Standard keyboards are great for typing, but they are not designed for the complicated push button tasks of gaming.
If you are a hardcore gamer, you might want to buy a gaming keyboard to improve your playing experience.
Gaming keyboards usually cost a lot of money. However, thanks to the popularity of these colorful keyboards, there are plenty of budget options available now too.
To give you some sound guidance, we’ve put together this list of the best budget gaming keyboards you could choose from. Check them out:
10 Best Budget Gaming Keyboard – 2023
Rii Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo,LED Rainbow Backlit USB Wired Computer Keyboard 104 Key,Spill-Resistant Design,Ergonomic Wrist Rest Keyboard Mouse Set for Windows PC Gamer. Black
This is hands down the best budget gaming keyboard in my opinion.
For starters, it’s gorgeous. The backlighting has seven colors on the keyboard as well as the mouse.
The keys are designed to be highly responsive to tactile feedback, and they are sturdy enough to take a hit when you are really immersed in a game.
The keyboard is designed ergonomically to reduce wrist strain. Key caps are laser edged and grip coated in case your hands get sweaty.
It’s all plastic, so I can wipe down any sweat or oil with a damp cloth to keep it clean.
It comes bundled with a 2,000 DPI mouse too in case you need one.
The only drawback is that this is a PC mouse that best works with Windows operating systems.
If you're looking for the best gaming keyboard under $50, this should certainly be a serious contender.
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Aula LED Backlight Wired Gaming Keyboard (On Fire SI-859)
This gaming keyboard is backlit with three colors. The colorful characters are laser carved.
But what makes this really worth the price is the non-slip ergonomic design.
This keyboard has a sturdier spacebar gamers will definitely appreciate. It’s wired via USB and has 104 keys total.
The keyboard itself is extra thin and highly sensitive to tactile feedback. Win key is lockable.
Overall, it’s great, but it tends to get overheated soon, especially if you have the keys backlit all the time.
When it overheats, it’s recommended to turn off the computer and unplug to keyboard and let it cool.
havit Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo, Backlit Computer keyboards and RGB Gaming Mouse, Gaming Accessories 104 Keys PC Gaming Keyboard with DPI 4800 Mouse for Gamer, Black
They keys on this one are lit like a rainbow! It’s very pretty, but also very useful.
The backlit mode can be changed by pressing the Fn and Esc buttons. The letters, however, are not backlit which is a big downer.
It also comes with a mouse that breathes four colors.
It’s possible to operate 19 keys simultaneously using this keyboard, including 12 multimedia keys. Win button can be disabled on this one too.
Rii RK100 3 Colors LED Backlit Mechanical Feeling USB Wired Multimedia Office Keyboard For Working or Primer Gaming,Office Device
This is a professional semi-mechanical gaming keyboard with backlit keys.
It has 104 standard keys and 11 specially created multimedia key combinations.
It’s compatible with a variety of devices, including PCs, Android smartphones, smart TVs, Macs, and some Raspberry Pi powered devices. It automatically enters sleeping mode after 10 minutes of inactivity to save power. Overall, this is a basic but reliable gaming keyboard.
BlueFinger LED Gaming Keyboard,Mechanical Feeling USB Wired Computer Keyboard,114 Keys Letters Glow,3 Color Blue/Red/Purple Led Backlit Keyboard for Laptop PC Computer Game Work
This is definitely one of the most stunning gaming keyboards I have owned.
It breathes warm blue light in a captivating cracked pattern. Color is adjustable to purple and red too. I keep this in my office and people often stop by to stare.
As a gaming keyboard, it has several powerful key combinations, including an Fn key. There are 19 keys that do not conflict with each other.
It’s made from ABS hard plastic and is cool to the touch. The downside is that the lights have to be manually turned off.
Redragon K502 RGB Gaming Keyboard RGB LED Backlit Illuminated 104 Key Silent Keyboard with Wrist Rest for Windows PC Games (RGB Backlit)
This new version of the old Redragon is definitely one of the best budget gaming keyboards I’ve owned.
It’s thin and has shallow, non-conflict keys. There 12 multimedia keys and WASD keys. It’s comes with 7 backlit colors and you can switch between each.
Input speeds are adjustable too. Keys are laser engraved. Overall, this is one of the most comfortable gaming keyboards I’ve ever used.
Professional Grade Wired Mechanical-Like Pro-Gaming Keyboard LED Backlit Anti-Ghosting Gaming Keyboard (Blk)
This is a pro gaming keyboard with anti-ghosting features for PCs, Macs and Linux computers.
It has a total of 8 anti-ghosting combinations. There’s no set up needed, just plug and play. Keycaps are removable and highly flexible.
The floating key design makes multiple key combinations very possible. The keyboard is supported by a metal base to keep it in place.
This gaming keyboard is highly stable if that’s the feature most important to you.
Razer DeathStalker Essential Gaming Keyboard - Ergonomic Gaming-Grade Membrane Keyboard With Wrist-Rest
This gaming keyboard is known for anti-ghosting functionality to make the gaming experience more efficient.
There are standard 104 high-responsive keys that is simply convenient.
This keyboard comes with a driver that connects it to a cloud server. If you don’t mind that, this would be an excellent gaming keyboard.
Gaming Keyboard,SAREPO LED Backlight Wired USB 9 Modes Switchable RGB 19 Anti Ghosting Keys for Gaming and Water Proof Music Equalizer LED Lights for Office and Gaming with All Windows IOS Compatible
This multicolor backlit keyboard is suitable for both Mac and PC games.
It has a 'dance' mode to make the lights flash to the rhythm of the music in the game. LED mode can be customized any way you like.
It’s designed ergonomically with easy to control ARC keycaps. It prevents the fingers or the wrist from becoming too exhausted.
The keys are engraved so they won’t fade over time. It has 19 function keys too.
Cooler Master Devastator II LED Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo Bundle (SGB-3031-KKMF1-US)
This keyboard has mechanical switches. While it can be a bit loud, the keys are very responsive to feedback.
Keys are laser etched to prevent fading. It’s compatible with Cherry MX to customize keycaps.
The mouse that comes with the keyboard has a precision optical sensor to get the cursor to go to where it’s required.
It gives solid grip and control that gamers will love.
Tips for Buying a Cheap Gaming Keyboard
Whatever option you go with, there are several things to keep in mind when considering these best budget gaming keyboards under $50:
Don’t buy because of looks alone. Gaming keyboards are very colorful, so it’s tempting to choose based on looks alone.
Rather, look at the features on offer first and then choose a colorful design.
Consider whether you want a wired gaming keyboard or a USB gaming keyboard. Wired keyboards tend to be faster than wireless ones.
Buy a keyboard mouse combo to save money. But if you have specific features in mind, you should buy the mouse separately. It won’t cost much.
Mechanical keyboards are more reliable, but most cheap gaming keyboards are membrane.
There are partial mechanical keyboards that you should perhaps consider if you don’t want to pay more.