The Best Low-Cost Gaming Keyboards

The USB-C cable detaches. A PPS plate and two layers of silicone dampening soften the sound, and Snap Tap resolves opposing keys. ABS doubleshot keycaps resist fading.

The socketed PCB accepts both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, and it ships with Razer Orange tactile Gen-3 switches. It uses Razer Orange tactile switches in a hot-swappable board that accepts 3-pin and 5-pin switches, with doubleshot ABS keycaps. No other pick in this guide offers a 65% layout; compare the TECKNET wireless, which has a full-size layout.

It is the only pick here with razer Orange tactile Gen-3 switches; the DK68E has pre-lubed linear switches instead. You also get N-key rollover. The Reclusa X Mini needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper TECKNET wireless and the pricier K745 PRO, at the time of writing.

Four hotkeys sit above the number pad. Tri-mode connectivity moves between USB-C, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz without re-pairing. Four extra hotkeys default to mute, calculator, screen lock and desktop, and the gasket mount softens each press.

You get a full-size (108 keys) layout here, which sets it apart from the K617 and its a 60% layout. It also comes with hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches. Use the K745 PRO's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet.

At our last price check it topped the group, with the Reclusa X Mini the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed polling rate, look to the Reclusa X Mini instead: it offers 1,000Hz, while this one gives no figure.

Remapping runs in a browser on Windows, macOS or Linux. Like the K617, it has a 60% layout, while the TECKNET wireless uses a full-size layout. No other pick in this guide offers pre-lubed linear switches; compare the TECKNET wireless, which has quiet membrane switches.

The DK68E needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. You also get this: hot-swap for 3-pin and 5-pin switches. Its price falls between the K617 and the TECKNET wireless, based on our last check.

It suits shared rooms more than fast games. Its 4,000mAh battery lasts a long time between charges, and a 7-degree stand and stepped layout aim for a natural hand position. 25-key anti-ghosting handles gaming. A full-size layout is unique to it among these picks, while the K745 PRO uses a full-size (108 keys) layout.

You get quiet membrane switches here, which sets it apart from the K617 and its red linear switches. It also comes with near-silent keys. It was priced above the DK68E and below the Reclusa X Mini at the time of writing. There is no published polling rate figure, whereas the Reclusa X Mini offers 1,000Hz.

It is one of the lowest-priced hot-swap boards here. Its 60% layout frees desk space for wide mouse swipes, and 20 lighting presets adjust in brightness and speed. The software programs macros.

Its switches are rated for 50 million presses, in a white and grey colourway. It shares a 60% layout with the DK68E; the TECKNET wireless goes with a full-size layout. You get red linear switches here, which sets it apart from the TECKNET wireless and its quiet membrane switches.

The K617 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the DK68E the next step up.