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10 Best Cheap Gaming Keyboards
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Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Gaming Keyboards
When choosing a cheap gaming keyboard, the goal is to find a balance between performance, comfort, and features within a more affordable price range. It's important to focus on the features that truly matter for your style of gaming rather than just looking for the newest or most popular models. Pay attention to the type of keys, extra functions, and the overall feel of the keyboard, as these will directly affect your gaming experience. Different games and playing styles may need different features; think about whether you need fast key response, durability, or just a comfortable design for long sessions.Key Switch TypeThe switch type in a keyboard determines how each key feels when you press it. For gaming, switches can be mechanical (tactile and clicky or smooth and quiet), membrane (quieter and softer), or hybrid (a mix of both). Mechanical switches usually offer faster and more accurate key responses, making them popular among gamers, but can be louder and often more expensive. Membrane switches are quieter and often found in cheaper keyboards but might feel mushier and less precise. If you prefer precise feedback and quick response for fast-paced games, look for mechanical or mechanical-feel keyboards even in the budget range; if you're sensitive to noise or want a softer touch, a membrane keyboard might suit you better.
Anti-Ghosting and Key RolloverAnti-ghosting and key rollover refer to a keyboard's ability to correctly register several keys being pressed at the same time, which is often needed in games. Keyboards with good anti-ghosting ensure that pressing multiple keys won't cause errors or miss some keystrokes. This is especially important for games where you might need to run, jump, and perform other actions at once. If you play games that require many simultaneous inputs, try to pick a keyboard advertising anti-ghosting and at least a '6-key rollover,' which means it can register six keys at the same time without issues.
BacklightingBacklighting is lighting under the keys and can be simple (one color) or RGB (many colors and effects). While it doesn't change the keyboard's performance, backlighting helps you see the keys in low-light rooms and adds a visual flair to your setup. Some budget keyboards offer basic lighting, while more advanced systems let you customize colors and patterns. If you play in the dark or just enjoy visual effects, pick a keyboard with some backlighting—if not, you can save by skipping this feature.
Build Quality and MaterialsThe materials used for the keyboard's body and keys affect how sturdy it feels and how long it will last. Cheaper keyboards might feel lighter and be made from thin plastics that are more prone to flexing or wear. However, some budget keyboards offer reinforced plastics or even metal top plates for added durability. If you game for long hours or travel with your keyboard, look for more solid construction, but for desktop-only and light use, a basic plastic build might be perfectly fine.
Extra Features (Media Keys, Macros, Wrist Rest)Some gaming keyboards add useful extras like dedicated media controls (buttons for volume or skipping tracks), programmable macro keys (for custom commands), or a built-in wrist rest for comfort. These are nice touches but not essential; decide based on your habits. If you like convenience for music or often use complex commands in games, these features could be important, but if you just need the basics for everyday gaming, focus on the keyboard’s core functions.