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Best Budget Mechanical Keyboards of 2024: Top Picks for Every Typing Need

July 15, 2024

When it comes to hunting down the perfect budget mechanical keyboard, the choices can feel a bit overwhelming. Whether you're a gamer, a programmer, or just someone who loves the tactile feel of mechanical switches, there's a keyboard out there that fits your needs without emptying your wallet. In this guide, we'll check out some of the best budget mechanical keyboards available, each with its own unique features and perks. From wireless connectivity to customizable RGB backlighting, these keyboards offer great bang for your buck. Let's dive in and find the perfect keyboard for you.

Mechanical keyboards are all the rage for their durability, responsiveness, and satisfying typing experience. But finding a high-quality mechanical keyboard at a wallet-friendly price can be tricky. Luckily, several manufacturers have stepped up to the plate, offering budget-friendly options that don't skimp on performance or features. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at some top budget mechanical keyboards, highlighting their key features, pros, and cons. Whether you're a gamer needing a responsive keyboard or a programmer looking for extensive customization options, we've got you covered.


Keychron K10

Keychron K10

What our experts say: The Keychron K10 is a standout choice for gamers who want a high-performance mechanical keyboard without spending a fortune. It offers wireless connectivity, long battery life, and customizable RGB backlighting, making it a versatile option for both gaming and everyday use.

Who Should Buy this Product: Gamers looking for an affordable, wireless mechanical keyboard with great battery life and customizable features.

Highlight: Best for gamers seeking wireless connectivity and long battery life.

Pros:

  • Wireless connectivity with Bluetooth support for up to three devices
  • Long battery life up to 70 hours
  • Customizable RGB backlighting

Cons:

  • May not be suitable for non-gamers
  • Wireless connectivity might introduce slight latency

The Keychron K10 is a full-size mechanical keyboard designed for both Mac and Windows users. It features a 104-key layout with a number pad and supports both wireless and wired modes. The K10 can connect to up to three devices via Bluetooth and switch between them easily. It also has a wired mode with a USB Type-C connection. The hot-swappable version allows users to easily personalize their typing experience without soldering. The keyboard has adjustable 4-level RGB backlighting and a single-color white backlight option. The keyboard has a 4000mAh rechargeable li-polymer battery, which can last up to 240 hours with the backlight off. The K10 is available with Gateron G Pro Red, Blue, and Brown switches and is compatible with macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS.

Overall, the Keychron K10 is a versatile and customizable mechanical keyboard that is well-suited for both home and office use. Its ability to connect to multiple devices and offer hot-swappable switches makes it a popular choice among users.

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Royal Kludge RK61

Royal Kludge RK61

What our experts say: The Royal Kludge RK61 is a compact and portable mechanical keyboard ideal for gamers on the move. It offers versatile connectivity options and hot-swappable switches for customization, making it a highly customizable and convenient choice for mobile gaming.

Who Should Buy this Product: Gamers who need a portable, durable mechanical keyboard with versatile connectivity options and customizable switches.

Highlight: Best for gamers seeking portability and customization.

Pros:

  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Versatile connectivity options (Bluetooth, USB cable, USB receiver)
  • Hot-swappable switches for customization

Cons:

  • Compact size may not be comfortable for all users
  • Limited key customization compared to larger keyboards

The Royal Kludge RK61 is a compact 60% mechanical keyboard that is available in wireless and wired versions, with multi-device pairing via Bluetooth and support for up to three devices at once. It is compatible with any desktop or mobile operating system, but some hotkeys may not work on certain devices due to its compact design, which only includes necessary alphanumeric keys and lacks dedicated arrow keys. The RK61 is available with three types of mechanical RK switches, and it is hot-swappable, allowing users to use any three or five-pin switch they prefer. However, the dedicated software for the RK61 did not work during testing, so keys could not be reprogrammed or macros set.

The RK61 is decent for gaming, but it is limited in gaming features due to the software not working during testing, and its latency is too high for competitive gaming. It is okay for office use, with a wireless keyboard and Bluetooth support, but typing may cause some fatigue due to the lack of a wrist rest. The RK61 is great for mobile use, with multi-device pairing via Bluetooth, good build quality, and blue backlighting for use in dark environments.

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Razer Huntsman Mini

Razer Huntsman Mini

What our experts say: The Razer Huntsman Mini is designed for gamers seeking low latency and fast responsiveness. Its compact size and durable build make it ideal for intense gaming sessions, offering a competitive edge with its optical switches.

Who Should Buy this Product: Gamers who prioritize low latency and fast response times in a compact and durable mechanical keyboard.

Highlight: Best for gamers seeking low latency and fast responsiveness.

Pros:

  • Extremely low latency with optical switches
  • Compact size for more desk space
  • Durable build with hard plastic frame and aluminum top plate

Cons:

  • Compact size may not be suitable for all users
  • Limited to 60% layout, missing some keys

The Razer Huntsman Mini is a 60% gaming keyboard that features Razer's Optical Switches, which offer lightning-fast actuation in a smaller form factor for maximum portability. It is available in black and mercury editions and has a compact build that is ideal for minimalist or smaller setups where desk space is a premium. The keyboard features doubleshot PBT keycaps with side-printed secondary functions for greater durability and easier reference when executing commands and hotkeys. It also has onboard memory and lighting presets, allowing users to store and activate up to 5 keyboard profiles without the need for software.

The Razer Huntsman Mini is highly portable and features cutting-edge Razer Optical Switches, which offer a lightning-fast actuation for a competitive edge in gaming. It is available in two models: one with clicky switches and another with linear switches. The keyboard's compact form factor means it doesn't have the function row, home cluster, and numpad of a traditional full-sized keyboard, but all these inputs are still accessible via secondary functions and shortcuts.

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Keychron V Series

Keychron V Series

What our experts say: The Keychron V Series is tailored for programmers, offering a customizable typing experience with a durable and stylish design. It supports VIA and QMK software for extensive customization, making it a versatile and affordable choice for coding enthusiasts.

Who Should Buy this Product: Programmers looking for a durable, customizable mechanical keyboard with extensive software support for remapping keys and creating macros.

Highlight: Best for programmers seeking extensive customization options.

Pros:

  • Durable and stylish transparent plastic frame
  • Customizable switches and stabilizers
  • Supports VIA and QMK software for extensive customization

Cons:

  • May not be suitable for non-programmers
  • Limited availability in some regions

The Keychron V Series keyboards are a lineup of wired-only mechanical keyboards manufactured by Keychron. They are designed to be a more affordable version of the highly-customizable Keychron Q Series, using a tray-mounted design rather than a gasket mount and a plastic case instead of an aluminum case. These changes have a minimal impact on the typing experience, as typing feels slightly stiffer and the sounds are a little more resonant. The V Series includes incline settings, a feature lacking on the Q Series keyboards. They use Keychron-branded switches, which feel very similar to the Gateron switches found in other Keychron keyboards. The V Series keyboards have excellent build quality, with a frame made of translucent plastic that feels very solid and doesn't exhibit flex. They are available in two main colorways: Frosted Black, which is a translucent plastic, and Carbon Black, which is opaque plastic. There are also versions with a Knob available, and ISO layouts available. They all use Keychron K Pro switches with the standard switch options of linear Red, clicky Blue, and tactile Brown.

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AJAZZ AK820

AJAZZ AK820

What our experts say: The AJAZZ AK820 is a budget-friendly keyboard that offers a variety of features typically found in more expensive models. It includes a screen, customizable RGB, and a knob for additional controls. The keyboard is designed to be a gateway for those interested in custom keyboards, providing a solid foundation for beginners.

Who Should Buy this Product: This keyboard is ideal for beginners who are looking to get into the custom keyboard hobby without spending a lot of money. It's also suitable for users who want a feature-rich keyboard at an affordable price.

Highlight: Best for beginners seeking a feature-rich keyboard at an affordable price.

Pros:

  • Affordable price at $50
  • Includes a screen and knob for additional controls
  • Double-shot PBT keycaps

Cons:

  • Screen customization options are limited
  • Plate-mounted stabilizers
  • Plastic casing

The Ajazz AK820 Pro is a 75% compact mechanical keyboard designed for both enthusiasts and professionals. It features a TFT screen for real-time updates and customization, a 75% compact design, and supports wireless connectivity via Bluetooth 5.1 and 2.4GHz, as well as wired connectivity via a Type-C USB cable. The keyboard includes a volume knob and is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems. The TFT screen offers an interactive interface for customizable visuals, battery status, date & time display, connectivity & OS display, and backlight effects. The keyboard's compact design maximizes desk space and offers a sleek look. The customizable RGB backlighting provides 1.6 million color combinations with south-facing LEDs. The gasket-mounted and flex-cut PC plate and PCB reduce vibration and noise, providing a cushioned and precise typing experience.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the perfect budget mechanical keyboard doesn't mean you have to compromise on quality or features. Whether you're a gamer, a programmer, or someone who simply enjoys the tactile feel of mechanical switches, there's a keyboard out there that fits your needs and budget. From the versatile Keychron K10 with its wireless connectivity and long battery life to the compact and portable Royal Kludge RK61, these keyboards offer excellent value for their price. The Razer Huntsman Mini stands out for its low latency and fast responsiveness, making it ideal for competitive gamers. Meanwhile, the Keychron V Series provides extensive customization options for programmers, and the AJAZZ AK820 offers a feature-rich experience for beginners.

Each of these keyboards has its unique strengths and caters to different user preferences. By considering the key features, pros, and cons of each model, you can make an informed decision and find the keyboard that best suits your needs. Whether you prioritize wireless connectivity, customization options, or a compact design, there's a budget mechanical keyboard out there for you. So go ahead, explore the options, and elevate your typing or gaming experience with one of these fantastic keyboards. Happy typing!

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