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

This article compiles a list of the best budget keyboards to help you find the best one under your budget. There are many options available in the market, but getting one among them is the critical part.

Some keyboards are cheap and 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 depending on your usage and budget plans.

9 Best Budget Keyboards in 2022

What is the best budget keyboard? 

Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard is the best overall full-sized keyboard that works seamlessly with all the 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.

 

How to Choose the Best Budget Keyboard

When choosing the best one for you from a varied list, there are a few points to remember.

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. These are preferred mostly because they are easy to press repeatedly, quickly,  and are quiet.
• 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 a significant time on spreadsheets would prefer using a keyboard with a number pad, but those who spend time on gaming or coding will appreciate the desk extra 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 so that they will be visible in the dark is both eye-catching and functional. You may switch them on or off to full RGB syncing with your mouse, computer, or headset.

N-Key Rollover 

They allow your keyboard to register an unlimited number of 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. While buying keyboards, you must ensure to have a look at keycaps that might make an unwanted visual flair.

Budget

Determining your budget is an essential step. Not just in choosing a mechanical keyboard, but with any product in general.  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 as high as $250. In this article, the list includes the best budget keyboards.

9 Best Budget Keyboards in 2022

1. Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard 

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. 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 captures. These new features also help you ensure that your emails don’t get lost in transition.

Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard is a full-sized keyboard including 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 your long working hours and has a long battery life of up to two years.

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

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

2. G.Skill KM360

The best budget 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 comes with a detachable USB Type-C cable and a tenkeyless layout for more desk space and great portability. It is precise, reliable, and has smooth actuation for gaming and typing.

It has wear-proof keys that won’t wear out like printed or laser etched keycaps. 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 according to the budget. The only disadvantages are that there’s no wrist rest, no passthrough, or media controls.

Pros	Cons
➕ Affordable	➖ No Numpad
➕ Reliable Cherry MX switches
➕ Brightest LED’s

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 can pair with your MacBook or Mac? If so, Logitech K380 is absolutely for you. This keyboard is also compatible with Windows and Chrome OS. It is small, sleek, slim, and easily portable.

It has the excellent feature of connecting with three devices at once and three connectivity buttons at the top, which makes it easy to toggle between devices. The only disadvantage it has is it is not rechargeable but has a battery life of two years.

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 to work all day, which 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.

Logitech G213 Prodigy delivers that satisfying mechanical-style feel without the high price. The features include five RGB lighting zones and a quiet operation to start but do not make much sound because it is a membrane keyboard. It is spill-resistant up to 60mL 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 allows you one macro button, that other cheap gaming keyboards abandon.

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. That’s the big benefit of this two-in-one Havit package so it makes you ready to game at an affordable price.

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

The exposed hardware and aluminum backplate look sturdy and industrial. The keycaps are also easy to navigate, and it comes with a wrist guard.

Besides the lack of dedicated media controls, this package of Havit peripherals has a few features to consider (such as?). The fact that it is an affordable mouse and keyboard combo makes it all the more appealing.

Also see our post on the best budget mechanical keyboards.

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

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

7. Cooler Master CK552

Best backlighting keyboard

Color: Red Switch | Brand: Wired | Connectivity: Wired | Switch: Gateron Red Switch |

The Cooler Master CK552 is the best budget mechanical keyboard. This is a full-sized gaming keyboard with RGB backlighting. It comes with an aluminum top plate for better rigidity, and a 5.9-foot (1.8m) USB 2.0 cable.

It is also equipped with switch types:

Gateron Brown (tactile),

Blue (clicky)

Red (linear)

These are may withstand up to 50 million key presses without failure.

It comes with Gateron Red switches that are responsive during gaming. The CK552 features onboard memory that can store up to four profiles and has on-the-fly controls that record macros and control backlighting. It’s also compatible with the Cooler Master Portal utility, which offers more granular controls.

Pros	Cons
➕ RGB backlighting	➖ Mis-press happens because of red switches
➕ Solid aluminum top plate
➕ Variety of switch types

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

8. HyperX Alloy FPS Pro 

Best budget TKL keyboard

Color: Black | Brand: HyperX | Connectivity: USB | Switch: HyperX Mechanical Switches |

The HyperX Alloy is meant for professional esports players which makes it one of the best budget mechanical keyboards for gamers. It features a compact TKL design, a detachable USB cable, and solid steel construction for better reliability all while having portability.

This keyboard is available with Cherry MX-branded linear Red or clicky Blue Switches which helps it to stand out from other budget keyboards.

HyperX also includes n-key rollover, 100% anti-ghosting, and red backlighting with a variety of effects. All of these features combine with some of the best and most comfortable keys which enhances the gaming experience. The Alloy FPS Pro is also responsive, fits perfectly with the setup, and is the perfect choice for gaming.

Pros	Cons
➕ Compact shape, detachable cable, portable	➖ Backlighting- only red
➕ Cherry MX switches are better than rivals
➕ Solid steel construction

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

9. Cherry Stream Desktop keyboard 

Best easy set keyboard

Color: Black | Brand: Cherry | Connectivity: USB-A | Switch: QWERTY  |

Are you looking for a reliable companion for work or a home office? The Cherry Stream Desktop keyboard is a perfect choice.

The cable keyboard is designed with a high-quality CHERRY SX scissor mechanism. This stands for tactile typing feel and is precise. It is integrated with a metal plate and eight rubber pads which make it stand out with its ideal torsional stiffness, stability, and durability.

It remains legible with repeated usage because it is abrasion-resistant and also has easy-to-read key labeling. The Office Keyboard has ten additional keys for office and multimedia like Volume control, lock Windows, start calculator, etc. It has three status LEDs built to the respective keys showing whether CAPS LOCK, NUM, and SCROLL are active or not.

It is easy to set it up on Windows and has an astounding price, especially when it also comes with a mouse, which is just as reliable and has good palm support.

The only thing to bear in mind here is that it’s a basic keyboard and doesn’t come with many features.

Pros	Cons
➕ Straightforward to use and easy setup	➖ Plain design
➕ Great keyboard to type on	➖ Includes only basic features

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Best Budget Keyboards Summary

Many of them get confused while choosing the best and budget-friendly keyboards. They become unsure about choosing the one that meets their requirements. To help and clear that confusion we have compiled the list of best keyboards that are worth investing in. No matter what is your requirement these keyboards complete your rig.

Hope you have found one, isn’t it? 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.

 

Related Posts:

• Best Keyboards for Graphic Designers
• The Best Tablet Keyboards
• Best Keyboards for Programming & Coding
• Best Quiet Mechanical Keyboards
• Best Budget Mechanical Keyboards
• Best Small Keyboards
• Best Keyboards for Mac