Best budget gaming keyboard 2023 (PC, laptop, 60%)

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Today, we’re going to find the best budget gaming keyboard in 2024. This is handy, as the explosion of popularity in the mechanical keyboard scene has caused gaming keyboard prices to skyrocket, often to untenable levels.

So, to combat the frankly disagreeable prices, we’re going to go over some of the cheaper guys today, but only the good ones. Those of you with more money to spend might want to check out the best gaming keyboards in 2024.

We’ll also go over what needs to be considered before choosing the keyboard in question. This includes switches, keycaps, layout, and form factor. Additionally, you’ll find links to the testing methodology, and full reviews where possible.

So, let’s take a look and see if we can’t find the best budget gaming keyboard in 2024 !

Best budget laptop gaming keyboard in 2024: Keychron K12

Of course, we had to go with Keychron for this one as it’s one of the most widely trusted companies for delivering quality mechanical gaming keyboards at reasonable prices.

Keychron K12

Layout

60%

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.1/ USB Type-C

Switches

Gateron blue/brown/red

Hotswappable

Yes

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What’s more, is that Keychron keyboards are all fully hot-swappable, meaning that you can change out the switches as and when you like without the need for soldering or any other complex DIY stuff.

Additionally, Keychron visually design their keyboards very cleverly. There are no audacious colors or shapes, meaning that any Keychron board will fit in with whatever pre-existing aesthetic you’ve got.

We decided to go with a 60% for this one as nobody wants to be carting around a full-size keyboard in addition to a laptop. Additionally, only nerds need numpads.

Best budget TKL gaming keyboard: Logitech G Pro

We had to give our boys in blue a shot here, too. While most people know Logitech for it’s Logitech G Pro X Superlight gaming mouse, and might expect it’s keyboards to be similarly expensive.

Logitech G Pro Keyboard

Size

Tenkeyless (80%)

Backlight

RGB

Switch

Romer G switches

Wrist rest

NO rest included

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However, this clearly is not that case, as The Logitech G Pro Can be got for a hair over $100, and regularly drops significantly lower than that price from various retailers. The only downside here is that you’re stuck with Logitech’s switches. Don’t get us wrong, they’re great for gaming, but don’t quite have the tactile potential of the Cherry-MX standard of switches.

Best full size budget gaming keyboard for PC: James Donkey RS2

While this might not technically be a gaming m keyboard, we’re confident that the majority of gamers don’t need 4000+ polling rates or tournament modes, anyway.

James Donkey RS2 mechanical keyboard

Switch type

Gateron Brown

Form factor

100% Full-size

Connectivity

USB Type-C, 2.4GHz

Hotswappable?

Yes, with 3 or 5-pin Cherry-style switches

Keycaps

Double-shot PBT

How We Review

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However, what the James Donkey RS2 does have, is one of the most delightful tactile typing sensations we’ve experienced on a mass produced board in a long, long time.

We’ve actually reviewed this one, too. Check out the James Donkey RS2 review for a more holistic view of this board.

And to be honest, any concerns of latency shouldn’t be too bad, anyway, and we’re sure many people will keep the keyboard plugged in to avoid concerns about the battery life.

How we choose the best gaming keyboard

We don’t just slap in any products, here at WePC. Wherever possible we get the product in for a review period, running it against our testing methodology. There is a lot to go over, here, too much to detail within the body of a buying guide.

So, if you’re interested, our ‘how we test gaming keyboards’ page details all the information you need to know that we aren’t hacks. Well, specifically, how Benny (Hello !) isn’t a hack. usually.

Best budget gaming keyboard FAQs

What is the best budget gaming keyboard in 2024?

We chose the Keychron K12 as our top guy. It’s got a trendy 60% layout, tidy styling, and it’s hot-swappable, so you can customize it with different switches and keycaps at will.

Are gaming keyboards worth it?

No, not usually. 99% of people won’t notice a drop in performance if they opt for a non-gaming keyboard. So, when choosing the best gaming keyboard, we choose the ones that feel and look the best, as even the cheapest boards ahve polling rates high enough such that you need not worry about