Best Gaming Keyboards Under $50, $100, and $200 – My Personal Experience

When I first started gaming seriously, I never thought much about the keyboard I was using. I believed that all keyboards were pretty much the same. However, after diving deeper into competitive gaming and spending hours fine-tuning my skills, I realized that the right keyboard could make a world of difference. Over the years, I’ve experimented with a range of gaming keyboards, from budget-friendly options under $50 to premium ones that cost around $200. In this blog, I’m going to share my personal experience with gaming keyboards in different price ranges and help you find the best option for your needs.

Best Gaming Keyboards Under $50 – Budget But Functional

If you’re just getting started in gaming or looking for an affordable yet reliable keyboard, you’ll be surprised by what you can get under $50. While you won’t find high-end mechanical switches or premium build quality, there are still some solid options that provide a great gaming experience.

1. Redragon K552 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

One of the best mechanical-feel keyboards under $50, the Redragon K552, was my first gaming keyboard. Even though it's not a fully mechanical keyboard, the Outemu Blue switches gave me a satisfying clicky feel similar to expensive mechanical keyboards. It has a compact tenkeyless (TKL) design, which was great for saving space on my desk. However, it doesn’t have RGB lighting, which might be a downside for some gamers.

2. Tecware Phantom 87

Another keyboard that impressed me in this price range was the Tecware Phantom 87. It comes with Outemu switches, which are decent for gaming, and the overall build quality is better than I expected for a budget keyboard. It also has customizable RGB lighting, which added a cool aesthetic to my setup.

3. SteelSeries Apex 3

The SteelSeries Apex 3 is a great membrane gaming keyboard under $50. Unlike mechanical keyboards, it has quiet keystrokes, which is perfect if you don’t like loud clicks. It also has water resistance, which saved me a couple of times when I accidentally spilled my drink during gaming sessions.

Pros of Keyboards Under $50:

• Affordable pricing

• Decent mechanical-feel experience

• Basic RGB lighting in some models

• Great for beginners

Cons:

• Limited customization options

• Not true mechanical switches in most cases

• Build quality may not be as durable

Best Gaming Keyboards Under $100 – The Sweet Spot

If you have a little more budget, I highly recommend looking at gaming keyboards in the $50–$100 range. This is where you start to see true mechanical switches, improved build quality, and better lighting options.

1. Corsair K60 RGB Pro

When I upgraded to the Corsair K60 RGB Pro, I immediately felt the difference. It comes with Cherry Viola mechanical switches, which offer a smooth and responsive typing experience. The aluminum build makes it feel premium, and the per-key RGB lighting is fully customizable through Corsair’s software.

2. HyperX Alloy Origins Core

I also tried the HyperX Alloy Origins Core, which is a tenkeyless (TKL) mechanical keyboard with HyperX Red switches. The linear switches make it perfect for fast-paced FPS games like Call of Duty and Valorant. Plus, the build quality is solid with an aircraft-grade aluminum body.

3. Razer Cynosa V2

For those who prefer a membrane keyboard but want premium features, the Razer Cynosa V2 is a fantastic option. It comes with full RGB backlighting, macro support, and a spill-resistant design. While I prefer mechanical switches, I know some gamers who love this keyboard for its quiet and comfortable keystrokes.

Pros of Keyboards Under $100:

• True mechanical switches available

• High-quality build materials

• Customizable RGB lighting

• Better response time and durability

Cons:

• Some premium features are still missing

• Not as many high-end switch options

Best Gaming Keyboards Under $200 – Premium Experience

If you’re looking for the ultimate gaming experience and are willing to invest up to $200, this is where you’ll find high-end gaming keyboards with top-tier switches, build quality, and customization features.

1. Logitech G Pro X

The Logitech G Pro X was a game-changer for me. This keyboard has hot-swappable switches, meaning I could replace the switches without needing to solder. It allowed me to experiment with different types of mechanical switches to find the perfect feel. The build quality is excellent, and it’s widely used by professional esports players.

2. SteelSeries Apex Pro

Another keyboard that blew me away was the SteelSeries Apex Pro. It features adjustable actuation switches, which means I could change the sensitivity of each key based on my preference. This was a massive advantage in fast-paced games where quick reactions matter. The OLED display on the keyboard was a cool addition, allowing me to customize settings without needing software.

3. Razer Huntsman Elite

When I first used the Razer Huntsman Elite, I was surprised by the optical switches. Unlike traditional mechanical switches, these use light-based actuation, making them incredibly fast and durable. It also comes with a comfortable wrist rest and full RGB customization.

Pros of Keyboards Under $200:

• Premium mechanical switches (hot-swappable, optical, and adjustable actuation)

• Best-in-class build quality

• Full customization and RGB lighting

• Features like OLED displays, wrist rests, and dedicated macro keys

Cons:

• Expensive

• Some features may not be necessary for casual gamers