The best cheap gaming keyboards will help get you to the top of the leaderboards without costing a fortune. While you cannot go wrong with a top-of-the-line option, there are some budget keyboards for gaming that punch above their weight in performance and build, even if they might compromise on things like special features or by using membrane switches.
There are many cheap options out there that don’t scrimp on build and quality, as well as ensure your comfort during long sessions. Of course, it still boils down on your gaming needs. If you're a competitive gamer or you simply want the absolute best gaming setup, one of the best gaming keyboards might suit you best.
But, if you're an economizing gamer, a beginner, or just a casual one who do not need the fastest gaming peripherals, getting a cheap gaming keyboard is the way to go. If you can't take full advantage of features like macro recording, super short actuation, or hyper-fast responses, you probably shouldn't waste your money on a kitted-out keyboard that will burn a hole in your pocket. Unless, of course, you've got a deep one.
We've tested more than our share of keyboards, logging many hours to put each one through rigorous gaming and typing tests so you won't have to. And we gathered the best cheap ones for gaming on this list, along with the best prices available. Whether you’re looking for an entry-level or simply hoping to save money on peripherals, we found the best cheap gaming keyboards around.
With the money you're saving on one of them, you might have enough to pick up the best gaming mouse and best PC gaming headset to fill out your gaming arsenal. Take a look at our top picks below and be sure to keep an eye on those best cheap gaming keyboard deals for even more savings.
The best cheap gaming keyboards 2024
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We found that the simplicity of the Roccat Magma makes it a perfect choice for entry-level PC gamers. Cheap gaming keyboards often come with compromises, and unfortunately, Magma’s is build quality. This fairly new offering from Roccat isn’t as robust as its pricier counterparts. However, it makes up for that in a massive way with surprisingly fast and accurate performance, giving you incredibly punchy gameplay for something so affordable.
And, while special features are a little slim here, it does boast Roccat's nifty Game Mode, which you'll also find on the brand's more premium offerings. This Game Mode converts the Caps Lock to an Easy-Shift feature by default, which gives you access to a whole different set of actions as well as eliminates those all-caps chat box mishaps we’ve all experienced in multiplayer games.
It also features advanced anti-ghosting technology and quiet keys – not to mention, a semi-transparent top plate with five RGB lighting zones beneath it that make the whole keyboard light up. At $50/£50, it’s a fantastic gateway gaming keyboard and something you can easily upgrade from later on when your skills demand it.
Read our full Roccat Magma review
The HyperX Alloy Core RGB takes a different approach than the Roccat Magma. Rather than compromise on build quality, HyperX puts that first, giving its Alloy Core RGB a surprisingly hefty construction that will last you a while. This, in effect, prioritizes button-mashing first (as well as spill resistance) and is a good entry-level option for beginner gamers who aren’t quite adept yet at fighting monsters and shooting their enemies.
The keys here may not be as responsive as the premium options, and there aren't a lot of special game-focused features. However, it performs well for novice gamers. It also offers great comfort, delivering a nice tactile feedback, on top of being quiet for those late night gaming sessions. And, because beginners deserve RGB lighting as well, this has several RGB lighting effects and its Signature light bar.
Corsair may be known for its top-notch premium keyboards, but it’s got a few great contenders for the budget-minded as well. Case in point, the Corsair K55 RGB Pro, whose plethora of features are only exceeded by its affordable price. You’re certainly getting a lot of value from this gaming keyboard – its per-key RGB lighting, six programmable macro keys and a dedicated macro recording button, dedicated media keys, and Elgato support for streamers. For something very affordable, that’s a lot.
You might find its membrane keys a little unsatisfying to press and its design a bit plain, with no per-key RGB lighting and effects. If you want more control over RGB lighting, you should consider the Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT, which is unfortunately a little more expensive. But if you want to start experimenting with macros and don't need the rest of the frills, this one’s an ace.
The Roccat Pyro is among the very few cheap gaming keyboards that actually use mechanical switches. It's also among the best. Not only saving you money, but it's also excellent and satisfying to game on. We found its keys to be snappy and responsive, and customizable RGB handled beautifully, making it a fantastic alternative to premium gaming keyboards even if you're economizing.
Of course, being cheap, there are still compromises here. It's on the bulky and its volume control wheel is placed awkwardly. However, for a budget option, you're also getting some nice features, which is rare. There's a volume slider, as we mentioned, and Roccat's togglable Game Mode for a more seamless gaming experience. As far as entry-level gaming keyboards go, it's hard to beat the Roccat Pyro if you need the feel of mechanical keys.
Read our full Roccat Pyro review
Logitech’s G213 Prodigy might not have proper mechanical switches, but its mech dome switches sure come pretty close to them. Its mechanical-style performance and feel is impressive, and it can keep up with the best PC games, even the fast-paced ones. It’s even fantastic for typing, especially with its included wrist rest, making it well-suited for productivity tasks.
We also love its simple design, despite the fact that its RGB lighting is a bit underwhelming and its build isn’t as robust. That’s especially because very much like the more premium Logitech keyboards, it’s loaded with media buttons, including a volume rocker.
Read our full Logitech G213 Prodigy review
Not only is this gaming keyboard from Havit incredibly cheap, but it comes with a gaming mouse as well, making it an even better value for budget gamers. Of course, being a bargain-basement option, you cannot expect breathtaking performance, premium build or a whole lot of features. Still, this combo boasts terrific RGB lighting, which can be adjusted on the fly, as well as 19 anti-ghosting keys and dedicated media keys on the keyboard.
It also comes with a built-in wrist rest for comfort while the keys are also solid yet satisfying to press and the DPI is adjustable (you have your choice of four: 800/1200/2400/3200). Just keep in mind that Havit isn't known for having the most robust peripherals. But, if you’re looking for something cheap right now, you’ve got a winner here.
Like Corsair, Razer is known for its premium gaming keyboards. However, the brand has some excellent budget gaming keyboards as well. The Razer Cynosa V2 is a terrific one. It's a great-performing keyboard in its own right, but it also brings in improvements over its predecessor’s design and adds features like individually-lit RGB keys and media controls.
Performance-wise, you'll also see some purposeful improvements here. Despite being a membrane keyboard, we found the keystrokes to feel exceptional not just for heavy gaming but general typing as well. The keys are also fairly quiet so you can get away with using this in an office setting. We didn't find its build particularly robust, however, which is surprising considering it's Razer. Luckily, it comes with a with a two-year warranty, and by that time, you would probably be ready to upgrade to a more premium option.
Read our full Razer Cynosa V2 review
