7 Best Gaming Keyboards Under $50 (2024 Top Picks)

  • Keycaps 101
  • Posted by: amy-golden
  • Oct 15, 2022

A good keyboard is a great companion for any gamer. Regardless of your budget, you can get a superb gaming keyboard for nearly any price. Even affordable combo sets are available and excellent for beginner setups.

If you want to do that for less than $50, you've come to the right place!

Today, we've created a list of the 7 best gaming keyboards under $50. Check them out below and find out the best one for you.

Overview of our top picks for gaming keyboards under $50

First off, let’s take a look at the following table to get to know each of the best gaming keyboards under $50 that are cherry-picked:

Keyboard Switches Backlit Price Extra features
Corsair K55 RGB Rubber dome Yes $49.99
  • 6 Macro keys
  • Anti ghosting
  • Dedicated multimedia keys
Redragon K552 Kumara Blue Yes $32.99
  • 87-key keyboard
  • Anti-ghosting
  • Metal build
CM Storm Devastator 3 Mem-Chanical Yes $44.99
  • Avago 3050 optical gaming sensor
  • 6 multimedia keys
  • Anti-slide rubber pads on bottom side
Velocifire TKL02 Brown Yes $34.99
  • Wireless
  • Good battery life
EagleTec KG010 Outemu Blue Yes $41.99
  • Full NRKO (no ghosting)
  • Various colors available
Dierya DK61E Mechanical Keyboard Gateron Brown Yes $49.99
  • 63 Keys compact keyboard
  • Macro recording and reliable service
Razer Cynosa Chroma Gaming Keyboard Rubber dome Yes $49.99
  • Fully programmable macros
  • Durable construction

In-depth Review

Have you already got some information about these best gaming keyboards under $50?

So, just move on to our in-depth review to find out the best-suited one!

Corsair K55 RGB

Corsair K55 RGB
Corsair K55 RGB
Features

  • Wired
  • Rubber dome keys
  • RGB Backlighting
  • 18.9 x 6.6 x 1.4 inches
  • 1.8 pounds
Pros Cons 
  • Tactile feedback that responds in a way akin to a mechanical keyboard
  • A soft detachable wrist rest
  • Vivid RGB backlighting
  • Volume controls and dedicated media
  • 6 macro-keys
Rubber dome keys

Corsair regularly creates top-notch products, in which Corsair K55 RGB is in no way an exception.

It has a beautiful RGB backlighting design that keeps everything straightforward but limits customizing choices. To give it a more unique feel, you can modify the patterns and colors throughout three zones.

Moreover, you'll undoubtedly like having dedicated media keys if you are way into music. Having dedicated media keys and volume control on the K55 is hence an excellent combination.

When it comes to less costly keyboards, detachable wrist rests can be either incredibly fantastic or really horrible. Fortunately, Corsair went with a really nice rest that has rubber inserts to give it even more comfy to use.

After all, these factors combined make Corsair K55 our top choice for the best gaming keyboards under $50.

Let’s watch the following video and see what you can get from this baby!

Redragon K552 Kumara

Redragon K552 Kumara - Best Gaming Keyboards Under $50
Redragon K552 Kumara
Features

  • Wired
  • Red LED backlighting
  • 87-keys without Numpad)
  • 13.9 x 4.8 x 1.5 inches
  • 2.2 pounds
Pros Cons 
  • Great mechanical switches
  • Red LED backlight
  • Very cheap
  • Comfortable to use
  • Without Numpad
  • Switches don't respond as quickly as CherryMX switches

Redragon K552 Kumara is a standard heavy-set mechanical keyboard that costs just a little bit over $30. It is a reliable gaming keyboard that can meet all of your keyboard desires.

Despite the less well-known brand, people on a tight budget can easily get it thanks to the affordable price with high ratings and reviews.

Besides, Redragon K552 is a portable keyboard that has LED illumination and is the perfect size for most users. Plus, it is mechanical, giving you a highly feel click. This makes a solid click easier to recognize and hear, relieving you of the fear that you could have missed a keystroke.

These compare to Cherry MX Red switches if you are familiar with the various mechanical key kinds.

If you're curious about Cherry MX switches, you can find some piece of information about it here.

However, the K552 lacks a Numpad and has no tenkeys. This only becomes an issue if you use it frequently. Otherwise, the majority of people probably won't need it. No Numpad also frees up an additional 3 to 4 inches of desk space.

Despite this minus point,  the Redragon K552 still offers a high-quality mechanical keyboard for a reasonable price and has received rave reviews.

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CM Storm Devastator 3

CM Storm Devastator 3
CM Storm Devastator 3
Features

  • Wired
  • LED Backlight
  • Mechanical-feel switches
  • Dedicated multimedia keys
  • 800-2800 DPI Mouse with 5 Buttons
  • 17.7 x 5.8 x 1.4 inches
Pros Cons 
  • Good kb+m combination
  • Keys with laser engraving
  • Excellent keystroke feedback
  • Incredibly quick and precise mouse sensor (Avago 3050)
  • LED backlight with different 7 colors.
  • Scr Lk controls LED Backlighting

For less than $50, the Cooler Master Devastator 3 keyboard with mouse set is definitely your best bet.  Yes, it's a combo and you're only looking for a keyboard with amazing quality. Its price is also unbeatable if you also need a new mouse.

The keys have a mechanical feel to them as they are more tactile than on a typical membrane keyboard. Also, it has dedicated media controls that make it simple to navigate between tracks and adjust the volume. Even though the device is lightweight, it seems reasonably sturdy and not at all cheap.

One main drawback is that the keyboard's LEDs can only be toggled on or off; while they're off, it can be difficult to tell what's what.

The mouse truly goes further than what you're probably expecting you'll get with a combo this cheap; it is not what you would anticipate from a $30 combo bargain.

Furthermore, the majority of PC gamers will find the three preset DPI levels (1000/1600/2000) to be excellent choices for most game types. It is also incredibly accurate and has rubber grips on both sides close to the front and two thumb buttons along the left side.

Without a doubt, the Devastator 3 keyboard and mouse set is an all-out effort from Cooler Master, making it one of the best gaming keyboards under $50. That's a tough offer to refuse, and it's a great deal!

Velocifire TKL02

Velocifire TKL02
Velocifire TKL02
Features

  • Wireless and Wired
  • Mechanical switches
  • Tenkeyless – 87 keys
  • 14.4 x 5.1 x 1.1 inches
  • 2.2 pounds
Pros Cons 
  • Wireless
  • Mechanical switches
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Feels sturdy
  • Comfortable typing experience
  • Without Numpad
  • There is room for improvement in wireless range

The TKL02 from Velocifire is a places a high priority for less than $50. It has a clean, minimalist design, brown mechanical switches, and wifi functionality.

It makes use of brown mechanical switches made by Content, a business related to Kailh and Outemu. They're not as high-end as Cherry MX, but they still function decently.

What's more? The TKL02 has a single, blueish-white backlight color and only the ability to switch it on and off. But we believe the backlight is indeed right for both daylight and nighttime use. It's neither overly dark nor overly light.

Overall, Velocifire TKL02 is among the best gaming keyboards under $50 that you should consider if you are looking for something basic but offer a decent experience.

You can check how Velocifire TKL02 sounds in the video below:

EagleTec KG010

EagleTec KG010
EagleTec KG010
Features

  • Wired
  • Mechanical switches
  • Full NRKO
  • 17.6 x 7 x 1.1 inches
  • 2.3 pounds
Pros Cons 
  • Mechanical switches
  • 100% NRKO (no ghosting)
  • There is a large variety of colors
  • Vivid backlighting
  • ABS and aluminum build
  • Water-resistant keys
  • Switch noises
  • Keys with blue switches need to be pressed harder than others

One of the best gaming keyboards under $50 is unquestionably EagleTec's KG010 mechanical gaming keyboard.

KG010 features Outemu Blue switches which are louder and seem to require a little more actuation power than Cherry MX Blue, but overall they are more pleasant to operate, responsive, and provide excellent feedback.

How does Outemu differ from other switches? Here’s the answer you might look for: Cherry MX Vs Gateron Vs Kailh Vs Outemu Vs Razer Switches.

The KG010 is available in a tonne of different colors and illumination configurations, including a white body + RGB backlight and a black body + RGB backlight.

The EagleTec KG010 is a fantastic entry-level mechanical keyboard for about $50 even though it lacks some of the capabilities. The KG010 and KG011 (white/silver variants) are far beyond average in every way, including the switches, illumination, full NRKO, and everything else.

You shouldn't anticipate a keyboard that is a full-fledged beast, like all the other mechanical keyboards on this list. For normal gamers and everyday users, this ought to work.

In addition, keep in mind that there are several alternatives at the same price point that include full RGB backlighting, no backlighting, 6-color backlighting, and single-color options. So be sure to look at them all.

Dierya DK61E Mechanical Keyboard

Dierya DK61E Mechanical Keyboard
Dierya DK61E Mechanical Keyboard
Features

  • Wireless/ Wired
  • 60% Compact
  • Gateron switches
Pros Cons 
  • Wireless
  •  Solid build materials
  •  Decent design
  • Extensive macro programmability
  • Lacking wrist support

The Dierya DK61E is a 60% sized gaming keyboard that is perfect for people who want to save space and only need the basics for gaming.

Read more about Intro to Keyboard Sizes and layouts to see how 60% keyboards work for you.

About its performance, although one's preference for key switches can obviously be subjective, the mechanical keyboard features Gateron Brown switches which are lightweight but tactile and have a nice click. Compared to other options on this list, the keys aren't particularly loud either.

For the price, the Dierya DK61E's design and materials are excellent. The keyboard also has the benefit of being wireless thanks to a Bluetooth connection, but if performance is more important to you, you might want to keep it plugged in.

Last but not least, key macro and RGB customization are done using the board's included software, but it is not at all user-friendly.

Yet, it does give you a wide range of keyboard selections within this price range. We can’t ask more with such a cheap price!

Razer Cynosa Chroma Gaming Keyboard

Razer Cynosa Chroma Gaming Keyboard
Razer Cynosa Chroma Gaming Keyboard
Features

  • Wired
  • 16.8 million colors on individually backlit keys
  • Fully programming
Pros Cons 
  • Most programmable
  • Ideal for serious gamers
  • The clicks aren’t as solid as on a mechanical

Today's last choice is the Razer Cynosa Chroma Gaming Keyboard.

This keyboard is amazing since each key can be separately programmed in addition to having RGB backlit keys. This implies that if you're a gamer, you can color-code specific key types, such as offensive or defensive keys, to make it easier for you to press the appropriate key when you need to.

In addition, it features programmable macros, which essentially assign particular keystrokes to repeatedly do an action. This can prevent you from pressing buttons repeatedly by automating such repetitious operations.

Besides that, as it is a membrane keyboard, the buttons are smoother and more merciful to your fingers, reducing strain.

This smoothness can be compared with PBT keycaps, check out the 21 best PBT keycap sets now!

So, if you are a serious gamer who prefers to customize your keyboard to your unique needs, Razer Cynosa Chroma Gaming Keyboard is one of the best gaming keyboards under $50 you can think about.

Final Words

You'll never be able to find something amazing for this cheap, it's worth mentioning once more.

For a keyboard for around $50, you can choose anything excellent, fancy, or middling; however, there will always be concessions to be made.

This list should have offered you a pretty good idea of the best gaming keyboards under $50 you should consider if you're a budget-conscious gamer.

Author

I work as a freelance blogger in Seattle, Washington. I've been freelancing full-time for 5 years. I'm interested in anime, resin art, and mechanical keyboards.

amy-golden