Top Budget Mechanical Keyboards You’ll Actually Love

Mechanical keyboards are awesome for typing and gaming, but they can get pretty pricey. The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great keyboard. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best budget mechanical keyboards that give you quality and feel without emptying your wallet. Whether you’re working from home or gaming late into the night, these keyboards deliver solid performance on a budget.

Meet Wordrunner - A Keyboard Built for Writers

We designedWordrunner to help keep you focused and motivated with features like a mechanical real-time word counter called the Wordometer that physically tracks your progress as you write. It also has a built-in timer to help you stay in the zone during writing sessions. While Wordrunner isn’t a budget option, its features and build quality make it well worth the investment if you want a keyboard designed specifically for writers.

Made with a solid aluminum body and satisfying mechanical switches, this keyboard offers a durable and comfortable typing experience that feels great even during long hours. It connects easily to multiple devices through Bluetooth or USB-C, so you can switch between your laptop, tablet, or phone without missing a beat. 

If you’re curious, check out theWordrunner Kickstarter to learn more and grab one in the early batches.

Now, let’s dive into the list of budget-friendly mechanical keyboards that offer great value without breaking the bank.

1. Keychron C2 Pro

The Keychron C2 Pro is a full-size wired mechanical keyboard designed to be simple but effective. It comes with features that help make typing comfortable and customization easy, like hot-swappable switches and support for popular programming software so you can remap keys and set macros without hassle. The keyboard includes durable PBT keycaps that resist wear and shine, making it feel solid and lasting even with heavy use.

It also offers multiple typing angles to keep your wrists comfortable during long sessions and comes with backlighting that’s easy to see without being distracting. The keyboard is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile choice for anyone who wants a reliable keyboard without spending a lot.

Key Features for Budget Typists:

• Full-size layout with all keys included

• Hot-swappable switches for easy customization

• Durable PBT keycaps that resist wear and oil

• Adjustable typing angles for ergonomic comfort

• Works well across Windows, macOS, and Linux systems

Price Range:

• Around $45 to $60

2. Ajazz AK820 Pro

The Ajazz AK820 Pro is a compact 75% mechanical keyboard designed to save desk space while offering a solid typing experience. It features a unique gasket-mounted design that cushions each keystroke, reducing noise and giving a soft, comfortable feel. The keyboard also has a small TFT screen that displays useful info like battery life and connectivity status, making it easy to keep track of your setup.

This keyboard supports both wireless and wired modes, so you can use Bluetooth, a 2.4GHz wireless connection, or plug in with USB-C. Its RGB lighting is bright and customizable, and it works well with both Mac and Windows systems, making it a versatile option for a budget keyboard that doesn’t feel cheap.

Key Features for Budget Typists:

• Compact 75% layout saves desk space

• Gasket-mounted design softens keypresses

• Wireless and wired connectivity options

• Customizable RGB lighting with many colors

• TFT screen shows battery, modes, and settings

Price Range:

• Around $60 to $70

3. Royal Kludge R65

The Royal Kludge R65 is a compact 65% wired mechanical keyboard designed to offer a smooth and quiet typing experience. Its gasket mount design cushions each keypress, reducing noise and making typing more comfortable. The keyboard comes with high-quality PBT keycaps that resist wear and provide a comfortable feel, and it has a handy metal volume knob for easy audio control without needing to reach for your computer.

This keyboard is hot-swappable, so you can easily change switches without soldering, which is great if you want to customize how the keyboard feels. It supports popular programming software for remapping keys and customizing lighting, making it a versatile and user-friendly option for budget-conscious typists.

Key Features for Budget Typists:

• Compact 65% layout saves desk space

• Gasket mount design reduces noise and softens keystrokes

• Durable PBT keycaps with a comfortable profile

• Hot-swappable switches for easy customization

• Metal volume knob for quick audio adjustments

Price Range:

• Around $55 to $65

4. Havit KB487L

The Havit KB487L is a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard that strikes a balance between saving desk space and keeping essential keys, including a number pad, within reach. Its design aims to suit both work and gaming, offering a straightforward, no-frills experience. The keyboard features quiet red switches that make typing smooth without too much noise, which helps in shared or office environments.

The PBT keycaps are durable and provide a nice feel under your fingers, while the adjustable typing angle helps reduce wrist strain during long typing sessions. This keyboard is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows and macOS, making it a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable budget mechanical keyboard without extra bells and whistles.

Key Features for Budget Typists:

• Tenkeyless layout with a number pad integrated

• Quiet and smooth red mechanical switches

• Durable PBT keycaps with a pleasant texture

• Adjustable typing angle for better ergonomics

• Compatible with most operating systems including Windows and Mac

Price Range:

• Around $70 to $80

5. Logitech K845

The Logitech K845 is a wired mechanical keyboard with a straightforward design built to last. It features an aluminum top plate, giving it a solid, premium feel without going overboard on price. The keyboard offers a choice of mechanical switches - linear, tactile, or clicky - so you can pick the typing experience that fits you best, whether you want quiet typing or a bit of satisfying feedback.

It also includes adjustable typing angles to keep your wrists comfortable during long sessions and five backlighting options to help you see the keys in low light. Overall, the K845 is a solid, reliable option for anyone looking for a simple mechanical keyboard with quality construction.

Key Features for Budget Typists:

• Sturdy aluminum top plate for durability

• Choice of mechanical switch types to suit your style

• Adjustable typing angles for ergonomic comfort

• Five backlighting modes to enhance visibility

• Wired connection for consistent performance

Price Range:

• Around $50 to $70

6. MSI Vigor GK50 Elite

The MSI Vigor GK50 Elite is a full-size mechanical keyboard built with gamers in mind. It uses Kailh switches that give a satisfying clicky feel with each press, great if you like audible feedback while typing or gaming. The keyboard’s ergonomic keycap design helps keep your hands comfortable even during long sessions, reducing strain on your wrists.

Its durable build features a brushed metal top plate and uniquely shaped octagonal keycaps that add a modern look. The keyboard also offers customizable per-key RGB lighting with various effects, all controllable through MSI’s software. Plus, handy hotkeys make it easy to adjust volume and media playback without leaving your game.

Key Features for Budget Typists:

• Clicky Kailh switches for clear feedback

• Ergonomic high-low keycap design for comfort

• Durable brushed metal top plate

• Per-key RGB lighting with multiple effects

• Dedicated media and volume hotkeys

Price Range:

• Around $55 to $70

7. Royal Kludge RK61

The Royal Kludge RK61 is a small 60% wireless mechanical keyboard that fits nicely on any desk and is easy to take with you. You can connect it in three ways - Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, or with a USB cable. This makes it convenient to use with laptops, tablets, or phones without lots of cables getting in the way.

It also lets you change the switches easily without needing any special tools, so you can adjust how it feels to type. The keys are made from sturdy plastic and the keyboard has customizable RGB backlighting. It’s a solid choice for anyone who wants a reliable, portable keyboard that works well and looks clean.

Key Features for Budget Typists:

• Small 60% layout saves desk space

• Connects wirelessly or with a cable

• Easy to swap switches for a custom feel

• Sturdy plastic keycaps

• Simple RGB backlight for typing in low light

Price Range:

• Around $45 to $55

8. Redragon K552 Kumara

The Redragon K552 Kumara is a compact mechanical keyboard with 87 keys that saves desk space without losing important functions. It’s built tough with a metal base and sturdy plastic, making it able to handle long typing sessions and intense gaming without wearing out. The keyboard has bright red backlighting that you can adjust to fit your style or lighting needs.

It includes anti-ghosting so every keypress registers correctly, and multimedia keys for easy control of music or volume. The keyboard is designed with ergonomics in mind, so your hands stay comfortable during long use. Overall, it’s a reliable choice for anyone looking for a durable and space-saving mechanical keyboard.

Key Features for Budget Typists:

• Compact 87-key layout saves space

• Durable metal and plastic build

• Bright adjustable red backlighting

• Anti-ghosting ensures accurate keypresses

• Multimedia keys for quick control

Price Range:

• Around $40 to $50

9. MSI Vigor GK50 Low Profile

The MSI Vigor GK50 Low Profile is a slim and lightweight mechanical keyboard designed for fast and precise typing. Its Kailh Low Profile Red switches offer a quicker response with less travel distance compared to standard mechanical keyboards, making it a good choice if you want speed without sacrificing accuracy. The keyboard’s design includes ergonomic keycaps shaped to reduce wrist and hand strain during long typing or gaming sessions.

The build features a durable brushed metal top plate and uniquely shaped octagonal keycaps that resist fingerprints. You also get customizable per-key RGB lighting with multiple effects, all adjustable through MSI’s software. Extra features like volume and media hotkeys add convenience for quick control while working or playing.

Key Features for Budget Typists:

• Kailh Low Profile Red switches for faster typing

• Slim and lightweight design that saves space

• Ergonomic keycap shape to reduce wrist strain

• Durable metal top plate with fingerprint resistance

• Per-key RGB lighting with many customization options

Price Range:

• Around $60 to $80

10. HyperX Alloy Origins Core

The HyperX Alloy Origins Core is a compact tenkeyless mechanical keyboard built with durability and performance in mind. Its sturdy aluminum body keeps the keyboard stable during intense typing or gaming sessions. The keyboard offers customizable RGB lighting and three adjustable typing angles, making it comfortable and easy to use in different setups.

It features custom HyperX mechanical switches designed to balance speed and accuracy, with a smooth and responsive feel. The detachable USB-C cable adds portability, and you can customize lighting and macros through HyperX’s software. This keyboard is a solid choice for anyone wanting a compact, well-built mechanical keyboard that performs well for gaming and typing.

Key Features for Budget Typists:

• Compact tenkeyless layout saves desk space

• Durable aluminum body for stability

• Custom mechanical switches for balanced typing feel

• RGB lighting with customizable effects

• Detachable USB-C cable for easy portability

Price Range:

• Around $80 to $100

11. Velocifire TKL02WS

The Velocifire TKL02WS is a wireless mechanical keyboard with a compact tenkeyless layout, designed for typists, programmers, and office workers who want a comfortable and efficient typing experience. It supports both wired and wireless modes, with a simple white LED backlight for visibility without distraction. The keyboard aims to reduce typing fatigue thanks to its ergonomic key design.

Its battery life is decent, and the connection via 2.4 GHz wireless is stable, making it easy to use without cables most of the time. The key switches provide a satisfying tactile feel that helps with accuracy, making it a good choice for long typing sessions. The build quality is solid for its price, and it’s suitable for anyone looking for a straightforward mechanical keyboard without extra flashy features.

Key Features for Budget Typists:

• Compact tenkeyless design saves desk space

• Dual wired and wireless connectivity options

• Simple white backlight for key visibility

• Ergonomic key shape to reduce typing fatigue

• Stable wireless connection with decent battery life

Price Range:

• Around $45 to $55

Conclusion

Finding a budget mechanical keyboard that fits your needs does not have to be difficult or expensive. Whether you want something compact and portable, a full-size keyboard for work, or a gaming-ready option, there are plenty of solid choices under $100. Keyboards like the Keychron C2 Pro offer great customization and durability, while options like the Royal Kludge RK61 provide excellent wireless versatility. For those who want a sturdy and simple setup, the Velocifire TKL02WS is a reliable pick. Consider what features matter most to you - such as layout, connectivity, or switch type - and you will be able to find a keyboard that feels good to type on and fits your budget.

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