Best Mechanical Keyboards on a Budget
If you are a gamer or someone whose work has them typing all the time, finding a good mechanical keyboard can enhance both your gaming and work experience. Mechanical keyboards can get pricey quick, so we’ve put together a lit of some of the best budget mechanical keyboards – all are under $200.
Mechanical keyboards are versatile with lots of purchase options. There are ones with rubber domes and others with switches. Even the switches vary from board to board. The three common types of mechanical switches are tactile and quiet, tactile with clicks, and linear and quiet. Linear switches are great for a quiet gaming keyboard, whereas tactile offers great tactile feedback when used for typing. The reality is that choosing a mechanical keyboard should be based on personal preference. There are lots of options with various switches to meet every gaming and work requirement.
Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|
Logitech G Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | Prime | Buy Now | ||
Razer BlackWidow TE Chroma v2 TKL Tenkeyless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Das Keyboard 4 Professional Mechanical Keyboard | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
Redragon K552 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
The Best Mechanical Keyboards for all Budgets
Buying a mechanical keyboard does not have to break the bank. There are some great options that range from inexpensive to high end. Here are some mechanical keyboards that are good quality and can meet the needs of every budget.
Logitech G Pro Gaming
- Pro grade Logitech G mechanical keyboard built to the exacting specifications of ESports athletes for a competition level blend of speed, precision and quiet performance
- Durable Romer G switches deliver 25 percent faster actuation than standard mechanical switches so every keypress is nearly instantaneous from fingers to screen ; Durability: 70 million keypresses
- Ultra-portable sleek and compact design frees up table space for mouse movement and is easy to pack and transport to tournaments: Rock Solid Reliability
- Detachable Micro USB cables features a three pronged design for an easy, secure connection and safe transport in your travel bag
- Comes with three step angle adjustment and rubber feet for adequate stability during intense gaming. Requirements are windows 7 or later, mac OS x 10.10 or later
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While Logitech tends to be well known by gamers, this keyboard is great for gaming and typing. This model no longer uses the Cherry MX red switch but now uses Logitech’s own design. Their Romer-G key switch is low-profile and has a fast response. This budget gaming keyboard is targeted to last for more than 68 million key taps andis well tested. The keyboard has customizable RGB LED backlighting as well as the ability to remap the multimedia keys. There is also the ability to make bespoke profiles designated to aspecific game, so you are all set when the game starts. This keyboard is quick and quiet with great switches, a good light package, and RGB backlighting, all at a reasonable price.
Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2
- The #1 Best-Selling Gaming Peripherals Manufacturer in the US: Source - The NPD Group, Inc., U.S. Retail Tracking Service, Gaming Designed: Keyboards, Mice, PC Headsets, and PC Microphones, Based on dollar sales, Jan. 2017- June 2020 combined
- Signature Mechanical Switch for Gaming: Razer Green switch technology provides a satisfying clicky sound with 50 G of actuation force, ideal for typing and gaming requiring the highest accuracy
- Tournament-Ready Design: A tenkeyless design with a detachable USB cable provides a portable form-factor for on-the-go gamers
- Ultimate Personalization & Gaming Immersion with Razer Chroma: Fully syncs with popular games, Razer hardware, Philips Hue, and gear from 30+ partners; supports 16.8 million colors on individually backlit keys
- Fully Programmable Macro Support: Razer Hypershift allows for all keys and keypress combinations to be remapped to execute complex commands
- Ergonomic, Magnetic Wrist Rest: Made of plush leatherette to maximize comfort over extended gaming sessions
- Durable Construction: Supports up to 80 million clicks with a 2 year manufacturer warranty
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Razer makes great mechanical keyboards no matter what the price is. This one has good RGB backlighting, lots of mechanical switch options as well as a sleek design. The mechanical switches are Razer’s own and it has completely programmable keys. The user can set the keyboard up however they want with custom RGB lighting, bespoke Macro keys as well as setting the intensity of the key response. It has passthru ports that include a mic and headphones, along with a USB cable and USB-A port to make dealing with cables easier. The keyboard has Synapse software that is responsive to each aspect the user wants to control. It can also sync with other Razer items that are Synapse supported.
Das Keyboard 4 Professional
- ✔ Cherry MX Brown mechanical key switches with Gold contacts for a soft Tactile feel and an unmatched typing experience
- ✔ rugged construction to withstand 50+ million keystrokes with aluminum top panel
- ✔ two port USB 3.0 Super speed hub 5 GB/s; 10x the speed of USB 2.0
- ✔ oversized volume knob and dedicated media controls and instant sleep button
- ✔ laser etched key inscriptions with Bumps on the F and J keys.Firmware updatable. Elevated height - 1.2 inches (3.1 cm)
- ✔ FULL N-key rollover with anti-ghosting
- ✔ DAS German engineering: durable build quality to instill confidence and precision
- ✔ magnetically detachable footboard to raise keyboard that also functions as a ruler
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This keyboard is middle of the road in cost but is high end in features. It is German designed but US-built. It has a 104 key layout with easy to access media keys along the top right. It has a dial to optimize the system with a single turn. It has a full n-key rollover, allowing the user touseany number of keysneeded with no interruption. The 4 Professional gold-plated Cherry MX keys should hold up past 48 million keytaps. The mechanical key caps have a good Das Keyboard font, so the look is classy and easy to read. Its great looks and ergonomics are always present no matter which key changeshappen. The tactile feedback and active response rate are completely up to the preferences of the user.
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum
- Aircraft grade anodized brushed aluminum frame: Built to withstand a lifetime of gaming. Lightweight and rugged durability, necessary for a keyboard thats going to see a lot of action
- 8MB profile storage with hardware macro and lighting playback: Allow access up to three stored profiles on the go, independent of external software. Wrist Rest: Full length, detachable, dual sided with soft touch finish. The keyboard report rate is 1000 Hz
- Dynamic multicolor per key backlighting with Light Edge: Adjust each keys color and illumination level in addition to 19 zones on the top edge light bar for sophisticated and dramatic animations
- 6 programmable G keys for in game macros: Assign single keystrokes or complex multi key combos to any of the 6 dedicated macro keys
- 100% CHERRY MX Speed RGB mechanical key switches: Unleash blistering speed with the 1.2mm actuation and durability of gold contact CHERRY MX mechanical key switches. PC with 2 USB 2.0 ports Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, or Windows Vista An internet connection is required to download the Corsair Utility Engine software
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Corsair has always been known as a solid memory manufacturer, now it can add some of the best mechanical keyboards for hard core gamers and those who type to its list of accomplishments. Its K95 is one of the best that can be found in the gaming market. It offers a selection of Cherry MX switches, as well as the ability of the user to choose black or gunmetal grey color. It has RGB backlighting,offering lots of optimization options, as well as a group of dedicated macro keys that are textured. Its frame comes from anodized brushed aluminum with a wrist rest that is detachable. The best part about this keyboard is that it is supported by the Corsair Utility Engine. This backend software is one of the best on the market. It offers a simple to understand interface that allows extreme amounts of customization both for backlighting and key remapping.
Redragon K552-RGB
- 87 Key Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Custom Switches (Cherry Blue equivalent) for longevity with greater durability and responsiveness offering clicky medium resistance audible loud click sound crisp precise tactile feedback for typing and gaming
- LED RGB Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard 18 different RGB lighting modes, 9 different colors, 5 backlight brightness levels, breathing speed. Precision engineered keycaps offering crystal clear uniform backlighting
- Anti Ghosting, ALL 87 keys are conflict free n-Key Rollover for ultimate Gaming performance. 12 Multimedia keys, Non-Slip Ergonomic, splash-proof Design with adjustable typing angle, High-Speed USB cable with gold-plated corrosion free USB connector
- Compact TKL Tenkeyless Ergonomic Designed Computer Keyboard Durable Metal-ABS Construction with Plate-mounted mechanical keys and switches that stand up during marathon FPS gaming sessions like league of legends Fortnite PUGB Overwatch Call of Duty
- PC Gaming Keyboard Compatibility Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, Limited Mac OS keyboard support. Works well with all major Computers Brands and Gaming PCs MSI, Dell, Corsair, Alienware, Razer, Xbox One, Asus and others
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This Redragon keyboard is one of the best budget boards. It is at a lower price point but is still good quality. It offers good gaming performance and a solid build. It has Outemu Blue switches that have a great click and gives solid tactile feedback. The user does not have to use much force to press them. The typing response on this keyboard is good but oddly, the click sound does not happen at the actuation. The frame is solid and made out of both plastic and metal. It is strong with reduced flex. Because it is lower in the price range, it does not come with all the bells and whistles the higher end keyboards have. There is no dedicated software and there is no ability to set macros on any key. However, it features a RGB backlight with keys that are lit individually that can be customized. The keyboard offers great performance for the lower price that is paid.
Final Thoughts
If you are a gamer or someone who spends a lot of time typing on a keyboard, then getting a quality mechanical keyboard can be a beneficial thing to do. A solid quality mechanical keyboard can change the gaming and typing experience substantially.
Mechanical keyboard’s new technology is top of the line and offers great gaming and work capabilities. There is a budget mechanical keyboard out there for anyone looking for a solid work or gaming keyboard. There should be no worries about not being able to afford a quality keyboard. If you are on a strict budget, make sure to look for quality versus aiming to get all the extras. Quality construction means it will last and you won’t be shopping for another computer keyboard anytime soon.