By Robin Owens 21 days ago, Keyboards
What is the best budget gaming keyboard in 2024?
A wide selection of gaming keyboards can make it very difficult for you to find a model that is affordable and fits your needs.
To buy the best budget gaming keyboard, you need to consider several important factors, such as gaming requirements, free desktop space and personal preference.
High-end gaming keyboards are more reliable, have macro keys and advanced switches. While the cheaper models have the same features, there are some nuances you should be aware of.
First of all, you should explore the features that an affordable gaming keyboard includes. You may come across extraordinary RGB lighting with various modes or seemingly useful options that do not work as they should.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ 5 customizable macro keys
⊕ Includes multimedia controls
⊕ Outemu Blue switches
⊕ RGB backlight DIY
⊖ Clicks aren’t silent
⊖ Lack of a wrist rest
This inexpensive gaming keyboard has OUTEMU Blue Switches. They feature quiet clicky sound, fast responsiveness and reliability (up to 50 million keystrokes).
You can choose from 18 backlight modes and 6 backlight themes. The backlight brightness can be adjusted if you need it. The side edges also have backlighting with 5 RGB modes.
This is the best wireless gaming keyboard for those who want to take advantage of their competitors in a game. With 5 programmable macro keys, you can easily beat the competition. Download the Redragon software from the official website and customize the macro keys to your needs. The ability to control music playback without leaving a game is another benefit of this model.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ Small and robust construction
⊕ Anti-ghosting
⊕ Fast-toggle switch
⊕ Cherry MX RGB switches
⊕ Immediate privacy
⊖ Wrist rest isn’t included
⊖ Lack of macro keys
This keyboard is a great choice for FPS games due to some important features, such as a wide left Control (Ctrl) key. Many users prefer this cheap anti ghosting keyboard because of its Cherry MX key switches. They are known for their reliability and durability.
The Asus ROG STRIX Scope supports N-key rollover anti-ghosting technology, which ensures an accurate response to all keystrokes even when all keys are pressed at the same time.
You can use Asus’ Aura Sync software to set the desired RGB backlight parameters. This backlit gaming keyboard has RGB lock indicators, an individual RGB LED under every key and an RGB ROG logo.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ Solid build
⊕ Macros can be programmed
⊕ Signature mechanical switch
⊕ Comfortable magnetic wrist rest
⊕ Easy-to-customize
⊖ Bulky volume wheel
⊖ Only USB 2.0
The manufacturer supplies this cheap PC keyboard in three different switch styles. Think about your needs and choose the one that suits them. The Green option is tactile and clicky, Yellow switches are linear and silent while Orange ones are tactile and noiseless. RGB backlighting is fully customizable.
The ability to program almost any key using the Razer’s Synapse III software makes up for the lack of special macro keys. Besides, you can take advantage of a Hypershift feature and customize secondary hotkeys.
Special media keys provide comfortable music management. Another advantage of the quiet gaming keyboard is the wrist rest attached with a magnetic system. It is made of cushy and soft pleather material to give you more comfort.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ Compact, convenient construction
⊕ 10 gaming modes
⊕ 100% conflict-free keys
⊕ 19 backlighting modes
⊖ Lack of wrist rest
⊖ Braided USB cable issues
Many users call the Redragon K576R the best budget gaming keyboard due to its small size and durable high-quality design.
It is great for both gaming and typing as the mechanical keys provide a great tactile feel. The keyboard includes high-quality mechanical switches that perform well up to 50 million clicks.
87 non-conflict keys let you enjoy excellent gaming performance. The stable and reliable connection is ensured with a gold-plated high-speed corrosion-free USB gaming keyboard connector.
This mechanical gaming keyboard has fantastic customization options. You can choose from 19 different backlighting modes, use any of 8 pre-set gaming modes or set one of 2 user-defined gaming modes.
Interface: Wireless 2.4 GHz / Blutooth | Keyboard backlighting: No
⊕ Ultra-quick wireless technology
⊕ Special switch for a gaming mode
⊕ Height and angle customization
⊕ Fantastic battery life
⊖ Questionable extra keys
⊖ A palm rest isn’t removable
This keyboard has two connectivity options: Bluetooth and Lightspeed wireless technology. Both of them work well.
This wireless gaming keyboard features Logitech’s Romer-G tactile switches. They provide noiseless, accurate mechanical performance and 70 million clicks.
Simple and universal, the Logitech Gaming Software lets you customize your own profiles, set parameters for a game mode and re-program the additional column of G keys. The cheap Bluetooth gaming keyboard contains powerful AA batteries that work up to 18 months.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ Mechanical switches
⊕ Customizable macro support
⊕ Supplied with O-Ring sound dampeners
⊕ Backlit keys
⊖ No other backlight except white
⊖ Noisy, cramped keys
This gaming keyboard includes the proprietary Razer Orange switches resembling the Cherry MX Brown switches. This model is suitable for typing due to a tactile bump and noiseless click.
Gamers like this keyboard for its 10-key rollover feature and anti-ghosting technology. Razer’s Synapse 3 software lets you customize a keyboard to your needs. Moreover, using the Hypershift function, you can extend the controls by setting up complex macros and main commands for any keys.
Thanks to a pair of flip-out feet at the bottom, the top of this cheap anti ghosting keyboard can be raised up about 0.3 inches (7.6 mm).
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ Aluminum construction
⊕ Completely programmable macros
⊕ Linear optical switch
⊕ Compatible with popular games
⊖ Wrist rest is missing
⊖ Few extra features
Razer has used innovative opto-mechanical switches for this keyboard. Thanks to an optical light sensor inside each switch, you don’t need to push them down too much for a keypress to register. This silent gaming keyboard features excellent built quality. Moreover, you can adjust RGB lighting.
Thanks to a special game mode button that allows you to disable the Windows key, Alt-Tab and Alt-F4 and activate anti-ghosting, this model was put to this best budget gaming keyboard list. Plus, you will find here a special key for switching to one of five profiles and a macro recording button.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: No
⊕ Double-shot PBT keycaps
⊕ Durgod Zeus Engine software
⊕ Two different cables in the box
⊕ You can adjust feet
⊖ Lack of backlighting
⊖ There are no special media keys
The Durgod Taurus K320 is a rugged 87-key model. You can choose one of two color solutions as well as Cherry MX switches type. Depending on your preference, it can be either fast linear or a bit bump feel. The double shot PBT keycaps are located on top of the switches.
Anti-ghosting technology and full N-key rollover provide quick and accurate registration of all of your keystrokes, even when typing fast. The plastic case has adjustable feet that allow you to choose a convenient angle of this cheap gaming keyboard. Two USB type C cables come with the keyboard.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Redragon K580 VATA
Our Choice |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
ASUS ROG Strix Scope
Compact |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
Razer BlackWidow Elite
Backlit |
CHECK PRICE → |
You can find many models that differ in features, sizes, etc. To make the right decision, you must consider several aspects and not focus on just one parameter. Here are a few things to help you buy the best budget gaming keyboard.
There are two types of keyboards, membrane and mechanical. A mechanical keyboard has more advantages, such as short actuation points and linear, fast movements. Membrane models are less durable and cause more problems during repairs. To repair a mechanical keyboard, you can replace just one switch instead of removing the entire construction. However, a mechanical gaming keyboard costs more than a membrane one.
Since manufacturers use cheaper materials for membrane keyboards, they are not as expensive. In addition, they make less noise than mechanical ones. But remember that using cheap materials can lead to more frequent and tricky breakdowns. However, since this is a cheap gaming keyboard, you can simply buy a new one.
Pay particular attention to switches and their characteristics. Responsiveness, actuation pressure and switch feel are key things to keep in mind.
A casual gamer can choose an affordable gaming keyboard with Cherry MX Red switches, but it’s important to consider your personal preferences and needs. Cherry MX Red switches feature a lower actuation point (which makes such keyboards more responsive) and a fast linear option. These parameters are especially important if you want to beat your opponents at fast-paced competitive games.
If you want to achieve the best productivity while playing, you need to feel comfortable with your gaming gear. When choosing the best wireless gaming keyboard, you should pay special attention to ergonomics. Most of the game models have various features to provide you with a more comfortable experience. For example, wrist stands will reduce stress and fatigue from extended gaming sessions.
Gaming keyboards are available in either single color or full RGB backlighting with 16.8 million colors. You can only adjust the brightness in the single color backlit models. At the same time, full RGB keyboards have customizable key colors and various effects. To modify the settings and choose individual key colors, you need to install special customization software.
While using a wired keyboard, you get a more stable connection and faster performance. When typing on a wireless gaming keyboard, you might notice that the response to keystrokes is delayed.
Yes, if you want to be a competitive gamer, you need special equipment. Even when buying a cheap gaming keyboard and mouse, you can find decent options. Many gaming keyboards have easy-to-discern keys that allow even beginners to press the right one without moving the eyes from the screen.
Buying a mechanical or membrane keyboard depends on your preference. The first type is more durable, faster and tactile. On the other hand, some gamers want to have a compact, portable and inexpensive gaming keyboard. In this case, the membrane model is a good choice.
Since the keys on a mechanical keyboard have separate switches, such models cost more. This design provides faster and more accurate keystrokes. This is important for both gamers and typists.
With a wireless connection, you can work or play from anywhere in the room. However, lower responsiveness and connection failures are serious drawbacks for gamers. For this reason, most users opt for a wired gaming keyboard.
