that it is a fairly sturdy, if a little plasticky feeling, keyboard. The keycaps and fairly easy to navigate, as well, and there's even a wrist rest included. What I will say about that wrist rest is that it doesn't offer a tremendous amount of support, as it's so low to the ground and doesn't have any padding. Best not buy it just for that one feature, then. 

Besides the lack of exclusive customization software or dedicated media controls, this package of Havit peripherals leaves little to be desired. I mean you're getting two for the price of one here, and that's great if you need a keyboard and mouse in a pinch and for less.

2. E-Element Z-88 Mechanical Keyboard

SPECIFICATIONS

Switch: Outemu Blue, Brown, Red                Size: 81-Key                             Backlights: Preset RGB                                  Passthroughs: No                              Media controls: Function                                Wrist rest: No

PROS

+Variety of Outemu switches

+Aluminum backplate

+Available in black or white

CONS

-No wrist rest

-On the expensive side

The Z-88 from E-Element is available in either black or white and offers a variety of Outemu switches, meaning it's great for the cheap connoisseur who likes to pick and choose everything about their setup. Those Outemu switches don't feel as high-grade as the Cherry ones listed above, but they are genuinely mechanical. That means you don't have to worry about the spongey feeling of a membrane no more.

The keycaps do look and feel a bit cheaper than you might expect of a well-known brand, but they are easy to read on the E-Element. They're made of ABS plastic, which is the least resistant to wear of the two commonly found keycap materials, but ABS plastic is often found on more expensive keyboards, too. Just don't slam the keys too hard in anger and you'll be okay for a good while.

It's a cheaper board but you're grabbing mechanical for under $50 here. Plus it's often discounted for even less. We saw it go for $30 earlier this year, so keep an eye out for those sales. While you will notice the difference in quality between this and a pricier gaming keyboard, at least you aren't settling for anything less than mechanical.

1. G.Skill KM360

SPECIFICATIONS

Switch: Cherry MX Red                               Size: Tenkeyless                           Backlights: White                                          Passthroughs: None                           Media Controls: Integrated                          Wristrest: None

PROS

+Affordable

+Reliable Cherry MX switches 

+Bright white LED 

CONS

-No numpad limits its potential for work

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