Top 6 Best Budget Mechanical Keyboard 2024

By GirlBoss Team | February 24, 2024

Mechanical keyboards have gained popularity in the past few years for their touch sensation, robustness, and personalization features. However, their high cost can be a hurdle for those on a tight budget who are still looking for a superior quality keyboard. This is the gap filled by budget mechanical keyboards – providing the advantages of mechanical keyboards without being a burden on your wallet.

When shopping for a budget mechanical keyboard, the most critical factor to consider is the type of switches used. Mechanical switches come in various types, each with its unique feel and sound. Some switches, such as Cherry MX Red or Black, are ideal for gaming due to their linear feel, while others, such as Cherry MX Blue or Brown, are better suited for typing due to their tactile feedback.

In this article, we spent several hours researching and testing various budget mechanical keyboards to find the best options on the market. We looked at factors such as switch type, build quality, and overall value for the price. Whether you’re a gamer or a typist, we’ve got you covered with our top picks for the best budget mechanical keyboards.

Best Budget Mechanical Keyboards

We know that finding a reliable mechanical keyboard can be a daunting task, especially if you’re on a tight budget. That’s why we’ve scoured the market to bring you our top picks for the best budget mechanical keyboards. These keyboards offer a satisfying typing experience without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a gamer or a writer, we’ve got you covered with our list of affordable options. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our roundup of the best budget mechanical keyboards on the market.

Camiysn 60 Percent Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

If you are looking for a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard that is perfect for gaming and office use, the Camiysn 60 Percent Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is definitely worth considering.

Pros

With N-Key Rollover, all keys are non-conflict, allowing multiple keys to work simultaneously with high speed, making it perfect for high-grade games that require fast response.
The linear red switches have a quiet click sound and fast action with small resistance without a tactile bump feel, making it easier to push down faster. Gamers often prefer red switches because they are not as springy.
The compact size of 61 keys saves more space for your desk, and it has 20 powder blue light effects to choose from. The detachable Type-C cable makes it easy to plug and play, and it is widely compatible with Win98 / 2000/ 7 / 8 / 11 / XP / Vista / ME / MAC.

Cons

Some users may find the keyboard too small, especially if they are used to larger keyboards.
The keyboard is not wireless, which may be a downside for some users.
The keycaps may wobble a little, but it does not affect the overall performance of the keyboard.

Overall, we highly recommend the Camiysn 60 Percent Mechanical Gaming Keyboard for those who are looking for an affordable mechanical keyboard that is perfect for gaming and office use. It has a sleek and ergonomic design that reduces hand fatigue, and the two-color injection keycaps make it more durable and long-lasting.

MageGee MK-Box Mechanical Keyboard

If you’re looking for a budget mechanical keyboard, we highly recommend the MageGee MK-Box.

Pros

The compact 68-key layout is perfect for saving space on your desk while still having all the necessary keys. The separate arrow keys and all the F-keys you need make it suitable for both gaming and work.
The mechanical blue switch provides a crisp paragraph feeling and strong mechanical feeling, making it perfect for both typing and gaming. The loud click sound provides precise tactile feedback for an enjoyable typing experience.
The classic charming blue LED backlighting is customizable with multiple illuminated LED light effects and supports about 15 backlight modes. You can control the backlight speed and brightness with the press of a button.

Cons

The keycap puller that comes with the keyboard is not very durable and can break easily.
The build quality could be better, but for the price, it’s still a great value.
The grey and black mash-up design may not be to everyone’s taste.

We’ve been using the MageGee MK-Box for a few weeks now and have been impressed with its performance. The full anti-ghosting keyboard ensures that all 68 keys are no conflict, and the ergonomic suspension double-color injection keycap provides a comfortable typing experience. The double kickstand feet allow for an adjustable typing angle, and the detachable USB cable makes it easy to take on the go.

The extensive compatibility of the MageGee MK-Box makes it suitable for use with Windows (2000, XP, ME, Vista, 7, 8), Linux, and Mac. It’s plug-and-play, so you don’t need any drivers or software to get it up and running.

Overall, if you’re looking for a budget mechanical keyboard that provides an enjoyable typing experience and customizable backlighting, the MageGee MK-Box is an excellent choice.

havit Mechanical Keyboard

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard that won’t take up too much space on your desk, the havit Mechanical Keyboard might be a good option for you.

Pros

The compact design with a numpad allows you to save desk space while still having the essential numkeys.
The colorful PBT keycaps provide an excellent touch experience and long serving time, making it a great option for both gaming and work.
The ergonomic design with two keyboard kickstands reduces the burden on the wrist and provides a comfortable angle for typing.

Cons

The numpad lights up only when it’s unlocked, and the rest of the keys don’t have lighting.
The paint of letters/numbers wears off the most commonly used keys after some time.
The Num Lock function is not available for Mac OS and Chrome OS systems, so the number pad is unable to be locked and will stay on.

The havit Mechanical Keyboard is perfect for office typing or playing games. The keyboard is wired, which frees up your desk during work, and after working sessions, you can enjoy the keyboard for gaming, or bring it with you as the size is compact and easy to carry out.

In terms of compatibility, this 89 key mechanical keyboard is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows VISTA, and other systems. However, for Mac OS and Chrome OS systems, the Num Lock function is not available, so the number pad is unable to be locked and will stay on.

Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard that is compact and suitable for both work and gaming, the havit Mechanical Keyboard might be a good option for you.

Newmen GM326 75% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

If you’re looking for an affordable mechanical keyboard with hot-swappable switches and a compact design, the Newmen GM326 75% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard might be worth considering.

Pros

The 75% compact design saves desk space and makes it easy to carry around.
The hot-swappable red linear switches are smooth and easy to tap for gaming.
The multi-function knob and indicator lights add convenience and customization options.

Cons

The plastic construction feels a bit flimsy and lightweight.
The rainbow LED backlighting might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
The included keycaps could be of better quality.

We’ve been using the Newmen GM326 for a few days now, and we’re impressed with its performance and features. The 75% compact design is perfect for those who want a mechanical keyboard without taking up too much desk space. The detachable Type-C cable and small size make it easy to carry for home/office use or business trips.

The hot-swappable red linear switches are smooth and easy to tap for gaming, and the hot-swappable function allows for customization with different combination layouts on keycaps and 3-pin switches. The full key anti-ghosting feature allows multiple keys to work simultaneously, making it suitable for gamers, writers, programmers, and typists.

The multi-function knob in the upper right corner of the keyboard enables you to adjust the sound level for fast, seamless, and easy-to-use operation. Three indicator lights on the keyboard give you a quicker overview of the keyboard’s status. The ergonomic stepped keycap and two-stage support leg provide a comfortable typing experience.

Overall, the Newmen GM326 75% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a great budget option for those who want a compact keyboard with hot-swappable switches and a few customization options. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable mechanical keyboard, this could be a good choice.

Womier 60% Percent Keyboard, WK61 Mechanical RGB Wired Gaming Keyboard, Hot-Swappable Keyboard with Blue Sea PBT Keycaps for Windows PC Gamers – Linear Red Switch

If you’re looking for a budget mechanical keyboard that’s great for gaming and customization, the Womier WK61 is definitely worth considering.

Pros

The theme style and matte translucent bottom cover give the keyboard a unique and clean look, while the frosted wall brings out the brilliance of RGB lighting in all directions.
The newly added 2in1 Silicone Pad provides a richer operating space for keyboard DIY enthusiasts, and helps to absorb hollow sound and provide extra stable typing feeling.
The WK61 is a hot-swappable custom keyboard, meaning you can easily replace the switches with other compatible switches if you prefer a different feel.

Cons

The keyboard only has 61 keys, which may not be enough for some users who are used to a full-sized keyboard.
Some users may find the quiet red mechanical switch to be too soft, and prefer a more tactile switch for typing.
The keyboard may take some time to get used to if you’re not familiar with 60% keyboards.

In our experience, the Womier WK61 is a great budget mechanical keyboard for gamers who want a unique and customizable keyboard. The RGB lighting is bright and vibrant, and the programmable software allows you to define your own keyboard through millions of backlit colors and macro keys. The keyboard is also compatible with PC, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One, making it a versatile option for both PC and console gaming.

The WK61 comes with 3 sublimation keycaps that can be replaced, allowing you to freely match the colors you like and customize the keyboard to your liking. The hot-swappable custom keyboard also makes it easy to switch out the switches if you prefer a different feel. The newly added 2in1 Silicone Pad is a nice touch, providing a richer operating space for keyboard DIY enthusiasts and helping to absorb hollow sound.

Overall, if you’re looking for a budget mechanical keyboard that’s great for gaming and customization, the Womier WK61 is definitely worth considering.

SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard, the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard is definitely worth considering.

Pros

The compact tenkeyless design is perfect for maximizing in-game performance and comfort.
The whisper quiet gaming switches with anti-ghosting technology provide keystroke accuracy and are made from durable low friction material for near silent use and guaranteed performance for over 20 million keypresses.
The IP32 Water & Dust Resistant design ensures extra durability to prevent damage from liquids and dust particles, so you can continue to play no matter what happens to your keyboard.

Cons

The keys don’t change color when pressed, which may be a downside for some users.
Some users may find the keyboard a bit too heavy.
The software required for customization may be a bit complicated for some users.

We’ve been using the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard for a while now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The compact tenkeyless design is perfect for maximizing in-game performance and comfort, and the whisper quiet gaming switches with anti-ghosting technology provide keystroke accuracy and are made from durable low friction material for near silent use and guaranteed performance for over 20 million keypresses. The IP32 Water & Dust Resistant design ensures extra durability to prevent damage from liquids and dust particles, so you can continue to play no matter what happens to your keyboard.

One downside of the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard is that the keys don’t change color when pressed, which may be a downside for some users. Additionally, some users may find the keyboard a bit too heavy. Finally, the software required for customization may be a bit complicated for some users.

Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard that performs well and is durable, the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard is definitely worth considering.

Buying Guide

When choosing a budget mechanical keyboard, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Keyboard Switches

The type of switch used in a mechanical keyboard can greatly impact the typing experience. Some switches are tactile, meaning they provide a physical bump when pressed, while others are linear, providing a smooth keystroke. Additionally, some switches are loud and clicky, while others are silent.

Backlighting

Backlighting can be a useful feature for typing in low-light environments. Some keyboards offer RGB backlighting, which allows for customizable colors and effects.

Key Layout

Key layout can vary between keyboards, with some offering a compact design and others featuring a full-sized layout. Additionally, some keyboards may have extra keys or function keys for added functionality.

Build Quality

A keyboard’s build quality can impact its durability and longevity. Look for keyboards made with high-quality materials, such as aluminum or steel, and with sturdy keycaps.

Price

Of course, price is an important factor to consider when choosing a budget mechanical keyboard. Look for keyboards that offer a good balance of features and price.

By considering these factors, you can find a budget mechanical keyboard that meets your needs and provides a satisfying typing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should we look for in a budget mechanical keyboard for gaming?

When it comes to gaming, a budget mechanical keyboard should have a good response time, anti-ghosting, and N-key rollover. Additionally, the keyboard should have programmable keys, macro support, and customizable RGB lighting.

Which affordable mechanical keyboards are best for typing work?

For typing work, a budget mechanical keyboard should have tactile switches, a comfortable keycap design, and a low actuation force. Some popular options include the Redragon K552, the Aukey KM-G12, and the Velocifire VM01.

How do we choose a durable yet inexpensive mechanical keyboard?

To choose a durable yet inexpensive mechanical keyboard, we should look for a keyboard with a sturdy build quality and a good warranty. Additionally, keyboards with metal frames and double-shot keycaps tend to be more durable.

What are the top recommended budget mechanical keyboards as per user reviews?

According to user reviews, some of the top recommended budget mechanical keyboards include the Redragon K552, the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro, the Tecware Phantom, and the Velocifire TKL02.

Can we find a quality mechanical keyboard without breaking the bank?

Yes, there are many quality mechanical keyboards available at affordable prices. By doing some research and comparing features, we can find a mechanical keyboard that fits our budget and meets our needs.

What brands offer the best value in mechanical keyboards for budget-conscious consumers?

Some brands that offer the best value in mechanical keyboards for budget-conscious consumers include Redragon, Aukey, Tecware, and Velocifire. These brands offer a wide range of options with various features at affordable prices.

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