10 Best Cheap Gaming Keyboards 2025 in the United States

The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 is an advanced gaming keyboard known for its innovative OmniPoint 3.0 switches, which offer extremely fast response times and customizable key sensitivity—great for gamers who want precise control. Its tenkeyless (TKL) design saves desk space while still providing full gaming functionality. The keyboard has RGB backlighting, adding a customizable and vibrant look during gameplay. Built with durable PBT keycaps and a sturdy frame, it promises good build quality that can handle intense gaming sessions.

It also includes smart features like an OLED display for quick settings access and game-ready presets to optimize performance for various games. The keyboard supports features that prevent accidental key presses, enhancing accuracy during fast-paced play. On the downside, this is a higher-end model, so it doesn’t fit the “cheap” price range typically sought in budget gaming keyboards. Also, it doesn’t have a number pad, which might be a drawback if you need it for work or general use.

While it offers wireless capability, it primarily connects via USB-C wired connection, which is standard but means less freedom than some wireless-only options. This keyboard suits serious gamers looking for top-notch speed and customization but might be more than what casual or budget-conscious buyers need.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro HyperMagnetic is a high-performance gaming keyboard notable for its innovative adjustable switches, called OmniPoint 2.0. These switches let you customize how sensitive each key is, meaning you can set fast responses for movement keys and deeper presses for other functions, which is a real advantage for gaming. The keyboard also supports 40 levels of key actuation and even allows two actions on the same key depending on how hard you press, adding flexibility for complex game controls.

It features RGB backlighting that can be customized, plus an OLED screen that shows game info and media controls right on the keyboard, which is a nice touch. Build quality is solid, with a metal roller and wrist rest included, making it comfortable for long gaming sessions. The USB passthrough lets you connect extra devices easily.

This keyboard is not exactly "cheap" compared to other budget gaming keyboards, so if you’re specifically looking for an entry-level or very affordable option, this might stretch your budget. Also, while it is wired (which is good for stable connections), its weight and size might not be ideal if you want something compact or highly portable. For gamers ready to invest more for higher-end features, this keyboard offers durability, advanced customization, and excellent responsiveness.

The Razer BlackWidow V4 X is a solid choice for gamers looking for a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard with quality features. It uses yellow linear switches known for being quiet and very responsive, making it great for fast gameplay without loud clicking sounds. The 1.2mm actuation means keys register quickly, helping with rapid inputs. The keyboard includes 6 dedicated macro keys, which let you program extra commands to suit your gaming style, a useful feature often missing in cheaper models. It also has a multifunction roller and extra media keys, offering easy control over volume and playback without leaving your game.

One of the standout features is its vibrant RGB backlighting. Each key can show different colors and effects, adding a nice visual touch while playing in the dark. The keycaps are made with doubleshot ABS, which means the letters won’t fade even after heavy use, showing strong build quality for the price.

While it shines in responsiveness and customization, the keyboard's ergonomics are fairly standard — it doesn’t have advanced wrist support or ergonomic shaping, so long sessions might feel less comfortable for some users. Razer typically includes features like key rollover and anti-ghosting to ensure multiple keys register correctly during fast key presses. Weighing 2.5 pounds, it’s reasonably portable but still sturdy enough for desktop use. If you want a dependable, quiet mechanical keyboard with customizable lighting and macro functions without spending too much, the BlackWidow V4 X is a smart pick. However, if you need specialized ergonomic features or a very compact design, you might want to look elsewhere.