A good keyboard doesn't have to be expensive, but choosing the right keyboard depends on what you'll be using it for. For everyday browsing or work, we recommend that you prioritize typing quality, low noise, and a layout with all the keys you regularly use. For gaming, prioritize low latency, especially if you play competitively.
Rubber dome models are generally quiet but can feel mushy, while mechanical keyboards offer more choice in typing feel but can be louder. For a refresher on how these switch types differ, see our mechanical vs membrane keyboards article.
We've tested over 300 keyboards, and below are our recommendations for the best budget keyboards and the best cheap keyboards. If you're only interested in options with mechanical switches, check out our best budget mechanical keyboards article instead. Or if you're looking for a keyboard for a specific use, see all our picks for the best office keyboards or the best gaming keyboards.
We test dozens of keyboards each year, and to maintain independence, we buy every unit ourselves. Our reviews go beyond subjective typing impressions or quick gaming sessions. Each keyboard is put through the same standardized test bench, so you can directly compare our results. We use specialized tools like a Mecmesin force tester to measure switch force curves and a Beagle 480 USB analyzer to capture input data for latency testing. Multiple teams contribute to each review in a process that can take days or even weeks from start to finish.
-
Best Budget Keyboard
GamingOfficeMobile/TabletProgrammingEntertainment / HTPCRaw PerformanceSize:Full-size (100%)Connectivity:WirelessSee all our test resultsBluetooth Multi-Device Pairing:The Logitech Signature K650 is the best budget keyboard for most people. It has a familiar full-size layout with conventional spacing between keys and an integrated wrist rest that provides good palm support for typing. It also uses very quiet rubber dome switches, making this an excellent choice for noise-sensitive or shared environments. It connects wirelessly via Bluetooth or with the included USB receiver. However, its switches feel mushy and aren't nearly as satisfying as mechanical switches if you prefer a typing feel with more distinct feedback.
It has a sturdy plastic body, but it lacks backlighting, so the legends can be harder to read in dim lighting. Its downloadable software has limited customization options, only allowing you to remap certain keys on the function row. It also doesn't support multi-device pairing to easily switch between computers or other devices. For power, it uses a pair of AA batteries, which Logitech advertises can last up to 36 months, depending on your daily usage.
-
Best Budget Mechanical Keyboard
GamingOfficeMobile/TabletProgrammingEntertainment / HTPCRaw PerformanceSize:Compact (75%)Connectivity:WirelessSee all our test resultsBluetooth Multi-Device Pairing:The Ducky OK-M is our recommendation if you want a mechanical keyboard on a budget. These keyboards stand out for their satisfying typing experience, solid construction quality, and straightforward but flexible customization software. They connect wirelessly using an included USB receiver or Bluetooth, and they're available in 65%, 75%, and 98% sizes, so you can choose one based on your desk space and which keys you actually need. The 65% version keeps arrow keys but removes the function row and numpad. The 75% version adds the function row, while the 98% version includes a numpad in a more tightly packed layout than a conventional full-size keyboard. However, all sizes have a fairly tall profile, which makes a wrist rest useful for comfort, and one isn't included.
The build quality is quite good for the price: the plastic case feels sturdy, with good fit and finish and no significant flexing. They also have a gasket-mounted design, which gives typing a slightly softer, almost cushioned feel. Using the VIA web configurator software, you can remap any key and create macros, giving you more control over shortcuts than our top pick, the Logitech Signature K650.
-
Best Budget Gaming Keyboard
GamingOfficeMobile/TabletProgrammingEntertainment / HTPCRaw PerformanceSize:Full-size (100%)Connectivity:WiredSee all our test resultsBluetooth Multi-Device Pairing:The Corsair K70 CORE is the best budget gaming keyboard we've tested. It's a good fit if you want responsive performance for competitive gaming at a budget price. Corsair offers it in both full-size and TKL (TenKeyLess) layouts. The TKL version removes the numpad to provide extra room for your mouse, which is useful for FPS games or smaller desks. However, it's wired-only, and its switches are soldered, so you can't easily replace them to change the typing feel.
The chassis is made of plastic and aluminum, providing good rigidity and minimal deck flex. Its lightweight linear switches have a short pre-travel distance, so you don't have to press far before an input registers. The RGB lighting, combined with the clear key legends, makes keys easy to read in the dark.
-
Best Cheap Keyboard
GamingOfficeMobile/TabletProgrammingEntertainment / HTPCRaw PerformanceSize:TenKeyLess (80%)Connectivity:WirelessSee all our test resultsBluetooth Multi-Device Pairing:The Keychron B33/B36 keyboards are our pick if you're looking for a cheap keyboard. They're available in a standard full-size layout or a smaller TKL layout without a numpad. These keyboards use deep scissor switches that are comfortable and quiet, though they do tend to feel mushier compared to a mechanical keyboard like the Ducky OK-M. Compared to our best budget pick above, the Logitech Signature K650, their plastic construction also feels noticeably cheaper and has more flex.
You can use them wired or connect wirelessly with the included USB receiver or Bluetooth, with pairing for up to three devices. Their software also lets you remap keys and create macros, offering more customization than the K650. If you're looking for an even more portable alternative, the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s has a more compact design that's easier to slip into a bag. It uses two AAA batteries and supports Bluetooth pairing with up to three devices. However, its circular keycaps and tighter spacing can take some getting used to, and it lacks a numpad.
-
Best Cheap Mechanical Keyboard
GamingOfficeMobile/TabletProgrammingEntertainment / HTPCRaw PerformanceSize:Compact (60%)Connectivity:WirelessSee all our test resultsBluetooth Multi-Device Pairing:If you don't mind using a smaller 60% keyboard, we recommend the ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 as the best cheap mechanical keyboard. This lightweight keyboard has a tiny footprint, making it a good fit for smaller workspaces or use on the go. Just keep in mind that its compact size means it doesn't have dedicated arrow keys, a function row, or a navigation cluster.
Like the more expensive Ducky OK-M keyboards, it supports Bluetooth pairing with up to three devices. However, its manufacturer advertises only about 10 hours of battery life on a full charge. It also feels cheaper than the Ducky, with more noticeable key wobble and cheaper-feeling keycaps. Its customization software also didn't work during our testing, so we couldn't remap keys or record macros. Note that you can buy different variants with different wireless connectivity options and backlighting. Pricing varies by configuration, so choosing a version without RGB lighting or a USB receiver may save you money.
-
Best Cheap Gaming Keyboard
GamingMobile/TabletOfficeProgrammingEntertainment / HTPCSize:TenKeyLess (80%)Connectivity:WiredSee all our test resultsBluetooth Multi-Device Pairing:For a cheaper gaming option, we recommend the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL. This keyboard has a compact TenKeyLess form factor, which means it lacks a numpad but still has dedicated arrow keys and a function row. While our best budget gaming pick, the Corsair K70 CORE, uses mechanical switches, this keyboard uses rubber dome switches that are significantly quieter but feel mushier and a bit less satisfying overall.
Its latency is higher than the Corsair's, so it isn't a great fit for competitive play, but it's suitable for casual gaming. It also has some useful extras, including a volume wheel and the ability to set macros to any key. Its RGB lighting has eight separate zones you can customize using the companion software, and the keycaps have clear shine-through legends making them easy to read in the dark. If you're interested in a full-size alternative with a numpad, you'll want to check out the larger SteelSeries Apex 3 instead. It typically costs a bit more but includes a wrist rest for added comfort.
Notable Mentions
-
Keychron B1/B6 Pro:
The full-size Keychron B6 Pro and its smaller, more portable sibling, the Keychron B1 Pro, are wireless models with low-profile designs. They're typically priced similarly to the Keychron B33/B36 and are great alternatives if you want a slimmer option that offers a typing experience that more closely resembles typing on a laptop.
See our review -
Logitech G213 Prodigy:
The Logitech G213 Prodigy is an older gaming keyboard, but it's a full-size model typically available for around $50 USD. It offers significantly better gaming responsiveness than the typically less expensive SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL, but its build quality feels a bit cheaper, and its larger layout leaves less room for your mouse.
See our review -
Dell KB216:
The Dell KB216 is an even cheaper and more straightforward alternative to the Keychron B33/B36. However, it's a wired-only model, it has noticeably cheaper feeling build quality, and it suffers from noticeable key wobble on larger keys like Shift and Enter.
See our review -
MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra:
The wireless MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra is a good alternative to the Corsair K70 CORE if you want magnetic switches with adjustable actuation and Rapid Trigger. It offers exceptional gaming performance, and a premium-feeling aluminum case. However, it typically costs more, its 60% layout lacks dedicated arrow and function keys, and its software isn't as straightforward.
See our review -
AULA F99/F75:
The AULA F99, which includes a numpad, and the smaller AULA F75 are alternatives to the Ducky OK-M that offer similarly satisfying typing around the same price. Their softer gasket mount makes them a good fit if you prefer a more cushioned typing feel, but their cases have more flex and their customization software is less straightforward.
See our review
Recent Updates
Oct 15, 2026:
We've revised the introduction to provide clearer buying advice and replaced the AULA F99/F75 with the ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 as our 'Best Cheap Mechanical Keyboard' pick because it offers a clearer price step below our budget pick, the Ducky OK-M. We've moved the AULA into the Notable Mentions section as an alternative for those who prefer a softer typing feel.
Aug 05, 2026:
We verified that all picks are still relevant and available. We added a reference to the Keychron J2 as an alternative to the SteelSeries Apex TKL in the 'Best Cheap Gaming Keyboard' pick. It's a clear step-up for users who can afford to spend a bit more, offering improved build quality, versatility, and performance across the board.
Jun 11, 2026:
We've added the Ducky OK-M as our new 'Best Budget Mechanical' pick. It typically costs a bit more than the AULA F99/F75, our previous pick, but has a more controlled typing feel and comes in three sizes instead of two. The AULA moves into a new 'Best Cheap Mechanical' category as a slightly lower-cost option with a much softer feel. We've also removed the 'Best For Mobile' category to keep the article focused on everyday keyboards.
Mar 30, 2026:
The Aula F99/F75 replaces the Keychron C1 Pro/C2 Pro as our new 'Best Budget Mechanical Keyboard,' and the Keychron B33/B36 are our new cheap keyboard picks, with the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 serving as a smaller alternative. We also removed the office keyboard pick and put the Dell XB216 and the MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra as Notable Mentions.
Nov 06, 2025:
Since the Corsair K70 RGB TKL is no longer available at a budget price, we have replaced it with the Corsair K70 Core, along with the Corsair K65 RGB MINI, as our new 'Best Budget Gaming Keyboard.' We also added the Keychron C1 Pro/C2 Pro as our pick for 'Best Budget Mechanical Keyboard.' It provides great all-around performance and typing quality at an accessible price point.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best budget and cheap keyboards for most people. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability.
If you would like to do the work of choosing yourself, here is the list of all our keyboard reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no keyboard is perfect for every use, most are good enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.