By Robin Owens 15 days ago, Keyboards
The best budget keyboards from famous brands.
In case you are after the best budget keyboard, the array of options is practically endless. But are all of them worth your attention? I have tested multiple models and collected the best of them in one list. Examine it and you won’t have a hard time picking a budget keyboard for your needs.
After reviewing more than 60 keyboards, I was able to select the 7 best inexpensive keyboards found on the nowadays’ market. Despite their low cost, the keyboards on this list may boast of remarkable build quality, functionality and a smooth typing process.
Interface: Bluetooth | Keyboard backlighting: No
⊕ Lightweight and portable
⊕ Chrome OS layout
⊕ Smartphone tray
⊕ Dual wireless channels
⊖ Absence of Caps Lock or function keys
⊖ Scissor-switch keys issues
⊖ Replaceable batteries
Although the Logitech K580 offers Android- and Chrome OS-specific capabilities, it may be the best budget keyboard solely for those who constantly use Chromebook. The presence of buttons that correspond to the OS functions is a plus, but the use of those functions isn’t really a significant matter.
The K580 will be a suitable travel model if you wish to write from a smartphone or need to use a separate keyboard along with a laptop. This keyboard is lightweight and portable. Therefore, due to its affordable price, I would suggest it as an additional device for those who travel often and do all the work elsewhere, not at the desk.
Interface: Wireless | Keyboard backlighting: No
⊕ Design meant to save space
⊕ Noiseless keys and buttons
⊕ Cheap
⊖ Inconvenient to use for longer time periods
⊖ Bluetooth isn’t supported
⊖ Works with no more than one device at a time
The MK470 Slim Combo is notable for compact dimensions and noiseless operation. It is a decent cheap small keyboard to complement your setup at a home office or in an open working area. The overall typing process is enjoyable.
The scrolling and tracking of the mouse is smooth enough to keep you productive for a while. It will be difficult to find a better model for such a low price.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: yes
⊕ Modest but attractive design
⊕ Reliable build in general
⊕ Robust software
⊕ Reasonable price
⊖ Lghting issues
⊖ Secondary legends unlit
The build quality of the G512 is reliable. The modern G Hub software can be called a nice replacement for LGS, but it is still not perfect. The newly introduced GX Blue switches will undoubtedly catch your eye. In case you are a fan of regular desktop clicky Blue switches, you will enjoy them.
However, in my opinion, the new switches seem like an excuse made by the company. Logitech should have improved a switch option that will complement Romer-Gs, as well as an actual keyboard design. But, I guess, it will do for the price of $100.
On the whole, the Logitech G512 is a good budget keyboard with the GX Blue switches, particularly, if you decide to avoid the GX Blue switches for a Romer-G option.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: No
⊕ N-rollover option
⊕ Pleasant backlighting
⊕ Legs may be adjusted
⊕ Customizable
⊖ Price
The Omen Encoder by HP is a nice mechanical keyboard for gaming purposes. Thanks to anti-ghosting, which is provided owing to the use of the n-key rollover, users can press the keys at any speed, even the fastest one, and all of them will be recognized. I appreciate the fact that the keyboard may be adjusted for wrist comfort.
The red backlighting is pleasant to look at, makes the keyboard more attractive and simplifies the process of finding the necessary keys. The cables of the Omen Encoder are rugged and won’t get all messed up due to the braided covering. The price of $100 is totally justified, especially in comparison with other mechanical gaming keyboards.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: No
⊕ Optional illumination of keys
⊕ Hotkeys for media controls
⊕ Straightforward
⊕ Price
⊖ Not durable
Verbatim Illuminated is a decent cheap keyboard that will help you minimize eyestrain and ensure that you will stay productive. The optional illumination of keys allows for enhanced visibility in poor lighting, which is ideal if you work almost in the dark.
The keys are noiseless, soft to touch and respond well in the process of typing. Besides, the model boasts hotkeys for immediate access to media controls, a complete numeric keypad and full-size function keys.
It is one of the best budget keyboards for office or home use due to the thin design and straightforward plug-and-play USB connection. The keyboard offers compatibility with Windows 7 and higher, Mac OS X 10.4 and higher, Linux Kernel 2.6 and higher.
Interface: Wireless | Keyboard backlighting: yes
⊕ Adaptable wired/wireless mode
⊕ A number of options for switches
⊕ Remarkable battery capacity
⊖ Key-caps are stock quality
⊖ LED version has bleed-through issues
The Keychron K4 is a versatile cheap LED keyboard with the presence of wireless and wired modes that operate equally well. Besides, the model pleases users with a number of options for switches and qualitative build.
In fact, the market offers keyboards that boast more extensive feature-sets or better characteristics. The LEDs of the K4 could have a higher level of customization. Or the manufacturer could have used not aluminum but a more reliable zinc alloy. Still, the K4 will satisfy the users with what it provides as it is, without any extra frills.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: yes
⊕ Excellent price-quality ratio
⊕ Nice typing process
⊕ Mechanical keys
⊕ Extremely thin profile
⊖ The slim design issues
⊖ A software problems
⊖ Absence of media keys
The Havit HV-KB395L is a decent inexpensive keyboard with mechanical keys, which sounds like a dream come true. One of its main benefits is an enjoyable typing process. Moreover, the model attracts users with a price of only $ 80 - it is certainly a bargain, especially in comparison with top-grade analogs.
The build of the keyboard is extremely high quality. The backlight in this model is full, that is, you can put any color on each key.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Logitech K580
Our Choice |
CHECK PRICE→ | |
 |
Logitech MK470
Wireless |
CHECK PRICE → | |
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Logitech G512
Mechanical |
CHECK PRICE → |
There is a well-known saying – “you get what you pay for”. This phrase often has a negative connotation, meaning that a low price is a sign of bad quality. For instance, many gamers believe that an inexpensive mechanical keyboard will stop functioning properly after just a couple of months. Or some consumers think that manufacturers deliberately skimp on the material in order to offer a more competitive low price. In fact, all these opinions are false.
If you see an affordable keyboard, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the manufacturer sacrificed quality for the sake of a cheap price. Instead, they have skipped on the additional features, like an integrated USB hub, dedicated software, programmable keys or customizable backlights. Still, you can count on getting qualitative mechanical switches under all of the keys, solid feel and construction, as well as a reliable material. Those gamers who are interested in mechanical switches for an extra advantage during the game and don’t require all the frills should pay attention to cheap mechanical keyboards.
Unlike top-grade mechanical keyboards, cheaper mechanical ones don’t integrate the commonly used Cherry MX mechanical switches. They boast a proprietary design instead. Most often, the functioning of the proprietary mechanical switches is no worse than that of the Cherry MX switches. In extreme cases, these two types of switches may seem slightly different to you.
Plenty of gamers are satisfied with using cheap mechanical gaming keyboards. However, those who are involved in eSports competitions at a proficient level will be better off with a top-grade mechanical gaming keyboard. The additional capabilities of more expensive mechanical models, like macro keys, can be a deciding factor in the gaming competition.
The extra frills won’t matter much if you are playing in your spare time just to have fun and unwind. But when we speak of an opportunity to win a big cash prize, any added feature is highly important.
If we compare cheaper and more expensive mechanical keyboards, the difference between them isn’t that significant. They are equally durable and vary only in the quality of the mechanical switches. In case you are after a mechanical keyboard for occasional gaming or enhancing your typing skills, opt for an affordable model and you won’t regret it.
A 61 key keyboard isn’t a perfect option if there is no bassist in the band, and the band often plays left-hand bass. Besides, certain musical work is played using the whole range of 88 keys. Mind that the keys are supposed to be touch-sensitive – a hard hit on the key should produce a loud sound.
The majority of pros prefer a tenkeyless keyboard (without numpad). The others are using use 60% or 65% keyboards (even smaller). You may choose between switches from Cherry (most widespread) or the in-house ones from Logitech, Razer.
It isn’t a proven fact that ergonomic keyboards will save you from carpal tunnel syndrome and the rest of similar injuries. Still, ergonomic keyboards are likely to minimize the strain you put on the hand. If your keyboard is convenient for you and doesn’t cause any painful sensations, you don’t have to switch to an ergonomic model.
Those who type a lot will certainly put mechanical keyboards to good use. With such a keyboard, you will clearly feel and hear that you are pressing the keys. Thus, it will lead to more precise keystrokes without much effort on your side.
