The best cheap mechanical keyboards in the UK 2023

It is well known that mechanical keyboards are expensive. Their sturdiness, the reactivity of the switch and the gamers' craze explain these high prices. However, you can find good stuff for cheap, like the KLIM Domination. This mechanical keyboard has a 5-year warranty and offers a very good typing sensation and a solidity that can't be beaten.

Redragon K552-KR 1
8/10

Best value for money

Redragon K552-KR

The best cheap mechanical keyboard in 2021

The Redragon K552-RGB features ultra-sensitive touch switches and a simple, functional TenKeyLess design. Its build quality and RGB illumination for each key compete with keyboards that cost twice as much.

43,99 £ on Amazon

The Redragon K552 benefits from excellent build quality, using a mix of hard plastic and metal. This makes the keyboard heavy, but sturdy, with no signs of flexing. The ABS plastic keys are stable, but the space bar has a slight wobble. The Redragon K552 has full RGB backlighting for each key. But since there's no official software support yet, customization will be done directly on the keyboard. You can browse 18 lighting effects and set individual key colors.

The Redragon K552 has proper ergonomics. It has a tilt adjustment and the keyboard has a fairly high profile, which may require a wrist rest for optimal comfort; however, it does not come with one. On the other hand, this mechanical keyboard has very few features although there are shortcuts for multimedia control and a Windows lock keyboard shortcut to avoid accidentally minimizing your game.

Mars Gaming MK5 RGB 2
8/10

Best under €30

Mars Gaming MK5 RGB

The best cheap mechanical keyboard under 30 euros

The MK5 RGB from Mars Gaming is a combination of a full RGB lighting system, OUTEMU SQ switches and the high-performance VISION MCU chipset, resulting in a complete mechanical keyboard. You won't find better for less than 30 euros.

20,36 £ on Amazon

The Mars Gaming MK5 RGB is constructed with an aluminum top panel and an ultra-strong ABS body: it offers a compact, solid keyboard that will stay attached to your desk while you play. Combine the MK5 with its removable hand rest and you have the most balanced keyboard you can imagine..

The Mars Gaming MK5 RGB LED lighting system offers up to 16.8 million colors through its control software. Choose from 18 special effects and 10 customizable profiles to design the lighting the way you want it: all the options you need to get exactly the keyboard you want.

Clavier mécanique PICTEK 87 touches 3
8/10

Best under €40

Clavier mécanique PICTEK 87 touches

The best cheap mechanical keyboard under 40 euros

Enjoying solid build quality and premium performance, this 87-key PICTEK mechanical keyboard is the ideal option for those who want an efficient mechanical keyboard for less than 40 Euros.

31,99 £ on Amazon
G-LAB Keyz CARBON 4
8/10

Best under €50

G-LAB Keyz CARBON

The best cheap mechanical keyboard under 50 euros

The G-Lab Keyz Carbon offers unparalleled responsiveness and makes every action faster. If you only have 50 euros to spend on a mechanical keyboard, this is the ideal model.

See price
Buying guide • November 2023

Best cheap mechanical keyboard

Any specific needs?

The best cheap mechanical keyboard in 2021

The best cheap mechanical keyboard under 30 euros

The best cheap mechanical keyboard under 40 euros

The best cheap mechanical keyboard under 50 euros

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best cheap mechanical keyboards

TOP OF THE TOP Less than 30 € Less than 40 € Less than 50 €
Redragon K552-KR 5
8/10
Mars Gaming MK5 RGB 6
8/10
Clavier mécanique PICTEK 87 touches 7
8/10
G-LAB Keyz CARBON 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Redragon K552-KR
Mars Gaming MK5 RGB
Clavier mécanique PICTEK 87 touches
G-LAB Keyz CARBON
The Redragon K552-RGB features ultra-sensitive touch switches and a simple, functional TenKeyLess design. Its build quality and RGB illumination for each key compete with keyboards that cost twice as much.
The MK5 RGB from Mars Gaming is a combination of a full RGB lighting system, OUTEMU SQ switches and the high-performance VISION MCU chipset, resulting in a complete mechanical keyboard. You won't find better for less than 30 euros.
Enjoying solid build quality and premium performance, this 87-key PICTEK mechanical keyboard is the ideal option for those who want an efficient mechanical keyboard for less than 40 Euros.
The G-Lab Keyz Carbon offers unparalleled responsiveness and makes every action faster. If you only have 50 euros to spend on a mechanical keyboard, this is the ideal model.
Surprisingly good build quality
Dual injection technology
27 lighting modes
EVOLUTION Carbon Keyz switches
Full, customizable RGB backlighting
Professional control software
Excellent keystroke feedback
Magnetic wrist rest
12 function keys
Removable padded wrist rest
12 shortcuts
Rainbow LED backlighting

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Buying guide - cheap mechanical keyboard

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How to choose your cheap mechanical keyboard

To find a great cheap mechanical keyboard, you will have to make some compromises (RGB lighting, metal structure, switches...). Here are the points to study in order to make a good purchase.

#1 - Your needs

The first thing to do is to understand your needs. For example, if you are a student and you use your PC for office purposes; choose cheap mechanical keyboards with a sober design and without backlighting. This choice will save you a lot of money and you can also use it for gaming. You are going to offer a mechanical keyboard to your child and you don't want to spend a lot of money. Choose the models without numeric keypad, compact, or a multimedia mechanical keyboard made of plastic. That's 20 euros less than an entry-level model with an aluminum chassis.

#2 - Manufacturing quality

Since we're talking about cheap mechanical keyboards, the sturdiness of good products won't be there. But, an entry-level model is going to be durable, even those made of plastic, and will resist shock treatment. On some cheap devices, you can find options such as anti-scratch. The difference will be in the quality of the mechanical switches. These will be attached directly to the PCB, where the microchip arrays are located.

#3 - Weight

The cheap mechanical keyboards will, in general, be heavier than the good ones. However, please choose the lightest of the lot. The weight of a keyboard affects your comfort of use. For example, you get annoyed in the middle of a game and you've pushed your favorite device. And, you have to quickly pick up, if the keyboard is heavy, it's not going to help your nervous state. With this in mind, a TKL keyboard will suit the tight budget of amateur gamers.

#4 - Features

First of all, forget about gamer keyboards with 65 independent macro keys. The programming of the keys will have to be done via a third party software, shareware. The presence of a hand rest is a plus for those working all day long on their keyboard. You will save yourself wrist pain. Then, some manufacturers equip their entry-level keyboards with USB ports and a removable cable.

Cheap mechanical keyboards with built-in USB port allow you to directly connect a gaming headset or a mouse.

How does a mechanical keyboard work?

Unlike a membrane keyboard, the mechanical keyboard does not require more force to press the key. It has a simpler and faster operation mode. The mechanical keyboard is therefore a good way to improve your typing speed. The longer stroke of the keys makes it easier to manipulate.

These keys vary, in fact, depending on the application of the keyboard or the user's preferences. A mechanical keyboard, at a glance, physically looks like an ordinary keyboard, but the keys are operated by specific switches, keys or switches. Thanks to these specific switches, the key does not present any resistance when it is pressed.

In fact, it is its actuation force and its own activation distance that defines its particularity. Then the keys of this keyboard are supported by a rubber dome membrane or a soft spring underneath, which facilitates the pressing of the key and have a major impact on its operation.

After pressing the key, it starts to activate by coming into contact with the computer, and this is how the latter goes about registering the pressure of the keystroke. At this point, the characters appear on the screen because a signal is sent to the processor.

It is essential to know that the key resumes its initial position after the user removes his finger. It can last up to many years if it is well maintained, as it is very resistant to shocks.

Cheap mechanical keyboard TKL or complete ?

TKL

A TKL or Ten Key Less mechanical keyboard is a model that does not have a numeric keypad. Without this part, it is less expensive, but will not be suitable for people using a computer to write work or reports. They will have to press SHIFT to access the numbers. On the other hand, this type of equipment takes up little space on a desk and it corresponds to the needs of gamers: the mouse is closer.

Complete

On a full computer keyboard, you'll have a numeric keypad and less compact key positioning. More precise, you'll make few mistakes like accidentally pressing the wrong key. Secondly, this type of keyboard can have three backlit key areas that are mostly there for aesthetic purposes. Its size may bother gamers who don't use the numeric keypad much.

Verdict

If you spend your days transcribing documents, the full-size model will suit you best. Indeed, its ergonomics will allow you to have an excellent typing speed and some models have a hand rest. A cheap mechanical keyboard TKL will be perfect for gaming because of its compactness and for people with small hands.

Tips

Cleaning

Sometimes, layers of grease get embedded on the surface of your keys, which can cause discomfort during use. To avoid this, it is advisable to clean the surface of your device regularly. Take a damp cloth and clean by rubbing on each key.

Good positioning

To

avoid wrist and back pain, it is important to place your elbows perpendicular to your chest and sit upright in your chair. Then, in order to move the mouse, make a half rotation of your elbow.

Change the color of your RGBs

Some

keyboards with RGB have a switch to change colors. If this is your case, adapt the colors for each day of the week. This way, you'll vary the mood of your workstation.

Wireless keyboard

For

the mechanical wireless keyboard to work properly, consider placing it near the Bluetooth receiver. If you notice a lack of responsiveness of your keys, buy a new receiver, 5.0.

The mouse

To

harmonize the visual effect of your computer keyboard, buy a mouse of the same brand. It will look better.

FAQ

What is the best cheap mechanical keyboard?

The best cheap mechanical keyboard depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide for the best products out there.

What is a mechanical keyboard?

A

mechanical keyboard works through switches placed under each key. This type of mechanism allows the user to press a key to a certain depth. Moreover, it is more precise and responsive than a membrane model perfect for gamers. However, you will have to be careful with the noise of the keys.

Can we find a gamer mechanical keyboard for less than 100 euros?

Yes

, you can find a mechanical type gamer keyboard for less than 100 euros. Sure, you'll be selling off some features, but the gaming feel will be there. However, avoid wireless models!

Is there a way to connect a cheap PS/2 mechanical keyboard to a USB port?

On

online sales platforms, you can easily find a PS/2 - USB adapter, allowing you to connect your old keyboard to a modern computer or Laptop

.

What is a semi-mechanical keyboard?

In

theory, a semi-mechanical keyboard has a membrane and switches that reproduce the sound and feel of Cherry MX. In practice, this is a commercial technique. There are 2 types of keyboards on the market: mechanical and membrane.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. 7 Beginner Tips When Buying a Mechanical Keyboard., fr.tipsandtrics.com
  2. Best Mechanical Keyboards 2020 - Reviews by Wirecutter., nytimes.com
  3. The Ultimate Keyboard Showdown: Mechanical vs. Membrane Keyboards., computerlounge.co.nz
  4. How To Choose Your Keyboard Right?, msi-computer.fr
  5. Top Budget Gaming Keyboards 2019., dmarket.com
  6. Advanced Gaming Mechanical Switches Logitech G., logitechg.com
  7. Guide To Switches., designedby.gg
  8. How To Quiet Your Mechanical Keyboard with Switch Dampeners., howtogeek.com
  9. What Are The 3 Types Of Keyboards?, incomputersolutions.com
  10. How To Clean A Mechanical Keyboard., techeye.net
  11. Best Mechanical Keyboards 2021 - Test & Compare, futura-sciences.com
  12. TOP : The Best Cheap Gamer Mechanical Keyboard of the Moment, clavier-mecanique.com
  13. Mini Mechanical Keyboard - Cdiscount, cdiscount.com
  14. Cheap Mechanical Keyboard : Comparison and Buying Guide, clavier-mecanique.com
  15. Cheap Mechanical Keyboard | +200 Classifieds on Avito.ma, avito.ma
  16. Gamer Keyboard - 1 Hour In-Store Withdrawal* | Boulanger, boulanger.com
  17. Cheap Mechanical Keyboard : The best keyboards at ..., mon-clavier-mecanique.com
  18. Amazon.co.uk : cheap gamer keyboard, amazon.co.uk
  19. Cheap gamer keyboard - Buy at the best price, topachat.com
  20. Which gamer mechanical keyboard to choose? The 8 best ..., frandroid.com
  21. Mechanical Keyboard : The TOP 10 Comparison November 2021, tt-hardware.com
  22. Amazon.co.uk : Mechanical Keyboard - 20 to 50 EUR : Computer Science, amazon.co.uk
  23. REALLY CHEAP MECHANICAL GAMER KEYBOARD (Aliexpress ..., m.youtube.com
  24. It's cheap to buy a silent mechanical keyboard - What's the ..., mon-clavier-mecanique.com
  25. Mechanical Keyboard - Top Buy, topachat.com
  26. What's the Best Cheap Gamer Keyboard? The opinion of a ..., lastgamers.com
  27. Mechanical keyboard - Buy PC keyboard at the best price ..., materiel.net
  28. Compose your mechanical keyboard from A to Z | by Thomas Viaud ..., medium.com
  29. How much does a custom mechanical keyboard cost? - Custom Keyboard, claviercustom.com
  30. ZERO-ELITE The cheap gamer keyboard fully ..., gaminguniversshop.com
  31. Gamer Keyboard - Buy Mechanical Keyboard for Gamer PC ..., fnac.com
  32. Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Cheap QWERTY ..., cdiscount.com
  33. The TKL Corsair K63 mechanical keyboard at -19% on Amazon ..., gamekult.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Redragon K552-KR 9
Redragon K552-KR
Mars Gaming MK5 RGB 10
Mars Gaming MK5 RGB
Clavier mécanique PICTEK 87 touches 11
Clavier mécanique PICTEK 87 touches
G-LAB Keyz CARBON 12
G-LAB Keyz CARBON

Lecteurs

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