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Not everyone's got the cash to splash on high-priced keycaps, and that's totally okay! This guide is here to save the day. We've rounded up a sweet list of more than 15 of the best budget keycaps out there. They not only change the way your keyboard looks and feels but also withstand countless keystrokes without burning a hole in your wallet.
Whether you're looking to improve your gaming skills or seek aesthetic resonance with your workspace, these keycaps redefine the essence of typing while still keeping your wallet and fingertips equally comfortable.
| Special Feature | Price | |
| YMDK Doubleshot Rainbow Keycaps
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$20.89 |
| Guffercty kred GTSP XDA Honey Milk Keycaps
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$20.99 |
| HK Gaming Dye Sublimation Keycaps
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$24.99 |
| Minimalist White Japanese Keycaps
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$25.99 |
| Hyekit Marshmallow Keycaps
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$26.99 |
| AKKO ASA Shine-Through Keycaps
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$29.89 |
| Hyekit Avocado Milk Keycaps
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$29.99 |
| New Arrival XDA Lotus Keycaps
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$31.50 |
| GKs XDA V2 Dye-Subbed PBT Matcha Keycap Set
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$35.00 |
| EPOMAKER MIA Keycaps
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$35.99 |
| Apollo Aerospace Keycaps
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$35.99 |
| GKs XDA V2 Happy Planet Keycap Set
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$36.00 |
| Drop Artifact Bloom Series Keycap Set
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$45.00 |
| AKKO Black & Pink ASA Keycaps Set
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$49.99 |
| Idobao Blue Cat Ma Keycaps
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$50.00 |
| Akko Black and White Keycaps
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$59.99 |
| DROP + Redsuns GMK Red Samurai Keycap Set
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$150.00 |
*Prices are listed from low to high and have been updated as of September 2023. Prices can change and the products can be out of stock.
Besides keycaps, you can also upgrade your workspace/gaming station with a new keyboard setup at a reasonable price. Refer to our choice of the best budget mechanical keyboards now!
Alright! We have a sneak peek at each keycap set. Now it's time to know how they work for such a low cost and whether they are a good investment.
Specification
Black Pink in your area! Stands out on a 3-color tone (black, dark gray and searing pink), AKKO Black & Pink ASA keycaps set strikes a wonderful balance between the light and dark shades, akin to the fusion of sweetness and shadows.
AKKO keycap set features a unique keycaps profile, ASA profile. They keep the appearance and spherical top of the classic SA profile while matching the height of the OEM profile.
These "low style" keycaps can enhance your typing experience and boost your productivity.
| Pros | Cons |
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Read more: Best Cherry MX low-profile switches
Take a closer look at the simple yet sweet look of AKKO Black & Pink ASA keycaps set in this short video.
Specification
EPOMAKER never disappoints aesthetic-avant customer. And, this set surely satisfies your sickening girliness.
You'll get to know MIA, a playful and energetic cat. The EPOMAKER MIA Keycap Set gives every corner of your keyboard a light, breezy feel with all-white alpha keys and pastel gorgeous kitten emoji modifiers.
This set comes in MDA profile, a type of keycap - sculpted profile, ideal for those who prefer sculpted keycaps but don't like the height of SA. This profile is regarded as the best budget keycap for gaming and fast or daily typing.
| Pros | Cons |
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Specification
The second cat on this list is with us! Idobao Blue Cat Ma keycaps will satisfy your need for heaviness and thocky.
This set is notable for its premium PBT materials with round MA height, bringing a distinctive typing feel and truly delightful acoustics (much deeper and thicker)
Plus, featuring the MA profile, the keycap rows are all the same uniform height and shape. This profile is ideally suited for touch typers who want to increase typing accuracy as the spherical, sculpted caps embrace your fingertips and match the height well.
| Pros | Cons |
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Feeling inspired? Dive deeper into the following video to get more insights, and enjoy the pleasant thock sound of Idobao Blue Cat Ma keycaps.
Are you in search of a durable keycap set? Then our list of 21 best PBT keycap sets will offer an extensive selection to suit any budget, ensuring you won't be disappointed.
Specification
DROP + Redsuns GMK Red Samurai keycap set will set you back more than $100, but do they live up to the hype?
The first thing that proves it's worth a buy is the chintzy combination of red and dark gray with golden accents and legends. These true-to-life colors are inspired by General Ii Naomasa: a founding father of the Samurai code.
Of course, you will then get this “limited release” with the most top-notch longevity and strength of 1.5-mm-thick doubleshot ABS, just like you would with a well-made sword in battle.
| Pros | Cons |
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While coming with a bit high price tag, this may be still a go-to set for beginners looking for utmost durability without paying over $200. More secrets are behind its luxury feel! Take a moment to explore them in this video.
Specification
You've come to the best budget keycaps we've found. With only $20, you'll get YMDK Doubleshot Rainbow keycaps with an impressive rainbow color theme. It's a little surprising that these cheap keycaps are made of PBT material. They also sound and feel good to type with.
However, there is some ghosting but it's not a big issue, though, as you may only notice this in the dark.
All in all. This set is a great value for the price, ideal for those who are starting out customizing their keyboards.
| Pros | Cons |
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Specification
The keys on New Arrival XDA Lotus Keycaps are haptic to the touch and have a matte texture with tiny typefaces. This gives the entire set a simple, minimalistic appearance.
The Lotus Keycaps don't just stop at aesthetics; they also offer a comfortable typing experience with their XDA profile.
Every keystroke is smooth and consistent thanks to this surface's uniformity. The F and J keys, on the other hand, could cause you to feel no tactile bumps. This seems to be a common error with the XDA profile.
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Specification
If you are seeking a thick Cherry profile PBT without breaking the bank, you never go wrong with the series of HK Gaming Dye Sublimation Keycaps.
These sets are available in multiple variations with different colorways, which may make you confused about choosing the best set. Besides, the dye-sublimated legends are clear and easy to read.
However, you should be aware that these keycaps are not translucent; so, if you truly desire an RGB light show, these caps won't help.
Anyhow, for what you get, this set is generally an excellent deal.
| Pros | Cons |
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Let's unbox HK Gaming Dye Sublimation keycaps with Modern Dolch Light model and how you may be surprised by its price point and benefits.
Specification
Like the HK Gaming counterpart, Artifact also releases various models, each with a unique set of pictures and meanings.
Drop Artifact Bloom Series keycap sets are made of sturdy PBT material and feature non-textured, extremely wear-resistant dye-sublimated legends.
Morden, natural, classic, and charming themes can almost satisfy your tastes for color mix and match. Besides
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To better understand how these keycaps perform, take some minutes to watch the following video reviewing Drop Artifact Bloom Series: Ocean Wave model.
Specification
Hyekit Apollo Aerospace keycaps pay homage to the pioneering spirit of Apollo's aerospace missions. They get a delightful futuristic color scheme consisting of light gray with a pretty strong blue, dark gray and white.
Crafted from durable PBT material, they promise a long-lasting typing experience while boasting a total of 139 keys to cater to even the most demanding keyboard setups.
| Pros | Cons |
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Specification
Liven up your keyboard with a sunny vibe of Hiragana Honey Milk. Guffercty kred GTSP XDA Honey Milk keycaps also come with extra cow, milk, onigiri and more caps.
Interestingly, they have a chunky look that matches the thocky sound. Also, there is a decent amount of light bleed when using these keycaps on a board with LEDs.
Additionally, the keycaps have a larger surface contact with the uniform XDA profile which is perfect for ortho-linear ergonomics.
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Specification
Looking for mid-tier keycaps that are neat and simple? Then go for Minimalist White Japanese keycaps.
The keycaps themselves are decently made and quite thick. The legends are all crisp and clear, especially amazing Japanese sub-legends (all the hiragana is accurate).
Notably, these keycaps look amazing with a backlit keyboard; the black and white design is minimalist yet elegant and truly highlights the colors of the keyboard.
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Specification
Ready for a dazzling RGB light show! Designed specifically for backlighting in mind, AKKO ASA Shine-Through Keycap set features extremely sturdy keycaps with shine-through legend, giving fantastic RGB effects.
As the backlighting isn't reflecting off the sides of the keycaps, it has a cleaner appearance. Moreover, the grippy matte texture of the keycaps and unique ASA profile also contribute to the pleasant typing experience for night owls.
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Witness the RGB magic for yourself through the video below! See how this keycap set can beat other rivals in this list just with its amazing RGB effects.
Specification
GKs takes out matcha from the cup and places it on this GKs XDA V2 Dye-Subbed PBT Matcha keycap set, drawing inspiration from its gentle colors and earthy greens.
The alphanumerics feature standard letters with Japanese subscripts. Additionally, the set includes many Macha-themed novelties for the function row, escape key, and enter key.
Furthermore, these keycaps have a smooth finish, but aren’t slippery, making them perfect for gaming. Compared to standard keycaps, they are shorter, which gives each keypress a greater definition.
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Don't miss out on the matcha-inspired artistry if you want to add a natural touch to your desk. And, now let's enjoy the cool breeze of this keycap set in the video below.
Specification
Akko deserves to be the winner of the best budget keycaps list when there are 3 great options available to you.
No fuss, just a little black accent, Akko Black and White keycap set is the perfect choice for minimalists. Notably, for a little more than $50, you get exceptionally durable double-shot PBT keycaps.
Look no further than this set if you're pursuing a simple touch and great longevity.
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We've found an unboxing video to give you a closer look at this keycap set. Watch it, even the package is also sturdy just like the keycaps themselves.
Specification
GK's XDA V2 Happy Planet Keycap set features really insane colorful tones and out-of-this-world patterns with a lot of alien appeals.
The modifiers have a sci-fi-inspired turquoise tint, while the alpha keys are placed in a crisp white with orange legends. And wow what a difference! The theme is incredibly adorable and there are lots of novelties, like planets, asteroids, and other celestial icons.
| Pros | Cons |
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Specification
Much like the matcha theme above, you'll arrive at the world of avocado with milky bright green tone with various cute food icons.
The legends are clear, thick and bold. The keycaps' pleasant-to-touch feel also makes them easy to hold when typing.
For less than $30, you may get one of the best budget keycaps with superb aesthetics.
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Specification
Hyekit, standing next to EPOMAKER, is one of the brands with a series of girly keycaps designed specifically for those who love cuteness.
To wrap up our list of the best budget keycaps, you may jump up and down by the sweetness of Hyekit Marshmallow keycaps. Each keycap looks like tasty marshmallows coloring with cream tones, adding some pizzazz your daily clicks with the round XDA profile.
| Pros | Cons |
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Read more: Why do keycaps shine and how to prevent this?
Don't miss the following video review to discover why Hyekit Marshmallow keycaps are the perfect budget-friendly choice.
We've conducted comprehensive research to pinpoint affordable keycap sets from trustworthy keycap brands. If you're curious about which brand stands out as the finest, just explore our list of 19 best keycap manufacturers.
Choosing good, affordable keycaps can be a bit of a treasure hunt, but there are some tips that can help you find the right ones and save a lot.
Before starting your keycap adventure, set a clear budget range that aligns with your financial comfort zone.
Best budget keycaps can vary widely in price, so knowing your budget beforehand will help you narrow down your option, and avoid overspending. Make sure you hit the ideal balance between price and quality.
While budget-friendly options often feature less durable yet cost-effective ABS keycaps, consider splurging a bit for PBT keycaps if you can.
PBT keycaps are renowned for their extended lifespan and are a favorite among keyboard enthusiasts, providing that satisfying, high-end feel.
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Perhaps a less common choice, but rubber keycaps have been gaining favor among gamers of late. Explore these top rubber keycaps to elevate your keyboard experience.
Keep your radar tuned for sales, discounts, and special promotions from reputable retailers and online marketplaces.
Many keycap sets go on sale periodically, so patience can be your ally in bagging a great deal on keycaps that might be out of your reach at first.
If you are truly an adventurous keyboard enthusiast, spying group buys and pre-orders is what you should think about first.
For those who are unfamiliar with the concept of group buys, we will uncover all the secrets behind a group buy and why this collective buying method is very famous among keyboard enthusiast.
These platforms often offer exclusive, one-of-a-kind keycap sets at competitive prices. That's why hunting a collectible set of keycaps through a group buy can be a bit tricky.
You should join these platforms early and keep an eye on every deal coming. Patience is key due to longer wait times. Be at ease that the payoff is sometimes worthwhile – you will get a unique, budget-friendly gem to adorn your keyboard.
The big man, Amazon, must be mentioned as the first site. Amazon offers a treasure trove of the best budget keycaps.
Amazon provides a convenient platform for exploring, comparing, and buying affordable keycap sets that suit your taste thanks to its wide array of options and customer reviews.
However, always be on the lookout for many non-authentic low-quality keycap sets overflowing here.
It is understandable why keyboard lovers flock to Drop.com. Known for its group buys and exclusive collaborations, Drop is a haven to get unique keycap sets at affordable rates. Regularly keep an eye on their offerings, and you'll get limited-time deals that won't break the bank.
Buy cheap keycaps on Drop (Source: Drop)
As the name suggests, Mechanicalkeyboards.com is a go-to destination for keyboard fans. While they do provide luxury options, you can still choose from a variety of the best budget keycaps that retain quality and come in a variety of profiles, materials, and patterns.
For those seeking truly distinctive and often budget-friendly keycap sets, group buys are a thrilling option.
Several websites like Geekhack and Deskthority frequently host group buys for custom keycaps. While they require patience due to production times, the exclusive designs and cost savings make them worth a go.
Do you want to explore more places to find the best keycaps for your one-of-a-kind setups? Then here is our list of places to buy the best keycaps.
Finding the best budget keycaps doesn't mean sacrificing either aesthetic or quality. That's why we meticulously considered and compiled this list of the top 15+ pocket-friendly keycap sets to suit various tastes, from vibrant designs to minimalist aesthetics.
Whether you're a dedicated gamer, an avid typist, or just seeking an upgrade for your keyboard, these keycaps provide an affordable solution to enhance both the look and feel of your keyboard and freely personalize your typing experience.
Happy keycap hunting!
The best budget keycaps for gaming are GKs XDA V2 Dye-Subbed PBT Matcha keycaps. These are non-slip 1.4mm PBT keycaps that can withstand a prolonged game battle.
The best budget keycaps for typing are EPOMAKER MIA keycaps. These keycaps are a solid choice for typists with MDA profile, offering a sculpted design to can enhance typing comfort and accuracy.
The best budget keycaps for the sound are Guffercty kred Honey Milk keycaps with chucky look matching the pleasing thocky sound. Or you can go for Idobao Blue Cat Ma keycaps with satisfying deeper and thicker sound, enhancing the auditory experience.
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Not everyone's got the cash to splash on high-priced keycaps, and that's totally okay! This guide is here to save the day. We've rounded up a sweet list of more than 15 of the best budget keycaps out there. They not only change the way your keyboard looks and feels but also withstand countless keystrokes […]
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