Keyboard Buyer's Guide - PC Guide https://www.pcguide.com Practical Guides to PC & Tech at Home, Work, and Play Tue, 28 May 2024 13:19:53 +0000 en-US https://www.pcguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/PCguide-favicon-75x75.png Keyboard Buyer's Guide - PC Guide https://www.pcguide.com 32 32 Best gaming keyboard for Modern Warfare 3: top overall, pro, compact and budget picks https://www.pcguide.com/keyboard/guide/best-for-modern-warfare-3/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=239749 Thu, 05 Oct 2023 13:08:17 +0100 Best PS5 keyboard and mouse combo in 2024: Our top compatible choices https://www.pcguide.com/keyboard/guide/best-ps5-keyboard-mouse-combo/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=231008 Mon, 04 Sep 2023 18:10:35 +0100 Best gaming keyboard & mouse combo in 2024 – wired, RGB and budget picks https://www.pcguide.com/keyboard/guide/best-gaming-mouse-combo/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=228381 Thu, 24 Aug 2023 13:03:10 +0100 Best Logitech gaming keyboard in 2024 – wireless, 80%, premium and budget picks https://www.pcguide.com/keyboard/guide/best-logitech-gaming/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=228318 Thu, 24 Aug 2023 10:53:02 +0100 Best gaming keypads in 2023 https://www.pcguide.com/reviews/best-gaming-keypad/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=9208 Fri, 28 Apr 2023 15:34:23 +0100 Best quiet mechanical keyboards in 2024 – for office, gaming, and typing https://www.pcguide.com/keyboard/guide/best-quiet-mechanical/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=21984 Fri, 28 Apr 2023 09:55:35 +0100 Best Gaming Keyboard Under $100 in 2024 https://www.pcguide.com/keyboard/guide/best-gaming-under-100/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=24220 Thu, 27 Apr 2023 15:24:07 +0100 Best Keyboard for Programming in 2023 – our top picks for programmers https://www.pcguide.com/keyboard/guide/best-for-programming/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=23358 Thu, 27 Apr 2023 14:54:14 +0100 Best Gaming Keyboard Under $50 Comfortable and customizable

Corsair K55 Macros: 6 dedicated keys Backlighting: 3-Zone RGB Media Keys: Dedicated Wrist-rest: YesView Latest DealRead Full Review

Vibrant RGB keyboard

Razer Cynosa Chroma Macros: Yes, no dedicated keys Backlighting: Razer Chroma Media Keys: Function row Wrist-rest: NoView Latest DealRead Full Review

Best cheap

VicTsing Mechanical Keyboard Macros: No Backlighting: None Media Keys: Function row Wrist-rest: NoView Latest DealRead Full Review

RGB backlighting

Cooler Master Devastator 3 Macros: No Backlighting: 7 color LED Media Keys: Dedicated Wrist-rest: NoView Latest DealRead Full Review

Compact and simple

Redragon K552 Macros: No Backlighting: Red Media Keys: Function row Wrist-rest: NoView Latest DealRead Full Review

1. Corsair K55

Comfortable and customizable keyboard Macros: 6 dedicated keys Backlighting: 3-Zone RGB Media Keys: Dedicated Wrist-rest: Yes Customizable RGB lighting Six dedicated macro keys Mediocre switchesCheck Price on AmazonIf you’ve been around computers for a while, either for work or for gaming, then you have probably heard of a macro. A macro is when a key is programmed to trigger a more complex series of actions or perform a task. This is very useful in games like MMOs where certain combinations or series of moves are reliably used together, and can also be used in work such as editing and spreadsheets.If you’re looking for the best mechanical keyboard under $50 for macros, then the Corsair K55 is a great choice. It sports six programmable macros keys along the left side of the keyboard that can be customized in Corsair’s iCUE software. Along with macros, you can also customize the three zone RGB lighting from the iCUE software to personalize the look of your keyboard.This is also the best RGB mechanical keyboard under $50 for comfort thanks to the included wrist rest. Corsair’s wrist rests are firm and made from a rubberized material that offers a good grip and good build quality that is sure to last.There are dedicated media switches on the top right that opt for volume up and volume down buttons rather than a wheel like some of the more premium Corsair keyboard options. The main drawback to this budget-friendly keyboard is that it does not use mechanical switches like the other keyboards in Corsair’s K-series, but instead uses some underwhelming rubber dome switches.

2. Razer Cynosa Chroma

Vibrant RGB keyboard Macros: Yes, no dedicated keys Backlighting: Razer Chroma Media Keys: Function row Wrist-rest: No Highly customizable RGB On the fly macro recording Spill resistant Software has some issuesCheck Price on AmazonRazer has built a name for itself by building vibrant products that also offer top of the line performance. Usually, however, to get your hands on Razer products involves a significant financial investment. This is not the case though with the Cynosa Chroma.The Cynosa Chroma is the best budget gaming keyboard on our list for those looking for vibrant and highly customizable RGB lighting. Razer’s Synapse software allows for an incredible level of customization and lets you choose from 16.8 million colors to set up custom patterns and color schemed for your keyboard.This affordable Razer keyboard is also great for macro users. While it doesn’t have any dedicated macro keys like the Corsair model we just looked at, this one does have a shortcut that allows you to record new macros on the fly.With all that said, the Cynosa uses the newest version of Razer Synapse, version 3, which still has some issues to work and can still be a bit finicky at times. (Although this issue is a bigger problem for basically all of the Razer keyboards at this point no matter the price point.)

3. VicTsing Mechanical Keyboard

Best cheap gaming keyboard with mechanical switches Macros: No Backlighting: None Media Keys: Function row Wrist-rest: No Mechanical switches Compact layout No backlighting or macrosCheck Price on AmazonIf you’ve ever used a mechanical keyboard before then you know that there really is no going back. The consistent and satisfying feel of mechanical switches simply cannot be beaten by the mushy feel of rubber domes or other types of switches.If you’re looking for a mechanical keyboard that won’t break the bank then the VicTsing mechanical keyboard is a great option (If you’re less interested in budget keyboards than mechanical keyboards, then check out the best on the market). It features similar switches to the popular Cherry MX Blues that boast a tactile bump at the actuation point and an audible click.Needless to say at this price point though you won’t be getting real Cherry switches, but VicTsing claims these switches are rated for 50 million clicks, meaning they will last for years. This keyboard also has drainage slots and other water-resistant design features that make it even more durable and reliable. This is a nice addition since mechanical switches are usually not as water resistant as rubber domes.

4. Cooler Master Devastator 3

Mechanical feel keyboard with RGB backlighting Macros: No Backlighting: 7 color LED Media Keys: Dedicated Wrist-rest: No RGB backlighting Mechnical feel switches No macrosCheck Price on AmazonWhile the last keyboard we looked at had real mechanical switches, it was lacking some of the other features that gamers rely on. Namely, it was missing backlighting, which is incredibly important when trying to find the right key in the heat of battle in the dark of night.The next keyboard we’re looking at, the Cooler Master Devastator 3, not only has mechanical feeling switches but also has LED backlighting that you can change between seven colors. It is important to point out that this keyboard actually has membrane switches, but uses Cooler Master’s mechanical switch to offer the feel of real mechanical switches.Like the last switches we looked at, these try and emulate the Cherry MX Blue switch meaning it has a tactile bump and audible click. While the mechanical design offers good reliability and a nice feel they are definitely softer and less definite feeling when bottoming out because of it.

5. Redragon K552

Compact and simple gaming keyboard Macros: No Backlighting: Red Media Keys: Function row Wrist-rest: No Compact layout Surprisingly durable No macrosCheck Price on AmazonThe last keyboard on our list also uses custom mechanical switches that try and emulate the popular Cherry MX Blue switch. These switches do a much better job than the Cooler Master option and feel pretty convincing even when bottoming out.Even more impressive than the keys though is the durability of this keyboard for the price. The frame of the Redragon K552 is made from mostly metal and is very solid. The mechanical key switches are also durable, and even the keycaps are impressively constructed. The keycaps don’t wear easily and don’t end up with the glossy shine that many cheap keycaps tend to develop over time.The keyboard is backlit with red LED lights and unfortunately cannot be customized through software for either the lighting or macros. That said, there are several versions available including multi-colored RGB instead of red, and a white frame instead of black.

How to Pick the Best Gaming Keyboard Under $50 for Your Needs

Keyboards are a very subjective matter, and while one keyboard may offer an excellent experience for one person it may offer a terrible one for someone else. For this reason, it’s important to know what to look for when shopping for a good gaming keyboard under $50.Below we’re going to take an in-depth look at a few of the most important factors to keep an eye out for when shopping for a budget-friendly keyboard.

Macro Keys

Macros keys are used in many programs ranging from games to real work in order to get things done with fewer keystrokes. Macro keys are typically programmed in software and then used to trigger a series of key presses or actions.This is very useful in games like MMOs where a given series of abilities or actions can achieve reliable outcomes while playing. Macros are also used in things like video editing and spreadsheet work to help perform repetitive tasks more quickly and with fewer keystrokes.If you’re a macro fanatic then the Corsair K55 is a great option thanks to its six dedicated macro buttons on the left side. The Razer Cynosa is also a great option thanks to its on the fly macro recording capability.

Key Switches

Key switches are the component underneath the keycap that is responsible for sending the signal to the computer that a key has been pressed. For the most part, the key switch is responsible for determining how a given keyboard will feel and in some cases how long it will last.Mechanical key switches are generally considered the top of the line option and have a very consistent and satisfying feel paired with a very high level of durability. If you’re on the hunt for an affordable gaming keyboard with mechanical switches then either the Redragon K552 or the VicTsing mechanical keyboard are great options.Both of these keyboards try to use switches that emulate the popular Cherry MX Blue key switch which has tactile feedback and a sharp audible click when pressed. While you will not find keyboards using genuine Cherry MX switches at this price point, several manufacturers including these have gotten very close to replicating them.

Backlighting

Backlighting, like mechanical switches, is a feature that you might not be able to fully appreciate until you actually use it. Trying to type on a non-backlit keyboard after getting used to one is like trying to drive an 18 wheeler after riding around in a sports car.Being able to easily and clearly see the keys from any angle and in any lighting makes typing and gaming much quicker and easier. Additionally, RGB lighting lets you customize the look of your keyboard and give it a personalized touch.The Corsair and Razer keyboards on our list offer by far the best RGB lighting on our list, with the Razer option boasting arguably the best software with the most customization.]]> https://www.pcguide.com/keyboard/guide/best-gaming-keyboard-under-50/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=2649 Thu, 27 Apr 2023 13:36:48 +0100 Best Quiet Keyboard in 2024 https://www.pcguide.com/keyboard/guide/best-quiet/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=3578 Wed, 26 Apr 2023 15:37:42 +0100 Best Razer Keyboard in 2023 https://www.pcguide.com/keyboard/guide/best-razer/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=23088 Tue, 25 Apr 2023 13:13:10 +0100 Best 60% Keyboards in 2023 https://www.pcguide.com/keyboard/guide/best-60-percent/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=23305 Mon, 24 Apr 2023 11:58:06 +0100 Best Mechanical Keyboard Under $50 in 2023 https://www.pcguide.com/keyboard/guide/best-mechanical-under-50/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=21649 Fri, 21 Apr 2023 14:30:25 +0100 Best Cherry MX Brown Keyboard in 2024 https://www.pcguide.com/keyboard/guide/best-cherry-mx-brown/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=21716 Tue, 18 Apr 2023 15:59:19 +0100 Best Backlit Keyboards in 2024 (RGB, Wireless, Illuminated) https://www.pcguide.com/keyboard/guide/best-backlit/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=2884 Tue, 18 Apr 2023 12:37:31 +0100 Best Keyboard For Typing https://www.pcguide.com/keyboard/guide/best-for-typing/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=30860 Fri, 20 Aug 2021 14:41:01 +0100 Best Wireless Mechanical Keyboard in 2023 https://www.pcguide.com/keyboard/guide/best-wireless-mechanical/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=23582 Mon, 26 Apr 2021 14:54:12 +0100 Best TKL Mechanical Keyboard in 2023 https://www.pcguide.com/keyboard/guide/best-tkl-mechanical/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=22696 Tue, 30 Mar 2021 15:40:55 +0100 Best Bluetooth Keyboard in 2023 https://www.pcguide.com/keyboard/guide/best-bluetooth/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=21379 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 19:19:00 +0000 Best Budget Mechanical Keyboard in 2023 Razer Blackwidow Essential Proprietary switches Razer standard of quality Backlit Lack of customizabilitycheck price on amazonRazer, known for its wide range of gaming equipment, makes some of the best mechanical keyboards on the market. While these come at a premium price, they offer up a budget-friendly version of their ever-popular Blackwidow range - the Blackwidow Essential. This full-size mechanical keyboard, while being budget, still details a great overall build quality and Razer’s coveted mechanical switches. Due to these switches being made by Razer themselves, quality control is closely monitored, producing a life span of up to 80 million keystrokes, impressive numbers for a budget mechanical keyboard. The keys on this thing are also fully customizable, allowing you to map whatever functions you want and add macros, a handy feature for those who like to change keys around to suit their needs. In addition, the Blackwidow Essential also comes with Razer Hypershift enabling keys to have a second function, compounding the customizability aspect previously mentioned.While you’re still getting a brilliant Razer mechanical keyboard, there are some features that it is lacking in. It’s still backlit with the classic Razer green hue but that’s it, there’s no full RGB or any customization options. Furthermore, there’s also no wrist support bundled in, which at the price, you’d expect but compared to the likes of the Razer Huntsman Elite, you can really tell the difference in specs and quality. All things considered though, for a Razer mechanical keyboard that’s around $50, you can’t complain, the proprietary switches and overall build quality feel far superior to the price point.

AUKEY Mechanical Keyboard

Full RGB lighting Premium feeling switches Great build quality Cheaper feeling compared to other optionscheck price on amazonAUKEY, known for a portfolio of budget tech, has yet again produced a quality product while avoiding that premium price. Unlike the Razer Blackwidow Essential, you’ll be getting a mechanical keyboard that has full RGB, making it a much more appealing option for those looking to slot it into a colorful gaming setup. Coupled with the RGB, you’ll also see fantastic customizability options for said lighting with 9 preset lighting effects, and 2 slots for your own configurations. Moving over to the switches on this mechanical keyboard, we can see that AUKEY has utilized Outemu Blue switches, for great responsiveness and typing accuracy. Moreover, they have a lifespan of 50 million keystrokes, which is pretty stellar considering the price point. Yes, you’re not getting the up to 80 million that you get with the Blackwidow Essential but this longevity is more than enough for most. Looking further into durability, we can see double-shot-moulded ABS keycaps and a brushed metal panel making the keys and body extremely durable and abrasion-resistant.Performance-wise, you’re also not going to be disappointed. The AUKEY mechanical keyboard delivers full N-Key rollover and the aforementioned Outemu Blue switches providing stats such as 2.2 mm Pre-travel, 4 mm Actuator Travel, and 50 cN Actuation Force, compounding the accuracy and responsiveness previously stated. Overall, this budget mechanical keyboard offers some great performance vs price, detailing full, customizable RGB lighting, as well as those all-important Outemu Blue switches creating a great price-conscious pick that doesn’t skimp on features and build quality.

Redragon K552-RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Compact & portable Great build quality Full RGB lighting Premium feeling switches Lacking in customizabilitycheck price on amazonThe Redragon K552-RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is the first and only compact keyboard on this list, showcasing a slight variation in features, size, and build materials. Looking initially at the design, the first thing that you’ll notice is the lack of a number pad. Obviously, you don’t lose dedicated number keys completely as they are still situated in the regular place over the letters. This overall makes it very compact, fitting on even the smallest of desk spaces and giving you the portability aspect larger mechanical keyboards do not. Akin to the AUKEY option previously detailed, you’ll get full RGB backlighting but what it is lacking is the customization. You’ll still receive the option to adjust the brightness but there are no options to create user-specific gradients or effects. Moving over to the keys and switches we can see some decent build quality and specs. The Outemu Blue switches are equivalent to that of Cherry Blue MX providing 2mm keystroke travel, an actuation force of 50gf, and a durability of up to 50 million clicks. The keycaps are also precision engineered with top tier ergonomics in mind, allowing for easy typing and a comfortable all-round experience. Finally, looking at the base itself, we can see that it’s made of durable metal alloy, providing that toughness your typical plastic keyboard does not.Taking all of these features into consideration, this budget mechanical keyboard exudes that premium feeling you get from the most expensive keyboards and with its compact design, it looks a little more unique. You won't get the full RGB lighting customization you get with the AUKEY but this is something that we’d be happy to gloss over, especially when you get a better overall looking piece of kit.

Philips SPK8614 Mechanical Keyboard

Fantastic build quality Nice aesthetics Brilliant customizability options Full RGB lighting Wrist restcheck price on amazonPhilips and mechanical keyboards are something that you might not have expected to hear together. Of course, they are known for products like sound systems, TVs, and lighting, so they know their tech but peripherals like these may be unexpected. However, with the Philips SPK8614 mechanical keyboard, it's not only a great product but you’re getting it at a great price too. The design of this keyboard is more than stellar. It has a classy steel body and black RGB backlit keys that ooze premium. Additionally, this is the only budget mechanical keyboard in this list that includes a wrist rest, a welcomed addition for those at their screens for the majority of the day. Speaking of setting it apart from the rest, the RGB Ambiglow lighting is the best on this list. It has a crazy 19 breathing effects and three lighting key maps allowing you to tailor it to suit your individual wants and needs. Additionally, there’s a handy little dial to control these effects and adjust volume, another reason why this budget mechanical keyboard is special.Taking a look at the switches and their specs we can see that Philips has created proprietary blue switches that offer the mechanical feeling while also being silent, meaning they’re considering your fellow office workers sanity in mind. With these proprietary switches, you’ll receive full N-key rollover for superior accuracy as well as a 2mm key trigger sensitivity. Summing this keyboard up, we can see that while Philips aren’t known for their peripherals, this is a true achievement, providing a top tier product at a really low price. You’re getting great customization, build quality and the performance necessary for accurate and responsive typing.

Our Verdict

All in all, as mentioned earlier, you can get a really good mechanical keyboard on a budget. The options we’ve gone for provide some top mechanical switches, essential for gamers and typists alike while also being really aesthetically pleasing, fitting into gaming setups as well as the more traditional office environments. This is proven especially by the Philips SPK8614 mechanical keyboard. However, while all of our budget mechanical keyboard picks do have some respectable build quality, you do get what you pay for. So, rather than opting for the Razer Blackwidow for example, if you want better switches, more premium materials, and general longevity, you’re going to have to have deeper pockets and opt for a Razer Huntsman Elite variant.

Things to consider

Sizes

As shown with our picks above, you can get mechanical keyboards in different sizes. You can have a full layout, or the more compact layout, dropping that right-hand number pad. You might think ‘what’s the point in losing the number pad?’ well, for those with limited space, a smaller keyboard will be beneficial especially on those smaller desks. Additionally, gamers who don’t utilize that section at all have no need for it, so opting for the more compact variant seems a sensible choice. They’re lighter and more portable too thus making it far easier to transport to those pro gaming events.

Switches

So, while all of the keyboards we have listed have mechanical switches, there are in fact different variants, giving keystrokes varied feedback and overall feeling. Paying a more premium price for the likes of Cherry MX Black switches means you’ll be getting optimal performance but even with Outemu Blue switches, you’ll still get that mechanical feeling and much better typing experience than that of the bog-standard keyboards you usually see.

Aesthetics

Aesthetics are not the most important aspect but one that certainly needs to be considered, especially when trying to get that perfect setup. If you’re a gamer that wants an RGB backlit mechanical keyboard or one that slots right into a color-coordinated office, there is a wide range of designs out there. Additionally, due to the customizability levels of keyboards themselves, you can change the keycaps to revamp the whole look, making it last longer in the process.]]> https://www.pcguide.com/keyboard/guide/best-budget-mechanical/ https://www.pcguide.com/?p=9221 Tue, 07 Apr 2020 13:50:58 +0100