Keyboards are arguably the most important peripheral for most people. Audiophiles need great headphones and gamers will often focus on a good gaming mouse, but everyone needs a good keyboard no matter what you're using your PC for. Unfortunately, keyboards aren't known for coming cheap, with some brands charging well into the hundreds for gaming-focused mechanical keyboards and the like.
If you're in the market for a good, reliable keyboard that won't break the bank, TheGamer has your back, as always. We've gathered a list of some of the best budget keyboards you'll find available on the market in 2024. This isn't an exhaustive list, but we stand by the brands you'll read here, so if you aren't pleased with any of our choices you'll have an excellent starting point for your research!
Logitech K120 Wired Keyboard
Best Keyboard Overall See at AmazonLogitech MK270 Keyboard and Mouse Combo
Best Keyboard and Mouse Combination See at AmazonRisoPhy Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Best Budget Mechanical Keyboard See at AmazonMageGee 75% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Best Aesthetics See at AmazonRedragon S101 Wired Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo
Best Budget Starter Set See at Amazon- See More
Amazon Basics Low-Profile Wired USB Keyboard
Best "Extreme Budget" Keyboard See at Amazon
Logitech K120 Wired Keyboard
Affordable, comfortable, wired
Logitech's K120 wired keyboard is a perfect, relatively barebones choice for a budget gaming keyboard. There's not much to say about this entry, which makes it perfect for our use: affordable, effective, and easy to use.
Pros & Cons- Reliable construction from Logitech
- Designed around comfort
- Wired keyboard means never bothering with charging
- Some people prefer wireless keyboards for cable management
Logitech is the reigning sovereign of peripherals. From controllers and headsets to mice, keyboards, and more, there are few features of your setup they can't handle. Their keyboards are one of their most popular products, and the Logitech K120 is a great example.
This is a wired keyboard, so if you prefer wireless, this may not be for you. It's designed around comfort with some ergonomic features and is perfect for any sort of setup.
Best Keyboard and Mouse CombinationLogitech MK270 Keyboard and Mouse Combo
Everything you need to get started
Logitech's MK270 Keyboard and Mouse Combination is an excellent pick for gamers looking to jumpstart their setup. This isn't as ideal if you already have a mouse, but if you don't, the included mouse is a good value for a solid performance.
Pros & Cons- Wireless keyboard for easier cable management
- Great combo pack to get started quick
- Mouse is reliable, albeit simple
- Mouse is redundant if you only need a keyboard
Looking for a starter kit without wanting to spread out your budget? You can bundle your mouse and keyboard together with this budget option from Logitech. The wireless keyboard makes for easier cable management and is the star of the pairing without doubt. As a full keyboard, you'll have the function of the numpad and function keys, which makes it great for people looking to do more than game.
The mouse is an excellent addition if you already need one. However, if you don't need a new or spare mouse, it quickly becomes redundant. While the price stays under $60 either way, you may want to grab one of Logitech's other pairings instead if you have no need of a mouse.
Best Budget Mechanical KeyboardRisoPhy Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
104 keys, blue switches, and LEDs
RisoPhy's Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a strong choice for users who prefer mechanical over membrane. The blue switches give a clicky, responsive typing experience, while the LED backlighting helps you customize your gaming.
Pros & Cons- Blue mechanical switches
- 104-key full keyboard
- LED backlighting
- Some users don't prefer full keyboards
Mechanical keyboards rarely come cheap, but that doesn't mean they never do. This mechanical offering from RisoPhy is a full 104-key keyboard. It also comes with LED backlighting which adds a bit of an aesthetic flair to the keyboard while also providing accessibility to anyone who needs illumination.
This offering also comes with blue mechanical switches which are popular for those who like clicky switches. The only downside is that some people won't prefer a full-sized keyboard.
Best AestheticsMageGee 75% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
A pop of white and blue
MageGee's "75% Keyboard" gets its name from chopping a quarter of the keys off the board. With 87 keys, this LED keyboard is great for saving space on your setup.
Pros & Cons- 75% keyboard for compact placement
- Soothing blue and white aesthetic
- LED blue backlighting
- Some users prefer to have their numpad
If you're looking for a compact keyboard, the MageGee 75% Mechanical Keyboard is a great choice to consider. As a 75% keyboard, it's removed many of the keys that other full keyboards have to save space. Most of these are keys people don't often use, so you aren't missing much functionality. The function row and your numpad will be gone.
That can cause problems for some. The numpad is integral for special characters, and the function keys provide plenty of shortcuts. But if you're happy to knock those out, the MageGee keyboard is one of your best budget options. The linear red switches are also great for typing!
Best Budget Starter SetRedragon S101 Wired Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo
Mouse, keyboard, action
Redragon's S101 Wired Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo comes with Redragon's M601 gaming mouse. The keyboard itself is a wonderful budget option, while the mouse is a solid backup if you already have one.
Pros & Cons- Simple linear keyboard
- Comes with an M601 Mouse
- Fully programmable
- Mouse is redundant if you don't need one
For gamers still looking for a good starter set, the S101 Redragon comes paired with an M601 mouse in this bundle. Both products are fine on their own but paired together, they're the perfect starting point for any budget peripheral setup.
The S101 is fully programmable, adding a new level of customization. It's a simple linear keyboard otherwise without many bells and whistles. If you don't need a mouse, one of Redragon's other products may suit your needs better.
Best "Extreme Budget" KeyboardAmazon Basics Low-Profile Wired USB Keyboard
Cheap, but perfectly functional
The Amazon Basics Low-Profile Wired USB Keyboard is stripped back to only what you need. Affordable, effective, and easy to use, this keyboard offers precisely what a keyboard has to do with no excess features.
Pros & Cons- Extremely affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- As barebones as a keyboard could be
There's not much to say about the Amazon Basics keyboard. If you need a keyboard and you don't have it in your budget to get one beyond the most basic functionality, this is the perfect choice. There's no fancy switches, no specialty macro keys, and no tenkeyless or less features to worry about. Just you, your new Amazon basics keyboard, and whatever you choose to spend the money you saved on this excellent budget option.
FAQ
Are Budget Keyboards Worse Than Other Options?
Not by default, no. It's difficult to compare a keyboard like the Amazon Basics keyboard to something like a $300 Razer specialty gaming keyboard. It all depends on what you need as a user. If budget is your most important quality, then budget keyboards are the best choice!
Can I Find Mechanical Keyboards For Under $60?
Certainly! We've listed a few here, but if you're still looking for more, we suggest looking into the brands we recommend. Otherwise, keep an eye out for a sale from names like Razer and Corsair.
These Options Are Too Expensive! How Can I Find The Cheapest Keyboard?
If you need extreme budget options, your best choice might be to buy used. If that doesn't sound like a great choice, check your favorite retailers and brands for a sale.
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