Looking for a better gaming experience and wanting to buy higher-performance equipment? If a gaming keyboard is one of the PC peripherals you'd like to buy, then you've come to the right place!
Our top 5 best budget keyboards for gamers
On Amazon, inexpensive gaming keyboards are widely available, which can limit your options. That's why we've selected 5 effective and affordable models.
The 3 best gaming keyboards in our ranking!
Things to know before buying your gaming keyboard
- Membrane, click, mechanical… the gaming keyboard comes in 3 main variants.
- Membrane and click-type keyboards are less expensive because they are most often used for office tasks ! You'll find them at lower prices in stores. However, this type of office keyboard won't offer the performance required by gamers.
- Whether it's an MMO, FPS, or strategy game, nothing beats a mechanical gaming keyboard Gaming keyboards undeniably highly responsive, but you can also find some affordable, high-quality models. Check out our comparison and buying guide for the best budget gaming keyboards of 2020.
Discover now our comparison of the best cheap gaming keyboards of the year!
1. Logitech G213 Prodigy: the best keyboard under €70
Features and Reviews
If you're looking for an affordable gaming keyboard, you can opt for the Logitech . Released in 2016, this keyboard, sold for under €50, delivers advanced gaming performance. Although it's considered an entry-level keyboard, don't let its price put you off.
This is one of the brand's best-selling products. As a membrane gaming with RGB backlighting, the G213 won't let you take advantage of Cherry MX mechanical switches. But overall, we have virtually nothing to criticize.
Its Logitech Mech-Dome switches and integrated multimedia controls will provide you with a fantastic gaming experience. One of its main advantages is its excellent spill resistance. Another thing you'll certainly appreciate about this Logitech G213 keyboard is its weight.
The keyboard is designed to be robust, and in this area, we all know that weight is a sign of reliability and durability. So, if you're looking to buy a gaming keyboard without breaking the bank, the Logitech G213 is the best compromise. That's precisely why we've included it in this comparison of the best budget gaming keyboards.
2. HyperX Alloy Core Membrane Gaming Keyboard – Style at your fingertips
Features and Reviews
This is a membrane keyboard with an AZERTY layout . This gaming keyboard is aimed at gamers who want most of the advantages of mechanical keyboards for under €60. Designed with a traditional aesthetic, this well-finished product boasts a clean and elegant design. While it lacks a palm rest and additional ports, it does feature RGB backlighting and dedicated multimedia keys.
Alloy offers this gaming keyboard in its entry-level models . And while it is an entry-level model, its design is reminiscent of its high-end models, with ribbed profiles and illuminated strips. Unsurprisingly, the materials used in the construction of the product we tested are of lower quality compared to those of the brand's previous high-end models. But overall, we're pleased to know that we're dealing with a robust product.
Unlike the Alloy Core RGB, it doesn't have mechanical switches. But we can't expect more, especially given its price. Simply put, the HyperX Alloy Core RGB gaming keyboard has a clean and understated design . This keyboard comes with membrane keycaps , but what's even more appealing is its aesthetic appeal.
3. Razer Cynosa Chroma – the best membrane gaming keyboard
Features and Reviews
In this comparison of the best budget gaming keyboards, the Razer Cynosa Chroma comes in third place. It's on our list because it's the most popular membrane keyboard in the United States. You might be wondering why it's so popular with Americans. Well, it's because it's sold at a low price . But price isn't the only reason for its success. It also features backlit keys with programmable Chroma RGB lighting. Its waterproof design makes it perfectly safe for use even after immersion.
While the Razer keyboard may not boast a sleek design, it offers a wealth of features. It incorporates Synapse technology , allowing for comprehensive customization of your RGB lighting performance and synchronization with Razer peripherals .
During our testing, we were delighted to discover that the Cynosa Chroma gaming keyboard features 104 customizable keys enhanced with RGB backlighting . This budget-friendly option makes the Razer Cynosa Chroma ideal for gamers looking to save money on peripherals. Available for around €60, its responsive keys make it perfect for hardcore gamers .
Corsair K55 Gaming Keyboard: You'll get your money's worth
Features and Reviews
Another option you can consider when looking for an affordable gaming keyboard is the Corsair K55. This gaming keyboard boasts a cool design. Sold for under €50, this all-black keyboard offers surprisingly good features for its price. It uses membrane switches, which is to be expected given its affordability.
One of the advantages of this affordable gaming keyboard is its quiet operation. In addition, it features three RGB lighting zones. While it doesn't have individual key illumination, the technology is adequate.
The K55, while less expensive and made of plastic, doesn't feel like a low-end product. Its robust build and the presence of six macro keys on the left side make it incredibly versatile. During our testing, we were also impressed by the device's ease of use. Simply plug it in to operate. There's no need to install drivers or any other software.
5. Steelseries APEX 150: Understated and economical overall
Features and Reviews
While the Apex 150 can't compete with the big players in the €100+ price range, it's a nice little keyboard for budget gamers . If you really care about fancy RGB lighting, macro keys, and mechanical switches, I'd recommend saving up for a more expensive keyboard. If cash is the deciding factor, though, you could do much worse than the Apex 150.
Its frame is made of plastic, but don't let that fool you; it's surprisingly durable and didn't budge at all when we tried to bend it. The board itself is lightweight yet sturdy and stays firmly in place on your desk.
RGB lighting is one of the first things you wouldn't expect to be included on a budget keyboard, but SteelSeries has still managed to include basic RGB lighting in the Apex 150. There are five lighting zones, each of which can be changed to the color of your choice.
Buyer's guide: how to choose the right gaming keyboard?
Now that you have an idea of our selection of the best budget gaming keyboards, it's time to explain how to choose the right one for yourself. In this guide, we'll give you simple and useful tips, as well as the factors to consider when choosing a gaming keyboard.
What type of player are you?
Am I a MOBA, MMORPG, RTS, or FPS player? This is the first question to answer when choosing a gaming keyboard. As you might have guessed, each keyboard has its own unique characteristics. Each keyboard is suited to a particular type of player. However, you should keep in mind that MMORPG keyboards offer a wide range of features. Thanks to their macro keys, these keyboards allow players to take advantage of numerous shortcuts during gameplay.
It's also important to note that RTS or MOBA players will tend to prefer keyboards with fast keys to save precious seconds when casting a spell. This is especially important if you're a high-ranking player. Mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, are known for their ultra-fast response times.
Click keyboard, membrane or mechanical keyboard: which one to choose?
In stores, particularly on Amazon, you'll find several types of keyboards. As mentioned above, these include click-type keyboards , membrane keyboards , and mechanical or switch keyboards. Brands are constantly pushing the boundaries of design with hybrid keyboards like mecha-membrane or membrane keyboards. It must be said that this type of keyboard is often more of a marketing ploy than a genuine technological advancement. Because they have flat, spaced-out keys, click-type keyboards aren't often used for gaming, unlike the Logitech K740. This keyboard is known for its quiet operation, even if it isn't particularly responsive.
Membrane keyboards are very popular and available at low prices. Entry-level models can be found for under 50 euros. Mechanical keyboards, on the other hand, are a favorite among gamers . They remain the most responsive keyboards on the market and, more importantly, offer a wide range of keys and functions.
Full or TKL Keyboard
Keyboards come in two main categories: full-size and TKL (tenkeyless). The name "full-size" keyboard is apt. It's a complete keyboard with all the standard keys. In contrast, a TKL keyboard has a clean and minimalist design. Its keys aren't as comprehensive as those of a full-size keyboard. TKL keyboards lack a numeric keypad, macro keys, and arrow keys, resulting in a more compact layout. A full-size keyboard has all the standard keys and is therefore perfect for both gaming and office work.
Design and design
The difference between a standard office keyboard and a gaming keyboard is a real rollercoaster. For a gaming keyboard, comfort is key, but you also want a wrist rest and a minimal response time. Just like vertical gaming mice , keyboards for video game enthusiasts are wired. This type of keyboard often has macro or programmable keys. A good tip is to choose a keyboard with six easily accessible keys for both left- and right-handed users. These are called ambidextrous keyboards.
Backlight or not?
When it comes to gaming keyboards, backlighting is an essential feature for gamers. In addition to enhancing the product's aesthetics, it allows you to play in the dark without any problems. Besides enabling quick key identification, it can also allow you to monitor the temperature of the components. Backlighting offers several colors, giving you the option to illuminate the keys in red, the letters in blue, and even the macros in green.
Multimedia function
Gaming keyboards typically feature a multimedia panel, which offers various configurations and functions. Using touch-sensitive or physical buttons, you can play music, control the backlighting, or adjust the computer's volume.
What type of connector should I choose for a gaming keyboard?
Office keyboards and gaming keyboards typically have only one key or one (or more) USB port(s) available on the computer. However, the market also offers increasingly sophisticated models with integrated connectors, providing improved ergonomics for the user.
The most popular connectors available on the most innovative keyboards are USB ports. Their presence is useful and convenient. A USB port connected to a gaming keyboard allows you to connect a mouse or other peripheral device on the fly.
However, you should opt for a device with the latest standard. This includes, for example, a USB 3.0 or USB-C port . Other gaming keyboards feature two mini-jack ports, which is very convenient if you frequently switch between headphones and PC speakers.
If you'd like to move away from wired keyboards, there are also wireless options! Interested? Check out our comparison of the best Bluetooth keyboards for your PC.
Anti-ghosting
Every gamer knows this. Some games require multiple quick and simultaneous actions. With certain keyboards, this can be difficult to achieve, and in this case, it's called ghosting. If you find yourself playing the latest FPS, for example, you'll have to press certain keys at the same time.
For example, you might press the Z key to move forward, the D key to shift right, or Shift to run. Ideally, you'd choose a keyboard that allows you to activate multiple keys simultaneously, but not all keyboards are created equal. On some keyboards, you won't find it easy to activate keys at once. You might even encounter situations where keys don't work or don't activate unless they're pressed.
This is what we call the "ghosting" effect. Because keyboards operate in blocks, rows, or columns, pressing multiple keys simultaneously can be a real headache. That's why it's best to choose a gaming keyboard with WASD keys that feature anti-ghosting technology.
The best keyboard brands for gamers
There are several gaming keyboard brands on the market. Some are more popular than others. The popularity of certain brands stems from their ability to offer high-quality products at unbeatable prices. However, just because a brand is less well-known or unknown doesn't mean its products aren't good quality. Among the brands offering gaming keyboards on the market are:
- Cosair
- Logitech
- Ducky
- Roccat
- Etc.
There you have it, you now know which affordable gaming keyboard to choose and how to choose it. It's up to you to take the plunge for a more enjoyable gaming experience.
