• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Technipages

Tutorials and fixes for smartphone, gadget, and computer problems

  • Topics
    • Android
    • Gaming
    • Hardware
    • Internet
    • iOS
    • MacOS
    • Office
    • Software
    • Windows
    • Definitions
  • Product Reviews
  • Downloads
  • About Technipages

Best Budget Keyboards 2021

Posted on May 12, 2021 by Mel Hawthorne Leave a Comment

Best Budget Gaming Keyboard

  • Razer Cynosa V2
  •     
Check Prices

Best Budget Mechanical Keyboard

  • Logitech MX Master 3
  •     
Check Prices

Best Budget Bluetooth Keyboard

  • Logitech K480 Multi-Device Keyboard
  •     
Check Prices

Keyboards are important parts of using your computer, but there are a lot of styles to choose between. For example, you have got the full, TenKeyLess, and minimalist layouts. The TenKeyLess layout drops the numpad, reducing the keyboard footprint, while the minimalist format also drops the arrow keys and navigation buttons for an even smaller form factor.

Mechanical keyboards are all the rage nowadays, but quality ones generally fall outside of the budget price range. You may have to choose between weaker mechanical keys or a decent membrane keyboard. There are some budget Bluetooth keyboards too but don’t expect too many premium features with those as the Bluetooth functionality itself pushes up the price.

Without any further ado, here is our list of the best budget keyboards in 2021.

G.Skill KM360
The G.Skill KM360
Check Best Prices

Key Features

  • Detachable braided USB Type-C cable
  • N-key rollover
  • ABS Double injection key caps

Specifications

  • TenKeyLess
  • Mechanical – Cherry MX Red (linear)
  • White per key backlight

TP Editors ChoiceThe G.Skill KM360 uses the TKL form factor to offer a compact keyboard. It comes in two colours, black and white, while the black version has a relatively understated black-on-grey colour scheme, everything is pure white on the white version, making it quite the aesthetic choice. It uses linear Cherry MX Red switches which have no tactile feedback or distinctly audible click.

Double injection keycaps are relatively rare at the $50 price point, but they ensure that the lettering on the keys never fades and you never have to deal with bumps from printing or indents from laser etching. The aluminium top plate gives the keyboard a sturdy feeling while keeping weight down. The portability is also helped by the form factor and the detachable USB Type-C data cable.

Pros
  • Black or white variants
  • Aluminium top plate
  • 5 brightness levels for the back light
Cons
  • No media control keys
  • No numpad
  • While each key is backlit, brightness and colour is uniform
Razer Cynosa V2
The Razer Cynosa V2
Check Best Prices

Key Features

  • Razer Chroma
  • Spill resistant Membrane
  • Almost all keys are reprogrammable and can be assigned a second function

Specifications

  • Full size
  • Membrane
  • Configurable per key RGB backlight

TP Editors ChoiceThe Razer Cynosa V2 is coming close to pushing the definition of budget at $60 but it offers many premium gaming features. Each key on the keyboard has individual Razer Chroma RGB backlighting, which can be configured in the Razer Synapse 3 app, as can the primary and secondary functionality of almost all keys. Dedicated media keys make it easier to manage your audio.

While this keyboard isn’t mechanical, the membrane style does offer the advantage of allowing it to be spill resistant. You can’t unplug the cable, but you can choose to route it through one of three channels to have it come out at either of the back corners or the centre of the back, to help you minimise cable runs.

Pros
  • Cable routing options
  • Dedicated media keys
  • 2 Year warranty
Cons
  • Pushing “budget” at $60
  • No on-board memory to store configuration profiles
  • “Only” 10-key roll-over
Logitech K840 Mechanical
The Logitech K840 Mechanical
Check Best Prices

Key Features

  • Sandblasted anodised aluminium finish
  • Subtle, office appropriate styling
  • Sturdy 1.8m braided cable

Specifications

  • Full size
  • Mechanical – Roamer-G (tactile & quiet)
  • No backlighting

TP Editors ChoiceThe Logitech K840 Mechanical keyboard is a bit of a beast, weighing in at just under a kilo. Its styling will help it feel right at home in an office environment, while still looking good enough to draw some attention. The mechanical switches are rated for 70 million key presses, so you don’t need to worry about overusing it. This is fortunate, as given the high price for a budget device and the lack of features, you’re mostly paying for styling and reliability.

The 26 key rollover means you’d actively have to try to cause key registration issues. The function keys can be rebound with the Logitech Options software. Tactile mechanical switches generally come with an audible click, but the Roamer-G switches are designed to be relatively quiet, meaning they won’t get you noise complaints in your office. The complete lack of back-lighting means this keyboard isn’t suited for use in dark environments, but as offices are generally well lit, this shouldn’t be a problem, unless you’re planning to double up the home office for some late night gaming sessions.

Pros
  • Quiet for tactile switches
  • 26-key roll-over
  • Customisable function keys
Cons
  • $80 is very expensive for a “budget” keyboard
  • Not suitable for dark environments
  • Some users don’t like the feel of the mechanical switches
SteelSeries Apex 3
The SteelSeries Apex 3
Check Best Prices

Key Features

  • IP32 Water and dust resistant
  • Reactive RGB effects
  • Includes magnetically attached wrist rest

Specifications

  • Full size
  • Membrane
  • Configurable 10 zone backlight

TP Editors ChoiceThe SteelSeries Apex 3 is a membrane keyboard which allows it to boast the IP32 water and dust resistance rating. The 10 zone RGB backlight is configurable via the SteelSeries Engine software. You can even configure it to react to in-game events such as incoming damage, in supported games. You can also program each key with macros for extra functionality.

The underside of the keyboard has three channels so you can choose where you want the cable to come out. The plastic frame can be less rigid than other competitors with metal front or back plates. The 20 million key-stroke lifespan should be plenty, but other products offer more for less money. The included wrist rest magnetically attaches to the front of the keyboard helping to keep long gaming sessions comfortable.

Pros
  • All keys are macro programable
  • 3-way cable routing
  • Volume control wheel
Cons
  • 20 million key-press lifespan is good but competitors offer more
  • $80 is very expensive for a “budget” keyboard
  • Needs a lot of space, especially when using the wrist rest
Logitech K480 Multi-Device Keyboard
The Logitech K480 Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard
Check Best Prices

Key Features

  • Bluetooth
  • Integrated tablet/phone stand
  • Can pair with and switch between 3 devices

Specifications

  • Minimalist
  • Membrane
  • No backlight

TP Editors ChoiceThe Logitech K480 Multi-Device Keyboard offers works via Bluetooth for wireless freedom. Its small form factor is designed to be close to that of a tablet, which does minimise the number of keys that fit. The integrated phone and tablet stand angles devices for ease of viewing while typing. It can support devices up to 10.5mm (0.4 inches) thick and 258mm (10 inches) wide. Any other device that supports the use of Bluetooth keyboards will also work but won’t fit in the stand.

The pair of included AAA batteries offer up to 24 months of battery life. It’s spill resistant. At 820g it’s pretty heavy for a minimalist Bluetooth keyboard. A dial in the top-left makes it easy to quickly switch between up to three paired devices.

Pros
  • Compact size
  • Up to 24-month battery life
  • Spill resistant
Cons
  • The black model comes with very green accents
  • Requires 2x AAA batteries
  • Weighs a lot for a portable keyboard

That was our list of the best budget keyboards in 2021. Feel free to let us know what features are important to you, or which keyboard you picked and why down below.

You Might Also Like

  • Top 5 Budget Keyboards
    Top 5 Budget Keyboards
  • Best Gaming Keyboards 2021
    Best Gaming Keyboards 2021
  • Best Wired Keyboards in 2021
    Best Wired Keyboards in 2021
  • Best Wireless Keyboards in 2021
    Best Wireless Keyboards in 2021
  • Best Budget RAM 2021
    Best Budget RAM 2021
  • Best Budget HDR TVs 2021
    Best Budget HDR TVs 2021
  • Best Budget Tablets 2021
    Best Budget Tablets 2021
  • Best Budget Smart TVs 2021
    Best Budget Smart TVs 2021
  • Best Budget OLED TVs 2021
    Best Budget OLED TVs 2021

Reader Interactions

Did this help? Let us know!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • What Is Host Memory Buffer (HMB) in SSD?
  • DRAM on an SSD: Is It Something You want?
  • 5 Free Android Apps to Remove Red Eye
  • Windows 11: How to Change the Primary Mouse Button
  • Windows 11: Use Fonts and Make Your Text Fantastic
  • Windows 11: How to Manage the Recycling Bin
  • How to Enable Dark Mode in Firefox
  • Windows 11: How to Add Clocks with Different Time Zones

Who’s Behind Technipages?

Baby and Daddy My name is Mitch Bartlett. I've been working in technology for over 20 years in a wide range of tech jobs from Tech Support to Software Testing. I started this site as a technical guide for myself and it has grown into what I hope is a useful reference for all.

You May Also Like

  • Best Gaming Keyboards 2021
  • Best Wired Keyboards in 2021
  • Best Wireless Keyboards in 2021
  • Best Budget RAM 2021
  • Best Budget HDR TVs 2021
  • Best Budget Monitors in 2021
  • Best Budget Webcams 2021
  • Best Budget Mice 2021

© Copyright 2022 Technipages · All Rights Reserved · Privacy