9 Best Budget Mechanical Keyboards Of 2023: Reviews

This article presents the 7 best budget mechanical keyboards for 2023, based on our own research and customer reviews. We evaluated the quality, features, and value of each keyboard before determining the best choices. For more information and current pricing, please refer to the links provided for each product.

The Best Budget Mechanical Keyboards you can buy in 2023.

So, here are the Best Budget Mechanical Keyboards Of 2023. If you want more information and updated pricing on the products mentioned, be sure to check the links in each product we mentioned.

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1. Keychron K10

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When it comes to finding a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard, the Keychron K10 is a top choice for many. Despite its affordable price point, this keyboard doesn’t skimp on features. One of the standout features of the K10 is its wireless capabilities, allowing you to connect to up to three devices via Bluetooth. Additionally, its impressive battery life of over 240 hours means you won’t have to worry about constantly charging it.

The typing experience on the K10 is also impressive. It comes with Gateron G Pro switches, which provide a satisfying typing experience straight out of the box. However, for those looking for even more customization options, the K10 also offers a hot-swappable circuit board, allowing you to switch out the switches as desired. The keycaps are made of ABS, but still feel great to the touch and the keys are stable.

Keychron’s K-series keyboards come in various sizes and configurations, and all at budget-friendly prices. The K10 is a great full-sized option, but be sure to check out their website to see all the different configurations available. The compatibility toggle switch ensures that you can use your keyboard regardless of your setup and includes extra system-specific keycaps. So, you can use it on any operating system you want.

2. Cooler Master CK552

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The Cooler Master CK552 is an excellent budget mechanical keyboard for most users, especially gamers and enthusiasts. It’s a full-sized keyboard that comes with RGB backlighting, an aluminum top plate and a 5.9-foot USB 2.0 cable. It has Gateron switches available in Red (linear), Blue (clicky), or Brown (tactile) options.

One of the standout features of the CK552 is its responsive switches, which are great for gaming. However, this responsiveness can also lead to occasional accidental key presses during heavy typing sessions. Choosing a different switch type might help, but at this time it could be difficult to find the other switch options online.

The CK552 also has onboard memory that can store up to four profiles and on-the-fly controls that make it easy to record macros and control the backlighting. It’s compatible with the Cooler Master Portal utility, which offers more granular controls over many of the same areas. However, it’s not as robust as rivals such as Razer Synapse. This dual approach should appeal to people who don’t like to install a bunch of software and those who want greater control over their peripherals.

3. Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition

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If you’re looking for a gaming keyboard, the Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition is an excellent choice. Its low latency and sensitive optical linear switches provide a smooth and responsive gaming experience. These features are typically found on keyboards with much higher price tags, making the Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition a great value. Keep in mind that this keyboard is an older model from Razer’s flagship Huntsman lineup, but it’s still a top-quality product.

The Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition also boasts a high build quality, with a hard plastic frame, metal top plate, and durable double-shot PBT keycaps that resist fading and smoothing over time. The keyboard also comes with a detachable cable, which is easy to replace if it gets damaged. However, it’s important to note that the optical switches may cause more typos during regular use due to their sensitivity, so this keyboard is best suited as a dedicated gaming unit.

In conclusion, the Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition is a great option for gamers looking for a high-performance keyboard at an affordable price. It’s high build quality and durable keycaps make it a long-lasting investment, but it’s important to consider that it may not be the best option for regular use due to its sensitive optical switches.

4. HyperX Alloy FPS Pro

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The HyperX Alloy FPS Pro is a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard that is perfect for gamers. It features a compact TKL design, a detachable USB cable, and solid steel construction that makes it easy to travel with. These features alone make it stand out from other keyboards in its price range.

One of the most notable features of the Alloy FPS Pro is that it is available with Cherry MX-branded linear Red or clicky Blue Switches. These switches are considered to be some of the best in the mainstream consumer market and provide a satisfying typing and gaming experience. HyperX also included n-key rollover and 100% anti-ghosting, which ensures that every key press is registered, even when multiple keys are pressed at once.

The Alloy FPS Pro also comes with red backlighting with a variety of effects that add a touch of style to your gaming setup. It’s comfortable to use, responsive and fit perfectly with the rest of my setup, making it a natural choice for gaming. While some users may prefer RGB backlighting and dedicated media keys, the Alloy FPS Pro is an excellent choice for a budget-friendly gaming keyboard.

5. Keychron V Series

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The Keychron V Series keyboards are a great option for programmers who want a fully customizable keyboard at a budget-friendly price point. These keyboards allow you to alter the switches, stabilizers, and internal components, so you can create a keyboard that best suits your needs. However, even if you don’t want to customize it, the V Series keyboards offer an excellent typing experience with all the stock materials, such as PBT keycaps, a layer of sound-dampening foam, and a sleek plastic frame.

In addition to its physical customizability, the V Series boards also offer a wide range of software customization options. The VIA companion software is available on all major desktop operating systems, including Linux, and allows you to program macros, remap key assignments, create layers and profiles, and adjust the RGB lighting effects and colors. You can also save these customized settings to the keyboard’s onboard memory for easy access. Plus, these keyboards are fully compatible with QMK firmware for even more thorough customization.

To conclude, the Keychron V Series keyboards are a great option for programmers and enthusiasts who want a fully customizable keyboard without breaking the bank. With its physical customizability and the VIA companion software, you can create a keyboard that is truly tailored to your needs and with the added compatibility with QMK firmware you can further enhance your customization options.

6. Logitech K845

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The Logitech K845 is a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard that is perfect for productivity. It features a full-sized mechanical layout with an aluminum top plate and your choice of red (linear), blue (clicky tactile) or brown (tactile) switches made by TTC. For $20 more, you can opt for one of the 845ch models, which use Cherry switches (red or blue). The keyboard also has white backlighting, which you can configure in one of five patterns and adjust to three levels of brightness.

One of the most notable features of the Logitech K845 is its aluminum top plate, which provides a more premium feel than you might expect from a keyboard in this price range. The keyboard also has a 1.72-pound weight and plastic shell, which may not be as high-quality as more expensive keyboards but it still looks good and offers a satisfying typing experience. The switches are rated to 50 million clicks, and the molded keycaps mean you don’t have to worry about the labels fading.

Overall, the Logitech K845 is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard that is perfect for productivity. It offers a full-sized mechanical layout, aluminum top plate, and a choice of switches that deliver a satisfying typing experience. While the chunky font of the keycap labels may not be to everyone’s liking, the white backlighting, and the customizable patterns and brightness make up for it.

7. ROYAL KLUDGE RK61

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The ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 is a great option for writers looking for a high-quality keyboard at an affordable price. This solid and well-built unit offers everything a writer needs and is portable, lightweight, and easy to fit into tight working spaces such as libraries or cafes. It’s a compact unit, making it perfect for writers on the go.

One of the best features of this keyboard is its variety of options, it comes in different variants with slightly different features. For example, you can get a hot-swappable variant, which allows you to change out the stock switches to get the typing experience you want. Additionally, the connectivity of this keyboard is excellent, it can be paired with up to three devices using Bluetooth, used wired or with a USB receiver, which makes it easy to use with any device.

In conclusion, the ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 is an excellent choice for writers who are looking for a high-quality keyboard at an affordable price. Its compact size, solid build quality, and variety of options make it an ideal choice for writers on the go. It’s easy to connect with multiple devices and allows for a customizable typing experience.

8. Havit KB487L

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along the right-hand side, it has a number pad. This design offers the space-saving advantages of a TKL keyboard but doesn’t compromise on the number pad, making it ideal for spreadsheet lovers. Though it may take some getting used to for those who are used to a more traditional layout.

The KB487L is also equipped with durable PBT keycaps that feel great to use and boast a unique black, white, and orange color scheme that makes the keyboard stand out among the sea of monochromatic options currently available. The keyboard has a premium look and feel, making it an excellent choice for those who want a budget-friendly option that doesn’t feel cheap.

The KB487L’s performance is also noteworthy, it’s equipped with linear switches that are suitable for gaming and other activities, during our testing, our reviewer did not notice any mis-pressed keys while playing games like Valorant or Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The KB487L may not be the preferred experience for everyone, but it’s a better option than most linear switch-equipped options.

9. Obinslab Anne Pro 2

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The Obinslab Anne Pro 2 is a compact keyboard that offers unparalleled wireless connectivity for its price point. You can pair this keyboard with up to four devices using Bluetooth, making it an excellent choice for multi-device setups or for those who are always on the go. The keyboard is made of plastic but still feels high quality, and it’s much lighter to carry around than a metal keyboard. It’s also easy to slip into backpacks and use in tight workspaces such as airplanes or trains.

The Anne Pro 2 comes in a variety of switch options from various manufacturers, giving users a lot of options to find a switch type that works for them. It’s not hot-swappable like some other keyboards, but it still allows users to customize their typing experience. Additionally, it includes extra keycaps of bright colors and a keycap puller, allowing users to add a bit of personalization to their keyboard.

In conclusion, the Obinslab Anne Pro 2 is an excellent choice for those looking for a compact keyboard that offers unparalleled wireless connectivity for its price point. It’s easy to carry around, easy to use in tight workspaces, and it comes with a variety of switch options and customizable keycaps. It’s not hot-swappable like some other keyboards, but it still allows users to customize their typing experience.

Best Budget Mechanical Keyboards Buying Guide.

When it comes to buying a mechanical keyboard, there are many options available, but not all of them fit within a budget. In this buying guide, we’ll be focusing on the best budget mechanical keyboards that offer a balance of quality and affordability.

1. Consider the type of switch: Mechanical keyboards use different types of switches, each with their own characteristics. The most common types are Cherry MX, Kailh, and Gateron. Cherry MX switches are considered to be the best, but they can be more expensive. Kailh and Gateron switches are more affordable alternatives that offer similar performance.
2. Look for a compact design: If you’re looking to save space on your desk or are planning to take your keyboard on the go, look for a compact design, such as a TKL or 60% layout. These keyboards have fewer keys and a smaller footprint.
3. Check for additional features: Some budget mechanical keyboards come with additional features such as backlighting, programmable keys, and media controls. These features can add to the overall functionality and usability of the keyboard.
4. Durability: Look for keyboards made with durable materials, such as a steel or aluminum frame, and PBT keycaps. These materials will help ensure that your keyboard can withstand regular use and last for a long time.
5. Compatibility: Ensure that the keyboard is compatible with your operating system and has the appropriate port (USB or Bluetooth) for your computer.
6. Brand reputation: Do some research on the brand and read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the quality and durability of the keyboard.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a budget mechanical keyboard that meets your needs and offers a balance of quality and affordability.

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Best Budget Mechanical Keyboards FAQ

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Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the perfect budget mechanical keyboard can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. However, by keeping in mind the type of switch, compact design, additional features, durability, compatibility, and brand reputation, you can be sure to find a keyboard that meets your needs and offers a balance of quality and affordability.

Some of the best budget mechanical keyboards currently available on the market include the HyperX Alloy FPS Pro, the Logitech K845, the Havit KB487L, the Obinslab Anne Pro 2, and the ROYAL KLUDGE RK61. Remember to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.