A keyboard is an important part of any setup, but the problem is that when you want comfort and good features, the price can rise very quickly. Getting a decent new keyboard for less money usually means making some compromises. There are always keyboards with lots of features, but they often come with a high price tag. In this post, we’ll look at options that are budget-friendly while still offering plenty of features.
I did some research and picked out the most reliable options for you. These keyboards are not only budget-friendly but also packed with useful features. Take a look through them and see which one fits your needs best.
Top 5 Best budget keyboards
1. ROCCAT Magma Mini
This is the Roccat Magma Mini, a 60% membrane keyboard, not a mechanical one. One of its main highlights is the lighting. It doesn’t have per-key RGB, but the board is still very bright and looks great. Instead of individual LEDs, it uses 10 LEDs across 5 zones, giving you programmable options with Roccat’s AIMO lighting. You can set it up how you like or just leave it as it is.
The keyboard is lightweight at about 460 grams. On the bottom, there are rubber pads for grip and flip-out feet for angle adjustment. The cable is fixed to the back on the left side, so it can’t be removed. Roccat also includes their EasyShift mode, which lets you access a secondary programmable layer and expand what the keyboard can do.
Remarks:
It may not be the best choice for someone who is already used to mechanical keyboards, but at this price point, it’s still worth considering if you’re looking to try something new without spending too much.
| Feature | Specifications |
| Layout | 60% compact |
| Keys | Quiet membrane switches |
| Lighting | 5-zone AIMO RGB, translucent top plate |
| Protection | IP33 dust & spill resistant |
| Extras | Easy-Shift[+], 20-key rollover |
| Connection | Wired USB-A (1.8 m cable) |
Pros
Cons
2. Keychron C3 Pro
The Keychron C3 Pro is a 75% mechanical keyboard built with an ABS plastic frame. For its low price, it’s a solid option because it feels pretty good to type on. One reason for that is its gasket mount design. The keyboard also has some useful indicator lights that show whether it’s in Windows or Mac mode, and it includes a caps lock light. On the back, you get a USB-C port, but it’s wired only. Most of the weight comes from the steel top plate, though the board still has some noticeable flex. The removable cable is a nice touch, making it easier to carry around if you need to switch between different setups. The C3 Pro is available with Keychron Red or Brown switches, both of which come pre-lubed.
| Feature | Specifications |
| Layout | TKL (87 keys) |
| Build | Gasket mount, foam for quiet typing |
| Connectivity | Wired USB-C |
| Switches | Hot-swappable, Keychron/Mech switches |
| Keycaps | Double-shot ABS, shine-through |
| Lighting | Red backlight or RGB (8K version) |
| Firmware | QMK / VIA programmable |
| Polling Rate | 1,000 Hz (8,000 Hz on 8K model) |
Pros
Cons
3. EPOMAKER Ajazz AK820
This keyboard also has a 75% layout, and if you’re on a low budget, it’s hard to beat. The Epomaker AK820 Pro comes with a gasket-mount design, good flex, and multiple layers of sound dampening for a premium typing feel. It has PBT keycaps, a metal knob, and even a small TFT display. Altogether, it looks and feels like a keyboard that could easily cost over $100. The value is even better when you consider it supports tri-mode wireless (2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.1, and wired USB-C), plus it has hot-swappable switches. This version comes with Flying Fish switches, which feel smooth and sound great.
Switches and Color Options:
After checking, it seems none of the switch parts are made of POM. These are 3-pin switches. They come in two color options: black and white, both with a tricolor design. The white version has a softer, stylish look, while the black version feels more gamer-inspired.
| Feature | Specifications |
| Layout | 75% (81 keys + knob) |
| Screen | Mini TFT display |
| Connectivity | USB-C, 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Build | Gasket mount, foam, PC plate |
| Switches | Hot-swappable (various Ajazz options) |
| Keycaps | PBT, OEM profile |
| Lighting | Per-key RGB, south-facing |
| Battery | 4000 mAh, 1kHz wired/2.4G, 125Hz BT |
Pros
Cons
4. MageGee Portable
The MageGee Portable is a 60% keyboard made for gamers who want something small and easy to carry without losing performance. It comes with customizable RGB lighting, quality mechanical switches, and a compact layout that saves desk space while still keeping the keys you need for gaming and typing. Setup is simple just plug in the included cable and you’re ready to go. Typing feels smooth and comfortable. The RGB lighting can also be customized, and the keyboard has foldable legs for better typing angles.
Colors:
It comes in a wide variety of colors on Amazon, so if you’re interested in exploring the different options, you can check them out by clicking the link above.
| Feature | Specifications |
| Layout | 60% (68 keys with arrow and F-keys via Fn) |
| Build & Design | Metal top plate, floating keycaps |
| Connectivity | Wired USB-C (detachable) |
| Switches | Blue mechanical switches, full NKRO |
| Lighting | Blue LED backlight, multiple modes |
| Shortcuts | Fn shortcuts for media, calculator, email |
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac, Linux—no driver needed |
Pros
Cons
5. RK ROYAL KLUDGE R65
The design of this keyboard makes it very tempting to buy. For starters, it looks great for its budget-friendly price and has more of a gaming-focused style, with gray and cream-colored accents and a metallic ratcheting volume knob. I really appreciate that it includes arrow keys, since those are often removed from 60% keyboards, but I use them daily in games, so having them here is a big plus. The keyboard also comes with smooth linear switches that feel creamy and satisfying to type on, thanks to the pre-lubrication, which is usually only found in more expensive keyboards. On top of that, it supports QMK and VIA software, so you can program key assignments, set up macros, customize RGB modes, and even run diagnostics if needed.
| Feature | Specifications |
| Layout | 65% (66 keys + knob) |
| Build | Gasket mount, foam layers |
| Connectivity | Wired USB-C (some wireless models) |
| Switches | Hot-swappable (Cream, Blue, Brown) |
| Keycaps | Double-shot PBT, MDA profile |
| Lighting | RGB, QMK/VIA support |
Pros
Cons
If you’re hunting for the ultimate edge in Fortnite, don’t miss our breakdown of best keyboards for Fortnite.
Conclusion
I think we can stop here for now, because in my opinion I’ve already found some of the best budget keyboards out there and gathered them for you. These are the ones that I believe strike the right balance and perform better than most others when it comes to the tasks you’ll use them for the most, whether that’s typing or gaming.
FAQ’S
Is a 60% or 65% keyboard better?
If you need arrow keys, you’ll usually only find them on keyboards larger than 60%. A 65% keyboard is the best choice if you don’t want to rely on the Fn or Pn layers for basic keys.
What are the downsides of a 60% keyboard?
The downside of 60% keyboards is that they don’t have a number pad, function keys, or navigation keys, so you need to use shortcuts instead.
Is a full-size keyboard bad for gaming?
Full-size keyboards have extra keys that aren’t very useful for gaming, and they also take up a lot of desk space, which can be annoying since gamers usually want more room for mouse movement.
What size keyboard do most gamers use?
Most gamers prefer a 60% layout over a full-size keyboard because it gives them more desk space for mouse movement and is also easier to carry around.
