Gaming keyboards can get expensive, especially when gamers start looking for options that have all the bells and whistles, like full customization or fancy mechanical switches. However, some of the best gaming keyboards don't cost an arm and a leg and can even be found for under $50.
The Best Budget Gaming Keyboards for 2024
Getting into PC gaming doesn't require the highest-end keyboard to win. Check out these budget gaming keyboards to start a new winning streak.
From membrane to mechanical switches and from no LED-backlit to RGB-backlit keys, there are plenty of options available at this price. After analyzing more like 50+ highly functional and top-rated gaming keyboards, the GR team has compiled a list of the best ones for under $50.
Factors For Choosing The Best Gaming Keyboard Under $50
There are several considerations that buyers will want to consider before buying a new gaming keyboard. These factors include size, durability, and connectivity.
- Size: The form factor of a keyboard is a great way to narrow down the results when gamers first start looking. Gamers who want a ton of room to add macros and have quick access to media keys should look for full-size or TKL keyboards, and gamers who want to maximize the amount of desk space they have should look at 75% or 60% keyboards.
- Durability: Budget keyboards tend to be built with slightly cheaper materials than their more premium counterparts, but that doesn't mean they should break within a couple of months of getting them. So, finding a keyboard that can stand up to gaming for hours at a time is crucial to finding a keyboard that performs well and is overall more affordable than buying multiple keyboards to replace the broken ones.
- Connectivity: At this price point, there are not many options for wireless gaming keyboards, and the ones below $50 are a bit unreliable. The best bet for gamers who want a wireless gaming keyboard for under $50 is to wait for sales or deals from reputable brands like Logitech.
Game ZXC's Picks for the Best Gaming Keyboards Under $50
Roccat Vulcan 121 Gaming Keyboard
The Roccat Vulcan 121 features Titan Switch Mechanical technology. This is designed for quick and smooth key actuation. Advanced anti-ghosting technology is a feature that ensures that all key presses are registered, even during intense gameplay. The keyboard also offers AIMO illumination, which lights up in 16.8 million colors. The keyboard comes with a detachable palm wrist rest, which allows more comfort during long gaming sessions.
- Brand
- Roccat
- Wireless
- No
- Backlight
- RGB
- Media Controls
- Yes
- Num Pad
- Yes
- Switch Type
- Mechanical Titan
- Number of Keys
- 109
- Wrist rest
- Yes
- Wired operation
- Yes
- Layout
- 104-key
- Extraordinary RGB lighting system
- Tactile yet fast-actuating mechanical keys
- Dedicated media controls and wrist rest
- Wired connection can be a hassle
- No other color available except for black
Even though there are plenty of full-sized gaming keyboards, the Roccat Vulcan 121 is something special. With an intelligent AIMO Illumination lighting feature, the Vulcan 121 seamlessly connects and syncs with other Roccat RGB peripherals to provide mesmerizing lighting effects that seamlessly extend to all other peripherals. Furthermore, this is one of the very few mechanical keyboards that brings tactile, yet fast mechanical switches.
These are the Titan switches developed by the company itself, which actuate at just a 1.8mm distance and are uniquely designed to prevent any dust build-up. The keyboard also brings dedicated media controls on the top-right, including Volume and FX buttons and a control Knob to either control the media properties or adjust the brightness. A dedicated wrist rest is also provided which snaps through a magnetic mechanism and that sums up the outstanding functionality of the Vulcan 121 for just under $50, making it the best overall choice for its price tag.
RK ROYAL KLUDGE R87 Mechanical Keyboard
RK ROYAL KLUDGE R87 features a 75% layout with Hot-Swappable feature for users who like to customize their gaming keyboards to suit their playstyle. With a fully RGB-backlit key layout and mechanical switches, the keyboard doesn't leave any room for flaws. The pre-lubed Yellow switches can be easily removed and replaced with 3 or 5-pin mechanical switches.
- Brand
- RK Royal KLUDGE
- Wireless
- No
- Backlight
- RGB
- Num Pad
- No
- Switch Type
- Mechanical Yellow
- Number of Keys
- 87
- Wired operation
- Yes
- Layout
- 75%
- RGB-backlit keys and RGB strip underneath
- Hot-Swappable mechanical switches
- Dedicated software for customizations
- Available with only Yellow or White mechanical switches
- No color options
The 75% layout is another popular form factor in the gamer community, as it is nearly identical to the TKL form factor. It's somewhat smaller and saves up to 30% of desk space, leaving a lot of room for the mousepad and mouse movements. The RK Royal KLUDGE allows the remapping of key functions and has dedicated software to execute such processes. It's compatible with Windows and Mac out of the box and has a wired connection to eliminate input lag. Of course, a wireless connection would be hassle-free, but at a price tag of $50, having so many features is rare to find.
The keyboard uses mechanical Yellow switches that are quieter and are generally compared with Red switches in operation. Every switch is Hot-Swappable and allows customizing the layout to make a perfect configuration for individual play styles. These are pre-lubed and hence, no hassles in replacing them with any 3 or 5-pin mechanical switch.
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL Gaming Keyboard
Get serious in-game with the reliable and responsive SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL Gaming Keyboard. This lightweight and versatile gaming keyboard is perfect for competitive gaming, compatible with both PC and most console systems. No drivers are needed to get started with this new edition by SteelSeries. Simply plug in the keyboard and get on the game of choice to start playing.
- Brand
- SteelSeries
- Wireless
- No
- Backlight
- Yes
- Media Controls
- Yes
- Num Pad
- No
- Switch Type
- Membrane
- Replaceable Keys
- No
- Number of Keys
- 87
- Dimensions
- 14.3"L x 5.9"W x 1.57"H
- Keycaps
- ABS
- Polling rate
- 1000 Hz
- Adjustable feet
- Silent switches
- Dedicated media keys
- Cable is not detachable
- No per-key RGB lighting
SteelSeries is known for its excellent gaming peripherals that won't break the bank, and the Apex 3 TKL is an excellent example of that. At the deceptively low price of $45, this keyboard is perfect for any gamer who wants a keyboard that offers fantastic gaming performance and a quiet typing experience. It is well-made to stand the test of time.
The Apex 3 TKL is not the most exciting gaming keyboard out there. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles that premium keyboards have, but it does do more than most gamers would expect. Even though mechanical keyboards tend to offer the best feeling when it comes to typing, the silent membrane switches on this keyboard feel absolutely amazing. Whether typing up a paper or gaming, each keypress feels solid and has surprisingly tactile feedback.
The Best Quiet Gaming Keyboards in 2024
Even though mechanical keyboards are all the rage, some players prefer to keep things peaceful with quieter keyboards.
On top of fantastic build quality, the Apex 3 TKL is IP32 water-resistant, so clumsy gamers don't have to worry about spilling a glass of water on the keyboard. However, sodas will still make the keyboard very sticky, so a wipe-down is still necessary after spilling a sugary drink.
RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61
The RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 is a small, 60% compact gaming keyboard that includes everything from RGB to mechanical switches. It's one of the very few options out there for mechanical keyboards on a budget, but their house brand "RK" blue, brown, and red switches stand out when playing games. This is a hot-swappable keyboard, meaning users can swap out the key switches with ease.
- Brand
- RK ROYAL KLUDGE
- Wireless
- No
- Backlight
- Multi-zone RGB
- Media Controls
- No
- Num Pad
- No
- Switch Type
- RK Blue, Brown, or Red
- Number of Keys
- 61
- Compatible Devices
- PC, Xbox
- Dimensions
- 11.5W x 4.02L x 1.57H inches
- Keycaps
- ABS
- Wrist rest
- No
- Small and compact design perfect for on-the-go gaming
- Mechanical switches for "clicky" sound
- Hot-swappable switches
- Small size has a learning curve
- Customization options can lead to spending more money
The Royal Kludge RK61 is an incredible gaming keyboard that only measures 11.5 inches wide and has a wireless connection mode. It is a perfect fit for gamers who want a compact keyboard that offers excellent gaming performance and mechanical switches for under $50. Unlike the Redragon K552, these switches can be swapped out for whatever MX-compatible switches gamers want to use. However, with this amount of customization, the world of DIY keyboards will become very tempting for gamers, and it's not a budget-friendly adventure.
At 60%, this keyboard is relatively tiny and gets rid of many buttons that some gamers might be used to having their own dedicated keys. All of these keys are still accessible using function layers, but this severely limits the amount of keyboard shortcuts that users can easily press.
Redragon K512 Shiva RGB
Redragon K512 Shiva is a full layout keyboard with dedicated media controls and six on-board macro keys to define what exactly each key is supposed to do. The keyboard is fully RGB-backlit and has mechanical-feel membrane switches to provide satisfactory feedback on every press. Paired with a wrist rest, the ergonomics of the keyboard are spot on.
- Brand
- Redragon
- Wireless
- No
- Backlight
- RGB
- Media Controls
- Yes
- Num Pad
- Yes
- Switch Type
- Membrane
- Number of Keys
- 110
- Wrist rest
- Yes
- Wired operation
- Yes
- Layout
- 104-key
- Dedicated media controls and Macro Keys
- Fully RGB-backlit
- Wrist rest for good ergonomics
- Uses membrane Switches
- Wired connection
If membrane switches are not a problem, then the Redragon K512 Shiva has no competition for its price tag whatsoever. This is a feature-packed keyboard available for less than 40 bucks and brings exceptional functionality for various purposes. Whether users want to play a game or watch movies or listen to songs, the keyboard provides dedicated Macro keys on the left and several media control keys on top. With keys for volume and media playback to six different game keys for performing various actions, the keyboard adds more to the already potent full-layout form factor.
The keyboard also brings a dedicated, detachable wrist rest to keep the wrist pain and sprain at bay, and a fully RGB-backlit layout that can be controlled via a combination of buttons on the keyboard itself. It also has a 26-key anti-ghosting feature, eliminating any key conflict that may happen accidentally.
AULA F2088 Typewriter Style Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
AULA F2088 is a Typewriter Style keyboard that offers a distinguished personality through its key design and the choice of color theme. The switches used are Mechanical Blue to provide clicky and tactile feedback like a real typewriter and the keyboard has a dedicated wrist rest for keeping the wrist pain at bay. This is a full-layout keyboard that is compatible with most platforms at an affordable price tag.
- Brand
- AULA
- Wireless
- No
- Backlight
- RGB
- Media Controls
- Yes
- Num Pad
- Yes
- Switch Type
- Mechanical Blue
- Wrist rest
- Yes
- Wired operation
- Yes
- Layout
- 104-key
- Typewriter style keys with tactile Blue mechanical switches
- Dedicated media and backlight control knob
- Detachable wrist wrest
- Wired connection
- Blue switches need more force for actuation
Nothing feels as satisfying as typing on a traditional typewriter. Users, thankfully, don't have to go back in time to get one of those, as the Aula F2088 brings the same functionality on a budget. With a full 104-key layout with fully RGB-backlit keys, the keyboard looks mesmerizing. The circular keys with mechanical Blue switches are pleasant to press and give back tactile feedback with a clicky noise.
The Best Clicky Keyboards for 2024
Clicky keyboards are not for everyone, but for those gamers who love the feeling of using a clicky keyboard, these are some of the best.
With three different color themes to choose from, users can get one to match their gaming setup theme without extending their cost over $50. The keyboard uses a premium metal base with a matte-finish texture to add to its attractive aesthetic. With a dedicated control knob on the top-right, users can simply switch to the Backlight or Multimedia mode with a three-second-long press. Everything being spot on, the Aula F2088 also brings a detachable wrist rest for great comfort and a painless gaming experience in longer sessions.
Is The Price Right?
Finding a gaming keyboard with excellent gaming performance, a comfortable typing experience, and an under $50 price point is not always easy. However, thankfully, there are still many options out there. When starting the search, gamers need to consider three important factors to make searching much easier: size, durability, and connectivity.
A keyboard's size or form factor is an excellent way to narrow down the results quickly. At $50, gamers can find any form factor besides some of the more niche ones, like 40% or ortholinear layouts. Full-size keyboards are best for gamers who like to use macros and have a big enough desk where the larger footprint won't interfere with mouse space. A step down from full-size keyboards is TKL, which is a good middle ground between full-size and the smaller form factors. Below, TKL is 75% and 60% keyboards. These are the smallest standard form factors and typically have a bit of a learning curve for gamers coming from a full-size keyboard. However, gamers used to a laptop-style keyboard will be able to make the transition a bit easier.
Gaming keyboards have to withstand much more rigorous use than a typical keyboard, and there is no reason to buy a cheap gaming keyboard if it does not stand up to gaming. Having a gaming keyboard that breaks after a couple of months of use kind of negates the budget aspect of it. When looking for a gaming keyboard under $50, make sure it is built of quality materials, and see how many key presses the manufacturers rate it for; this will give a good idea of its durability.
Unlike other price points of gaming keyboards, users don't have many options between wired and wireless keyboards under $50. There are standard keyboards that can be used for gaming that offer wireless connection, but the latency on these keyboards is typically very slow, making it hard to game with, especially for fast-paced games.
Whatever keyboard gamers decide to go with, as long as they hit these three critical factors, they will be getting one of the best gaming keyboards for under $50.
The Best Gaming Mice Under $50 for 2024
With a wide variety of gaming mice to choose from, here are the best in different categories that cost under $50.
FAQ
Q: Are 60% keyboards best for gaming?
It is hard to call one form factor the absolute best for gaming. It varies from person to person. For the most part, 60% keyboards are an excellent option for gamers with smaller desks who like to have more room for mouse movement. However, a full-size keyboard might be a better option if gamers want access to media controls or more macros.
Q: Is a cheap keyboard okay for gaming?
For gamers who just built out a gaming PC, putting more money towards a keyboard and all the accessories might be too much. Luckily, with pretty affordable keyboards, gamers can still enjoy the complete gaming PC experience without spending an arm and a leg on a fancy gaming keyboard. Just be careful not to fall for the trap of keyboards that look too good to be true because, most of the time, they are.