Author：Maria Lena
After many hours analyzing and comparing various mechanical keyboards, we think the Krom Kernel is the cheapest mechanical keyboard for most, followed by the 60% mechanical HyperX Alloy Origins 60. Take a look at the comparisons based on user ratings on cost/performance, and their alternatives in 2022, you're sure to find what you need.
HyperX Alloy Origins 60
I've recently tested this keyboard and loved it, and I consider it the best cheap mechanical keyboard from HyperX. It comes with dual PBT keys, so it will be very durable to finger wear and tear, also considering its aluminum base. The RGB lighting is fantastic, much better than others like it.
The switches are HyperX Red, so it is intended as a mechanical gaming keyboard, and it also has some key locking. The software, although somewhat limited, does more than well with the performance.
Krom Kernel - Cheap and Good Mechanical Keyboard
If your budget is limited, this mechanical gaming keyboard is probably the best you'll find. Good build and design, decent switches and RGB lighting.
The Krom Kernel is the best cheap mechanical keyboard you can find for this price. It has a nice design, easy to clean and sturdy. One of the things we like the most is that it has RGB lighting, something we don't usually see in a cheap mechanical keyboard for less than $50.
The switches on this mechanical keyboard are Outemu switches, which aren't as well known as Cherry MX switches, but they do the job well. It would have been preferable if it had some customisation software or less limited macros. It's the best cheap mechanical gaming keyboard on this list. And you can find a TKL keyboard option, if you prefer. Definitely one of the best mechanical gaming keyboards of 2022.
Perixx PERIBOARD-106B Standard USB QWERTY Keyboard
It is a high performance USB Keyboard with full size layout, it has a higher and more curved key structure than an ordinary keyboard, to type very fast and efficiently. The keys are laser-printed, sturdy and have a long distance in their structure, which helps to increase the life cycle of the keys.
With its ergonomic design (slightly rounded) the keyboard offers a comfortable typing feel.
A model to consider for the non-gamer version.
PERIBOARD-106 Keyboard
Perixx PERIBOARD-317ES is a USB wired keyboard with backlit LED, large printed letters with white illumination, full-size QWERTY keyboard. Its one-piece, cost-effective, durable, rugged design is totally adaptable for a variety of uses, both everyday and gamer. Although it is best suited for use in a study, office or dark meeting room with a projector.
Its white LED backlighting consists of bright, evenly distributed backlit keys, allowing for easy typing in low-light environments. Designed with a one-click backlight switch, which can be turned on or off by simply pressing the "Scroll Lock" key.
Stylish design with illuminated Cliclet keys, with a distance between keys that avoids mis-pressing the keys, the letters are large and printed for better visibility during typing. The profile is sleek, the short stroke keys have a larger surface area. Typing on this keyboard is quiet and accurate. The key membrane is durable and offers a life cycle of up to 5 million keystrokes.
Plug and Play function, USB cable interface, quick and easy installation.
Best Low-Cost On kwyboard
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Redragon K552 Mechanical GamingKeyboard RGB LED Rainbow Backlit |
$38.99 at Ama |
see it |
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RK ROYAL KLUDGE TypewriterStyle Retro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard |
$56.95 at Ama |
see it |
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Razer Ornata Chroma Gaming KeyboardHybrid Mechanical Key Switches |
$43.99 at Ama |
see it |
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Logitech G PRO MechanicalGaming Keyboard |
$83.00 at Ama |
see it |
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RedThunder K10 Wireless GamingKeyboard and Mouse Combo |
$64.99 at Ama |
see it |
For a little more we found something more customisable and also with better switches: the Cherry MC switches are much faster than the RED switches. It has extra USB and RGB lighting and is one of the best compact mechanical gaming keyboards on our list.
If you're looking for a compact mechanical keyboard with good switches, decent styling, low-profile and extra multimedia keys, the Corsair K65 is one of the best options on the market. It's a great option that you can get on sale right now for less than $100.
The best thing about this cheap mechanical keyboard is its speed of response, thanks to Cherry MC switches that are much faster than Cherry MX RED. It also has a few extras, such as a wrist rest, extra USB connection or RGB lighting, making it currently one of the best mechanical gaming keyboards of 2022.
HyperX Alloy Elite 2 - Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
For gamers, streamers and multitaskers who need more control at their fingertips, HyperX Alloy Elite 2 is the keyboard for you. With dedicated multimedia keys and a large volume wheel, this multifunction gaming keyboard is ready for everything from video editing to watching movies. It's built with highly reliable HyperX mechanical keys balanced for speed and responsiveness, so you can rely on your keyboard's inputs. Exposed LED keycaps combine with translucent HyperX Pudding Keycaps to give your RGB lighting an extra glow.
You can customize the signature lightbar and create lighting profiles with intuitive HyperX NGENUITY software for brilliant color visualization, but the best is the USB 2.0 connector that provides an additional USB port for your multi-tasking needs.
The Alloy Elite 2's rugged steel construction makes it durable enough to work and play day in and day out.
