7 Best budget keyboards for gaming in 2024

Besides the performance of the video game you play, other factors affect your gaming experience as well. So, let’s start from the basics. Regardless of whether you’re a casual or a more experienced gamer, you will need a solid keyboard. Luckily, you can find one that is more affordable.

As finding a good cheap gaming keyboard is hard, we decided to test a bunch of them and create a list only of the best ones. So, let’s delve into more details and see which is the best budget gaming keyboard!

The 5 best affordable gaming keyboards – shortlist

1. MSI Vigor GK50 Elite – best affordable gaming keyboard
2. Keychron V3 – customizable budget gaming keyboard
3. Razer Huntsman Mini – budget-friendly gaming keyboard
4. Logitech G413 – best affordable gaming keyboard with outdated performance
5. Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT – quiet, non-mechanical keyboard

How to choose a good budget keyboard for gaming?

As there are numerous keyboards on the market, here are the main features you should focus on if you want to save money:

• Price. Since we are talking about budget gaming keyboards, the price should be affordable without compromising the quality and features.
• Build quality. A good gaming keyboard should be able to withstand long gaming sessions and regular use. The materials used in the construction of the keyboard, such as the keycaps and the frame, should be of high quality.
• Key switches. The type of key switches used in the keyboard greatly affects the typing and gaming experience. Mechanical switches are generally preferred for gaming due to their tactile feedback and fast response times. However, you may prefer membrane switches for their quiet operation.
• Anti-ghosting and key rollover. These features ensure that all key presses are registered accurately, even when multiple keys are pressed at the same time. This is crucial in fast-paced games where quick and accurate key presses can make the difference between winning and losing.
• Programmable keys. Some gaming keyboards come with additional keys that can be programmed to perform specific actions or macros. This can give you an edge in competitive games.
• Layout and design. The layout of the keyboard should be comfortable and intuitive. Some gamers may prefer a compact tenkeyless design, while others may want a full-sized keyboard with a number pad.

7 Best budget gaming keyboards – our detailed list

After a lot of testing, we decided to come up with a list of the 7 best budget gaming keyboards. To do this, we focused on their price, build quality, and other essential features. Here is our selection!

1. MSI Vigor GK50 Elite – high-quality budget keyboard for gaming

Main features:	RGB lighting, waterproof, customizable
Build quality:	Excellent
Ergonomics:	High-low keycap design
Key rollover:	6+N key rollover

The MSI Vigor GK50 Elite keyboard comes at an affordable price and has some pretty great features, making it suitable for passionate gamers.

Build quality. The MSI Vigor GK50 Elite includes a premium top plate but skimped a bit on the cable, which is rubber and doesn’t have much reinforcement for durability. This suggests that while the keyboard itself is of good quality, the cable might not be as durable.

Key rollover. The keyboard automatically detects the number of pressed keys and immediately switches to a 6-key or N-key rollover.

Ergonomics. It comes with a high-low keycap design that keeps your hands and wrists in a comfortable and natural position, reducing strain and pain while typing or gaming for a longer time.

2. Keychron V3 – affordable gaming keyboard with great extras

Main features:	PCB stabilizers, hot-swap PCB, programmable knot
Build quality:	Excellent
Ergonomics:	Low-profile mechanical switches and keycaps
Key rollover:	N-key rollover

Build quality. The Keychron V3 features double-shot PBT keycaps, which extend the durability of this keyboard. This ensures that the keyboard can withstand heavy gaming use, providing value for money.

Key rollover. It comes with an N-key rollover, meaning it can handle simultaneous keystrokes well. It basically detects input from each key on the keyboard at the same time.

Ergonomics. Thanks to the low-profile mechanical switches, Keychron V3 is pretty ergonomic-friendly. This makes it easier for you to type without feeling any discomfort.

3. Razer Huntsman Mini – best budget gaming keyboard for 2024

Main features:	Macro programming, optical switches, onboard storage
Build quality:	Excellent
Ergonomics:	Lightweight switches
Key rollover:	N-key rollover

If you want to enjoy a real-life gaming experience, go for Razer Huntsman Mini. This keyboard has everything you may need, from N-key rollover to great build quality to amazing features.

Build quality. The build quality on the Razer Huntsman Mini is excellent, and it feels very sturdy even compared to more premium options in Razer’s catalog.

Key rollover. Another great feature of the Razer Huntsman Mini is the N-key rollover that comes with built-in anti-ghosting.

Ergonomics. The Razer Huntsman Mini has a fairly tall profile and doesn’t include a wrist rest. It is suggested to buy a wrist rest separately for the most comfortable gaming experience.

4. Logitech G413 – excellent older gaming keyboard

Main features:	LED lighting, PBT keycaps, special keys
Build quality:	Excellent
Ergonomics:	Tactical mechanical switches
Key rollover:	6-key rollover

Logitech G413 is an older model, but its performance isn’t outdated at all. Let’s find out what it has to offer.

Build quality. The Logitech G413 keyboard has a lightweight aluminum body and a sleek design. Also, it’s not easily damageable.

Key rollover. Its 6-key rollover with an anti-ghosting gaming matrix provides total control in the heat of the game.

Ergonomics. Thanks to its tactical mechanical switches, lightweight body, and wear-resistant PBT keycaps, Logitech G413 scores great in terms of ergonomics.

5. Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT – 12-key rollover keyboard for gaming

Main features:	Macro keys, adjustable height, onboard memory
Build quality:	Adequate
Ergonomics:	Detachable wrist rests
Key rollover:	12-key rollover

Build quality. The Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT is a very good gaming keyboard with rubber dome switches. Due to this, they may wobble and feel quite heavy to press.

Key rollover. It supports selective 12-key rollover USB out of the box, which means that the usual FPS/MOBA keys will allow for higher key rollover without ghosting.

Ergonomics. The Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT comes with a detachable wrist rest for ergonomic support. This feature provides comfort during long gaming sessions, reducing the risk of wrist strain.

6. SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL – gaming keyboard with complex in-game commands

Main features:	Anti-ghosting, RGB illumination, fully macro-programmable keys
Build quality:	Excellent
Ergonomics:	Adjustable keyboard angle
Key rollover:	N-key rollover

The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL keyboard will allow you to customize your gaming experience to the maximum. But there are also many other features that enhance it.

Build quality. The keyboard is water and dust-resistant, ensuring its durability and longevity. It also features built-in three-way cable management, which helps maintain a clean and organized gaming setup.

Key rollover. Due to the N-key rollover, SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL won’t interrupt your typing or gaming experience. It will immediately detect all keys.

Ergonomics. This gaming keyboard is fully macro-programmable, allowing you to customize the function of each key according to your gaming needs. It also features eight customizable RGB lighting zones for aesthetic customization.

7. Corsair K55 Pro – durable yet affordable keyboard for gaming

Main features:	Windows key lock, volume and media keys, macro control
Build quality:	Excellent
Ergonomics:	Detachable rubber wrist rest
Key rollover:	Selective key rollover

Build quality. The Corsair K55 Pro has a rugged build quality. This feature ensures the durability of the keyboard, making it a reliable choice for gamers and other users.

Key rollover. It is equipped with a selective 12-key rollover and anti-ghosting that enhance your gaming experience by allowing you to press multiple keys at the same time.

Ergonomics. The Corsair K55 RGB PRO keyboard has one incline setting with the feet extended and a detachable rubber wristrest.

Comparison of top 3 cheap gaming keyboards

In order to gain a better understanding, we decided to put up a table of the best 3 cheap gaming keyboards. Here is our brief overview:

Model	MSI Vigor GK50 Elite	Keychron V3	Razer Huntsman Mini
Build quality	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Ergonomics	High-low keycap design	Low-profile mechanical switches and keycaps	Lightweight switches
Key rollover	6+N key rollover	N-key rollover	N-key rollover
Main features	Stunning per-key RGB lighting Accuracy-enhancing mechanical switches Excellent comfort	Keyboard kit Epic core Typing sound test	Key alignment Doubleshot PCB keycaps Form factor

How we selected these budget keyboards for gaming?

To select the best budget keyboards for gaming, we took into account a few important features. So, let’s explain them a bit better:

• Affordability. We tested affordable keyboards without compromising on quality and performance. We compared the prices of various models from different brands and selected those that offer the best value for money.
• Key Responsiveness. To test this, we played various fast-paced games that required quick key presses. We also used software to measure the response time of each keypress.
• Comfort. Having a comfortable keyboard is a must. So, we tested the comfort level of each keyboard by using them for extended periods. We evaluated the wrist rest, key spacing, and the overall design of the keyboard.
• Additional Features. We also looked for additional features like media control keys, USB pass-through ports, and wireless connectivity. We tested these features for their functionality and usefulness.

Are mechanical keyboards best for gaming?

Mechanical keyboards are considered more suitable for gaming. In fact, gamers state that with such keyboards, they can have better accuracy and precision while playing their favorite online games. On top of this, mechanical keyboards are more durable and quite fast.

However, all of this comes at a bit higher cost. Therefore, we made sure to include only the most affordable mechanical keyboards in our article.

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