The Best Cheap Gaming Keyboard
Above-average ratings, below-average prices, no fake reviews.
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Gaming keyboards are designed to give gamers a competitive edge. What kind of edge? It depends on both the person and his or her style of gameplay. For example, a keyboard with programmable macro-keys allows a gamer to execute complex actions in a single keystroke. Gamers with big- or small-hands may prefer keyboards with ergonomic layouts. Backlighting is useful for those who prefer to game in the dark.For casual gamers, a simple membrane keyboard may suffice. On the other hand, a mechanical keyboard is the better choice for gamers who live or die by quick response times. Many of the best mechanical keyboards use Cherry MX key switches, which come in several varieties.
A Simple Comparison of Cherry MX Switch Types
- Cherry MX Red — Light, quiet keys
- Cherry MX Blue — Heavy, loud keys
- Cherry MX Brown — Light, quiet keys
- Cherry MX Black — Heavy, quiet keys
- Cherry MX Speed — Very light and quiet keys
Red and brown switches are most commonly found in gaming keyboards. Blue switches are a favorite amongst typists, but they’re very loud and can overwhelm the microphone in a streaming setup.
How Much Does a Good Gaming Keyboard Cost?
A good gaming keyboard (with verified, above-average reviews) costs approximately $46, according to a 12-month analysis of price trends. Those same keyboards cost around $31 while on sale: an average discount of 33%.
An expensive gaming keyboard (like one that uses MX Speed switches) probably isn’t worth it unless it’s for a specific need; no gaming keyboard should be expected to greatly improve one’s gameplay. Here are the best cheap gaming keyboards (both membrane and mechanical) for the money:
Methodology for Selecting Products
I use data science to discover above-average products that are selling for below-average prices. To find gaming keyboards with below-average prices, I first assemble a list of candidates, then organize those products by their 12-month average sale price, determine the median value and then exclude any keyboard with a price above the mid-point.
To find gaming keyboards with above-average reviews, I measure the relationship between 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 star ratings and flag outliers that fall outside of a normal statistical distribution. I also discount paid, sponsored and unverified reviews as well as unhelpful review behaviors from verified customers. Models with an average adjusted rating of less than 3.9 out of 5 are excluded; in the end, fewer than 10% of the analyzed products remain.
Cougar Vantar Gaming Keyboard
Good Value: $35 | Great Deal: $22
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Switch Type: Scissor Switch
Backlighting: RGB
Cougar’s inexpensive scissor-switch keyboard is a great value thanks to its beautiful lighting, quiet keys and firmware-free customization, according to several customers. Some reviewers say that the function keys are awkwardly placed; others wish that the keyboard-controlled backlighting would remember customizations. Many customers agree that the gradient-style backlighting makes the keys difficult to read at a glance.
Razer Cynosa V2 Gaming Keyboard
Good Value: $60 | Great Deal: $50
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Switch Type: Membrane
Backlighting: RGB
Razer’s second-generation Cynosa membrane keyboard has responsive keys, beautiful lighting effects and a solid build, according to several online customers. Some reviewers wish that the lighting could be customized without having to use Razer’s software; others describe the keyboard as simplistic and no-frills.
DIERYA DK61E 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Good Value: $51 | Great Deal: $43
Switch Type: Brown (Swappable Optical)
Backlighting: RGB
Dierya’s budget mechanical keyboard has a solid construction, hot-swappable switches and a compact 60% design, according to several customers. Many reviewers warn that this keyboard has bad software support (making the RGB lighting effects difficult to customize); others dislike the detachable USB connection.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday.
MSI Vigor GK30 US Gaming Keyboard
Good Value: $49 | Great Deal: $35
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Switch Type: Membrane
Backlighting: RGB
MSI’s budget gaming keyboard has nice lighting effects, an effective water-resistant design and it feels like a mechanical keyboard, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the lit keys are hard to read because the ambient backlighting is even brighter; others wish that this keyboard had a wider footprint.
SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard
Good Value: $48 | Great Deal: $35
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Switch Type: Membrane
Backlighting: RGB
SteelSeries’ budget gaming keyboard has responsive keys and cool RGB lighting, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the membrane keys are louder than expected and sometimes slippery.
Razer Cynosa Chroma Gaming Keyboard
Good Value: $54 | Great Deal: $40
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Switch Type: Membrane
Backlighting: RGB
This affordable membrane keyboard has quiet keys and excellent RGB lighting effects, according to several online customers. Many reviewers (even happy ones) hate Razer’s Synapse software, which is used to program keys. Some reviewers say their keyboard squeaks; others think the keys feel “mushy.”
HyperX Alloy Core RGB Membrane Gaming Keyboard
Good Value: $45 | Great Deal: $30
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Switch Type: Membrane
Backlighting: RGB
This HyperX gaming keyboard is quiet, responsive and easy to see in the dark, according to several online customers. Some reviewers wish that this keyboard included a wrist rest and more customization options; others warn that the lighting modes produces a high-pitched ringing/humming/whining noise.
Redragon K552 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Good Value: $32 | Great Deal: $12
Switch Type: Outemo Blue
Backlighting: RGB
Regdragon’s mechanical keyboard is a great value, according to several online customers who appreciate the construction, lighting and punchy keys. Several reviewers say this keyboard is very loud.
Logitech G213 Gaming Keyboard
Good Value: $43 | Great Deal: $35
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Switch Type: Tactile Membrane
Backlighting: RGB
Logitech’s affordable membrane keyboard has great RGB customization, dedicated media keys and a quiet-yet-tactile feel, according to several online customers. Many reviewers hate the default lighting mode (it requires a software download to change); others wish this keyboard had macro keys and a USB charging port.
Redragon (S101) RGB LED Backlit Keyboard and Mouse (M601) Set
Good Value: $30 | Great Deal: $10
Switch Type: Membrane
Backlighting: RGB
Redragon’s S101 keyboard gets high praise from customers who were impressed by it’s performance and RGB lighting. Some reviewers were frustrated by the included-mouse’s accuracy, build-quality and buttons.
Note: Redragon also sells a keyboard/mouse/headset bundle.
Logitech G413 Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with USB Passthrough
Good Value: $66 | Great Deal: $45
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Switch Type: Romer G
Backlighting: Red LED
This Logitech mechanical keyboard has responsive Romer-G switches, excellent lighting and high-end build quality, according to several online customers. Many reviewers wish this keyboard had macro keys, a wrist rest and RGB lighting control; others caution that the brushed aluminum face gets dirty quickly.
E-Element Z-88 RGB 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Good Value: $47 | Great Deal: $27
Switch Type: Outemu Blue (Swappable)
Backlighting: Solid Color RGB
E-Element’s budget keyboard is compact, portable and its modular Cherry Blue-equivalent switches provide excellent feedback and customization opportunities, according to several online customers. Many reviewers warn that the switches are very loud (and have a metallic twang); others dislike the undersized right shift key.
VicTsing Gaming Keyboard, Quiet All-Metal Panel Spill-Resistant
Good Value: $26 | Great Deal: $15
Switch Type: Membrane
Backlighting: Rainbow
VicTsing’s keyboard has a nice feel and its volume control buttons are convenient, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the keyboard’s buttons are laid out strangely and the keys are noisy.
Note: This item was heavily discounted on Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
Corsair K55 RGB Gaming Keyboard
Good Value: $47 | Great Deal: $38
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Switch Type: Membrane
Backlighting: RGB
Corsair’s K55 types well and has a tactile feel, according to several online customers. The keyboard gets high praise for its RGB lighting, but some reviewers criticized the placement of the G (macro) keys.
AUKEY RGB Backlit Mechanical Keyboard
Good Value: $40 | Great Deal: $25
Switch Type: Outemu Blue
Backlighting: RGB
Aukey’s budget mechanical keyboard has a solid construction, media keys and satisfying blue switches, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say this keyboard is loud and feels a little cramped.
HyperX Alloy FPS Pro: Tenkeyless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Good Value: $66 | Great Deal: $50
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Switch Type: Cherry MX Blue
Backlighting: Red LED
This keyboard has responsive switches with nice tactile feedback, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say that this keyboard is bad for typing; others complain that some switches stick over time.
SteelSeries Apex M400 Illuminated Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Good Value: $63 | Great Deal: $45
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Switch Type: Red MX
Backlighting: Blue LED
SteelSeries’ budget mechanical keyboard is durable, comfortable and responsive, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say that the blue LED backlighting is too bright (even on the lowest setting); others wish that the switches were quieter. Some customers say that SteelSeries’ firmware is sub-par.
About the Author: John DeFeo was formerly the head of editorial insights for brands such as Tom’s Guide, Tom’s Hardware and Anandtech. He specializes in analyzing online reviews and has written about gaming headsets, gaming monitors, streaming cameras, ring lights and green screen backdrops.
