Many gaming keyboards are an integral part of a fun and competitive gaming experience, and for a gaming budget to be successful, they need to have a range that’s capable and suits different budgets. Although the gaming keyboards we’re going to feature in this article are relatively affordable, they’re still great for gaming and come with the basic features found in the best gaming keyboards, such as built-in memory, programmable keys, and RGB lighting. It’s impressive how much value these budget gaming keyboards offer, with features and build qualities that can rival traditional high-end keyboards for a fraction of the price.
Here are the Best Cheap Gaming Keyboards
Razer Cynosa V2 (Best ultra cheap gaming keyboard)
If you’re aiming to save money while still getting a best gaming keyboard, the Razer Cynosa V2 is your best bet for 2024. Known for being the best ultra-cheap budget gaming keyboard, it delivers solid performance without the hefty price tag of mechanical options. The Cynosa V2 uses membrane technology, offering a quieter typing experience, which is perfect for late-night gaming sessions without disturbing others.
The standout feature is the vibrant RGB Chroma backlighting, allowing you to customize each key for a personalized look that enhances your gaming atmosphere. Imagine playing your favorite game with lighting that matches the in-game action—it’s immersive and fun! Plus, its water-resistant design means accidental spills won’t end your gaming marathon, giving you peace of mind.
Built with a sturdy design, it incorporates dedicated multimedia keys and clever cable management, adding value compared to other budget keyboards. Gaming performance is solid with features like RGB lighting and programmable keys, allowing you to tailor your setup to your preferences. You can press up to ten keys simultaneously, ensuring no input is missed during intense moments. The USB connection means easy setup—just plug and play.
The Cynosa V2 holds its own against pricier models with its Chroma RGB technology, providing stunning lighting effects that can adapt to the video game you’re playing, creating a more engaging experience. Razer fans who want quality without overspending, or those needing a quiet keyboard will find the Cynosa V2 an excellent choice, blending affordability with features that elevate your gaming sessions.
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL (Best value gaming keyboard)
If you’re after the best bang for your buck in a gaming keyboard, the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL is your go-to choice for 2024. It stands out as the best value budget gaming keyboard, packed with features that gamers crave. Durability is key here—this keyboard is dust- and water-resistant. While you shouldn’t take it swimming, it can handle a splash without a problem. Its compact design, without the number pad, saves space, making it ideal for gamers who appreciate a tidy setup.
The customizable RGB backlighting adds flair, letting you tailor the lighting effects to match your in-game action for an immersive experience. Plus, it offers dedicated media controls and six macro keys on the right side, all programmable through easy-to-use SteelSeries software. Despite being a membrane keyboard, it’s impressively quiet thanks to SteelSeries’ whisper-quiet switches. These provide a responsive and tactile feel, enhancing typing and gaming sessions.
With a lifespan of over 20 million keystrokes, the switches ensure durability and reliability that won’t let you down. The Apex 3 TKL’s anti-ghosting technology ensures every key press registers accurately, even during intense gaming sessions. This feature is crucial for gamers who need precision and reliability. You can also create macros to perform complex actions with a single button press, making gameplay smoother and more efficient, whether gaming or typing.
For those seeking a quiet, budget-friendly keyboard that doesn’t skimp on features, the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL offers a discreet and precise experience.
Roccat Magma (Best RGB Gaming keyboards)
The Rosette Magma, a standout choice for RGB enthusiasts in the realm of budget gaming keyboards for 2024, features robust, open-slotted plastic with smooth edges, ensuring durability even if accidentally dropped. This keyboard is perfect for RGB lovers, boasting a top panel lit up by 16.8 million colors, powered by ten individual LEDs. The AIM lighting system, with its five vibrant zones, not only offers impressive visuals but also allows you to transform your gaming station with unique lighting effects that many competitors lack.
Customization is at your fingertips with the Rokettet Swarm software. Here, you can personalize your keyboard’s color schemes and effects to match your mood or game. You can also assign custom functions to keys, catering to those who prefer tailored setups. The Magma’s membrane piston design gives it the sleek look of a mechanical keyboard without the noise, making it a quiet companion for extended gaming sessions. The keyboard includes LED indicators for quick access to gaming mode, which conveniently deactivates the Windows key to prevent interruptions during play.
The Easy Shift feature doubles your key options, offering an impressive range of shortcuts and macros. With advanced anti-ghosting technology, you can press multiple keys simultaneously without missing a beat, crucial for fast-paced gaming.
In essence, the Rocca Magma combines durability, vibrant lighting, and customizable options, making it an ideal choice for gamers looking to enhance their setup without breaking the bank. Illuminate your gaming experience with the Rocca Magma, a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on flair or functionality.
Just a quick note: if you’re interested in any of these products, I’ve updated the description below with links to get you the best deals available right now. Make sure to check them out for the most accurate prices and offers!
Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT (Best runner-up gaming keyboard)
The Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT, our pick for the best runner-up and Best Budget Gaming Keyboard for 2024, is a fantastic choice for those on a budget. It offers spill resistance, ideal for anyone prone to accidents with coffee or soda during intense gaming sessions. While it’s not mechanical, its membrane design feels surprisingly comfortable for both typing and gaming.
This keyboard shines with per-key RGB lighting, customizable through Corsair software, allowing you to create stunning effects that match your gaming setup. It includes a full layout with multimedia keys, so you can control your music or videos without leaving your game.
One standout feature is the wrist rest. Its rubbery texture makes long gaming sessions much more comfortable, and once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to a keyboard without one.
The K55 also boasts an anti-ghosting system, ensuring all your keystrokes are registered, even if you’re pressing multiple keys simultaneously. This is crucial for fast-paced gaming moments where every millisecond counts. Additionally, it has six macro keys on the left, perfect for setting up personalized shortcuts, whether for gaming or productivity tasks like video editing or Excel.
In short, the Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT is a smart choice for gamers who want a feature-packed keyboard without spending a fortune. It’s the perfect blend of affordability and functionality.
SteelSeries Apex 5 (Best overall gaming keyboard)
The SteelSeries Apex Five, widely praised as the top budget gaming keyboard for 2024, skillfully blends performance, comfort, and style, offering a fantastic experience for both gaming and typing. Its standout feature is the hybrid mechanical membrane switches, which provide a satisfying, tactile, and audible feel, similar to mechanical switches, but with reduced noise and enhanced durability. While they may not offer the deep feedback of pure mechanical switches, these hybrid switches strike a unique balance that suits a wide range of users.
The Apex Five features a full-size QWERTY layout with a numeric keypad, making it versatile for both gaming and everyday tasks. What truly sets this keyboard apart is the SteelSeries Engine software, allowing for deep customization. You can fully personalize the RGB lighting with an impressive range of effects and colors, and set up macros and profiles tailored for different games or activities.
Design-wise, the Apex Five boasts a sleek, modern look with high-quality materials. Its robust aluminum frame ensures durability, while the double-injected keycaps add a touch of elegance. The fully backlit keys can be synchronized with other SteelSeries devices via the Prism Sync feature, enhancing the overall aesthetics of your gaming setup.
In gaming, the Apex Five proves to be a reliable partner, offering flexible keys that respond swiftly to your touch—crucial during fast-paced action. The customizable RGB lighting not only enhances gameplay visually but also adds a personal touch to your setup.
For those seeking a versatile, budget-friendly keyboard that doesn’t compromise on quality or features, the SteelSeries Apex Five stands out as a top choice overall.
