Getting your hands on the best budget keyboard is a great way to upgrade without breaking the bank. With a whole host of reasonably priced options out there, you might find that selecting a budget keyboard provides you with all the functionality that you need.
Shopping around for the best keyboard can get pretty expensive pretty quickly, particularly if you’re looking at some of the more feature-rich offerings. So having a good idea of exactly what you need can help you negotiate your way through the market, as well as saving you some valuable coin.
You might need to sacrifice some of those high-end features with a budget priced alternative, but you may be surprised at how well they perform, even if they’re not on a par with the best mechanical keyboards.
There are plenty of wireless keyboard options to choose from, and most budget keyboards offer a reliable build quality and a satisfying typing experience. Plus, with added extras such as multi-device connectivity, dedicated shortcut keys, and more, you may not be skimping on features as much as you might think.
We’ve tried and tested a selection of the best budget keyboards out there right now, and shortlisted our top picks to include both the best gaming keyboards and productivity-based options.
So if you’re a budget conscious buyer, you’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for the best possible value for money with your next keyboard purchase.
The best budget keyboard in 2024
Windows users will love typing away on the Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard, which the company has designed to work seamlessly with the operating system and the Microsoft Office suite. It’s packed with Microsoft 365-specific and Windows-related shortcuts, as well as media controls and a search key. There’s even an emoji key because let’s face it, they help ensure that your email doesn’t get lost in translation. Since this is a full-sized keyboard, you’re getting the full experience, including a number pad. It’s also got a neat and slim profile for a more minimalist look, and offers a comfortable typing experience for your long work sessions.
The only issue we have with it is that it’s AAA-powered. Microsoft does give it a three-year battery life, but in this day and age, it’s almost unacceptable for any peripheral to be non-rechargeable.
Mac users, on the other hand, will love pairing their MacBook or Mac with this adorable keyboard that absolutely knocks it out of the park. The Logitech K380 is actually Windows and Chrome OS compatible as well, but we love using it with our MacBooks because the two are a match made in heaven. Whichever operating system you use it with, it’s an absolute dream to type on thanks to those scissor switches underneath, and a great travel companion thanks to its sleek, slim, and small profile. But wait, there’s more: it’s also capable of connecting up to three devices at once, and its three connectivity buttons at the top make it easy to toggle between devices. If that isn’t impressive, we don’t know what is.
It does have one failing – unfortunately, it’s not rechargeable, which means you’ll have to replace its batteries at some point. However, we’ve used ours for more than a year now, and it’s still going.
The Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard may not win any beauty contests any time soon, but what it lacks in style, it more than makes up with substance. Namely, its ergonomic, split-keyboard design is there to alleviate potential long-term injury from long typing sessions. Of course, that design wouldn’t be complete with a cushioned wrist rest. The one included here follows the keyboard’s sloping curves for an easy-on-the-wrist feel as well as promoting a neutral wrist position. Making your typing experience its priority, it even comes with a number of dedicated shortcut keys for Microsoft Office 365 and controlling media as well as a few other functions.
This full-sized keyboard offers very little in the way of features beyond its ergonomically-driven design, unfortunately. You won’t find backlighting, customization, or any special type of switches. And, if you want an ergonomic keyboard that comes in any other color beside black, you’ll have to look elsewhere. With that said, it delivers where it counts.
A non-mechanical keyboard for gaming might seem like heresy to hardcore gamers, but trust us when we say that the Logitech G213 Prodigy still delivers that satisfying mechanical-style feel without the steep price. This keyboard also has a lot going for it in terms of features. It’s got five RGB lighting zones, a 4mm travel distance, and a beautifully quiet operation to start. Because it is a membrane keyboard, it is spill-resistant with up to 60ml liquid rating specifically, which means it’s a terrific option for young gamers as well as clumsy ones. Adding more to its value is its integrated palm rest; while pricier gaming keyboards require for you to buy one separately, the G213 Prodigy’s comes included. And, while other cheap gaming keyboards abandon any macro recording altogether, this one allows you one macro button at least.
It’s never going to outmatch a premium mechanical keyboard in feel and in pro-level performance. However, for a cheap gaming keyboard, you can’t find a better value than this.
Read the full review: Logitech G213 Prodigy
Don’t let the Cherry Stream Desktop’s boring made-for-cubicles exterior put you off. This combo delivers in performance and comfort. In fact, its keyboard is one of the best we’ve ever typed on with its satisfying feel and feedback and incredibly responsive execution. It’s clearly made for long hours of typing, and trust us when we say, you won’t get sick of doing so. Or at least, your fingers won’t. Plus, setting it up on Windows is a pain-free experience, much easier than other wireless keyboards that promise an easy setup. And, that price tag is astounding, especially when you realize that it also comes with a mouse that’s just as reliable and has great palm support.
The only thing to bear in mind here is that it has a back-to-basics approach and doesn’t come with a whole lot of features. That’s not necessarily a downside for all users, but it might be for those who enjoy their frills.
Read the full review: Cherry Stream Desktop
The best budget keyboard: FAQs
What is the cheapest best keyboard?
The best keyboard (for any budget) is one that satisfies in terms of comfort, feel, and functionality.
With a cheap keyboard, you need to accept that some of the high-end functions associated with premium keyboards will be absent. It therefore boils down to what you’re prepared to do without, and what your most immediate priorities are.
However, with the K380 and the G213, Logitech have some great offerings for a portable, mulit-device keyboard, and a gaming keyboard. And Microsoft’s Bluetooth Keyboard is a solid all-rounder, with an impressive performance at a reasonable price point.
What is the best low budget gaming keyboard?
This rather depends on the type of gaming that you like to do, as some styles of keyboard will suit certain gameplay better than others.
Regardless, if you’re passionate about your gaming, you’ll want something that offers a fast and reliable wireless (or wired) connection. You may be looking for macro recording if you enjoy MMOs or RTS games, or one that allows you to create custom profiles.
For the full lowdown on gaming keyboards, including budget priced options, check out our Best Gaming Keyboard guide.
The best budget keyboard: Today's best deals
