Speaking of that RGB, things are a little more straightforward. The HyperX Alloy Core RGB is another quiet keyboard, but this time it is decidedly understated - even with all the flashing lights. The cheapest we've ever seen these keys is $44.99 / £39.99, so any discounts moving past $50 / £45 are well worth your time. This deck launched at $59.99 / £49.99, and over in the US we often see that price dropping down to $49.99 (though discounts are less forthcoming over the pond).
This particular Cynosa is built with the purpose of being dust and spill-resistant, so it's unlikely to short out if you accidentally splash a can of cloudy lemonade over it (as I can, unfortunately, attest to with other keyboards that did not survive contact with drinks). Ultimately, if you're after a Razer device but don't want to drop the hundreds of dollars sometimes required, you'll still find excellent value for money here. The star of the show here - as with other Razer keyboards - is the company's Chroma RGB lighting, which, while a bit more basic than the visual effects found in the pricier models, still looks impressive. Much like the K55, the Razer Cynosa V2 is also membrane-based for a quiet and softer feel.
Want something a little more advanced? Check out the Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT. If you spot a price nearing that boundary today, you're getting a solid offer, as we haven't seen deals like that in a while now. The K55 carries an MSRP of $49.99 / £54.99, but we've seen that price tumble to record lows of $34.99 / £20 in gaming keyboard deals of summer 2021. That means this isn't likely to be the keyboard for you if you're after something clicky. Keep in mind that it's a membrane device, though - it utilizes rubber under the keycaps as opposed to mechanical switches. The K55 is admittedly stripped back in its approach, but it does everything it needs to well without any compromises being made. That all combines to give this the edge over its similarly-priced competition. There's responsive key action, bright lighting, and rugged build quality. It may not look like much at first glance, but it's in the quiet execution of all the essential qualities of a gaming keyboard that it shines.
The Corsair K55 was one member of the GamesRadar+ Hardware team's keyboard of choice for well over three years.
Whether you're after a full deck or something a little more ergonomic, you'll find the full range of cheap gaming keyboards we'd recommend watching out for just below. We tend to see cheap gaming keyboard deals really ramp up during larger sales events, but regular discounts throughout the year also offer up a steady supply of savings. That doesn't mean you'll be solely limited to membrane boards either, as mechanical microswitches, RGB, wireless functionality, and even wrist rests have all been considered. You'll also find all the lowest prices from around the web with each model as well. You may be surprised to learn that more manufactures are creating entry-level and affordable options all the time, with features rivaling the best gaming keyboards made by the companies. Plus, we see gaming keyboard deals landing on these budget models all the time, which means even bigger savings on your next setup.īelow, we've listed our favorite cheap gaming keyboards made by the likes of Razer, HyperX, and SteelSeries - decks that prove that that premium design doesn't need to carry a bank busting price tag. Finding the right deck for you can be tough, but cheap gaming keyboards prove that you don't need to spend in excess to get something functional and stylish on your desk.