Gaming keyboards are notorious for being much more expensive than regular keyboards. This is a bummer for people who do not have much to invest in their gaming yet but are seeking to improve their gaming experience.
The good news is that you can get some of the best gaming keyboards on a budget if you know where to look. To save you the stress of searching further, we bring you the best gaming keyboards you can buy for less than $50.
Contents
Top 5 Gaming Keyboards Under $50
- Redragon S101 Gaming Keyboard
- Orzly Gaming Keyboard
- SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard
- Corsair K55 RGB Gaming Keyboard
- KLIM Chroma Wireless Gaming Keyboard
1. Redragon S101 Gaming Keyboard
| Compatibility | Works well with all major computers brands and gaming PCs |
| Lightning | 7 different RGB Lighting modes & effects, 4 backlight brightness levels |
| Color | Black |
| Connecting Type | Combo Type |
The first attraction of the Redragon S101 is that it comes with a gaming mouse, so you don’t need to spend extra money to purchase one. You must be looking for a gaming keyboard that allows you to play like a pro without experiencing any trouble. One of the major things this keyboard offers to ensure is its high comparability. It is suitable for Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista, XP, and many more. So if you are using almost any computer make, you have no cause for worry.
Its wired gaming mouse comes with a high-precision sensor which allows you to be very accurate. It also has a gaming-grade micro switch. This allows it to last for an extended period without needing to repair or replace it regularly.
Other great features of the gaming keyboard are its seven different RGB lighting modes and effects. So you can choose the one that suits you best. There are four backlight brightness levels and an adjustable breathing speed. Also, you won’t need to worry about an average liquid spill on it because it is made to withstand such incidents.
2. Orzly Gaming Keyboard
| Compatibility | PC, PS4, Xbox, Retro Pie Gaming or can be used for day to day computing |
| Lightning | RGB lights |
| Color | Black |
| Connecting Type | Wired |
This is a three-in-one package. It comes with a keyboard, a mouse, and a headset. The combination of these three will give you an optimal gaming experience because of their various features.
Firstly, the keyboard comes with a multicolored LED backlight. This way, you can see what you are pressing even in a dark setting, and it also gives it a lovely look. It works with PC, PS4, Xbox, Retro Pie Gaming, and even regular day-to-day keyboard use. Other features of the keyboard are its non-slip feet and advanced anti-ghosting technology.
The gaming mouse changes color, distinguishing it from others. It has an adjustable dpi to adjust the sensitivity to your preferred one. In addition, it has a large tested mousepad which is antifray and very durable. The gaming headset gives stereo sound for deep bass. It also comes with soft ear pads so you can use it for long periods. It uses a 3.5mm audio jack for connectivity.
3. SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac OS X, Xbox, and PS4 |
| Lightning | PrismSync RGB Illumination |
| Color | Black |
| Connecting Type | Wired |
This is hands-down one of the best keyboards you can get below $50. It offers you everything you need to experience gaming at a high level. It comes with a gaming-grade anti-ghosting feature. This way, you can be assured that every key you press will take action even if you press multiple keys.
Another cool feature of the keyboard is its RGB illumination. You can choose your effects and illumination to match your taste. Also, it has multimedia controls. This feature allows you to change various settings easily by clicking buttons on the keyboard.
Lastly, the keyboard is IP32 water-resistant. This offers excellent protection against damage from water, making it ideal for long-term use. The keyboard provides low friction switches to ensure maximum concentration. This allows close to silent use.
4. Corsair K55 RGB Pro Gaming Keyboard
| Compatibility | Windows, Mac OS, PS4 |
| Lightning | RGB lighting zones with CORSAIR iCUE software |
| Color | Black |
| Connecting Type | Wired |
Are you looking for a keyboard to game with for an extended period without experiencing problems? This keyboard offers a competitive IP42 dust and water resistance giving it an edge when it comes to durability and long life. With this feature, you can continue gaming even if a water spill occurs without facing any problem.
The Corsair iCUE software allows you to program the six macro keys, control the RGB lighting, and many more. An anti-ghosting technology also ensures all the keys you press take effect even when pressed simultaneously.
Another feature of this keyboard is its dedicated volume, windows key lock, and media keys. The media keys help you control basic media commands without stopping your game. The window key lock prevents you from accidentally pressing windows and the contextual menu. This way, you will not disrupt your game if a mistake happens. It also comes with a detachable palm rest. This allows you to go for long periods gaming without you feeling uncomfortable.
5. KLIM Chroma Wireless Gaming Keyboard
| Compatibility | PC, Mac OS, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S |
| Lightning | RGB |
| Color | Jet Black |
| Connecting Type | Wireless |
This is one of the few wireless gaming keyboards you can get below $50. This doesn’t mean the quality is going to be lower. It has soft membrane keys that reduce the noise made while typing. However, it still gives you excellent feedback as you type.
All you need to do is to plug in the USB receiver, and you can start using the keyboard. You can also use the keyboard up to 30 feet away. The keyboard is also resistant to water spills, so your little mistakes won’t cost you money. It works with a rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 17 hours.
In addition, it is compatible with PC, Mac OS, PS4, PS5, Xbox one, and Xbox Series X/S. It has a beautiful rainbow keyboard backlight. Lastly, it is made with good quality ABS plastic which makes the product last for many years. This product also gives a 5-year warranty.
Buying Guide
Here are some of the things to consider before buying a gaming keyboard.
• Durability
Gaming can get pretty intense, and gamers are not the gentlest people when it comes to using their keyboards. This is why you must purchase a keyboard that is sturdy and durable. You avoid keyboards made of cheap plastic that will quickly wear and break.
Ideally, you want to go for a keyboard with an aluminum casing or some other durable plastic-like PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). You might also want to consider your keyboard’s water resistance level. If you love to snack while gaming, you should consider this crucial durability requirement. Fortunately, most gaming keyboards are built with this in mind, but it is still better to confirm before purchase.
• Price
Sound quality is not always cheap, but it does not have to be back-breaking expensive. You will find gaming keyboards at a vast range of prices. Setting a maximum limit for spending is a good idea.
If you are on a $50 budget, this list is perfect for getting the best keyboards for that amount. Remember that you might get more value from a $50-$100 gaming keyboard than a $200 own. So watch out for overpriced gaming keyboards that don’t give you any extra value.
• Backlight
Your typical gaming keyboard comes with backlighting. However, they may be a few on the market that does not. Lighting enhances the gaming experience, and with backlighting, you can choose between single backlit keyboards and RGB backlighting. RGB offers a complete range of colors and can give you that cool, visually appealing look if you are a live streamer.
If you have other devices that glow, using a backlit keyboard will match the setup perfectly. Apart from illumination, with some RBG keyboard softwares, you can program the color sequence of your RBG keyboard or set specific colors to be associated with particular functions. You should consider what type of backlight you want or if you even want one at all before buying a gaming keyboard.
• Ergonomics
If you’re on your computer for extended hours each day, ergonomics are definitely something you should consider. It might take you a while to get used to an ergonomic keyboard. But this is because people are used to the standard keyboards that are more harmful to body posture and overall health. Investing in a gaming keyboard with ergonomic features like a wrist pad or split sides is not a bad idea for a long-term setup.
Gaming Keyboard FAQs
1. Do I need a gaming keyboard as a gamer?
While getting a gaming keyboard is not mandatory for all gamers, it can be worthwhile to purchase one. This is because gaming keyboards are usually manufactured with specific features to enhance your gaming experience. These features may not come with regular keyboards.
However, to get the most out of your gaming keyboard, you need to ensure that it has helpful features. There are several slightly spiced-up regular keyboards that manufacturers market as gaming keyboards.
2. How much should you spend on a gaming keyboard?
There is no hard and fast rule concerning this. You can decide to splurge on a gaming keyboard if you are assured of its competence. However, you can save a lot of money and still get great value by buying something within the $50 range.
3. How long will a gaming keyboard last?
Since gaming keyboards are built with extra durability in mind, they tend to last longer than the average life span of a standard keyboard. A regular keyboard may come with an estimated lifespan of about 5-7 years. However, some gaming keyboards last between 10 to even 20 years. This, of course, depends on how solid the build of what you buy is and how you maintain the keyboard.
4. What is the difference between a mechanical and gaming keyboard?
A mechanical and gaming keyboard are not necessarily two different things. Infact, most gaming keyboards are mechanical keyboards. What makes a keyboard mechanical is the underlying technology it uses to register a keypress.
Mechanical keyboards have individual switches under each key; upon pressing a key, several parts of the switch deliver a response culminating in registering whatever you typed. Generally, these keyboards are much sturdier than non-mechanical ones because of the build of the switches. Also, they can be much more enjoyable for gamers because they are more accurate for typing, faster, and give a tactile and auditory response when typing.
Take Away
It can be rewarding to have gadgets that maximize your gaming skills to bring out the best in you as a gamer. You don’t want to be the person who lost and blamed it on their lousy keyboard. Purchasing a good gaming keyboard can save you from such embarrassment. Moreso, you don’t have to break the bank to get the best. With this roundup of the best gaming keyboards under $50, you can make an informed purchase that will turn your gaming experience around.