6 best budget mechanical keyboards (2023): 60%, wireless, full-size & low-profile
A budget mechanical keyboard was not something you could really get just a few years ago, but prices have come down and there are now plenty of options that make for a best pick in 2023 if you're in the market for a new bit of kit.
Mechanical keyboards are the big thing in typing hardware these days, with the tactile feel and ergonomics becoming very popular in recent years.
The best of these mechanical keyboards can be very expensive, but thankfully the cheaper options have become much better over time - so here are our picks for the best budget options for mechanical keyboards across 60%, wireless, full-size, and low-profile options in 2023.
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How we choose the best budget mechanical keyboard
Click to enlargeThere are quite a few factors that we considered when selecting the various options for the best budget mechanical keyboard within this guide. Features like hot-swappable switches, build quality, switch types, and overall design were key when deciding our choices.
Furthermore, we have tried to select a range of different sizes as well to cater to everyone's own preference, whether you prefer the options afforded by a full-size, the compact nature of a 60%, low-profile, or even the cheapest option.
So, check out our choices below to find out what the best mechanical keyboard is in 2023:
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Best entry budget mechanical keyboard
Redragon K552
Click to enlargeThe Redragon K552 is a relatively cheap mechanical keyboard that you can pick up when on a budget. With this lower price point, you are obviously going to have to make some sacrifices, but there is still a lot to enjoy about the K552.
It is an 87-key design complete with arrow keys, the function row, and nine auxiliary keys to the right too. It has customisable RGB with 19 different lighting modes if you can't get enough of the colours.
There are also three switch options, with Outemu Red, Brown, and Blue depending on your preference of sound and feel. These aren't going to be the best, but for a cheaper keyboard you can't really complain.
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Best budget 60% mechanical keyboard
Kemove Shadow
Click to enlargeIf you're looking for something a little more compact, then the Kemove Shadow is the perfect choice for you. For a budget keyboard, you're getting a fully hot-swappable wireless keyboard with high-quality PBT keycaps, which is frankly excellent.
You do of course lose the function row and arrow keys when moving to 60%, but you would be surprised how much you won't miss them once you make the jump. They are of course still here, just hidden behind FN shortcuts, so it's not like you're completely without them either.
This keyboard is perfect if you've not got a lot of desk space, or if you want a super clean and minimal set-up. Complete with the ever-reliable Gateron Brown switches, you can't go wrong with the KEYMOVE Shadow.
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Best budget full-size mechanical keyboard
Royal Kludge RK98
Click to enlargeThe Royal Kludge RK98 is the best budget mechanical keyboard option if you're wanting a full-size model. Complete with all 98 keys but also space-optimised, the RK98 will give you all you need within a single key press.
It has three means of connectivity too - USB-C, Bluetooth 5.1, and 2.4Ghz wireless - so you can set it up exactly how you want. Hot-swappable Red switches complete this top-budget keyboard that will both sound and feel great for a more than reasonable price. You even get some lovely blue keycaps to spice up your setup too.
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Best budget low-profile mechanical keyboard
Keychron K3
Click to enlargeWhilst one of the more expensive budget mechanical keyboards, the Keychron K3 is worth every single cent. Keychron is one of the best keyboard brands out there for those wanting to step into the enthusiast space, and the K3 is their budget low-profile option.
With the low profile design, you get a 'flatter' keyboard with a shorter actuation distance, and it is much more akin to the feel of a laptop keyboard. Pair this with the 75% design and you get a more compact design that looks very professional overall.
The K3 is even hot-swappable if you fancy another switch type or if one of your switches happens to break too. If you're wanting to spend a little more but get an amazing mechanical keyboard experience, there are few better options than the Keychron K3.
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Best-looking budget mechanical keyboard
Womier S-K75
Click to enlargeIf you're looking to add a visual flair to your setup while still remaining on a budget, then there are few better choices than the Womier S-K75.
Featuring a white transparent case and keycaps, the Womier S-K75 is definitely one of the best-looking budget mechanical keyboards that you can pick up in 2023 - especially if you're a lover of RGB.
You're also getting key features here like a hot-swappable PCB and a gasket-mounted frame, which are not what you might typically see at its current low price point.
You are also getting the 75% form factor which is a personal favourite of ours, keeping the compactness of a 60% while maintaining all of the necessary inputs like the function row and arrow keys.
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Best budget mechanical keyboard with optical switches
Razer Huntsman Mini
Click to enlargeWhilst the KEMOVE Shadow is the best budget mechanical keyboard if you're looking for a 60% option with as low a price tag as possible, the Razer Huntsman Mini is what you should go for if you're willing to spend just a little bit more for some added benefits.
The 60% form factor and aluminium frame make for a durable and portable gaming keyboard on the go as expected. However, the true benefit of the Razer Huntsman Mini mechanical keyboard lies in its Razer Linear Optical switch technology. Utilising beam-based actuation, key presses will be registered at the speed of light - which is a 15-30% shorter actuation distance than traditional mechanical switches.
For gamers wanting to equip themselves with an edge whilst still not being too hard on their bank account, the Razer Huntsman Mini is the one for you.
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Why buy a mechanical keyboard?
Click to enlargeIf you've not tried one before, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about mechanical keyboards. As opposed to your standard off-the-shelf or membrane boards, mechanical keyboards offer a far more tactile experience, but the pros don't just stop there.
They are far more customisable, coming in a variety of different shapes, sizes, colours, and feels, so you really can find the perfect keyboard for you. Mechanical keyboards tend to feel more responsive which is great for both typing and gaming as you get a better feel for your key presses.
Furthermore, they are perfect if you want something to customise and enhance. All of the individual switches can be removed, replaced, or lubed to improve the feel and acoustics of your keyboard. Furthermore, you can add additional support like foam to the inside of your keyboard to make typing feel even more satisfying.
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Mechanical keyboard switches explained
Click to enlargeYou might also be confused about the differences between the various mechanical switches. In short, the switch defines both the sound and feel of each key press, with the three main types of switches being linear (smooth/silent), tactile (semi-click/bumpy), and clicky (loud).
You will usually see keyboards fitted with Red (linear), Brown (tactile), or Blue (clicky) switches, and there is no 'best' option of the three. There are also a number of different colours too, which all fall into the three main categories.
If you're using the keyboard in a shared environment, it's best to go for linear switches to reduce the noise, but other than that you're free to choose what you think feels and sounds best.
Getting a hot-swappable keyboard is also a great option if you're unsure, as you can change the switch type at any point if you want to try something new.
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So, that wraps up this guide on the best budget mechanical keyboard in 2023, giving you a wide range of choices that will hopefully suit you well.
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