Top 10 Best Keyboards Under $50 in 2022

The best keyboards under $50

Tired of your built-in keyboard?

You may be asking, “Since laptops already have built-in keyboards and a desktop computer comes with a keyboard, why would I purchase an additional keyboard? Is it not the best use of my money?” Although it might seem redundant to buy an external keyboard for a laptop or computer, there are many reasons to consider. It is not obvious at first, but it is crucial to have an external keyboard that can benefit you. Here are some examples:

1.Less heat under fingertips: The laptop you use can become quite hot, especially during prolonged use. The laptop’s keyboard is situated on top of an internal component, and heat can also be transferred onto the keyboard and touchpad. This can cause users to be uncomfortable when working. However, external keyboards don’t directly interface with internal systems, so they aren’t subject to heat and can be a great alternative to resolve this issue.

2. Reduced typing issues: If you’ve used the keyboards on your laptop so far, you’re likely to encounter the situation when your hand accidentally hits the touchpad, causing the cursor to a different place. You’re typing away happily, but you realize that you’re placing your words in the incorrect position. You must stop typing, delete the incorrectly placed text then click in the correct location. You then type again or mark the word using Ctrl +X, click to the right position and press Ctrl V. This is not only difficult, but it also can cause a slowdown and forces you to perform additional work.

With an external keyboard without a touchpad, you don’t have to face this issue.

3. Screen distance: While work is necessary, the health of your body should always be the top priority. Experts recommend that you be aware of your distance from a monitor, preferably around 40cm. But this isn’t feasible when you use the built-in laptop keyboard. However, an external keyboard allows you to maintain the required separation from the laptop. This is more beneficial for your eyes over the long term.

4. Flexible sitting position: Sitting in awkward positions and unnatural positions is expected if you work with computers for long periods. It can be helpful when you raise your laptop by 10 to 20 centimetres from the table to give an ideal angle between your eyes and your display. If you raise your laptop a bit, it will not only be comfortable sitting in a comfortable position, but it also helps keep you from contracting neck pain, shoulder pain and other joint pain. There’s a broad selection of laptop stands that will perform the task for you.

5. Hygienic: Are you aware that public toilets are most likely cleaner than your laptop keyboard? This is because most of us eat when we work, which leaves crumbs, stains, and germs on our devices. Cleaning external peripherals is more straightforward than cleaning your laptop keyboard. If you decide that they’re not worth the effort of cleaning them, then you can throw them away and get new ones.

6. Features: Keyboards are one of the primary devices that assist in computer operation. Modern keyboards have many additional features that built-in keyboards don’t have. For example, a gaming keyboard has many features that you won’t find in a standard keyboard.

We guarantee that using one of these top keyboards can change your life. It will also change your computing experience. A basic keyboard might get you through the day well, but the ease, reliability, speed, and convenience that a top keyboard provides is unbeatable, and you’ll see the difference.

It doesn’t matter if you want a keyboard to play top PC games, spend your entire time pounding on the keys, or utilize your PC to send emails. The most efficient keyboards can make all kinds of differences, particularly when paired with the most efficient mouse and the top monitor. They’ll provide top-of-the-line performance, responsiveness and comfort regardless of whether they are cable-free or wired.  

Peripherals are crucial for any computer system. Therefore, we have compiled the top keyboards under 50 for you below, whether you require a mechanical keyboard to work, want a gaming keyboard, or need to have a smaller version for your desk.

Best overall

The Apex 3 keyboard comes with the SteelSeries’s exclusive Whisper Quiet switches, giving the user feedback without noise. It also has 10-zone- RGB lights, which means you can give it a bit of style. The product doesn’t come with individual lighting keys; however, you can customize eight different zones, which means you’ll have many possibilities.

The Apex 3 keyboard also has IP32 water protection against spills. The keyboard is constructed with an elegant metal frame with a matte finish to balance the look that feels great.

All in all, it has an excellent quality of feel. Its design is minimalist yet fashionable enough to work perfectly with almost every setup. The most exciting aspect of its design is the USB cord connected to the computer. Three tiny grooves allow you to run the cord either to the keyboard’s left, right, or middle. In this way, you can make your setup more efficient so that the wires create less trouble than is possible. The keyboard weighs 2.79 pounds with dimensions 5.94 x 17.52 x 1.57 inches.

Best design

Corsair K55 is a popular budget-friendly gaming keyboard option that provides a fantastic all-around experience. The keyboard could be ideal for streamers, with its already installed six programmable macro keys and integration to Elgato Stream Deck software.

Additionally, media controls dedicated to the keyboard complement the full set of controls. It also includes wrist pads, IP42 spill and dust resistance. The keyboard weighs 2.99 pounds and needs to be wired for usage.

You’ll have to sacrifice the mechanical switches to get the cheapest option, but the dome membranes made of rubber can still provide excellent response and remain silent.

The RGB lighting is restricted to just three zones; however, it’s important to note that the default keys are flat. This could take some getting used to when you’re used to discovering your keys with the concave grooves.

Best for typing

The portable 87 Keys Compact Gaming Keyboard with custom mechanical feeling Keyboard Switches (Outemu blue and red switches) is a great option for people that need to do more typing. The keyboard is designed to last longer with more outstanding durability. The switches are top quality and tested for more than 50 million strokes.

The keyboard has an ergonomic design and ABS construction. It has a high-quality illuminated panel with mechanical switches and double-shot injection-molded keycaps. Note that the keyboard does not have a number pad, but the 87 keys have individual switches that have ‘full n-key rollover and ‘anti-ghosting’ for flawless performance.

The keyboard supports six LED lighting effects; it is highly durable and won’t get scratched. It is a perfect mechanical keyboard for home or office use.

Best wireless

Logitech MK270 wireless keyboard comes with a wireless compact mouse. The USB wireless connection is up to 33 feet (1) which means you’ll never have to worry about dropped connections or delays.

The keyboard has a standard layout: media keys, a number pad, and arrow keys all on it. MK270 combination comes with a 36-month keyboard and 12 months of battery life for the mouse.

The full-size wireless keyboard comes with spills resistant design, durable keys, and a sturdy tilt leg with an adjustable height. However, we found that customers have complained that the keys don’t work correctly, they malfunction in some cases.

Best for gaming

Redragon S101 wired gaming keyboard has 114 total keys: 10 dedicated Multimedia keys, 25 conflict free (n-Key Rollover), and  12 additional Multimedia keys FN+.

The keyboard has seven different RGB lighting modes and effects with four brightness levels for the backlight and adjustable breathing speed. The ergonomically designed PC gaming keyboard is spill-resistant and an excellent tool for typing in-office tasks or gaming. The wrist rest gives you the relief and comfort you require during playing games.

The keys are silent, built for durability and longevity.  The keyboard also has a gold-plated corrosion free USB connector to ensure a secure connection and a full numeric keypad.

Best affordable

Dell KB216 keyboard has soft keys that you can press easily. Additionally, the keyboard is quiet, meaning you won’t be causing any disturbance to anyone else as you do your writing.

Dell KB216 keyboard is wide in size: 18 inches (45.72 cm) which means that the keys are large and allow space between keys. If you prefer that your keyboard keys are a bit apart, you’ll like this keyboard.

Since it’s an all-in-one USB keyboard, it features a number pad. Dell KB216 features white light-up notifications of Num Lock, Caps Lock and Scroll Lock, which looks modern.

The quality of the build is decent but not outstanding. When you press on the frame, it can cause some squeaking sound. But, when you type, the keyboard is very rigid and does not make any noise.

On the side of the keyboard, two hinges enhance the height. They are robust and won’t let your keyboard move while you’re writing on them.

Dell KB216 USB keyboard is a plug-and-play keyboard. It doesn’t need the installation of any driver on any system whatsoever. All you need is a USB 2.0/3.0 port for it to operate.

The keyboard wire is about 1.5 meters long and feels very durable. It’s the same regarding the USB connector connected to your laptop/PC USB port.

Best 60 percent keyboard

RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Wireless is a 60% Triple Mode Mechanical Keyboard designed for laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

The keyboard has Bluetooth 5.1 chipset and a hassle-free 2.4Ghz USB-C wired mode set. It’s a compact mechanical keyboard with 61 keys except for the number pad. Even though it has no multicoloured RGB lights, it has one LED backlit with 17 different backlit options.

Best mechanical keyboard

The Havit Mechanical Keyboard and mouse combination is the most effective product that the company has launched.  

The keyboard is equipped with 104 keys; however, you will find every command you can type into a standard keyboard. It also comes with Fn key and num key functions. The Fn key lets you execute special commands that can’t be accomplished with an 80 per cent mechanical keyboard. Keycaps are vibrant and can add value to their attractive appearance.

The wired keyboard also has an RGB lighting effect with 14 backlit modes for the gaming keyboard and 7 color effects for gaming mouse. However, some customers said that the keyboard works well for only a short while.

Best bluetooth

The light and thin Arteck HB030B Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience and adds a bit of shine with its multicolored backlighting.

The HB030B comes with seven different backlighting colours: light green, cyan purple, soft blue deep blue, dark green, and red. The light will dim after 45 seconds if the keyboard isn’t in use.

The design of the keyboard is straightforward. It’s flat and isn’t big enough to incorporate an armrest.

The keyboard supports all four major platforms for operating in the commercial market (Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android); however, it can only be paired with one device at a time.

Best slim

The Arteck 2.4G Wireless Stainless Steel Keyboard (model HW192) lets you improve your typing experience by using large layouts with quiet keys and a stylish design.

This full-size model measures 16.9 by 4.9 inches x 0.6 inches and weighs less than a pound. Contrary to its name, only the bottom part of the keyboard is stainless steel. The top part and keys are made of plastic. So, it is light, and you can carry it around your laptop bag now and then, even though it was designed for use on desktops.

The keyboard is spacious, with plenty of space between keys so that your fingers won’t feel cramped. It includes 18 hotkeys: the 12 function keys, which can be used as multimedia controls, with buttons ranging between My Computer, print scree, pause, desktop, screen search, screen lock, and battery check. In addition, there are a set of indicators for power, battery charging, CAPS, number and Fn lock.

 The HW192 operates on the same rechargeable lithium battery, which takes 3 to 5 hours to recharge fully. Arteck says the battery can last for six months on a single charge, with two hours of continuous daily use.

What to look for in a good keyboard under $50

Keyboards are an essential component of computers, and you’ll require a high-quality keyboard for those who spend most time working on their computer, playing games, or typing.

It doesn’t matter what you do with your keyboard, provided it’s an excellent one. It’s just that most people don’t realize that the keyboard included with their computer or laptop might not be satisfactory enough to meet your needs. Sometimes the default keyboard is damaged or broken or doesn’t work as well or at all. That’s when it is advisable to know when you’ll need to replace your keyboard.

However, purchasing a keyboard isn’t an easy task, and if you’ve glanced at the options and choices, you’ll understand the issue better. Many options are available, and finding the best keyboard might not be simple.

There are many things to think about before purchasing a keyboard. These essential features and elements will help you select the ideal keyboard.

Reason for purchase

People use keyboards in different ways. Gamers are looking for features that a typical employee doesn’t require or desire. Find out why you need a keyboard, and you’ll have the ability to reduce the options quickly.

• Gamer: Gamers are an exclusive species of their own. They typically need or want features on keyboards that are not available on most keyboards. Features like integrated LCDs, backlighting, programmable keys, and number pad switches can provide PC gamers with more benefits and boost the gaming experience. If you’re a gaming fan, then you should look for keyboards specifically labelled for gaming use. It’s possible to pay more for these options. However, most gamers will say they’re worth the price.

• Media user: You’re the kind of person who has all the songs and movies on or streamed to their personal computer. When choosing a laptop or computer, be sure to look for features for media keys like a volume control dial, track skip, and play/pause buttons. If you utilize your laptop to store films but have it connected to your TV to watch them, then using a wireless keyboard is more comfortable. You can speed-forward and reverse the motion from your couch. There are mini keyboards available specifically designed for media users; they look like big remote controllers.
• Office or home user: When you do the data entry process, desk publishing, or more, you’ll spend many hours sitting at your keyboard. Do yourself and your wrists a favour by investing in an ergonomic keyboard. Ergonomics isn’t an all-encompassing science. There are a variety of keyboards with claims to offer ergonomics, but they aren’t. If you’re able to, try the ergonomic keyboard before purchasing it. Although there is likely to be a first learning curve, you’ll be able to discern quickly if it is comfortable for you. Consider features such as curving keys and raised wrist rests if this isn’t possible. Some keyboards are even separated to let you choose the distance you prefer between right and left keys.

• Traveller: Whatever reason you may have, you love to carry an electronic keyboard into your bag whenever you travel. Some people become so used to the macro keys that they cannot work without them. Don’t worry; they’ve created keyboards that have truncated keys just for you. Typically, they are marketed as lightweight and often foldable. These keyboards are not equipped with that right-hand number pad to make space. Generally, you won’t see any media keys on them. However, some include F keys which can be customized or integrated into touchpads.

Comfort

The crucial thing you require from your keyboard is comfort. You must ensure you can comfortably write for more extended periods without causing pain to your fingers with an uncomfortable keyboard. Alternatively, you should also be able to play your favourite games without damaging the keys.

You must know if you can easily and quickly type with the keyboard because some keyboards can have hard keys to press. Also, you should be comfortable with the look and style of the keyboard.

There are a variety of keyboard layouts too. So, look at which one you prefer the best and feel most comfortable using.

Ergonomics

This is a huge one. If you’re planning on spending long hours using your keyboard, you should buy one with ergonomic features.

Although this may take many forms, with certain keyboards with split keys, curves and some are even motorized, it is crucial to be prepared for a curve in learning. Be prepared for typing to be uncomfortable at first as the hands adjust learning how to move around the keyboard. However, your hands and wrists will be grateful at the end of the day, as the ergonomic keyboards are designed to ease the strain on your hands when typing.

Other ergonomic features in keyboards may comprise wrist rests and the capability to elevate or lower the keyboard.

Keys

If you’re not purchasing a travelling keyboard with various keys, the majority have a range of media and hotkeys. These keys allow users to do tasks faster.

Media keys, which can be used to control things like volume or video, are handy for those who use their home keyboard to manage media systems.

Hotkeys enable you to accomplish specific tasks by pressing an array of buttons, and many keyboards replace these buttons with one-touch. For those who are desk jockeys, these hotkeys will help you save time.

Size

Although most keyboards indeed have the same keys, a few are designed to be portable, so you can simply pack the keyboard away when not being used.

Smaller keyboards usually include a number pad and might even have shorter keys or no spaces between the keys. These keyboards are ideal in the case of tablets, or you’re constantly moving them from one location to another.

Larger keyboards are paired with those that feature more media keys and hotkeys. Suppose you’re looking for a gaming keyboard with lots of multimedia buttons, USB ports and so on. It is recommended to choose a bigger keyboard by default.

Connectivity

It is also essential to consider the connectivity possibilities for your keyboard. There are three significant kinds of connections available: USB Cable, BlueTooth, and wireless!

Each of the connectivity choices comes with each of them having its advantages and drawbacks. For instance, with Bluetooth and wireless connectivity, you may not be faced with the wires tangling; however, you’d constantly be concerned about the connection, which could be irritating.

The primary USB cable is a standard option for connectivity, and it guarantees the strongest connection; however, you must tackle the wires!

It’s your choice to decide which option is appropriate for your needs and comfort. If you cannot choose a single connectivity option, you might want to consider a variety of connectivity options for your keyboard!

Source of power

The power source is also a key aspect that keyboards have. There are many ways that you can charge your keyboard. Certain keyboards can charge wirelessly, whereas others might not; some have a USB cable, while some can be charged with solar energy. In the end, you have the option of choosing the one that you think is the best suited to your requirements. You can also use the keyboard, which comes with three ways to charge the battery.

Quality

The quality of the keyboard matters greatly. It is essential to know the materials utilized to make the keyboard and its duration. It is therefore advisable to look at the performance and quality section. Similarly, speed and other specifications can also help give an honest impression of the keyboard’s quality.

Extra features

Backlit keyboards are trendy right now, and they are also instrumental. They’re not just the latest trend, but a necessity too. The idea is straightforward for those who work in the evening; then, you may want to consider a backlit keyboard to see the keys clearly and have no issue typing. If you’re looking for a backlit keyboard is an excellent choice.

Additional tip

Go through the feedback! Consider the reviews of customers before purchasing your keyboard. The features might appear impressive; however, getting a second review from someone else who actually used the product is an excellent idea. Make sure you read user reviews of the keyboard you’ve decided to purchase. This can help you make the right choice.

FAQ

Final verdict

The ideal keyboard to buy depends on your need and requirement. Various keyboards have been created to cater to different purposes. We hope our list of the best keyboards under $50 has been helpful to you and that you’ve found the item that meets your requirement.