Gaming on a budget is something that all of us have had to do at one point or another in our lives. Sometimes, we just can’t justify the hefty sum of cash that some companies are asking for their product. With everything that’s going on right now, money is tight for a lot of people. So, what can we do? Give up altogether? No!
There are so many ways to game for less. Second-hand consoles, used games, steam sales, and buying cheaper accessories. Most games can be played with any mouse or keyboard. Sure, some are better, but that doesn’t make other models bad.
On the contrary, you can find some pretty great keyboards for under $50. This article will help you do just that. But first, we will cover what makes a gaming keyboard a good one and what differences you can expect between these models and some top of the line ones.
5 Best Gaming Keyboards Under $50
This post contains affiliate links
Table of Contents
What makes a good gaming keyboard?
What makes a good gaming keyboard changes slightly from person to person. After all, we all have preferences and whatnot. However, there are some consistencies in what is considered good.
For example, a comfortable keyboard is appreciated by pretty much anyone. Especially those of us who get a lot of use out of their keyboard. Then you have things such as customizability, and longevity, which are also considered to be good but are a little more specific to the user.
If you are spending $50 on a keyboard what kind of longevity can you expect? Well, you get what you pay for. Most of the time customizability and functionality are part of what makes a keyboard expensive.
A good keyboard is one that does its job well, some keyboards don’t have the responsiveness and ease of use that would be expected. Of course, no keyboards with such problems will be included in this article. This is important to consider if you decide to go with a different keyboard, one not included in the article.
A good way of looking at usability is whether a keyboard has a backlight. It doesn’t need to be an RGB backlight, just a simple white light will do. Gaming is not, shall we say, just a day time activity. Late night sessions can stretch into tomorrow morning quite easily. Having an illuminated keyboard to help you see more clearly is a good way to play better and stop yourself from getting those dreaded headaches from struggling to focus.
Does price matter when it comes to gaming keyboards?
Yes, price does matter. It would be dishonest to claim that it didn’t. Someone willing to spend $200 on a gaming keyboard is going to be getting a better product than someone who spends $50. But, the difference isn’t as glaring as you might think.
The cost of technology doesn’t scale evenly. The more you pay the better your product is, but that is not relative to the increase in price. For example, if you spend $50 on a keyboard you are going to be getting a far, far, better product than a $10 keyboard. If you spend $200 you are going to be getting a better keyboard than the $50 model, but the difference isn’t quite so stark.
What can I expect from a gaming keyboard that costs less than $50?
$50 will still get you a nice gaming keyboard, you are still getting reliability and sturdiness. You can expect your keyboard to have the most basic functions and customizability, it won’t do anything flashy or special, what it will do is work as a reliable keyboard. Its good for typing, gaming, and should be easy to use.
If you are spending $50 on a keyboard that confuses the hell out of you, you’re wasting your money. Don’t trust a product that claims to do too much.
If you are buying a $50 keyboard with more “features” than a $200 one then you are probably getting ripped off. There is a reason for price differences, and it isn’t just capitalist greed.
To reiterate, you can find good keyboards for $50. Just make sure your expectations are realistic.
The 5 Best Gaming Keyboards Under $50
Price comparison chart for all 5 Numpads:
| Keyboard | Price Comparison |
|---|---|
| Tecware Phantom 87 | $$$$ |
| Corsair K55 | $$$$$ |
| Red Dragon K552 Kumara | $$ |
| Eagle Tech KGO10 | $$$ |
| Havit Rainbow | $ |
Per Amazon rules, I can’t disclose exact prices. This is a visual representation of the price compared to each other. The more “$” means a higher price comparatively.
There are many, many, gaming keyboards on the market. Most of them are under $50, too. The problem is finding the ones that are under $50 but are still worth the money. Just because you are spending less doesn’t mean you should settle for less. Get the best keyboard you can find for your budget.
I believe that any of these five keyboards are great. Each would serve you well, without breaking the bank. That being said, picking the model that you want is important. If none on the list catch your eye, that’s fine, hopefully, the earlier parts of this article will help you identify one that does.
These keyboards are not in any particular order, as comparing them directly can be a little tricky. Here are the five best gaming keyboards for under $50:
Tecware Phantom 87
The Tecware Phantom 87 is a great mechanical keyboard. It is, in my opinion, one of the best value for money keyboards around. It is pretty great, it does everything you could want your keyboard to do and more.
It can customize all of its keys individually, changing its color to be anything you like. You can create your very own color schemes and patterns, for fun or even to serve a purpose. For example, highlight important keys such as the QWER keys if you are playing games like League of Legends.
It has a low point of actuation, as most mechanical keyboards do, which can be seen as good or bad depending on your perspective.
Features
The Tecware Phantom 87 has quite a few interesting features, especially given its price. You might be surprised to find so much functionality from such a cheap keyboard, that’s part of what makes it so great. If there weren’t so many reviews addressing it, you might even think it was a little suspicious. Here are the key features of this keyboard:
- RGB backlight.
- Mechanical.
- Customizable light patterns.
- USB Cable.
- Different colored frames are available.
- A low point of actuation.
- Swappable keycaps.
Final thoughts
This keyboard might be my favorite of the bunch, it has a very sleek and cool look. It looks exactly as a mechanical keyboard should, without the hefty price tag.
That being said, there are a few drawbacks. Some people don’t like the Outemu switches. It is possible to swap them of course but that must be factored into the price. That being said, if you don’t mind the switches you are getting a great keyboard. It does everything you could want it to and more.
Lastly, if I had to make one complaint it would be the point of actuation. Having to press the keys down so far is not always ideal in fast-paced gaming situations. This is a minor issue, though.
If you’d like to learn more or read more reviews, check it out on Amazon.
Corsair K55
The Corsair K55 is very similar to the Tecware in a lot of ways. It too has an RGB backlight, it too comes with a decent amount of customization. But, that’s about where the aesthetic similarities end.
The Corsair is a membrane keyboard, not mechanical. It feels more like a laptop keyboard in that regard. The Corsair is quite ergonomic, it comes with a comfortable wrist rest making it great for long gaming sessions. Getting sore wrists and hands can take the fun out of gaming real quick.
Features
The Corsair is a pretty basic keyboard in terms of looks. It isn’t particularly flashy and its membrane style means there isn’t much depth to it. It has a high point of actuation, making it good for typing as well as gaming. Here is a breakdown of all the best features of the Corsair k55:
- Sleek frame.
- RGB backlight.
- Ergonomic.
- Membrane.
- Good for typing.
- USB cable.
- A high point of actuation.
Final thoughts
The Corsair is a pretty great keyboard, how well it works as a gaming keyboard is a little more preferential. Some people like membrane keyboards for gaming, some don’t. This is the biggest thing to consider when deciding if this keyboard is for you. Versus, say, the Tecware.
This keyboard is very thin, and very low, which I find makes it easier to use over long periods. This is important for gamers, as we tend to lose track of time. That “one more turn” mentality can lead to some sore eyes and sore wrists in before we finally call it a day. This keyboard helps relieve that somewhat.
If you’d like to learn more or read more reviews, check it out on Amazon.
Red Dragon K552 Kumara
The Red Dragon is an awesome keyboard. The name is cool as heck, and the keyboard fits the description. This is a mechanical keyboard with great switches, MX Cherry Blues, which are about as good as you can get when it comes to keyboards.
The Red Dragon is pretty comfortable and easy to use, which is why it made its way onto this list.
It does have one feature that is a bit of a coin toss whether you like it or you don’t. Its a 60% keyboard, meaning it only has 60% of the keys. It doesn’t have a Numpad. Which, for gaming, is fine. Not so much for typing though.
Features
The Red Dragon has some great features, even for a 60% keyboard it does pretty darn well at everything. Again, losing keys will mean you have lost some functionality. But not a lot, at least, not for gamers. Here is a breakdown of all the best features of the Red Dragon K552.
- Ergonomic.
- Great backlighting.
- Very sturdy.
- Mechanical switches.
- 12 unique function keys.
- Aluminum frame making it strong but light.
- Programmable backlighting.
Final thoughts
The Dragon is a cool keyboard. It looks as a gaming keyboard should, works like a more expensive one, and comes for a very fair price. If you look at it this way, you are getting 60% of the keyboard for the same $50. On one hand, you lose out on 40% of the keyboard. On the other hand, the 60% that you do have is almost twice as good. The dragon is a great gaming keyboard for traveling.
If you’d like to learn more or read more reviews, check it out on Amazon.
Eagle Tech KG010
The Eagle Tech KG010 is one of the best keyboards out there. It is a “light” version of the Corsair k70. It makes a cheaper yet equally functional alternative to that very popular keyboard.
This keyboard is mechanical, meaning you get all the features that tend to bring with it. Low actuation, good feedback, and a pleasant click-clack noise as you type.
As a gaming keyboard, it works pretty darn well. It has floating caps, meaning the RGB backlighting is exaggerated. It looks cool and even serves a purpose. They make it very easy to differentiate between each key, even in the dark.
Features
The Eagle Tech KG010 is a good keyboard. It looks great, works great, and is quite reliable. It does everything a mechanical keyboard should, minus some of the extra customizability. While you can swap caps out, it isn’t easy. Here is a breakdown of all the best features of this keyboard:
- Full-sized mechanical.
- RGB backlight.
- Floating keys.
- A low point of actuation.
- Nice feedback and tactile-ness
- Aluminum frame.
Final thoughts
The Eagle Tech KG010 is a good keyboard. It does what you need it to, it doesn’t try to be something it’s not and is very reliable. The keyboard’s aluminum frame makes it light yet sturdy and it looks good.
I might be inclined to argue that if you are going mechanical, the dragon is better. But, they are just different. The Eagle is better for typing and has more functionality. Which one you choose is up to you.
My, and many other peoples, only gripe with this keyboard is how loud it is. It is VERY loud. All mechanical keyboards will “click-clack” to some extent, this one takes it to another level. The noise is fine, but if you are planning on using it in an office or public space you will get looks. Your friends will hear you pressing keys over coms too unless you have a really good headset.
If you’d like to learn more or read more reviews, check it out on Amazon.
Havit Rainbow
The Havit Rainbow is precisely what a gaming keyboard should look like. Rainbow backlight, textured, sharp jagged edges, it just looks good. If you are buying a gaming keyboard, why not buy one that looks the part?
The Havit lives and breathes gaming. Literally, its RGB backlight breathes. It gives the keyboard some life, making it cool to just own. It works well, too.
It is a membrane keyboard, meaning its easy to use for gaming or typing. It comes with all the keys of a full keyboard. None of this 60% nonsense! Since it is a gaming keyboard, it has a few neat features you might be interested in.
For example, the WASD keys can be swapped out for different ones. If you are gaming, chances are you use those keys the most. Making sure you have the exact right keys for you can improve your comfort and effectiveness.
Features
The Havit is a great keyboard, it goes above and beyond what is expected (in most regards) and does so without feeling the need to jack up the price. The Havit rainbow will make a great addition to your gaming setup. To understand why here is a breakdown of all the features:
- Rainbow backlight.
- Breathing lights.
- Swappable keys.
- Gaming focussed.
- Full 104 keys.
- Membrane keyboard.
- Ergonomic shape.
- It is pretty darn cool.
Final thoughts
The Havit Rainbow is a great all-around keyboard, it does everything well. I like its style, and its attempt to be customizable. But, it does have some drawbacks.
Since it is a membrane, swapping out keys isn’t easy. Only the WASD swap easily. Which is fine, but that leaves 100 other keys that must be left as is. This is fair enough for the price, but something that should be considered by any potential buyers.
If you are looking for a keyboard that can be used normally in everyday life when sending emails for work perhaps, this keyboard might be the one. Just, don’t bring it into the office. It may look cool but it does NOT look professional.
If you’d like to learn more or read more reviews, check it out on Amazon.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has answered any questions you may have had about gaming keyboards. Specifically, those under $50. Just because you are trying to buy on a budget doesn’t mean you need to purchase a low-end product.
As you can see, there are so many great keyboards out there well within your price range. These five are just some of the best. It is important to be realistic about what you are getting.
You will get a great keyboard with any of the options here, but they are still $50 keyboards. My advice would be to pick the one that suits your needs. If its purely for gaming, the Dragon would be my choice. If it is for everyday use, the Havit might be the way to go.
The choice is yours, of course. And as always good luck and happy typing!
If you want to see more of my product reviews, check out my Guides and Reviews category!