Cheap Mechanical Keyboards Have Never Been Better

The mechanical keyboard landscape has dramatically shifted in the last decade. Today's budget options significantly outperform the premium models of just a few years ago. Whether you're a writer, gamer, or both, the affordability and customization available are simply astounding.

Cheap Mechanical Keyboards: A Transformation

If your experience with budget mechanical keyboards is limited to lesser-known brands from several years back, you might still hold a negative view. Early budget models often suffered from poor construction, flimsy ABS keycaps, hollow sounds, inconsistent switches, limited (if any) backlighting, and a complete lack of software support. These were barely superior to membrane keyboards; a high-quality membrane keyboard might even have been preferable.

Cherry MX switches were once the gold standard for affordable keyboards, with Razer's early Kaihua switches (introduced in 2014) providing a viable alternative. However, even budget keyboards using these switches typically cost around $80 (like the original Cooler Master Quick Fire Rapid), hardly a budget-friendly price point. Double-shot PBT keycaps were practically unheard of; even my older Corsair K70, not a budget keyboard, had inferior ABS keycaps with fragile stems.

Premium Features Now Standard

The keyboard community's experimentation with modifications and expressed preferences influenced manufacturers, leading to significant improvements in budget keyboards.

Now, budget-friendly options commonly boast hot-swappable PCBs, pre-lubed switches and stabilizers (eliminating spring ping and rattle), improved cases and backplates, gasket-mount designs, PBT keycaps, RGB backlighting, detachable USB-C cables, and sound-dampening materials. Some even include features like metal accent keycaps and GIF-playing screens.

This innovation has driven down prices and improved quality across the board, even for mainstream brands. The current Corsair K70 PRO, for example, is vastly superior to older models.

A Diverse Market

Regardless of your budget or preferences, a suitable mechanical keyboard exists. However, aiming for a $40-$50 price range offers significantly better value. While a keyboard like the MageGee 60% (around $30) is acceptable, investing a little more unlocks substantial improvements.

The Keychron C2, a full-size non-hot-swappable keyboard, offers decent Gateron switches. For hot-swappable options with RGB, the Redragon K668 is a solid choice. The gasket-mounted Keychron C3 Pro offers both RGB and hot-swappable versions. The HyperX Alloy Origins Core is another strong contender, often available for under $50.

I personally use the Ajazz AK820 Pro and its non-pro variant. The Pro model is feature-rich, while the non-pro, lacking wireless, a screen, and RGB, still provides an excellent typing experience. However, be aware that Epomaker (and similar brands) sometimes have questionable customer service; purchasing through Amazon offers better buyer protection.

Higher-end options, like the Womier SK75 (with VIA support) and the barebones Epomaker x Leobog Hi75 (with a knob), are also surprisingly affordable. The WOBKEY Rainy 75 is another excellent, albeit pricier and less readily available, option.

These are just a few examples. Excellent mechanical keyboards are readily available for under $100, and often much less. Thorough research, including reading reviews and listening to sound tests, is recommended before purchasing. The era of exceptional, affordable mechanical keyboards is finally here.

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