Best Mechanical Keyboard under $50 for Gaming & Typing in 2024

A mechanical keyboard is a type of keyboard that uses individual mechanical switches for key-press. They are way more expensive than regular membrane keyboards that use silicone or rubber domes under the keycaps. Mechanical keyboards are great for typing, and gaming and are generally preferred over membrane-based keyboards. It is a fact that you won’t switch to a membrane keyboard after using a mechanical keyboard because they are just awesome and feel great to play or work on. Also, mechanical keyboards reduce finger fatigue because mechanical switches require less force to register a keypress compared to a membrane keyboard, and also rubber dome keys become harder or resistant with time and require a greater amount of force to press on.

There are various types of mechanical switches and manufacturers that make switches for use in mechanical keyboards. The most popular and reliable switches are Cherry MX switches and it also has various types i.e. Cherry MX Blue, Clear, Red, and Brown where each one has its own feel and use. Mechanical keyboards using Cherry MX switches are more expensive and they cost around 100 dollars mark or higher. However, there are some other switch types too (mainly Chinese) that mimic the Cherry MX switches and are way cheaper than them. These switches are generally Cherry MX Clones and they are pretty reliable and offer a good mechanical keyboard feel, typing & gaming experience. Some of the Cherry MX clones are Outmeu, Kailh, Gateron, Greetech, Gaote, Razer, and Switch Master.

You can find easily find a membrane keyboard for as low as 10 dollars but a mechanical keyboard generally costs you around 100 dollars or more. However, there are some good mechanical keyboards that you can find below 50 dollars mark and they are also very good for both typing as well as for gaming. So, here I am going to list down some budget mechanical keyboards that you can get for under $50 for both gaming and typing use. If you have a bit more budget then you may also check out these mechanical keyboards under 100 dollars with genuine Cherry MX switches.        

Advantages of Mechanical Keyboards

• Superior Typing Feel and Speed
• Reduces Finger Fatigue
• Lasts longer than membrane keyboards
• Great for FPS Gaming and eSports

Disadvantages of Mechanical Keyboards

• Expensive than membrane keyboards
• Not Resistant to water completely
• Requires a bit more care
• Can be prone key chattering
• Bulky and heavy
• No Wi-Fi options available

Must Read:

• How to Fix Key Chatter in Mechanical Keyboards
• Best Wireless Mechanical Keyboards [Bluetooth & 2.4GHz]
• Best Low Profile Mechanical Keyboards for Typing & Gaming
• Top Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboards for Gaming & Typing

Best Budget Mechanical Keyboards under 50 Dollars

Here are the best mechanical keyboards under 50 dollars that you use for your gaming and typing needs. Almost all these budget and cheap mechanical keyboards are from Chinese brands.  

Redragon K552 Kumara LED Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Redragon K552 Kumara is a compact mechanical gaming keyboard. This is a Tenkeyless keyboard that comes with 87 standard keys and 12 Multimedia keys are integrated into the standard keys and can be triggered by pressing the function key (Fn) with the key itself. This mechanical keyboard comes with Outemu Blue Switches that are advertised as Cherry MX Blue Clones but I found that these Outemu Blue mechanical switches have less resistance, sound differently, and are louder compared to the original Cherry MX Blues. The keys do have tactile feedback and the advertised lifetime of these Outemu blue switches is 50 million keystrokes, which is the same as the Cherry MX blue ones. However, they feel good to type on and also perform well in gaming. The font on the key-caps may not appeal to some users but that is a matter of personal preference.

This is a strong and sturdy keyboard with Aluminum and ABS construction. It has double-shot molded keycaps that feel nice and are reliable. The keycaps are lit by Red LED lighting that has got some nice effects too. The RED LED lighting is bright enough and you can also adjust its brightness from the keyboard itself. For gaming, it has Anti-Ghosting keys that come very handy in FPS or eSports gaming. The USB cable is non-detachable which is a bit of a downside but has a got a gold-plated connector for superior connectivity and to avoid corrosion. It does have a splash-proof design but my advice is to keep water or any liquid away from it because mechanical switches get damaged due to water or any liquid.

Overall it is a great budget mechanical keyboard for work and gaming. The keyboard supports Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Mac operating systems. There is also an RGB variant of this Redragon K552 Kumara keyboard that comes at a slightly higher price point but under 50 dollars mark. You can check out both these models by going to the links given below.         

Redragon K552 Kumara Mechanical Keyboard Specifications
No. of Keys	87 Keys
Switch Type	Outemu Blue Switches
LED Lighting	Red LED Backlight
Interface	USB 2.0
Features	Metal and ABS Construction, Gold Plated USB Connector, Splash Proof Design, Double Shot Injection Molded Keycaps, Anti-Ghosting Keys, 100% Conflict-Free Keys, Switchable W A S D and arrow keys for Gaming, Windows Lock Key, Integrated Multimedia Keys

Buy Redragon K552 Kumara LED Mechanical Keyboard

Buy Redragon K552 Kumara RGB Mechanical Keyboard

VELOCIFIRE TKL02 Mechanical Keyboard

VELOCIFIRE TKL02 is one of the best mechanical keyboards that you can get for under 50 dollars. This is a Teknkeyless compact mechanical keyboard that comes with 87 keys and is perfect for scenarios where space is scarce. The keyboard comes with brown switches that are tactile, relatively quieter, and do not generate a clicky sound like the blue switches. It has got ABS double-shot injection keycaps for reliability and White LED backlighting that helps you to see the keycaps/legends in dark or in low light conditions. The build quality of the keyboard is pretty good, although it is all plastic.

The keyboard supports NKRO with Anti-ghosting which are much-needed features for gaming. It also supports Macro recording and FN key shortcuts (media and others) which is a big plus. The USB cable is non-detachable and non-braided but has got sufficient length, which is 150cm. The operating systems supported by this keyboard include Windows, Linux, and Mac (not fully). This is a great budget mechanical keyboard for Copywriters, Gamers, and Programmers and I highly recommend it.

VELOCIFIRE TKL02 Mechanical Keyboard Specifications
No. of Keys	87 Keys
Switch Type	Brown Switches
LED Lighting	White LED Backlighting
Interface	USB 2.0
Features	NKRO with 100% anti-ghosting, Macro support, FN Multimedia Shortcuts, Windows Lock Key, Windows, Linux, and Mac support, Tilting Feet, and Non-slip button at the bottom

Buy VELOCIFIRE TKL02 Mechanical Keyboard

AUKEY KM-G7 Mechanical Keyboard

AUKEY is a brand that is mostly known for its power banks, chargers (wall/car, wireless/solar), power strips, USB cables, adapters, headphones, and audio accessories. However, it does offer some cheap mechanical keyboards too and here we have got AUKEY KM-G7 Mechanical Keyboard which is a compact 87-Key LED Backlit keyboard with real mechanical switches. This keyboard comes with Outemu blue mechanical switches which are tactile mechanical switches. The keyboard has got 6-color LED backlighting, 9 preset lighting effects, and 2 slots for assignable lighting effects. The multimedia keys are clubbed on the top function keys and can be triggered by pressing the special FN (function) key on the keyboard.

This compact small form factor mechanical keyboard has a very clean and minimalist design and it resembles Redragon K552 Kumara to a great extent. It has Anti-Ghosting keys, Double-shot molded ABS keycaps, metal construction, and has got waterproof design. This keyboard can be used for typing as well as for gaming. The keyboard supports Windows and Mac OS. There is also a 104-key model available for this keyboard and you can check them both by going to the links given below.

AUKEY KM-G7 Mechanical Keyboard Specifications
No. of Keys	87 Keys
Switch Type	Outemu Blue
LED Lighting	6-Color LED Lighting
Interface	USB 2.0
Features	Metal and ABS Construction, Waterproof Design, Double Shot Injection Molded Keycaps, Anti-Ghosting Keys, 100% Conflict-Free Keys, 9 preset lighting effects, Windows Key lock / unlock, 8 backlight game presets

Buy AUKEY KM-G7 Mechanical Keyboard

Buy AUKEY KM-G6 Mechanical Keyboard [104 Keys]

If you do not want LED lights then you can get the non-LED plain variants of the AUKEY mechanical keyboards with the same specifications. You can check these models having 87-key and 104-keys from the links given below. 

Buy AUKEY KM-G9 Mechanical Keyboard

Buy AUKEY KM-G8 Mechanical Keyboard [104 Keys]

Gigabyte FORCE K83 Mechanical Keyboard [Cherry MX Red]

If you want a branded mechanical keyboard under 50 dollars budget with Cherry MX mechanical switches then Gigabyte FORCE K83 is the answer. The is a standard 104 keys keyboard and comes with Cherry MX Red switches that are designed especially for gaming. Cherry MX Red switches require low actuation force and are not tactile compared to the Cherry MX Blues. However, they are pretty good to type on compared to rubber dome keys found in cheap membrane keyboards.

This is a strongly built keyboard having a classic design and wear-resistant keycaps. However, it does lack LED back-lighting but you can surely live without it if you want a quality branded keyboard at this price point. The multimedia controls are embedded on the top function keys which can be triggered by pressing the special function key (fn). The keyboard features Anti-Ghosting across all zones of the keyboard (N-Key Rollover) which makes it ideal for eSports and games that require multiple key presses at the same time. Other features include a Win-lock key, non-slip rubber feet stands, and a Modern island-style layout. Overall a great budget mechanical keyboard with genuine Cherry MX Switches. Highly Recommended by me. 

Gigabyte FORCE K83 Mechanical Keyboard Specifications
No. of Keys	104 keys
Switch Type	Cherry MX Red
LED Lighting	NA
Interface	USB 2.0
Features	Anti-ghosting keys, Function & Windows-lock hotkeys, Compact design, Wear Resistant keycaps, Non-slip Rubber Feet Stands, Win-lock key

Buy Gigabyte FORCE K83 Mechanical Keyboard

E-Element Z-88 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

This a Chinese mechanical gaming keyboard that comes with Outemu blue switches. Even being a 104-keys keyboard, it has got a minimalist design and floating keys layout which makes it very easy to clean. The keyboard resembles almost the same specifications and features as that of the above-mentioned Redragon mechanical keyboard. Its features include programmable RGB LED lighting, Metal, and ABS construction, Anti-Ghosting keys, Win lock key, multimedia keys, splash-proof design, and gold plated USB connector. It is compatible with Windows10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Mac OS X, Windows XP, and Windows VISTA.

Note: This same keyboard is available under a different brand name which is MechanicalEagle Z-88. You can check them both by going to the links given below.

E-Element Z-88 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Specifications
No. of Keys	104 keys
Switch Type	Outemu Blue
LED Lighting	6-color LED Lighting
Interface	USB 2.0
Features	Anti-Ghosting keys, Programmable full RGB backlighting, Metal, and ABS construction, Gold Plated USB connector, windows lock key, gold plated USB connector, Splash proof design, 10 RGB Backlighting mode, Double-shot injection molded keycaps, FN shortcut keys

Buy E-Element Z-88 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Buy MechanicalEagle Z-88 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Redragon K553 USAS Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Another very good Redragon mechanical keyboard for gaming and typing. The difference between this Redragon K553 USAS Mechanical keyboard and Redragon K552 Kumara mechanical keyboard is that in the Redragon K553 USAS the keys are mounted on a solid aluminum metal plate, and it comes with floating keys design which makes it very easy to clean and manage. The keyboard is heavy and is built like a tank. It is unarguably one of the tough mechanical keyboards that you can find in this budget segment.

Redragon K553 USAS is a Tenkeyless keyboard having Outemu Blue Switches. It has got 87 keys with 12 multimedia keys inside the function keys and can be called by using the special function (FN) key. It comes with features like metal and ABS construction, Anti-Ghosting keys (conflict-free (n-Key Rollover), double-shot injection molded keycaps, gold plated USB connector, Win-lock key, RED LED backlighting and splash-proof design. The keyboard supports Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP, Limited Mac OS. I personally own this keyboard and it does perform to its expectations. Overall a sturdy and feature-rich mechanical keyboard that you can get for well under 50 dollars.

Redragon K553 USAS Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Specifications
No. of Keys	87 Keys
Switch Type	Outemu Blue
LED Lighting	Red LED Lighting
Interface	USB 2.0
Features	Solid Aluminum Metal Backplate, Metal and ABS Construction, Gold Plated USB Connector, Splash Proof Design, Double Shot Injection Molded Keycaps, Anti-Ghosting Keys, 100% Conflict-Free Keys, Switchable W/A/S/D and arrow keys for Gaming, Windows Lock Key, Floating Keys Design

Buy Redragon K553 USAS Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

TOMOKO 87 Key Water-Resistant Mechanical Keyboard

This is one of the cheapest mechanical keyboards that you can get for your gaming or typing needs. TOMOKO 87 Key Mechanical Keyboard is 87-keys compact keyboard that has got floating keys design. It comes with Outemu Blue switches which makes it ideal for both gaming and typing. The keyboard lacks LED backlighting but at a price this low you couldn’t really complain. The build quality of this keyboard is pretty great and it is advertised as Water-Resistant or more specifically it has a splash-proof design.

It does come with multimedia shortcuts which you can engage using the special FN key and top function keys (F1 – F12). It has got N-Key Rollover Anti-Ghosting Keys and a Windows lock key which is a necessity for a gaming keyboard. The keyboard is sold by VicTsing which is its parent company. The keyboard supports Windows10, Windows8, Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows VISTA, and Mac OS. There is also a 6-color LED-backlit version available at a slightly higher price but under 50 dollars. You can check both of these mechanical keyboards by going to the links given below.

TOMOKO 87 Key Mechanical Keyboard Specifications
No. of Keys	87 keys
Switch Type	Outemu Blue
LED Lighting	NA
Interface	USB 2.0
Features	N-Key Rollover Anti-Ghosting Keys, ABS and Metal Construction, Water-Resistant design, FN shortcuts, compact design, Win-lock key, Matte-finish texture

Buy TOMOKO 87 Key Mechanical Keyboard

Buy TOMOKO 87 Keys 6-color LED Mechanical Keyboard

AUKEY KM-G11 Typewriter Retro Style Mechanical Keyboard

Here we have another AUKEY keyboard but this one comes with Retro typewriter-style keycaps that look very classy and give a vintage look to it. This is a compact 87-keys keyboard and it comes with Outemu blue switches. The keycaps are rounded and the keyboard features floating key design. These rounded retro-styled keycaps may not appeal to some users but some may find it very unique and comfortable, especially for typing. The keyboard lacks LED backlighting which is a bit of a downside for some users.

The main features of this gaming mechanical keyboard include Anti-Ghosting keys, Fn shortcut multimedia keys, water-proof design, metal back-plate, and Double-shot-molded ABS keycaps. The keyboard supports Windows and Mac OS. This keyboard is also available in a 104-keys variant with model number KM-G10, and you can check both of these models from the links given below.

AUKEY KM-G11 Mechanical Keyboard Specifications
No. of Keys	87-keys
Switch Type	Outemu Blue
LED Lighting	NA
Interface	USB 2.0
Features	Double-shot-molded ABS keycaps, Anti-Ghosting keys, Round typewriter-style keycaps, splash-proof design, FN shortcut keys, Metal Backplate, Win-lock key

Buy AUKEY KM-G11 Retro Style Mechanical Keyboard

Buy AUKEY KM-G10 Retro Style Mechanical Keyboard [104 Keys]

Ajazz Firstblood Geek AK33 RGB Mechanical Keyboard

A budget RGB mechanical keyboard from Ajazz which is a Chinese brand. This is a compact keyboard with 82 keys that has floating keys design. It comes with custom Black mechanical switches that are pretty good for gaming and typing but are not clicky as the blue ones. Also, these black switches or keys exert less force than the blue ones which means less fatigue for your fingers. The multimedia controls are integrated into the top function keys and can be called in conjunction with the special function key (FN).

This is a full RGB keyboard that supports over 16.8 million colors and has got 18 backlit modes. You can also control the brightness of RGB LED Lights depending on your requirements. The keyboard is pretty solidly built having aluminum and ABS construction, and it comes with N-key Rollover Anti-Ghosting feature for gaming use. The USB cable is detachable which makes it easier to carry around when traveling. The font on the keyboard is easy to read and pleasing to the eye unlike in other Chinese mechanical keyboards. Overall, it is a very good cheap RGB mechanical keyboard for gaming and typing work.

Ajazz AK33 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Specifications
No. of Keys	82 keys
Switch	Custom Black Switches
LED Lighting	RGB LED backlight
Interface	USB 2.0
Features	Aluminum and ABS construction, N-key Rollover, FN multimedia keys, 18 RGB LED-backlit modes, custom lighting modes, detachable USB cable, portable, floating-keys design

Buy Ajazz Firstblood Geek AK33 RGB Mechanical Keyboard

See also:

• Best Budget RGB Mechanical Keyboards
• Best Budget Mouse for FPS, MMO & eSports Gaming
• Best Quiet Mechanical Keyboards for Gaming & Typing

Final Words

It is no doubt that mechanical keyboards are far superior to membrane or rubber dome keyboards, all in terms of reliability, feel, gaming and typing. Even a cheap mechanical keyword is worth getting because they feel so good on your fingers and they also help in reducing reduce finger fatigue. Most of the cheap mechanical keyboards are from Chinese brands with Chinese mechanical switches because genuine Cherry MX keyboards cost way above 50 dollars. However, these Chinese-made budget mechanical keyboards are pretty reliable and offer you amazing performance for the price. If you have any doubts or queries regarding mechanical keyboards then you can ask me your queries by leaving a comment below.