Best Gaming Keyboard Under $50

A gaming keyboard is one of the essential pieces of any gamer’s setup. That relatively small piece of equipment can easily be the difference between winning and losing and between owning and getting owned.

Unfortunately, just like any professional high-quality gaming piece, you have to pay a large sum of money to get a good gaming keyboard. That’s precisely why today, we’ve gone on ahead and created a list of the best gaming keyboards under $50. Those gems are hidden and scattered all over the market, but we have got them right here, for you. 

All of the following models are excellent keyboards that are well constructed, withstand heavy use, and enjoy long lifespans.

At A Glance

  1. Corsair K55 RGB  – Best Overall
  2. Redragon K552  – Runner-Up
  3. VicTsing Full Outemu – Mode-Variety Pick
  4. Cooler Master Devastator 3 – Best Keyboard and Mouse Combo
  5. HAVIT RAINBOW BACKLIT – Budget Pick
  6. HyperX Alloy Core – Best Durability
  7. Velocifire TKL02 – Luxury Pick

The 7 Best Gaming Keyboards Under $50

Now, let’s get to the gaming keyboards that’ll help you dominate the game, whether you’re playing an MMO, RPG, or even an FPS game.

1. Corsair K55 RGB – Best Overall

Corsair K55 RGB

Our number one pick for the best gaming keyboard under $50 is the Corsair K55 RGB, an all-rounder budget gaming keyboard that comes with macro keys and media keys as well.

The Corsair K55 RGB is a wired gaming keyboard with customizable RGB lighting, allowing you to customize the keyboard’s backlight to your liking fully. The backlight is a 3-Zoned RGB, and that provides you with different and vivid customizable colors.

Moving on from that, this keyboard comes with media keys, enabling you to change the music, alternate its sound level, and perform other tasks without exiting your ongoing gaming session. This is pretty useful as leaving during an ongoing game to lower or raise a song’s sound can drastically alter your end result.

Moreover, you get 6 macro keys; what are macro keys, you might wonder? They’re keys that you can assign a specific group of tasks to. They’re instrumental, especially in MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) games, where you’ll require certain prompts to be performed in quick succession.

Not only that, but the Corsair K55 RGB also sports a Windows key lock that prevents you from cutting your gaming-sessions short if you happen to press the wrong button. Plus, it’s entirely dust and spill-resistant.

Furthermore, you’ll have detachable wrist rests with rubber inserts. The said rests are well made and will come in handy for long game-sessions. Additionally, this keyboard has responsive tactic feedback that’s very similar to that of a mechanical keyboard, which is practical and comfortable at the same time.

Unfortunately, there aren’t any products without cons, and in the case of the Corsair K55 RGB, it’s its membrane key switches. It’s not that they’re low quality, but gamers eventually tend to go for mechanical keyboards over membrane ones.

What We Like:

  • 6 macro keys
  • Media keys
  • Dust and spill-resistant
  • 3-Zone customizable RGB
  • Windows lock key

What We Don’t Like:

  • Comes with subpar membrane keys

Final Verdict

The fact that the Corsair K55 RGB comes with membrane keys instead of mechanical ones doesn’t take away much from it. Its 6 macro keys, dedicated media keys, and 3-Zone customizable RGB totally make up for it.

2. Redragon K552 – Runner-Up

Redragon K552

The Redragon K552 is a mechanical tenkeyless gaming keyboard; it’s perfect for gamers with a small space. But it still hits big with its quality and excellent features.

For starters, it features 12 dedicated media and multimedia arrows, which allow you to fully control the music or media that you’re listening to while gaming without having to exit. 

Additionally, the Redragon K552 is a wired gaming keyboard that’s dustproof. Plus, it comes in two colors, either black or white. There are no differences between the two colors, and both of them come with rainbow backlighting.

That’s in addition to the mechanical key switches that provide you with excellent tactile feedback and medium resistance. You’ll enjoy hitting every button while hearing that satisfying ‘click.’ 

All of that is a result of the mechanical blue switches known for their high-quality and fantastic performance. The switches are ergonomically designed from a steel series, granting them durability and making them very comfortable to use.

But, the Redragon K552 lacks a numerical pad; this isn’t a real drawback unless you depend on it consistently. Also, it doesn’t have either macro keys or wrist rests.

 What We Like:

  • Mechanical keys
  • Rainbow backlighting
  • Medium resistance
  • Ergonomically designed
  • Dustproof
  • 12 dedicated multimedia keys

What We Don’t Like:

  • No Numpad
  • No macro keys
  • No wrist rests

Final Verdict

The Redragon K552 is a fantastic gaming keyboard for less than 50$. It sports some of the best mechanical keys, comes with backlighting, and is totally dustproof.

3. VicTsing Mechanical Keyboard – Mode-Variety Pick

VicTsing Mechanical Keyboard.

For our third pick, we have another mechanical keyboard, and that’s the VicTsing Mechanical Keyboard. This excellent device sports durable blue switches with a long lifespan.

This gaming keyboard is well-constructed – made out of metal and ABS. They grant it both durability and longevity. Plus, it has an ergonomic design as well as a honeycomb hand rest, which works on relieving your hand’s stress and strain levels, making you as comfortable as possible.

Moving on, the VicTsing Mechanical Keyboard has a rainbow backlit design that comes with nine different modes. Now, these modes include streaming, racing, and breathing, to name a few attributes. Also, you can fully customize the keyboard’s brightness and lighting to your liking.

As we’ve previously mentioned, it comes with mechanical blue switches, which are incredibly durable and have a long lifespan. Not only that, but you’ll be getting that crisp ‘click’ sound every time around. Plus, the VicTsing guarantees that the keys can withstand up to 50 million clicks before wearing out.

As a plus, the VicTsing Mechanical Keyboard employs multiple water-resistant techniques like its water-resistant design. Furthermore, it also comes with a Windows lock key that’ll prevent you from exiting the game if you press the wrong button.

Sadly, it doesn’t contain any macro keys, and the media keys are in the form of a function row.

What We Like:

  • Blue switches
  • Made out of metal and ABS
  • Rainbow backlight
  • 9 modes
  • Water-resistant design
  • Keys can withstand up to 50 million clicks

What We Don’t Like:

  • No macro keys

Final Verdict

The VicTsing Mechanical Keyboard is a fantastic budget gaming keyboard for its blue switch mechanical keys and its water-resistant design. It also comes with an ergonomically designed hand wrist, has keys that can withstand up to 50 million clicks, and is pretty robust and durable.

4. Cooler Master Devastator 3 – Best Keyboard and Mouse Combo

 Cooler Master Devastator 3

Being a keyboard and mouse combo that’s a perfect fit for those in need of a budget gaming keyboard, the Cooler Master Devastator 3 is backlit and comes with media keys as well.

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The backlighting on this keyboard is truly a sight for sore eyes; the colors are vibrant and vivid. You can easily change between seven colors, so you’ll never lose sight of the key that you want to press in the dark.

Moreover, there are six media buttons along the keyboard’s top; they allow you to stop, play/pause, play the previous track, play the next track, raise the volume, and lower it. They’re truly a blessing when you need to adjust your music without exiting your game.

Furthermore, the keypads have laser etchings and are grip coated, which maximizes your grip and eliminates the chance of your fingers slipping, of you pressing the wrong button, or missing the button entirely. Also, the bottom side comes with anti-slide rubbers all over it.

The Cooler Master Devastator 3 comes with membrane key switches. However, they use the Master’s mechanical switch to try to emulate and feel and sound of mechanical switches, and they succeeded in their quest. The audible click and tactile bump are spot-on. However, when bottoming out, you’ll feel that the switches are softer.

What We Like:

  • 7 colors
  • 6 media buttons
  • Laser-etched and grip coated buttons
  • Backlight
  • Use the Master’s mechanical switch to emulate the feel of mechanical switches.

What We Don’t Like:

  • Membrane keys

Final Verdict

If what you desire is a gaming keyboard with membrane keys but with mechanical ones’ feel and sound, then go for the Master’s mechanical switch. It’s backlit, has 7 colors, and comes with six different media buttons.

5. HAVIT RAINBOW BACKLIT – Budget Pick

HAVIT RAINBOW BACKLIT with backlighting

This is our second keyboard and gaming mouse combo, but this time, it’s the HAVIT RAINBOW BACKLIT with backlighting and 5 dedicated multimedia buttons.

This keyboard sports membrane keys that are very similar to the previous model, the Cooler Master Devastator 3, and just like it, these membrane keys dish out the feel and sound of mechanical ones to take your gaming experience to the next level.

Moving on from the keys and to the backlighting of the HAVIT RAINBOW, similar to its name, the whole keyboard has the colors a rainbow. Furthermore, the 5 multimedia keys allow you to control the music without quitting your gaming session.

On another note, the HAVIT RAINBOW comes with a Windows lock key that’ll prevent you from exiting your game if you press on it by mistake. Plus, you have an ergonomically designed wrist rest to relieve your hand from any stress you pick-up from extensive gaming sessions.

Another great feature that the HAVIT RAINBOW has is the fact that you can change the WASD keys; you can either change them with the arrow keys or change them into whatever keys you like. Add that to the comfort spacebar and the 19 conflict-free keys, and you’ve got yourself a nearly unrivaled gaming keyboard for less than $50.

Unfortunately, as we previously discussed, it comes with membrane keys, which many gamers don’t prefer. Additionally, it lacks any macro keys.

What We Like:

  • Interchangeable WASD buttons
  • 19 conflict-free keys
  • Windows lock key
  • Comfort space bar
  • Wrist rest
  • 5 multimedia keys

What We Don’t Like:

  • Membrane keys
  • No macro keys

Final Verdict

The HAVIT RAINBOW is an excellent gaming keyboard and gaming mouse combo. The wired keyboard is backlit, has 5 multimedia keys and a comfort spacebar. Moreover, the wrist rest and interchangeable WASD keys only add to its already exceptional value without inflating the user-friendly price tag.

6. HyperX Alloy Core – Best Durability 

The HyperX Alloy Core

The HyperX Alloy Core is all about being quiet and having unique colors. It has an RGB radiant lighting feature with customizable LED lighting. You can actually choose between six different modes to pick the one that best suits your gaming style. Plus, you’ll have the infamous HyperX signature radiant light bar at the top of the keyboard.

Furthermore, the HyperX Alloy Core comes with high-quality membrane keys that are quiet, efficient, and provide fantastic feedback. Moreover, you get seven dedicated media keys to control your music while playing.

Additionally, it’s spill-resistant, as its durable and robust frame allows it to withstand up to 120ML of liquids. This means that no matter what liquid spills onto your keyboards, it won’t get ruined, and your gaming-sessions won’t be prematurely cut.

However, sadly, the HyperX Alloy Core lacks macro keys and any form of hand or palm rests.

 What We Like:

  • Spill-resistant
  • Durable frame
  • Can withstand up to 120ML of liquids
  • Seven dedicated media keys
  • RGB lighting

What We Don’t Like:

  • Lacks macro keys
  • Lacks palm or wrist rests

Final Verdict

The HyperX Alloy Core is full of unique features that’ll compel any gamer with a budget to buy it. It has RGB lighting, dedicated media keys, and is spill-resistant.

7. Velocifire TKL02 – Luxury Pick

Velocifire TKL02

Our very last pick is the Velocifire TKL02, a mechanical gaming keyboard that comes with a single backlighting color and can be operated either wired or wireless.

The most prominent feature that the Velocifire TKL02 possesses is that it can be used wirelessly. It comes with a high-speed 2.4G wireless transmission technology, which, as long as you remain in range, will be perfectly stable (the range is 10meters or 30 feet). 

Even though the range might seem to be little, not many gamers will stay away from their monitors – most gaming setups will have the gamer and the monitor as close to each other as possible; therefore, the keyboard will be close as well.

You can also use the Velocifire TKL02 as a wired keyboard as it comes with a detachable USB cable. Consequently, you can use the keyboard and charge it at the same time.

The mechanical keys are ergonomically designed to be slightly curved. This design minimizes any chance of hand fatigue. Furthermore, the mechanical keys are created by Content brown, a reputable company that manufactures keys that can withstand heavy usage.

Moving on to the backlighting, as we’ve previously mentioned, the Velocifire TKL02 has only one backlighting option, and it’s a bluish-white color. Compared to some of the other models on this list, the Velocifire TKL02 is subpar when it comes to this category.

However, the bluish-white color is actually pretty good, it’s clearly visible during both day and night, so it perfectly serves its purpose.

Finally, this is a tenkeyless keyboard; even though it’s compact and small, it still lacks a Numpad. Therefore, people who are used to the Numpad will have some difficulties adjusting to the Velocifire TKL02.

What We Like:

  • Content brown mechanical keys
  • Blueish white backlighting color serves its purpose
  • Ergonomically designed keys
  • Wired/wireless
  • Can be used when charging

What We Don’t Like:

  • No Numpad

Final Verdict

The Velocifire TKL02 is the perfect wireless gaming keyboard for under $50. It has a 10-meter range and a detachable USB cable. Plus, you can use it while charging it, and it comes with mechanical keys made by Content brown.

How to Pick a Gaming Keyboard Under $50

After reviewing these fantastic gaming keyboards, it’s time that you become familiar with all the factors that we’ve considered before choosing these keyboards. 

Size 

The first thing that you must decide is the keyboard’s size; gaming keyboards come in three sizes: full-sized, tenkeyless (tkl), or 40% keyboards. We’ll talk about each size separately so you can decide which suits you more.

Starting with full-sized keyboards, these are your regular keyboards with a keypad on the far right sides and the four directional cursors below it. They’re suitable for luxurious gaming setups with free space, and they’re ideal for any type of game.

Tenkeyless (tkl) keyboards don’t have a standard size; they range between 60% and 80% of a full-sized keyboard. If you want to assign different functions to the keypad on the right, then you’ll be out of luck, as tkl keyboards don’t have one.

Therefore’ you’ll be stuck using the numbers above the letters. Moreover, the more compact the keyboard becomes, the more will the function key be moved around, resulting in random combinations.

Finally, 40% keyboards are the smallest; they lack number keys, cursor keys, and the function buttons are compact. They even limit the number of key-binds that you have in-game. Plus, they’re pocket size.

Backlighting

Many users tend to undervalue having a backlit keyboard, and sadly, they’re missing out terribly. Not only are backlit keyboards a marvelous sight to behold, but they’re actually really handy. Let’s say that you prefer to game in the dark. You’ll never be able to see which button you’re going to press unless your keyboard has proper backlighting.

Moreover, you can clearly see all of a backlit keyboard’s buttons no matter which angle you’re looking from. Additionally, if you’re lucky enough to get a keyboard with RGB lighting, then you’ll be able to customize the colors to your liking.

Key Switches

Switches are the part under the keycap; their number one responsibility is to send the computer signal. A key switch determines the feel and lifespan of a keyboard.

There are two types of key switches: mechanical and membrane. Choosing between mechanical and membrane key switches goes back to you as there are significant differences between both of them.

Membrane

The main point that makes some users enjoy membrane key switches more than mechanical ones is their pricing. Membrane switches are much cheaper. Plus, they’re water-resistant and quieter. Furthermore, when pressing them, you get a squishy feeling that many users prefer. But, after prolonged usage, they become harder and harder to press.

Mechanical

On the other hand, mechanical switches are more durable, more accurate, and when pressed, they generate a loud clicking sound. Many gamers like the sound of a mechanical switch as they become more immersed in their games. However, they’re more expensive than their counterparts.

Additional Features

You can always look for some additional features, even if you’re looking for a gaming keyboard under $50. These additional features range from wrist rests, to make your wrist more comfortable, all the way to media keys and a USB-pass.

Final Thoughts

To wrap up our article, these products are the 7 best gaming keyboards under $50 you can find today. All of them are high-quality models that offer amazing value and have excellent features. However, since all of them are different, it’s best if we get to some recommendations.

Our number one recommendation is our ultimate first pick, the Corsair K55 RGB. It comes with six macro keys that you can map in any order, dedicated media keys, and a Windows lock key. Moreover, it’s dust and spill-resistant with a 3-Zone customizable RGB.

If what you seek is a mechanical gaming keyboard, then go for the VicTsing Mechanical Keyboard. It’s very robust and durable as it’s made out of ABS and metal. Also, it comes with high-quality blue switches and has 9 backlighting modes. What’s more, it’s water-resistant, and its keys can withstand up to 50 million clicks.

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Finally, if you seek a wireless gaming keyboard, then the Velocifire TKL02 is the one for you. It has a 10-meter range, can be used while charging, and comes with a detachable USB cable so that you can use it as a wired keyboard. Additionally, it has ergonomically-designed keys made by Content brown and blueish-white backlighting.

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