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Best budget mechanical keyboard for gaming: The 5 Best Budget Mechanical Keyboards – Spring 2023: Reviews

The 5 Best Budget Mechanical Keyboards – Spring 2023: Reviews

  1. Table of Contents
  2. Intro
  3. Best Keyboard

    1. Best For Gaming

      1. Best For Programming

        1. Best For Typing

          1. Best For Mobile

            1. Notable Mentions
            2. Recent Updates
            3. All Reviews
            4. Discussions

            Updated May 19, 2023 at 09:04 am

            By Evan Jakab

            Mechanical keyboards offer a different typing experience from standard keyboards using scissor or rubber dome switches. Many mechanical keyboards carry a premium price tag, but this isn’t always the case. While more affordable models may not have all the high-end features, some are just as sturdily built and perform similarly to their more expensive counterparts.

            If you’re new to mechanical keyboards, we recommend looking at our article on mechanical switches. Many of the picks on this list are available in various switch types, so it’s helpful to know about each type before deciding.

            We’ve bought and tested over 185 keyboards, and below is a list of our top recommendations for the best cheap mechanical keyboards. If you’re looking for more gaming keyboards, check out the best gaming keyboards under $100. Likewise, if you want something cheaper, check out the picks for the best cheap keyboards. Alternatively, if you want a broader scope of the mechanical keyboard market, check out the list of the best mechanical keyboards.

            1. Best Budget Mechanical Keyboard

              Keychron K10

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              Gaming

              7.7

              Mobile/Tablet

              6.7

              Office

              7.4

              Programming

              7. 8

              Entertainment / HTPC

              6.1

              Size

              Full-size (100%)

              Connectivity

              Wireless

              See all our test results

              The Keychron K10 is the best budget mechanical keyboard that we’ve tested. It offers a fully wireless experience, connecting with up to three devices using Bluetooth. With an outstanding battery life of up to 70 hours with backlighting on or up to 240 hours with it off, you won’t have to worry about charging it frequently. The K10 offers a typing experience that feels and sounds good right out of the box. So, while you can purchase a hot-swappable version that allows you to easily change out the switches, the stock Gateron G Pro switches feel great as they are.

              Though made of ABS plastic, the keycaps feel great on the fingertips, and the keys themselves are very stable. Like all other keyboards in Keychron’s K-series, it has a compatibility toggle to switch operating systems and includes extra system-specific keycaps. While we recommend the full-sized K10 here, Keychron’s K-series has a range of sizes and configurations available, and all of these boards come in at a budget-friendly price point, so it’s worth checking out their website to see what configuration works best for you.

              See our review

            2. Best Budget Mechanical Keyboard For Gaming

              Razer Huntsman Mini

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              Gaming

              9.5

              Mobile/Tablet

              5.2

              Office

              7.6

              Programming

              8.0

              Entertainment / HTPC

              5. 0

              Size

              Compact (60%)

              Connectivity

              Wired

              See all our test results

              While our top pick, the Keychron K10, is an outstanding out-of-the-box option for general use, you might be looking for something geared toward gaming. If so, we recommend the Razer Huntsman Mini thanks to its exceptionally low latency and highly responsive Clicky Optical switches, though quieter Linear Optical switches are also available. These features are normally on boards with much higher price tags. However, note that this keyboard is best suited as a dedicated gaming unit since you might find the optical switches cause you to make more typos during regular use due to their sensitivity. Its compact size allows for dynamic mouse movements, but it isn’t a good fit for general productivity work, like data entry or spreadsheets, due to the lack of arrow keys and a number pad.

              In addition to its high-performance gaming features, this keyboard has a high build quality with a hard plastic frame, aluminum top plate, and durable double-shot PBT keycaps that aren’t prone to fading or becoming slippery over time, though they are a little wobbly. There’s a detachable cable that’s easy to replace if it gets damaged.

              See our review

            3. Best Budget Mechanical Keyboard For Programming

              Keychron V Series

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              Gaming

              8.3

              Mobile/Tablet

              1.7

              Office

              7.7

              Programming

              7.8

              Entertainment / HTPC

              3.1

              Size

              Compact (75%)

              Connectivity

              Wired

              See all our test results

              The Keychron V Series keyboards are a programmer’s dream. As they’re fully customizable, you can alter the switches, stabilizers, and other internal components to best suit your needs. These keyboards come at a budget price point, meaning you don’t need to spend a small fortune to get a bespoke unit. Though, you don’t have to customize it if you don’t want to. The keyboards in the V Series offer an excellent typing experience with all the stock materials, which include PBT keycaps, a layer of sound-dampening foam, and a retro-style transparent plastic frame.

              In addition to its physical customizability, V Series boards offer a suite of software customization options. The VIA companion software is available on all major desktop operating systems, including Linux. It lets you program macros to any key, remap key assignments, create layers and profiles, and adjust the RGB lighting effects and colors. You can also save these custom settings to the keyboard’s onboard memory for easy access. These keyboards are fully compatible with QMK, an open-source tool that allows you to build personalized firmware for your board.

              See our review

            4. Best Budget Mechanical Keyboard For Typing

              ROYAL KLUDGE RK61

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              Gaming

              7.7

              Mobile/Tablet

              8.4

              Office

              6.8

              Programming

              7.1

              Entertainment / HTPC

              5.8

              Size

              Compact (60%)

              Connectivity

              Wireless

              See all our test results

              As a writer, your keyboard is one of your most important tools, but many premium models also carry premium price tags. That’s why we recommend the ROYAL KLUDGE RK61. This solidly built unit offers everything a writer needs right at their fingertips at a price that won’t strain your wallet too much. It’s a compact, lightweight, and portable unit, making it perfectly suited for writers on the go. It fits naturally in working spaces, like libraries or cafes, and is easy to slip into backpacks. Just note that it lacks dedicated arrow keys (although it does have hotkeys that act like arrow keys when you hold down the Fn button).

              In addition to its good overall build quality, this keyboard offers excellent connectivity options. You can pair it with up to three devices using Bluetooth, use it wired, or get a variant with a USB receiver to use the keyboard pretty much anywhere and with any device. A range of other variants is available, including a hot-swappable version that allows you to change out the stock switches to get the typing experience you want.

              See our review

            5. Best Budget Mechanical Keyboard For Mobile Use

              Obinslab Anne Pro 2

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              Gaming

              8. 6

              Mobile/Tablet

              8.3

              Office

              7.4

              Programming

              8.2

              Entertainment / HTPC

              5.9

              Size

              Compact (60%)

              Connectivity

              Wireless

              See all our test results

              If you’re using a mobile device and want a mechanical keyboard, consider the Obinslab Anne Pro 2. It can be hard to find in stock from some online retailers, but it’s restocked fairly often. This keyboard offers unparalleled wireless connectivity options for its budget price point, allowing you to pair with up to four devices using Bluetooth; it’s an excellent choice for multi-device setups or use on the go. The whole body of the keyboard is plastic, but it still feels sturdy and high quality, and this plastic construction makes it much lighter to carry around than a metal keyboard. Its compact form makes it easy to slip into backpacks and use in tight workspaces. Just note that there aren’t any dedicated arrow keys (although the WASD keys function like arrow keys when you hold down the Fn key). Also, this keyboard has a fairly small battery compared to some wireless models, so you can expect about eight hours of wireless usage, meaning a few days of regular use between charges.

              While this unit isn’t hot-swappable, like other recommendations on this list, including the Keychron V Series or ROYAL KLUDGE RK61, it’s available with a variety of different switch types from various manufacturers, so you’ll find a switch type that works for you. It also has a handful of brightly colored extra keycaps to add visual flair.

              See our review

            Notable Mentions

            • Keychron C2:
              The Keychron C2 is a full-size mechanical keyboard for general or productivity use. However, it lacks the wireless versatility of the Keychron K10 and feels cheaper.
              See our review
            • HyperX Alloy Origins 60:
              The HyperX Alloy Origins 60 is a compact gaming keyboard with incredible performance, but its latency isn’t quite as low as the Razer Huntsman Mini.
              See our review

            Recent Updates

            1. May 19, 2023:
              Replaced Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition with Razer Huntsman Mini as ‘Best Budget Mechanical Keyboard For Gaming’ pick due to current availability.

            2. Mar 24, 2023:
              We’ve audited this article and made some minor additions for clarity but we’ve made no changes to our lineup of recommendations as all our picks remain the best choices for their categories.

            3. Jan 24, 2023:
              We’ve verified that all our recommendations on this article remain the best options available and made some minor changes to the structure and phrasing in some entries.

            4. Nov 25, 2022:
              Removed the Keychron K3 (Version 2) from the article as the ‘Best For Mac’ pick due to lack of relevance for the article.

            5. Sep 27, 2022:
              Restructured article by usage. Added the Keychron V1 as ‘Best For Programming’ and the ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 as ‘Best For Typing’. Removed Notable Mentions that are no longer relevant.

            All Reviews

            Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best cheap mechanical keyboards for most people. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability.

            If you would like to do the work of choosing yourself, here is the list of all our mechanical keyboard reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no keyboard is perfect for every use, most are good enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.

            The 4 Best Budget Gaming Keyboards – Spring 2023: Reviews

            1. Table of Contents
            2. Intro
            3. Best Keyboard

              1. Best Full-Size

                1. Best Wireless

                  1. Best Non-Mechanical

                    1. Notable Mentions
                    2. Recent Updates
                    3. All Reviews
                    4. Discussions

                    Updated May 29, 2023 at 02:30 pm

                    By Gregory Vodden

                    Whether you’re a casual or serious gamer, looking for a gaming keyboard that suits your needs can be challenging, especially if you’re on a tight budget. We’ve compiled a list of picks to help you find the best gaming keyboard under $100, and although some won’t have extra features like more premium models, they’re reliable for playing all your favorite games. When looking for a gaming keyboard, it’s important to consider which types of switches you’re most comfortable with, as some come in a range of mechanical switches while others have rubber dome switches.

                    We’ve tested over 195 keyboards, and below are our recommendations for the best budget gaming keyboards available to buy. All of these picks are suited for gaming, so if you’re looking for budget keyboards that aren’t gaming-focused, you can check out our picks for the best cheap keyboards. Although many of these picks are mechanical, you might find something better suited to your needs in our recommendations for the best budget mechanical keyboards. Otherwise, feel free to check out the best keyboards for gaming.

                    1. Best Budget Gaming Keyboard

                      Razer Huntsman Mini

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                      Gaming

                      9. 5

                      Mobile/Tablet

                      5.2

                      Office

                      7.6

                      Programming

                      8.0

                      Entertainment / HTPC

                      5.0

                      Size

                      Compact (60%)

                      Connectivity

                      Wired

                      See all our test results

                      The best budget gaming keyboard we’ve tested is the Razer Huntsman Mini. This board uses optical switches, available in clicky or linear varieties. These switches feel like standard mechanical switches but use a beam of light to register keystrokes. Combined with how lightweight these switches are, the result is an extremely fluid and responsive-feeling gaming experience. Like other options on this list, this keyboard offers all the standard customization features with Razer’s Synapse 3 software, including macro programming, per-key RGB backlighting effects, and onboard storage for custom profiles.

                      The build quality on this keyboard is also excellent, and it feels very sturdy even compared to more premium options in Razer’s catalog. Another major selling point for this keyboard is its compact size which takes up very little room on your desk, giving your setup a minimal look and leaving plenty of room for dynamic mouse movements. Unfortunately, this board has a fairly tall profile and doesn’t include a wrist rest, so you may consider buying one separately for the most comfortable gaming experience.

                      See our review

                    2. Best Full-Size Budget Gaming Keyboard

                      Logitech G413

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                      Gaming

                      8.9

                      Mobile/Tablet

                      2. 8

                      Office

                      7.4

                      Programming

                      7.3

                      Entertainment / HTPC

                      4.6

                      Size

                      Full-size (100%)

                      Connectivity

                      Wired

                      See all our test results

                      If you need a traditional full-size layout with a Numpad, we recommend the Logitech G413. While it’s an older model by peripheral standards, its performance isn’t outdated. Thanks to its exceptionally low latency and sensitive Romer-G Tactile switches, games feel responsive and fluid while you play. It also comes with a few additional features, including a USB passthrough so you can plug in a device, like a headset, or mouse receiver, directly into the keyboard for better cable management.

                      If there’s a downside to this keyboard’s age, it isn’t up to speed with all the most recent customization options. So, it only comes with one switch type, and its backlighting is limited to only one color. That said, it’s a standout choice for gamers who only care about raw performance, as this unit is about as simple as it gets.

                      See our review

                    3. Best Wireless Budget Gaming Keyboard

                      Logitech G613 LIGHTSPEED

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                      Gaming

                      7.4

                      Mobile/Tablet

                      6.2

                      Office

                      7.6

                      Programming

                      6.8

                      Entertainment / HTPC

                      5. 5

                      Size

                      Full-size (100%)

                      Connectivity

                      Wireless

                      See all our test results

                      Until recently, we’ve focused on recommending wired-only keyboards since high-performance wireless options usually have a price tag much higher than $100. Enter the Logitech G613 LIGHTSPEED. This full-size wireless unit has remarkably low latency and uses the same sensitive Romer-G Tactile switches as our full-size recommendation, the Logitech G413. These switches have a smooth tactile bump that feels very responsive while gaming. There are also quite a few extra features packed into this already impressive board, including dedicated media keys, a column of dedicated macro keys, and even a built-in wrist rest for better ergonomic support. However, there are some trade-offs. It lacks backlighting, making the legends on keys hard to see if you like gaming in a darker environment.

                      If this is a deal-breaker for you, check out the Obinslab Anne Pro 2, which has full RGB backlighting that you can customize on a per-key basis. However, its latency is only good enough for gaming when used in a wired mode. The latency is best suited for casual gaming if you use it with Bluetooth. It also isn’t a full-size keyboard, so the G613 LIGHTSPEED is a better option if you need a Numpad.

                      See our review

                    4. Best Non-Mechanical Budget Gaming Keyboard

                      Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT

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                      Gaming

                      8.0

                      Mobile/Tablet

                      1.1

                      Office

                      6.4

                      Programming

                      6.6

                      Entertainment / HTPC

                      3. 5

                      Size

                      Full-size (100%)

                      Connectivity

                      Wired

                      Switch Type

                      Rubber Dome

                      See all our test results

                      Mechanical options often hog the spotlight, but non-mechanical gaming keyboards have advantages. Take the Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT, the best non-mechanical budget gaming board we’ve tested. It uses membrane switches hidden under a piece of solid frosted plastic, a bonus for the folks who like to eat and drink by their keyboard as it’s more resistant to spills and crumbs since there aren’t any exposed moving parts. These switches are nearly silent during use, making it a great choice for people who game late into the night or have to game in tight, shared spaces.

                      In terms of its performance and features, it has pretty much every feature a gamer could want. It includes RGB backlighting that’s customizable on a per-key basis, dedicated macro keys for easy access, extremely low latency, and a detachable wrist rest for ergonomic support during those marathon sessions.

                      See our review

                    Notable Mentions

                    • Razer Cynosa V2:
                      The Razer Cynosa V2 is a budget membrane keyboard with great RGB lighting features. However, its latency isn’t as low as the Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT, and its software isn’t available for macOS.
                      See our review
                    • ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini:
                      The ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini is a compact (60%) model similar to the Razer Huntsman Mini but with more of a focus on its RGB backlighting. It has low-profile keycaps that allow more light to shine out from the switch housings, and many of its keys have a secondary dedicated LED that lights up when secondary functions are active. However, it’s typically more expensive than the Razer.
                      See our review

                    Recent Updates

                    1. May 29, 2023:
                      Replaced the Razer Huntsman TE with the Razer Huntsman Mini as the top pick; it performs slightly better but costs less. Also removed the ‘Best Compact’ category, as the Huntsman Mini is a compact board. Removed the Razer Cynosa Chroma from the Notable Mentions and replaced it with the Razer Cynosa V2 due to availability.

                    2. Mar 27, 2023:
                      We’ve gone through this article and verified all picks are in stock and remain the best choices for their categories. We’ve also made some minor tweaks to our text and added the ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini to our list of Notable Mentions.

                    3. Jan 19, 2023:
                      We’ve reviewed this article and refreshed the text for several entries, but we haven’t made any changes to our recommendations.

                    4. Nov 22, 2022:
                      Removed the EVGA Z15 as a pick due to its price exceeding a budget threshold and user-reported build quality issues. Replaced the EVGA Z20 with the Razer Cynosa Chroma as a Notable Mention due to price.

                    5. Sep 23, 2022:
                      Renamed the picks to their sizes; added the HyperX Alloy Origins 60 as ‘Best Compact’, changed the ‘Best Wireless’ pick to the Logitech G613 LIGHTSPEED as it has better wireless latency, removed Notable Mentions that were no longer relevant.

                    All Reviews

                    Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best gaming keyboards under $100 for most people. We factor in the price (a cheaper product wins over a pricier one if the difference isn’t worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no keyboard that is difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).

                    If you would like to do the work of choosing yourself, here is the list of all keyboards we’ve tested under $100. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no product is perfect for every use, most keyboards are great enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them. Be sure to know your key switch preferences before choosing.

                    Best budget mechanical keyboards 2023 for gaming

                    A mechanical keyboard is significantly more expensive than a membrane keyboard, but there are reasons for that. Its main feature is that the keys, after being pressed, return to their original position due to the spring, and the presence of metal contacts contributes to the instant response, and in top models – gold-plated contacts. The result is an easy-to-use, durable and reliable keyboard that can withstand at least 50-100 million clicks. We’ve put together a ranking of the best mechanical keyboards of 2023 for gamers and copywriters who spend a lot of time typing.

                    A good choice for gamers is a model from Defender – a wired Blitz GK-240L with OUTEMU Blue mechanical keys. This model belongs to the category of compact gaming input devices without a digital block. It has 87 keys, including the multifunctional Fn button. The most important advantage of the Defender Blitz GK-240L is the ability to recognize the simultaneous pressing of up to 25 keys.

                    Tall mechanical buttons with instant response and a distinctive “clicky” actuation sound are the most important feature of this keyboard for gamers. The switches are conveniently shaped, they instantly transmit a command, and the characters on them are not erased even after a couple of years of intensive use. The resource of the keys is impressive – they can withstand up to 10 million keystrokes.

                    Another strength of Defender’s Blitz GK-240L is its customizable rainbow-colored RGB lighting. The keyboard backlight can work in 12 modes, and its brightness can be adjusted very easily. Also, if necessary, the user can completely turn off the highlighting of buttons and symbols.

                    Like other noteworthy gaming keyboards, the Defender Blitz GK-240L connects to a PC via a USB cable with a gold-plated connector for instant signal transfer. The keyboard case is made of ABS plastic and is moisture resistant.

                    Pros:

                    • Comfortable high keys, instantly responsive to touch;
                    • A distinctive typewriter sound;
                    • Adjustable multicolor illumination;
                    • Moisture protection and workmanship of the case;
                    • Recognizes simultaneous pressing of up to 25 buttons;
                    • The WIN button can be disabled during gameplay;
                    • Keys for quick access to applications;
                    • A good option among inexpensive ones;
                    • Quality build.

                    Cons:

                    • There is no backlight mode in which all keys would be highlighted in the same color;
                    • Numeric block missing.

                    A4Tech Bloody B760 is one of the most affordable gaming keyboards for your PC based on optical microswitches. This is an advanced technology, which assumes the fixation of operation when the light beam is blocked by the key, in the same way that electrical contacts were previously intended for this. Due to this, the response delay has decreased from 20 to 0.2 ms.

                    The best budget mechanical keyboard received orange LK Light Strike switches, which are characterized by a reduced key travel of 3 mm (for comparison, red and blue ones have 4 mm). Thanks to this, you will react faster to the events taking place in the game and get a slight advantage in online shooters like CS:GO. There are three additional buttons that can be programmed for any purpose. The F1 to F12 keys are used to control music playback, adjust the volume, and similar actions. They work when pressed simultaneously with the Fn key.

                    The resource of switches reaches 100,000,000 keystrokes, and the key that, according to statistics, fails the fastest – the space bar, is reinforced with metal from the inside. From the outside, the keyboard is covered with an aluminum plate, which gives it style and increases the level of durability. Neon Glare’s beautiful RGB lighting can be customized without specialized software by setting your own effects and colors.

                    Pros:

                    • Line switches give precise control over the actions of the character in the game;
                    • Quality of materials;
                    • Fast response;
                    • Interchangeable keycaps and puller included;
                    • Soft;
                    • No extra buttons.

                    Cons:

                    • After pressing the spacebar, you can hear the spring.

                    Compact mechanical keyboard with 87 keys Outemu Blue is a new input device that combines maximum functionality and minimalist design. The main advantage of this keyboard is ultra-sensitive mechanical keys with instant response. Each press is accompanied by a pleasant clicking sound of the switch. At the same time, the buttons have a huge service life and can withstand up to 50 million clicks or more.

                    Beautiful iridescent backlighting is a must for all Redragon gaming keyboards. Redragon Daksa Outemu Blue boasts as many as 19 backlight modes and a button backlight intensity adjustment function. Another useful option implemented in this keyboard is the ability to block the Win key. Thanks to this, its operation due to accidental pressing during the game is excluded.

                    The Redragon Daksa is wired. It connects to the computer via a 1.8-meter USB cable with a gold-plated connector. The body of the product is made of high quality plastic and reinforced with metal inserts. Thanks to this, the keyboard is characterized by increased wear resistance and shock resistance. And the presence of splash protection ensures that the functionality of the device is not impaired if drops of coffee or tea get on the buttons.

                    Pros:

                    • Soft pleasant pressing and instant key response;
                    • Fn modifier key available;
                    • Beautiful adjustable backlight – 19 modes available;
                    • Not only buttons, but also symbols are highlighted;
                    • WIN buttons can be disabled during gameplay;
                    • Robust, stable housing;
                    • Key life over 50 million keystrokes;
                    • 12 programmable buttons;
                    • Pleasant tactile;
                    • Non-slip on the table;
                    • Moisture proof.

                    Cons:

                    • The keyboard is loud, when some keys are activated, an obvious metallic sound is heard;
                    • No digital block.

                    Redragon Anubis with 87 keys Outemu Tea is the best budget mechanical keyboard for gamers who prefer compact ultra-thin input devices. The dimensions of this keyboard are 35.6×12.6×1.85 cm, and it weighs only 530 grams. It can be connected to a PC both via a USB cable and via wireless communication channels. At the same time, it is important that Redragon Anubis implements 2 ways of wireless connection at once: via Bluetooth and via a radio channel at a frequency of 2.4 GHz.

                    The main advantage of the keyboard – sensitive low-profile keys with instant response and quiet operation. Unlike most other mechanical keyboards, the Redragon Anubis is virtually silent. Therefore, it will be an excellent choice for gamers who prefer to play at night when other family members are sleeping. It is also important that for beauty and ease of use in the dark, the gaming keyboard has a bright RGB backlight that can be customized.

                    Like all wireless input devices, the Redragon Anubis has a built-in battery. It uses a modern lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1900 mAh. Due to the high energy efficiency of the keyboard, one battery charge lasts at least 2-3 weeks. And the battery level indicator will show you when it’s time to put your Redragon Anubis on charge.

                    Pros:

                    • Ultra-compact mechanical gaming keyboard;
                    • Soft quiet key travel;
                    • Gold-plated USB connector;
                    • Beautiful colorful RGB backlight;
                    • You can connect the keyboard to a PC either via a USB cable, or via Bluetooth or via radio;
                    • High-capacity built-in battery.

                    Cons:

                    • No digital block.

                    The top mechanical keyboard will help you improve your skill in online games, which is impossible to do without professional peripherals. The novelty features a compact size, free-standing buttons, a solid metal base and a high polling rate, which gives a quick response to pressing. This is a great advantage, because in modern shooters and strategies, the outcome of a duel is sometimes decided by a split second. Romer-G mechanical switches are used, which give a quick response and will please with their reliability.

                    White backlight makes it easy to find the right button even in complete darkness. To connect to a computer, a long 1.8-meter cable is used, which is enough with a margin. There are programmable buttons that you can assign a special purpose using proprietary software. Keyboard with a full number pad, the total number of keys reaches 104.

                    Pros:

                    • Strict and concise design;
                    • Uniform illumination;
                    • Reliable cable sheath;
                    • Pleasant tactile buttons;
                    • Good key travel;
                    • USB port with auxiliary power;
                    • Non-slip on the table;
                    • Sound when pressing buttons.

                    Cons:

                    • No Num Lock indicator;
                    • Loud space button.

                    This cheap mechanical keyboard has a striking design and is a great choice for those who value precision and reliability. It takes only 0.2 milliseconds for the key to actuate, which gives an advantage in games and when typing. This is the merit of Light Strike technology, which gives a high response speed with a low noise level. The buttons have a high stroke, which reduces the number of false positives.

                    The manufacturer claims to support Full Anti-Ghost technology, thanks to which you can press any number of keys at the same time. This will not affect the performance of the device in any way. A4Tech has made sure that the keyboard lasts a long time. To this end, the case is protected from moisture, the liquid will not be able to get on its internal mechanisms. The Long-Lasting system creates a unique sound when printing text, which gives it originality and creates a special atmosphere. Special mention deserves the zoned RGB backlight, which can work in 6 modes and allows you to find the key you need in the dark. The design is easily disassembled for cleaning and has an optical-mechanical basis. If the standard settings are not enough for you, then there are programmable keys and the ability to create your own backlight mode.

                    Pros:

                    • Build quality;
                    • Ability to create custom lighting and rebranding of keys;
                    • Non-slip table legs;
                    • Cherry MX Blue quick switches with tactile feedback;
                    • Cool design;
                    • Compact dimensions;
                    • Fabric braided cable.

                    Cons:

                    • Loud, but you get used to it with time.

                    Gaming keyboard from a trusted manufacturer, which received a solid metal base and a wide range of functions. Light Strike mechanical switches feature a fast response time of 0.2 milliseconds, which gives instant response and will be useful wherever quick response is needed.

                    A4Tech Bloody B820R has a classic layout and a dedicated block with numbers. Bright RGB backlight can function in one of 6 modes, decorating the product and making it comfortable to work with even in complete darkness. Key actuation threshold is 25% less than usual – from a distance of 3 mm. The Long-Lasting option creates an unusual effect when printing text that lasts even after years of use. The package includes 8 interchangeable buttons.

                    Pros:

                    • Durable build materials;
                    • Includes orange keys that stand out from the rest;
                    • Switches with instant response;
                    • Minimalistic design;
                    • Waterproof;
                    • Light Strike Technology;
                    • RGB backlight.

                    Cons:

                    • Loud buttons.

                    The next in our TOP of inexpensive mechanical keyboards is the optomechanical full-size A4Tech Bloody B975 with 104 keys A4Tech LK Light Strike Orange. The new Light Strike technology provides a light touch and the fastest response time of switches – 0. 2 milliseconds. It does not matter how many buttons were pressed at the same time – the keyboard is able to process simultaneous signals from any number of switches.

                    Like other gaming models from the Bloody line, B975 Light Strike is equipped with a bright rainbow backlight. The backlight brightness has 3 levels and can be adjusted with one click. Also, for the convenience of controlling games on the keyboard, 6 beautiful backlight effects are additionally implemented. And the option to save custom settings for the backlighting of the keys will allow you to create your “own” backlight, turn it on with one click and share it with friends.

                    An important advantage of the Bloody B975 Light Strike is a reinforced body with comfortable wrist rests and maximum water protection. Thanks to this, the keyboard is not afraid of falls, bumps, drinks spilled on it. The switch service life is at least 10,000,000 clicks. The keyboard is connected to a computer or game console via a USB cable.

                    Pros:

                    • Instant key response;
                    • Special button shape to avoid accidental pressing;
                    • Adjustable rainbow backlight;
                    • Comfortable wrist rest;
                    • There is a full-fledged digital block;
                    • Huge resource of keys;
                    • Stylish design;
                    • Convenient for both gaming and typing;
                    • Splash and splash protection;
                    • Stylish black and red case with comfortable wrist rests.

                    Cons:

                    • Rather noisy switches;
                    • Cyrillic characters are printed in an unusual font.

                    TOP mechanical keyboards goes to Asus TUF Gaming K3 with built-in memory and shockproof metal case. Asus Aura Sync RGB lighting supports fine tuning. N-key roll over technology allows you to create complex multi-button combinations and store them in the device’s memory.

                    Kailh Red mechanical switches are durable, rated for at least 50 million clicks and provide fast response. Another plus should be considered a moderate actuation force (50 grams). The keyboard case has a USB 2.0 port, to which you can connect headphones, flash drives and other accessories you need.

                    The built-in memory allows you to save multiple user profiles and create macros. The characters on the buttons are easy to read both in the light and in complete darkness due to the uniform illumination. A detachable palm rest enhances ease of use, while Kailh Red technology prevents false alarms. Key travel is high.

                    Pros:

                    • There is USB 2.0 on the case for connecting external devices;
                    • Integrated memory ;
                    • Customizable RGB lighting;
                    • Game mode;
                    • Reliable switches with a life of 50 million clicks;
                    • Does not slip on the table surface;
                    • Rugged metal housing;
                    • Magnetic palm rest;
                    • Small;
                    • You can create macros and complex keyboard shortcuts;
                    • Quiet keys.

                    Cons:

                    • Marked buttons.

                    The rating of mechanical keyboards continues with the popular model with RGB backlight, which connects to a computer or laptop using a 1.8-meter detachable cord with a universal USB connector. Its length is sufficient to play or print text even on your knees, which is sometimes very convenient. Mechanical keys are renowned for their reliability and durability. Their resource is not less than ten million operations. The design is equipped with legs that allow you to choose the most convenient of the three levels of inclination.

                    Activating game mode locks some keys, allowing you to focus on the game process and avoid accidental folding when you hit the wrong button. The Skeleton case simplifies the maintenance of the device, allowing you to easily remove any key and return it to its place. The backlight makes the device bright and dynamic. It was decided to abandon the digital block in order to create a more compact solution.

                    Pros:

                    • Beautiful and clear backlight;
                    • Superior materials;
                    • Space does not dangle;
                    • Heavy, in connection with which it does not spontaneously move around the table;
                    • Button functionality and length;
                    • Pleasant tactile matte plastic;
                    • Buttons are easy to remove for easy cleaning.

                    Cons:

                    • Expensive.

                    If you need a keyboard for copywriting and gaming, MX Blue switches are the best choice. They give a good response when pressed, despite the fact that it occurs unevenly. MX Black is more suitable for gaming, as they have no tactile feedback when pressed. The noise level when they operate is lower. MX Brown is a balanced solution that occupies a position between MX Blue and MX Black. MX Red requires less force to actuate, resulting in faster response in games.

                    All manufacturers included in our rating offer reliable and easy-to-use models, the purchase of which you will be satisfied with. You need to choose based on your preferred switches, budget and design. If you have a small amount to buy, then mechanical keyboards from A4Tech and Redragon will be an excellent solution. Logitech offers improved switches with better response times, but they also cost more. Corsair, HyperX and ASUS attract with their unique style and variety of available features.

                    Nominated Winner
                    Top selling Bloody B820R
                    Best of all HyperX Alloy Origins Core
                    Ideal among inexpensive Defender Blitz GK-240L
                    The most functional and user-friendly HyperX Alloy Origins Core

                    Comments for the site Cackl e

                    15
                    Apr
                    2023

                    The cheapest mechanical keyboard: top of the best

                    Author: Egor Golikov Updated: November 18, 2022

                    A budget mechanical keyboard is a rather rare commodity, since devices of this type traditionally turn out to be quite expensive. They are almost always more expensive than membrane systems. However, if desired, it is quite possible to find a suitable input device on the market that will meet all the requirements of the user and at the same time will not become too much of a burden on personal finances. Let us dwell in more detail on inexpensive, but sufficiently high-quality mechanical keyboards.

                    Mechanical keyboards are popular among gamers. This is because the keys have a higher level of responsiveness and faster response times compared to membrane models. See a separate rating of gaming keyboards in 2023.

                    Contents

                    • 1 Smartbuy RUSH Raven 200
                    • 2 Redragon Sani Black USB Outemu
                    • 3 OKLICK 920G Iron Edge Black USB Outemu
                    • 4 Defender Blitz GK-24 0L RU Rainbow
                    • 5 MARVO KG901
                    • 6 Olik 967G Dark Force
                    • 7 SVEN KB-G9500 Outemu Blue
                    • 8 OKLICK 969G Shotgun
                    • 9 SmartBuy Rush Carbon Black
                    • 10 HIPER GK-4 Crusader
                    • 11 Qcyber Dominator TKL Black USB Jixian Red

                    Smartbuy RUSH Raven 200

                    Cheap gaming mechanical keyboard from Smartbuy. The device does not have a backlight, but the catchy design attracts attention. The keys that are often used for playing are highlighted in red. Also on the right and left are additional buttons that will definitely come in handy for a gamer. The device works stably, this is a quality device for little money.

                    Redragon Sani Black USB Outemu

                    Top cheap mechanical keyboards of 2023 reveals a device perfectly suited for long hours of work or play. The model has a thoughtful attractive design that will emphasize your individuality and create the necessary atmosphere in the workplace. There are 104 individual keys, each based on the advanced OUTEMU Blue switch. It provides instant response and a very pleasant typing experience. Stylish RGB lighting, if desired, can be programmed to your taste.

                    OKLICK 920G Iron Edge Black USB Outemu

                    One of the best budget keyboards with great design and customizable backlighting. The mechanical key system does an excellent job and provides an instant response to pressing. This is very useful both at work and during the launch of various kinds of games. In total, the keyboard has 104 keys with a separate numeric keypad. The dimensions are optimal for the average user. There is a built-in backlight that can work in several modes.

                    Defender Blitz GK-240L RU Rainbow

                    Probably the cheapest model in the list of mechanical keyboards. Despite the low cost, this design is made of fairly high-quality plastic using high-quality switches. Rainbow lighting gives the model an expressive look, and also significantly increases the comfort of use when there is a lack of external lighting. As an additional function, a hardware lock of the WIN button is provided, pressing which can cause a lot of problems during games. There are also special hotkeys for quick access to office or multimedia programs.

                    MARVO KG901

                    High quality and affordable backlit mechanical keyboard. Designed specifically for use with desktop computers, including gaming. The model is relatively small, as the manufacturers decided to abandon the traditional numerical block on the side. A total of 87 keys are installed with reliable mechanical switches with a stroke of 3.8 mm. This is quite enough for normal operation, as well as running modern games. Almost instant response makes this budget keyboard a worthy solution, including for sports gaming.

                    Hail 967G Dark Force

                    Compact mechanical keyboard with durable per-key switches and smart customizable backlighting. There is an Fn key to enable additional options for the remaining buttons, which greatly expands the capabilities of the device. Connection to a computer is carried out via a traditional USB interface using a sufficiently long and strong cable equipped with a reliable fabric braid. This approach allows you to achieve the necessary durability of the entire product.

                    SVEN KB-G9500 Outemu Blue

                    A budget gaming keyboard that even advanced esports players will definitely appreciate. The model has a standard set of 104 keys, each of which has a high-quality mechanical switch with a very clear stroke. Thus, the user will feel every press even with minimal impact on the buttons. An additional advantage of this model is the included palm rest, which will allow you to remove excess pressure from your wrists and significantly increase the comfort of using the structure.

                    OKLICK 969G Shotgun

                    Gaming keyboard with Anti-Ghosting technology to remove restrictions on the number of simultaneous keystrokes. In total, the user has 87 full-fledged keys, the resource of which is approximately 50,000,000 keystrokes. Thus, even with very intensive use, the system will not fail for a long time. To connect to a computer, a standard USB interface is used, to which a plug from a tight and reliable cable is connected. The device immediately starts working without the need to install additional programs or drivers.

                    SmartBuy Rush Carbon Black

                    Nice mechanical model that connects to a computer via USB. Can be used for both work and play without any problems. Keystrokes are very precise and do not require too much effort. At the same time, a characteristic click is heard, indicating the use of good-quality mechanical switches. The 104-key full-size keyboard features an integrated backlight system that can be easily customized to suit your preferences.

                    HIPER GK-4 Crusader

                    Budget gaming input device with classic design without any frills. It has a good level of moisture protection, so that accidental splashes or high humidity in the room will not cause serious problems. The amber backlighting of the keys looks extremely impressive, allowing you to work comfortably in a dark room and giving the model an unusual look. The model is equipped with a full set of keys, including a separate digital block. Therefore, there will be no restrictions on the use of the device. The housing made of high-quality ABS plastic and aluminum perfectly copes with high loads and can work stably for a long time.