By Robin Owens 10 days ago, Keyboards
The best cheap mechanical keyboards for all your needs.
People fond of playing computer games tend to complain about the extortionate cost of mechanical keyboards that are an integral part of the gaming PC setup. Though this is true in most cases, there is still a chance to find a reliable model spending less than 100 dollars.
Though such keyboards come without some advanced features, they are good enough for playing the majority of games.
We have tested numerous products and managed to compile a list of models each of which is worth the title of a decent affordable mechanical keyboard. There are 7 keyboards to choose from, so you are bound to find something matching your needs and budget.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ RGB LED
⊕ Budget-friendly model
⊕ Occupies little space
⊕ Long-lasting construction
⊖ A bit annoying keys
If you aspire to reach the heights in your favorite game and are looking for a cheap mechanical gaming keyboard that can withstand your craziest battles, here is a wonderful option to try. It is designed with the user’s convenience in mind, so you can fully rely on this keyboard even during long gaming sessions.
The construction is made of robust metal, all keys have double-shot molded caps, while high-end switches are equipped with ultra-last springs. Not only can this keyboard withstand the intensive beating, but can also be used for office work thanks to quiet operation.
A pleasant bonus is 8 spare switches included in the kit. Jumping to a Pro-gamer mode is really swift by pressing FB+INS-PgDn.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ Corresponds to minimalistic requirements
⊕ Compact construction
⊕ Rich compatibility
⊕ Full N-Key Rollover
⊖ Requires installing Aukey software
We can hardly call it the best cheap mechanical keyboard, but it still offers some interesting features that are enough for beginning gamers or those on the lookout for an inexpensive model for performing regular business tasks.
It is a compact mechanical keyboard without a number pad, so it occupies less space than full-size analogs. The matte black styling can perfectly complement both office and home environments.
It is supplied with blue switches that are easy to press but cause some irritating clicking sounds. Unfortunately, the impossibility to set macros and use software for more precise adjustments scare off some buyers.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ Gateron Red switches
⊕ RGB backlighting
⊕ Brushes aluminum design
⊕ Low-cost option
⊖ Not really durable
Those searching for a combat-focused inexpensive mechanical keyboard should thoroughly study this product. It performs well on most battlefields and is promised to withstand 50 million clicks even during tough skirmishes.
There are separate On-the-Fly Controls that makes it possible to promptly customize basic settings, e.g. RGB lighting and macros, while the dedicated software provides access to more advanced adjustments.
All in all, this is a reliable companion for the majority of games.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ Broad compatibility
⊕ Solid build
⊕ Small-sized
⊕ Budget-friendly
⊖ Lighting issues
Created for avid gamers, such a keyboard with durable Special Modified Brown Switches can survive 60 million clicks. The keys cause a pleasant tactile feel and work softer and quieter than analogs, which makes Ajazz AK50 suitable not only for gaming, but for usage in offices.
The top-quality aluminum and ABS construction is claimed to serve you for many years. Even if you participate in stressful battles and don’t press keys really gently, you can be sure they won’t get damaged.
In fact, this cheap mechanical gaming keyboard meets E-sport constructing standards. The plug-and-play approach makes using this keyboard very intuitive, as you don’t have to tackle with drivers.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: No
⊕ Romer-G mechanical switches
⊕ Easy-to-reach shortcuts
⊕ You can assign certain commands to keys
⊕ Compact
⊖ Wobbly keys
As the best mechanical keyboard under $50, this affordable full-size keyboard boasts a long-lasting design and features professionally made Romer-GTM switches. If you need a keyboard both for playing action-packed games and more gentle office work, you can rely on this model.
The keys are nice to touch and work silently so you won’t distract anybody in the room. A stylish design is likely to match most environments. Thanks to the programmable keys you can have more controls over the gaming/working process and reassign your frequently-used shortcuts.
The keyboard comes with a 1.8m cable and has a built-in strain relief for a more enjoyable gaming experience.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ RGB backlighting
⊕ Look stylish
⊕ Great for different purposes
⊕ Convenient
⊖ No Bluetooth interface
What sets this model apart from other budget mechanical gaming keyboards is its broad compatibility with devices running Windows 95 and higher and Mac OS. It has colorful RGB backlighting with interesting customization options.
In total, there are 6 zones of backlighting, and you can easily set up your unique backlight mode. The ergonomic built-in wrist rest adds convenience to the gaming process by preventing unpleasant feelings in the wrist.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ Cherry MX Switches
⊕ Full key customization
⊕ N-key Rollover options
⊕ Reasonable price
⊖ USB cable is mini type B
Choosing this cheap mechanical keyboard, you get an elegant GRAM series framework with all the must-have keys logically scattered across it. It has a single-colored blue backlight that looks very stylish.
All keys here are fully programmable, so you can set macros and perform regular actions in a quicker way. The tactilely pleasant keys are suitable both for regular office work and serious gaming.
A cherry on top in terms of design is the beautiful metal top casing.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Redragon K556
Our Choice |
CHECK PRICE→ | |
 |
Cooler Master CK552
RGB Back Lighting |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
AUKEY Keyboard
for Gaming |
CHECK PRICE → |
This is an important thing to consider, but that shouldn’t cause much confusion. There are full-size keyboards with a standard key layout and those with smaller dimensions. The choice fully depends on how much free space you have to place your new keyboard.
The modern market offers keyboards with different types of switches. However, the most demanded and favored are mechanical models, which means each key has a separate switch beneath it.
Such keyboards are more robust, easier to repair, allows for broader customization and provide greater convenience than membrane, scissor, and butterfly models. If you decide on a budget mechanical keyboard, you still need to select between 3 variables – linear, tactile, and clicky.
In fact, we can talk about broader division depending on the actuation force and point, but these basics are enough to make an informed choice.
This refers to physical switches used in a keyboard. The most frequent types are rubber dome, scissor, buckling spring, ALPS and Cherry MX switches. If you are searching for top-tier feels, then opt for Topre.
This really depends on a keyboard you use. You can choose how much you need to press keys right in the store to understand whether it is convenient for you to use this particular model.
Cheap mechanical keyboards offer several advantages over regular membrane keyboards, including better tactile feedback, improved typing speed, and increased durability. They are also ideal for gaming, as they provide more accurate and responsive key presses.
Yes, many budget-friendly mechanical keyboards come with customizable RGB lighting, allowing you to personalize the keyboard's appearance and create a unique gaming setup.
While wireless mechanical keyboards may be more commonly found in premium options, there are some affordable wireless models available in the market that offer a cable-free typing experience.
The main reason is dirt particles between and under the keys. You can also experience this problem if you have spilled beverages on your keypad.
They cost more than membrane keyboards because here each key is supplied with an individual switch for more precise operation.
In most cases, they are silent, but there are some models that have a clicky sound when pressing keys.
