Keyboards are important to any PC setup, however when you begin getting explicit about typing consolation and options, their costs can rise rapidly. (Some elite gaming and productiveness mechanical keyboards price $150 or extra.) Changing a worn-out keyboard with an honest new one for minimal cash is an train in compromises, however you’ll be able to land a worth champ if what to search for. At PCMag, we have been testing keyboards for many years, evaluating then on myriad options comparable to connectivity, typing consolation, supporting software program, format, and ergonomics, so you’ll be able to belief our recommendation on what’s important and what’s not. Our present favourite price range keyboard for productiveness is the Cherry Stream, and for gaming, the Corsair K55 RGB Professional. Take a look at these and different high picks for various situations, adopted by detailed shopping for recommendation on land one of the best price range keyboard.
Deeper Dive: Our Prime Examined Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
August 10, 2025: With this replace, we added the Logitech POP Icon Keys as Finest Low-cost Journey Keyboard and the Dell Silent Keyboard and Mouse (KM555) for Finest Low-cost Keyboard-and-Mouse Combo. We additionally eliminated the discontinued Roccat Magma Mini. Since our final replace, we examined and evaluated seven keyboards for doable inclusion on this roundup and our different keyboard roundups.
Finest Low-cost Wi-fi Keyboard for Normal Use
Cherry Stream Wi-fi Keyboard
Professionals & Cons
Low-profile design
Comfy typing really feel
Rated 36-month battery life
128-bit AES encryption
Customization software program is barebones
Restricted Mac help
Makes use of AA batteries
Why We Picked It
The Cherry Stream Wi-fi Keyboard prices barely greater than its wired counterpart, but it surely’s nonetheless a outstanding productiveness keyboard for the value. A 36-month battery life will hold battery swapping to a minimal, whereas 128-bit AES encryption ensures the whole lot you sort will stay protected, in case you or your workers work in a typical area and deal with delicate information. It is a little bit cumbersome, and definitely plain, but it surely’s a Cherry price choosing.
Who It is For
In the event you’re seeking to lower the twine out of your daily-driver keyboard with out spending a bundle, the Cherry Stream Wi-fi supplies all you want.
Specs & Configurations
Variety of Keys
115
Interface
RF Wi-fi
Key Swap Kind
Cherry SX Scissor
Key Backlighting
None
Media Controls
Devoted
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Relaxation
None
Study Extra
Cherry Stream Wi-fi Keyboard Evaluate
Finest Low-cost Wired Keyboard for Normal Use
Dell Wired Collaboration Keyboard (KB525C)
Professionals & Cons
Straightforward on the pockets
Shocking quantity of performance and customizability for the cash
Contains devoted video name controls
Helps USB-C and USB-A wired connections
Close to-silent key switches
Membrane key switches are barely uncomfortable
Plain design
Why We Picked It
The Dell Wired Collaboration Keyboard is a low-profile, compact keyboard that has devoted video assembly butttons appropriate with each Zoom and Microsoft Groups. This keyboard is snug and quiet, and it packs various shortcut keys, together with a Microsoft Copilot button, which robotically pulls up Microsoft’s AI service on gadgets that help it. Membrane key switches muddle the typing expertise, which could be a minor annoyance for some folks, however general, this keyboard is nearly definitely a much better productiveness help than no matter got here bundled together with your PC.
Who It is For
For PC customers who do not thoughts wired connectivity (a USB cable) as an alternative of wi-fi, the Dell Wired Collaboration Keyboard is a wonderful every day driver that’ll meet day-to-day typing wants.
Specs & Configurations
Variety of Keys
109
Interface
USB Wired
Key Swap Kind
Rubber Membrane
Key Backlighting
None
Media Controls
Shared With Different Keys
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Relaxation
None
Study Extra
Dell Wired Collaboration Keyboard (KB525C) Evaluate
Finest Low-cost Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron C3 Professional
Professionals & Cons
Cheap
Shine-through PBT keycaps
Suitable with Home windows PCs and Macs
Constructed-in cable administration
Further keycaps for shade customization
Plastic body feels a bit flimsy
Why We Picked It
A reasonable mechanical keyboard with shine-through PBT keycaps and built-in cable administration, the Keychron C3 Professional delivers what you’d anticipate from a wired mechanical keyboard for a candy worth. Keychron Purple switches present satisfying key presses, one thing you’ll be able to’t take with no consideration on price range boards. The plastic body might really feel flimsy in contrast with extra premium boards, however the C3 Professional stays a superb worth.
Who It is For
In the event you’re eager for a compact mechanical keyboard and do not need to spend a bundle, the Keychron C3 Professional is effectively price a glance, whether or not you propose to make use of it with Home windows or macOS.
Specs & Configurations
Variety of Keys
87
Interface
USB Wired
Key Swap Kind
Keychron Purple
Key Backlighting
Single-Coloration
Media Controls
Shared With Different Keys
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Relaxation
None
Study Extra
Keychron C3 Professional Evaluate
Finest Low-cost Gaming Keyboard
Corsair K55 RGB Professional
Professionals & Cons
Devoted macro buttons and media controls
Removable wrist relaxation
RGB lighting
Cheaper than equally sized keyboards
All-plastic design
Rubber-dome switches
Zonal, not per-key, RGB illumination
Takes a lot of desk area
Why We Picked It
Graphics playing cards, quick screens, $70 AAA video games: PC gaming can get lots costly, and premium gaming keyboards hit your pockets a minimum of as exhausting as different upgrades you would possibly take into account. However the Corsair K55 RGB Professional can hold players aggressive whereas preserving their checkbooks within the black. With devoted macro buttons, a removable wrist relaxation, and RGB lighting, the K55 RGB Professional definitely seems to be the half. It isn’t a mechanical board, but it surely does supply a comfortable-enough typing expertise, whether or not you are taking part in video games or simply browsing the net. Its plastic physique provides away its price range roots, but it surely’s a dependable gaming keyboard for nearly any state of affairs.
Who It is For
In the event you’re a gamer seeking to spend more cash on video games and fewer cash on gear, the budget-friendly Corsair K55 RGB Professional will present the whole lot you want.
Specs & Configurations
Variety of Keys
120
Interface
USB Wired
Key Swap Kind
Rubber Membrane
Key Backlighting
RGB Zonal
Media Controls
Devoted
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Relaxation
Removable (Separate)
Study Extra
Corsair K55 RGB Professional Evaluate
Finest Low-cost Ergonomic Keyboard
Logitech Wave Keys
Professionals & Cons
Easy and efficient ergonomic design
Compatibility throughout a number of working programs
Lengthy battery life
Light-weight
Moderately priced
Construct high quality is a little bit flimsy
No backlighting
Why We Picked It
Compact and pleasing to the attention, the Logitech Wave Keys is sculpted with an increase close to the middle, offering a snug typing expertise and, extra necessary, an intuitive one. Anybody who has used an ergonomic keyboard or mouse will inform you that these gadgets have a studying curve, however the Wave Keys could be one of the crucial accessible fashions you’ll be able to seize. It is a little bit pricier than most different keyboards on this roundup, but it surely’s effectively well worth the worth of admission.
Who It is For
In the event you’re on the lookout for an entry-level ergonomic keyboard that is simple to make use of and simple in your pockets, the Wave Keys is a wonderful selection, particularly if yow will discover it on sale.
Specs & Configurations
Variety of Keys
99
Interface
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz Wi-fi
Key Swap Kind
Rubber Membrane
Key Backlighting
None
Media Controls
None
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Relaxation
Built-in
Study Extra
Logitech Wave Keys Evaluate
Finest Keyboard for the Very Tightest Budgets
Amazon Fundamentals Low-Profile Wired USB Keyboard
Professionals & Cons
Cheaper than a McDonald’s meal (relying on the day)
Media management and Fn Lock keys
No software program to fuss with
Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock indicators
Flimsy typing really feel
No pop-out ft so as to add tilt
Seemingly a lot shorter lifespan than mechanical keyboards
Why We Picked It
The Amazon Fundamentals Low Profile Wired USB Keyboard is as bare-bones as they arrive, but it surely’s additionally the most cost effective acceptable typing machine we have examined, coming in below $20 (with its oft-fluctuating worth going as little as $12). Whereas it is from distinctive, its low-profile design is not an eyesore, and it comes with a couple of shortcut keys besides. In the event you’re pinching pennies, this Amazon Fundamentals keyboard does precisely what it is speculated to for lower than the price of a fast-food dinner for 2 (or perhaps one, relying on what you order).
Who It is For
For customers with the tightest of budgets who need a keyboard that is adequate for on a regular basis pc wants, the Amazon Fundamentals Low Profile Wired USB Keyboard will not wow, but it surely will get the job accomplished.
Specs & Configurations
Variety of Keys
105
Interface
USB Wired
Key Swap Kind
Rubber Membrane
Key Backlighting
None
Media Controls
Devoted
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Relaxation
None
Study Extra
Amazon Fundamentals Low-Profile Wired USB Keyboard Evaluate
Finest Low-cost Keyboard-and-Mouse Combo
Dell Silent Keyboard and Mouse (KM555)
Professionals & Cons
Low worth for a wireless-input combo set
Shocking quantity of customizable keys
Keyboard features a Microsoft Copilot button
Close to-silent operation
Some keyboard-connection points in testing
Gummy membrane switches end in muddled typing really feel
Mouse is not a very good match for big arms
Why We Picked It
Shopping for a mouse and a keyboard individually generally is a expensive endeavor, so it is simple to see the attraction of Dell’s fairly priced mixture providing. Slim and quiet sufficient that they virtually stay as much as their title, each of the peripherals are strong every day drivers for workplace productiveness, delivering respectable performance for the bucks. The ambidextrous mouse affords strong flexibility and a surprisingly excessive DPI for an workplace mouse, whereas the keyboard consists of fashionable niceties like a Copilot button, which opens Microsoft Copilot robotically on Home windows 11 gadgets that help it. The bundle is just not with out points, such because the keyboard’s gummy-feeling membrane switches, however for the value, this mix is price taking critically.
Who It is For
The Dell Silent Keyboard and Mouse (KM555) is a superb price range purchase for somebody on the lookout for two productiveness every day drivers for not far more than they’d spend on only one purchased individually.
Specs & Configurations
Variety of Keys
109
Interface
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz Wi-fi
Key Swap Kind
Membrane
Key Backlighting
None
Media Controls
Shared With Different Keys
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Relaxation
None
Study Extra
Dell Silent Keyboard and Mouse (KM555) Evaluate
Finest Low-cost Journey Keyboard
Logitech POP Icon Keys
Professionals & Cons
Quiet, fairly snug low-profile key switches
36-month battery life
Snazzy colours and design
Logi Choices+ software program is straightforward to make use of
Reasonably priced
No wrist relaxation or carrying case included
2.4GHz Logi Bolt USB dongle bought individually
Why We Picked It
Logitech’s aesthetically pleasing POP Icon Keys makes use of conventional chiclet-style low-profile key switches, which we positively anticipate on a small keyboard on this worth vary, not mechanical ones. It’s as eye-catching as its predecessor, and matched with enhancements to Logitech’s customization software program—together with ChatGPT integration—the colourful POP Icon Keys proves to be a strong productiveness keyboard. It is light-weight, too, and remembers a number of Bluetooth connections for fast machine switching.
The keyboard can be appropriate with a number of working programs, together with Home windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux. Some downsides—together with the dearth of a wrist relaxation or carrying case, and the truth that it is powered by AAA batteries as an alternative of built-in rechargeable ones—would possibly hassle some patrons. However general, it is a superb keyboard for the value.
Who It is For
Reasonably priced and classy, the Logitech POP Icon Keys is a superb journey companion in case you want a full-size keyboard to take with you, however do not need to spend what you’ll on a every day driver. And if you’re not on the go, it is also a comfortable little board to make use of from the sofa with a TV-attached PC.
Specs & Configurations
Variety of Keys
85
Interface
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz Wi-fi
Key Swap Kind
Membrane
Key Backlighting
None
Media Controls
Shared With Different Keys
Passthrough Ports
None
Palm Relaxation
None
Study Extra
Logitech POP Icon Keys Evaluate
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The Finest Low-cost Keyboards for 2025
Evaluate Specs
Shopping for Information: The Finest Low-cost Keyboards for 2025
How A lot Cash to Spend on a Low-cost Keyboard?
What makes for a price range keyboard, price-wise? The candy spot is round $50—but when that appears excessive, know that in case you store rigorously, you’ll be able to go as little as $20 and nonetheless come away with a usable typing expertise. A low worth does not imply a keyboard cannot be a very good performer, as our listing of favorites demonstrates.
To maintain these keyboards in price range territory, producers should make some concessions. For instance, an reasonably priced wi-fi keyboard might use disposable AA or AAA batteries somewhat than an inner battery pack you recharge. Or you might not have a selection of key switches, the bodily mechanisms below every key that decide journey time, sound, and general typing consolation. (Most will not be mechanical on this worth vary.) Additionally anticipate an absence of sturdy utility software program, which permits for issues like macro customization.
(Credit score: Molly Flores)
In consequence, a price range keyboard is just not for everybody. Critical esports gamers will seemingly scoff on the lack of game-improving options and customization choices, whereas productiveness hounds might roll their eyes on the absence of macros or automated instructions. And loads of individuals who care about desk aesthetics will bemoan the less-than-stylish designs of most inexpensive choices.
However in case you’re buying for an inexpensive keyboard since you’ve obtained a tough line capping your price range, most of those cons will not be deal-breakers. Quite the opposite, you’ll overlook lots of them given a keyboard’s worth. And in case you store rigorously, yow will discover a couple of fashions that strike an ideal stability between price and options.
What to Search for in a Funds Keyboard
Keyboards, whether or not low-cost, mainstream, or elite, are available three primary dimension courses: full-size, TKL (quick for “tenkeyless”), and 60 p.c. Full-size keyboards supply a whole format: a 10-key numeric pad, a full row of perform keys, devoted buttons for secondary instructions like Web page Up and Web page Down, and perhaps a couple of shortcut keys that customers can program themselves. Some fashions at this dimension might supply devoted media controls and different creature comforts. The draw back, in fact: Full-size keyboards require extra desk area.
(Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
Within the title of downsizing, TKL keyboards take away the numeric keypad (the ten keys in “tenkeyless”) together with roughly 20% to 30% of the remainder of the board, letting you reclaim that desk area. Remember that dropping keys would not at all times imply dropping performance. On some fashions, shortcut capabilities are moved onto different keys, as key combos.
Is TKL nonetheless an excessive amount of keyboard to deal with? You’ll be able to trim all of the fats away and go for a “60 p.c” design, which shrinks a keyboard even smaller than a TKL mannequin. These smaller keyboards are favorites of programmers and the hard-core gaming crowd, however they do have a slight studying curve. Take a look at our 60 p.c keyboard information for the whole lot it is advisable to know in regards to the class.
(Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
As soon as you’ve got discovered the scale of keyboard that fits you finest, you’ll be able to dig into the main points. Right now’s upper-end gaming keyboards, for instance, largely use mechanical key switches, which pair every key to its personal spring-loaded change. The normal pace-setters amongst mechanical switches are from an organization referred to as Cherry, however you may discover loads of alternate options to them, every with a barely completely different design tweaked to offer a selected really feel and sound. Widespread alt-switch names to search for right here embrace Kailh and Gateron.
(Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
In the event you see mechanical key switches in a price range gaming keyboard, they’re prone to be from one among these lesser-known manufacturers. Extra seemingly, although, within the under-$50 keyboard market you may should accept rubber-dome membrane switches, which use a sheet of springy materials with domes molded into it to offer the bounce below the keys, versus particular person springs on every key. These switches are much less tactile and have a tendency towards a softer really feel, not delivering the loud click on that many mechanicals do when pressed. However they get the typing accomplished.
Funds productiveness keyboards will virtually solely depend on rubber-dome or scissor switches (a kind of change that is not strictly mechanical however normally has an X-shaped stabilizer below every key). You’ll find some price range fashions with devoted shortcut keys and even wi-fi connectivity, however anticipate them to be restricted in what they will do, versus a $100-and-up various. Though you may discover exceptions, Bluetooth connectivity tends to provide approach in favor of a 2.4GHz wi-fi hyperlink requiring a USB dongle. And neglect about rugged metallic frames—most economic system productiveness keyboards are plastic and light-weight.
(Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
In the event you’re studying this and questioning if an inexpensive keyboard is well worth the trade-offs, do not rely one out till you ask your self whether or not a fundamental function set is not precisely what you want. Keyboard makers do are inclined to pile on the options to pump up the value, and perhaps adjustable polling charges, a quantity curler, or a luxurious wrist relaxation aren’t price an additional $50 to you.
It is all about how you employ your PC and how much keyboard you are coming from. A price range keyboard ought to be capable of present the fundamentals at a worth that does not sap your pockets, and $30 to $50 ought to get you a board that is a marked step upward from the flimsy economic system fashions bundled with most desktop PCs.
Able to Purchase the Proper Funds Keyboard for You?
Savvy techies won’t ever let a decent price range maintain them again from decking out a PC setup. The keyboards we have collected right here aren’t the best cash can purchase, however that is not why you are right here. They’re all strong performers we are able to suggest in case you’re strapped.
In the event you’re seeking to absolutely deck out your work or battle station on a budget, additionally try our frugal picks for pc mice and price range screens. And in case you’re looking for different price range gear, see our picks for one of the best price range laptops and low-cost gaming laptops.
