The 5 Best Budget Gaming Keyboards of 2025

We strongly recommend the MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra if you're a competitive enthusiast. Simply put, this keyboard outperforms our top pick, the Corsair K70 RGB TKL, not only in raw performance but also thanks to its added wireless versatility and lower price. Despite its budget price point, it has exceptionally low single- and multi-key latency and an effective update rate of 8000Hz. It also supports both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connectivity and features a premium-feeling all-aluminum frame, a feature typically found on much more expensive models.

The main reason we don't recommend it to everyone is that it uses magnetic switches, which allow you to customize the actuation point and enable advanced features like Rapid Trigger and SOCD. These features can provide a slight but meaningful edge in competitive play, but they're often overkill and can feel overly sensitive or unwieldy if you play more casually. The configuration software is powerful but comes with a steep learning curve for newcomers. Another consideration is that its compact 60% layout omits the function row, arrow keys, navigation cluster, and numpad. While this maximizes desk space for mouse movement, it may be a dealbreaker depending on your needs. If these aren't problems for you, the FUN60 Ultra delivers exceptional performance, high-end build quality, and wireless flexibility rarely seen at this price. It's a standout choice if it aligns with your needs.

The Keychron V5 Max isn't specifically marketed as a gaming keyboard above all else, but there are a few reasons why we recommend it. First off, its raw gaming performance puts many other dedicated gaming keyboards to shame. Second, it's part of a much wider lineup, which means you can buy a full-size version of this keyboard if you prefer having a numpad, or even a more ergonomic Alice layout. Third, these keyboards have an impressive range of quality-of-life features often found on more expensive custom keyboards. Some examples include PBT keycaps, a gasket mount system that makes typing feel softer, and multiple layers of acoustic foam inside the keyboard that round out the sound profile. There's even an included toolkit, so you can completely disassemble your board to swap out pieces, and the hot-swappable PCB means you can quickly pop out the stock switches for those of your choosing.

One of its only downsides is that while it has full RGB lighting, it has south-facing LEDs, and the keycaps don't have shine-through legends. This means you won't be able to read the legends on your keyboard as easily. Provided this isn't a dealbreaker for you, then this keyboard's multiple size variants, tri-mode connectivity, and hardware customization possibilities make it one of the most versatile budget gaming options available.

Mechanical or magnetic options often hog the spotlight, but non-mechanical gaming keyboards have advantages. Take the Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT, the best non-mechanical budget gaming board we've tested. It uses membrane switches hidden under a piece of solid frosted plastic, which is a bonus for the folks who like to eat and drink by their keyboard, as it's more resistant to spills and crumbs since there aren't any exposed moving parts. These switches are nearly silent during use, making them a great choice for people who game late into the night or have to game in tight, shared spaces.

In terms of its performance and features, it has almost every feature a gamer could want. It includes RGB backlighting that's customizable on a per-key basis, dedicated macro keys for easy access, extremely low latency, and a detachable wrist rest for ergonomic support during those marathon sessions.

If you're looking for a cheaper, non-mechanical option, we recommend the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL. Its compact TenKeyLess form factor leaves you with more space on your desk for dynamic mouse movements, and its rubber dome switches are fairly light to press and very quiet compared to most mechanical switches. However, they have a longer pre-travel distance and feel a bit mushier compared to more expensive options.

This keyboard also doesn't offer the same level of raw gaming performance compared to the other options on this list, so we don't recommend it for competitive play. However, it's an impressive pick for casual gaming in any genre. It also has some extra features that are rare at this price, like the ability to set macros to any key, dedicated media keys, and a volume wheel. It has RGB lighting, too. However, the keys aren't individually lit, so you only have eight zones you can customize in the software.