15+ Best Budget Keyboards in 2024 (June)

Are you looking for the best budget keyboard for your computer?

We compiled the best budget keyboards to help you find one within your budget. There are many options available on the market, but getting one among them is the critical part. While looking out for the best budget keyboards, if you are a Mac user, don’t miss to check out our blog on the best keyboards for Mac.

While some keyboards are cheap, they still compete with significantly more expensive keyboards in terms of quality, features, and typing experience. You must make sure to find the best one for you based on your budget.

When buying a new keyboard, be sure to explore our list of the best under desk keyboard trays available in the market to suit your needs.

02/19/2024 07:09 pm GMT

 

What is the Best Budget Keyboard? 

Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard is the best overall full-sized keyboard that works seamlessly with all operating systems with a neat and slim design. For finding more best keyboards have a look at the comparison table below. 

If interested have a look at Best Quiet Mechanical Keyboards, Best Budget Mechanical Keyboards, Best Small Keyboards, and Best Keyboards for Mac.

 

15 Best Budget Keyboards in 2024

1. Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard (Editor’s Choice)

The best budget full-sized keyboard

Color: Black | Brand: Microsoft | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Switch: Rubber dome membrane |  OS: Windows 10 | Power Source: Battery Powered

Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard works seamlessly with the operating system and the Microsoft Office suite.

If you are one of those Microsoft users, this Bluetooth keyboard is our top pick for you.

It’s packed with Microsoft 365-specific and Windows-related shortcuts such as media controls, a search key, an emoji key, and a new snipping key for fast screen capture. These new features also help you ensure your emails aren’t lost in transition.

Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard is a full-sized keyboard with a number pad. It’s also got a neat and slim profile for a more minimalist look.

It also offers a comfortable typing experience for long working hours and has a long battery life of up to two years.

But as much as we love this keyboard, some Mac users find it hard to connect with their MacBooks. But don’t worry, as there are certain keyboards for Mac.

Pros	Cons
➕ Slim form factor	➖ Non-rechargeable
➕ Comfortable working during long sessions
➕ Easily portable

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

2. G.Skill KM360

The best value keyboard with MX switches

Color: Black and white | Brand: G.Skill | Connectivity: USB | Switch: Cherry MX Red

The KM360 offers many advantages beyond the basics of Cherry mechanical key switches at an affordable price. It has a detachable USB Type-C cable and a tenkeyless layout for more desk space and great portability.

Moreover, it has precise, reliable, smooth actuation for gaming and typing.

It has wear-proof keys that won’t wear out like printed or laser-etched keycaps. The G.Skill board has bright LED lights to cope with your gaming board, with multiple color options.

It’s solid, well-built, and aesthetically pleasing without breaking the bank. The only downside of this best-budget keyboard is that there is no wrist rest, passthrough, or media controls.

Pros	Cons
➕ Affordable	➖ No Numpad
➕ Reliable Cherry MX switches
➕ Brightest LEDs

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

3. Logitech K380

The best budget and best value keyboard

Color: Black and white | Brand: Logitech | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Switch: Multi-Functional, QWERTY

Are you searching for a keyboard that is compatible with various devices such as Macs, Androids, and more?  If so, this versatile Logitech K380 is absolutely for you. This keyboard is also compatible with Windows and Chrome OS.

What we love about this best-budget keyboard is its excellent feature of connecting to three devices simultaneously and the three connectivity buttons at the top. These features make it easy to toggle between devices.

The only disadvantage we found with this keyboard is its non-rechargeable feature. However, it has a long battery life of two years.

We highly recommend this keyboard to anyone seeking a small, sleek, slim, and portable budget keyboard.

Pros	Cons
➕ Easily portable	➖ Not rechargeable
➕ Multiple device connectivities

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

4. Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard

Best ergonomic keyboard

Color: Black | Brand: Microsoft | Connectivity: Wired | Switch: AZERTY | OS: Windows 8.1, Windows 10

The Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard provides exponential support with its split-keyboard design for working all day. This feature reduces the risk of fatigue and injury with a cushioned wrist rest.

It even comes with several dedicated shortcut keys for Microsoft Office 365 and controlling media. The disadvantage that it has is you won’t find backlighting, customization, or any special type of switches.

Pros	Cons
➕ Ergonomic design	➖ Limited Features
➕ Dedicated Microsoft keys for better typing.	➖ Not as aesthetically pleasing

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

5. Logitech G213 Prodigy 

Best Budget gaming keyboard

Color: Black | Brand: Logitech G | Connectivity: Wired, USB | Switch: Mech-Dome

Logitech G213 Prodigy includes an RGB Gaming Keyboard that helps you play faster than you would on a standard keyboard with keys. This also gives the best in gaming-grade performance, lighting, and comfort.

The Logitech G213 Prodigy delivers that satisfying mechanical-style feel without the high price. The features include five RGB lighting zones and quiet operation to start. However, it does not make much sound because it is a membrane keyboard.

What makes this best-budget keyboard more appealing is its spill-resistant feature, which can hold up to 60 mL of liquid, which means it’s a terrific option for gamers.

Additionally, it comes with a palm rest, which gives it more value. It also has one macro button, which other cheap gaming keyboards lack.

However, this keyboard is not ideal for those who prefer mechanical keyboards.

Pros	Cons
➕ Integrated palm rest	➖ Not mechanical
➕ Membrane keyboard

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

6. Havit Mechanical Keyboard

Best budget mechanical keyboard for both typists and gamers

Color: Black and white | Brand: Havit | Connectivity: Wired | Switch: RGB

Havit Mechanical Keyboard model comes packaged with a wired, optical gaming mouse. This package makes you ready to play at an affordable price.

It comes with an RGB lighting effect for both the keyboard and mouse, which includes 14 backlit modes for the gaming keyboard and a seven-color effect on the gaming mouse. This lighting effect creates a cool game experience that enhances the gaming atmosphere.

The exposed hardware and aluminum backplate looks sturdy and industrial. The keycaps are also easy to navigate, and it comes with a wrist guard. This makes it our excellent choice for typists and gamers.

However, its lack of dedicated media controls does not meet everyone’s expectations.

Pros	Cons
➕ Sturdy and industrial look	➖ No media keys
➕ Side backlighting
➕ Detachable wrist rest

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

7. Cooler Master CK552

The best wireless keyboard 

Color: Black | Brand:Keychron | Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB| Switch: Gateron G Pro

If you are in search of wireless keyboards for gaming, the Cooler Master CK552 is a perfect choice. This keyboard can connect to three devices using USB-C and a Bluetooth connection.

With a Mac layout, the keyboard has the complete Mac function keys. Although it lacks a backlight, the keyboard can last for 240 hours.

It is our choice for those who are searching for a versatile keyboard. The Cooler Master CK552 is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, and it offers additional keycaps for seamless integration with either platform.

Pros	Cons
➕Great for gaming	➖ Lacks backlit
➕Compact

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

8. HyperX Alloy Elite 2

Best Budget USB Keyboard

Color: Black/Yellow | Brand: HyperX | Connectivity: Wired | Switch: RGB Backlit – HyperX Linear Red Switch

The HyperX Alloy Elite 2 – TimTheTatMan Edition offers versatility for a wide user base. With durable HyperX switches, rated for 80 million keypresses, it ensures precise typing for gaming, work, or browsing. Its solid steel frame provides stability during intense use, complementing its durability.

Customization is a highlight, thanks to its customizable RGB lighting and macro functionality, accessible through HyperX NGENUITY software. Users can tailor the keyboard to their preferences, whether for gaming aesthetics or productivity tasks. Additionally, practical features like media controls and a volume roller enhance usability.

USB-C connectivity ensures compatibility with various devices, including laptops, gaming consoles, and PCs, making it suitable for diverse setups. The Alloy Elite 2 delivers performance, durability, and customization options to meet the needs of gamers, content creators, and casual users alike.

Pros	Cons
➕Durable build	➖Limited compatibility
➕Customizable RGB lighting

 

9. Cherry Stream Desktop keyboard

Best easy-set Wireless Keyboard

Color: Black | Brand: Cherry Stream | Connectivity: Wireless | Switch: SX scissor

The CHERRY Stream Desktop Wireless Keyboard is a standout option for those seeking a high-quality wireless keyboard. Engineered with precision and functionality in mind, this keyboard boasts CHERRY’s renowned SX scissor technology, delivering whisper-quiet keystrokes and a precise typing experience.

Its full-size layout, complete with 10 office & multimedia keys, ensures maximum productivity for various tasks. With an impressive battery life of up to 36 months, users can enjoy uninterrupted usage without the hassle of frequent battery changes. The keyboard’s ergonomic design, featuring adjustable feet and rubberized grips, provides comfort and stability during extended typing sessions.

Additionally, integrated status LEDs for battery indication and keyboard functions offer convenient visual feedback. Compatible with laptops, personal computers, and tablets, this keyboard offers versatility for a range of devices. Combining affordability, reliability, and style, the CHERRY Stream Desktop Wireless Keyboard is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a wireless keyboard without breaking the bank.

Pros	Cons
➕Whisper-quiet keystrokes	➖No Back Lighting
➕Long 36-month battery life

 

10. Keychron K4

Best Budget Wireless Keyboard

Color: Grey | Brand: Keychron | Connectivity: Wireless/ Wired | Switch: Gateron G Pro Brown Switch

For all those who prefer wireless keyboards, the Keychron K4 Version 2 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard stands out as a compact and versatile choice. This 96% layout keyboard with 100 keys, including a number pad, offers maximum functionality in a minimal footprint. Featuring both Bluetooth and USB connectivity options, it seamlessly switches between up to 3 devices, ensuring flexibility and convenience across various platforms.

Beneath its sleek exterior, the K4 Version 2 boasts Gateron G Pro Brown switches, providing tactile feedback and boasting up to a 50 million keystroke lifespan, ensuring long-lasting durability and performance. The enchanting white LED backlight adds a touch of modernity to your setup, with options for static white or flashing light modes to suit your preference.

Additionally, with a substantial 4000 mAh battery capacity, the Keychron K4 Version 2 offers up to 240 hours of usage, ensuring uninterrupted productivity or gaming sessions without the need for frequent recharging.

Pros	Cons
➕Compact 96% layout with 100 keys	➖Limited to single-color backlighting
➕Bluetooth and USB connectivity for versatile usage

 

11. Logitech G413

The best budget keyboard with great productivity 

Color: Black | Brand: Logitech | Connectivity: USB-A| Switch: Romer-Gmechanical switch

With remarkable durability, the Logitech G413 keyboard is helpful for people expecting great performance. These responsive keys will allow you to control functions such as pause, play, volume, toggle lighting, etc.

Equipped with the Romer-G switches, this best-budget keyboard increases productivity from general tasks to fast-paced gaming.

The top case of the keyboard is made of an aluminum-magnesium body, which gives the keyboard additional support.

You can easily work even in the dark without any disturbance due to the RGB lighting. It has single-color lighting, making the keys more visible, though the red backlighting may not appeal to everybody.

Pros	Cons
➕RGB lightning	➖Only red color backlighting
➕High productivity

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

12. Obinslab Anne Pro 2

The best keyboard with a decent look

Color: Black | Brand: ANNE PRO | Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB

The Obinslab Anne Pro 2‘s decent aesthetic look made it one of the best budget keyboards. As a compact keyboard, it also provides PBT keycaps, making your typing more comfortable.

Along with the RGB lighting, it allows for reduced hand movements while typing. In addition to supporting both wired and wireless Bluetooth connections, this keyboard is portable and space-saving, making it a versatile choice for any workspace.

However, some users may find the Obinslab Anne Pro 2 too small.

Pros	Cons
➕RGB lighting feature	➖Might be too small for some users
➕Compact body

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

13. Redragon K552

Best compact mechanical gaming keyboard

Color: Black | Brand: Redragon | Connectivity: USB | Switch: Outemu Red Switch |  OS: Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows 10

Redragon K552 is a terrific option if you’re seeking the ideal mechanical keyboard for your home or office. This gaming keyboard has linear switches with a low click sound, dustproof mechanical red switches, and rapid action with little resistance but no tactile bump feel.

This mechanical Rainbow LED RGB backlit keyboard has a lot of features that make it the best budget keyboard.

These features include breathing speed, precision-engineered keycaps, 19 various lighting effects and game modes, two user-defined settings, six colors, and variable brightness levels.

This steel series mechanical keyboard’s plate-mounted mechanical keys and switches are made of high-quality, long-lasting metal ABS.

Moreover, the Redragon K552 includes anti-ghosting, key rollover, and 12 multimedia keyboard keys.

What we love about this keyboard is its non-slip, ergonomic, splash-proof design with 87 conflict-free keys. However, this keyboard does not support a Type C USB cable.

Pros	Cons
➕ Rainbow LED RGB backlit	➖ It is not a USB type C cable
➕ Dustproof switches
➕ Multimedia keyboard keys

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

14. CIY X77

Best mechanical keyboard with magnetic detachable top cover

Color: Black | Brand: CIY | Connectivity: USB Type-C Wired | Switch: Hot-swappable switches |  OS: Mac and Windows 

CIY X77 keyboard is a fantastic starting point for individuals who want to create a bespoke keyboard. This mechanical keyboard’s X77 keys can all be programmed. Its ergonomic design has an angled backlighting that you may control with the driver to act however you desire.

The Type-C connection is easily detachable, as all switches have hot-swappable switches, keeping the arrow keys separate. Moreover,  its anti-jamming technology allows you to play various video games without restriction.

Based on our in-hand review, its upper cover’s magnetic adsorption feature can make your gaming space neat and tidy, by collecting any dirt that enters your keyboard.

It has an onboard dynamic RGB Backlight with 15 pre-programmed backlight modes. Yet, the brightness of its RGB light is not as high as other keyboards with backlights.

We consider this one of the unique and best budget keyboards because of its five levels of brightness and flow rate adjustment. This best feature of X77 allows users to easily find their preferred and most comfortable settings for an optimal typing experience.

Additionally, it has stunning color schemes and responsive effects. Its highly customizable RGB lighting and functionality are possible with its powerful chip.

Pros	Cons
➕ Has 2 different height adjustments	➖ The brightness of RGB lights is not very high.
➕ Metal Magnetic Faceplate
➕ Good Build Quality

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

15. RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61

The best portable and ultra-compact mechanical keyboard

Color: Black | Brand: RK ROYAL KLUDGE | Connectivity: USB-C | Switch: Hot-swappable RK switches |  OS: Windows 10

A clean workspace is made possible by the RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61. It has a brown switch that allows you to double tap faster and is a little bit quieter and easier to press than the blue switch. It is compact and comes with 61 keys

It has 18 RGB illumination modes, eight monochrome backlight modes, and one full-color backlight available at this 60 percent RGB keyboard. When you play games or type at night, these modes will make it more fun for you.

This mechanical keyboard has a sophisticated stair-up keycap design that provides optimal comfort while maintaining your hand in its most natural position to reduce hand fatigue after extended use and aid in reducing typos. Thus, it is best for office workers, copywriters, programmers, typing instructors, and editors.

Pros	Cons
➕ Perfect for long hours of gaming and typing	➖ It is not PBT keycaps
➕ Compact mechanical keyboard
➕ Full Key Anti-Ghosting Wired Gaming Keyboard

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

How to Choose the Best Budget Keyboard

While reviewing these keyboards, our team has come up with these essential factors to consider when buying the best budget keyboard:

Use case

Before you choose the best keyboard for your needs, you must identify your use case, which means understanding why you want a keyboard and how you will use it. For example, gamers need quick-response keyboards, but writers might choose a comfortable one.

You need to choose it according to your personal needs. So there are a few important questions that you need to ask yourself before buying a keyboard.

• What kind of work will I do with my keyboard?
• How big or small do I want my keyboard?
• What should my keyboard look like?
• Do I have any particular features in mind?

Key Switch 

All keys on a keyboard are not equal because they have features and actuation points depending on the manufacturer. The three main categories of switches you need to know are,

• Linear switches: These are easy to depress. They do not have a tactile bump along the way to bottoming out. These are mostly preferred by gamers as they are consistently quiet and easy to press, even in repetitive actions.
• Tactile switches: They are featured by a noticeable bump that offers clear feedback before bottoming out. They increase the required actuation force. It is preferred mostly by writers, and typists because they make it easier to feel each keypress.
• Clicky switches: These are tactile switches yet they make noise when they hit the bump in the keypress. Some people prefer these when working alone.

Form Factor 

When you are looking for the best budget keyboard, most will be either full-sized with a number pad or tenkeyless (TKL).

Some people who spend significant time on spreadsheets would prefer using a keyboard with a number pad, but those who spend time gaming or coding will appreciate the extra desk space afforded by a TKL design.

There are also 60%- 70% of keyboards that skip the arrow and navigational keys, giving you the most desk space. But these are not that appealing, due to more limited functionality.

75% of keyboards might work well for someone looking for a slightly downsized tenkeyless keyboard.

Eventually, as key switch choices, the choice of form factor is personal and depends on your needs.

Other features

After identifying the use case, key switch, and form factor, you should now identify the features you want in your keyboard. These features may help you enhance the keyboard experience and functionality.

Backlighting

The illumination of keyboard keys also plays a crucial role, depending on the user’s preference.

The keyboard with a backlight allows the user to see the keyboard in the dark and is both eye-catching and functional. You may switch them on or off for full RGB syncing with your mouse, computer, or headset.

N-Key Rollover 

They allow your keyboard to register unlimited concurrent keystrokes without creating any problems, making this desirable for gamers.

Macro Keys

The user may program discrete and additional keys to serve a variety of purposes. They are useful for multiplayer role-playing games because the player may program tedious player actions with a single keystroke. They can also be used for office professionals who can use macro keys to copy, paste, rename, or transfer files in bulk.

Keycaps

These keycaps can affect the aesthetic quality of your keyboard. Some keyboards come with keycaps and have side-printed legends or no legends.

When buying the best cheap keyboard, you must also consider the keycaps that might create an unwanted visual flair.

Budget

Since we are looking for the best budget keyboard, determining your budget is essential. You must narrow down the wide breadth of keyboards into a select group suitable for needs and budget.

In terms of pricing, keyboards can range from as low as $20 to $250, depending on the brand and specs. However, this article will list the best budget keyboards that compete with those expensive ones.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Best Budget Keyboards Summary

When looking for the best budget keyboard, it’s important to consider several factors. These include your work type, key switch, and form factors.

Remember that it is also essential to prioritize keyboards that offer essential features for a comfortable typing experience, durable construction, and compatibility with your device.

By considering the right balance between affordability and meeting your specific needs, you can choose a keyboard that fits your requirements without breaking the bank.

We hope you have found one. Let us know in the comments.

Also, have a look at our other list of Best Budget Monitors for Graphic Design, Best Budget Camera Phones, Best Budget 3D Printers, and Best Budget Laptops for Graphic Designers & Creatives.

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• Best Quiet Mechanical Keyboards
• Best Budget Mechanical Keyboards
• Best Small Keyboards
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