Best budget mechanical keyboards
Other than the ultra shiok aircon, the best part of going to the computer lab for me as a kid was always typing on the big keyboards they had. You know, the large clicky ones that sound and feel oh-so-satisfying. Known as mechanical keyboards, you might be familiar with them if you’re a pro-gamer or if you’re into keyboard ASMR.
A quick Google search will most likely bring up results showing the typical black and rainbow-lit gamer keyboards, but if you’re planning on making your setup clean AF, you might want to consider other options. We’ve compiled a list of mechanical keyboards under $200 no matter your aesthetic.
Table of Contents [hide]
- Best budget mechanical keyboards
- Understanding mechanical keyboard terms
- Other things to consider when buying a mechanical keyboard
- – Hot swappable budget mechanical keyboards –
- 1. Zuoya GMK67
- 2. Keychron K4 V2
- 3. CIY68
- 4. Royal Kludge RK100
- 5. Akko 3084
- – Non-hot swappable budget mechanical keyboards –
- 6. Trio Gato Bamboo Mechanical Keyboard
- 7. Boyi 61 Keyboard Mini Jokee Color
- 8. Motospeed 87-key keyboard
- 9. Logitech G512 Carbon
- 10. Satechi SM1 75%
- Level up your rig with these mechanical keyboards
Understanding mechanical keyboard terms
When on the hunt for a mechanical keyboard, it’s normal to come across cheem terms like “80% keyboard” and “red switches”. Not to worry if you’re a tech noob; these terms are fairly easy to understand and can help you to make a more informed decision when purchasing your keyboard.
Keyboard sizes
Whenever you see percentage signs on your keyboard specifications, it’s most likely referring to the size of your keyboard. Full keyboards have 104 keys in total, including a number pad by the side. This is the longest keyboard available and isn’t as portable as the others.
This is what a 60% keyboard will typically look like.
Image credit: @ohgi_kbd via Instagram
80% keyboards, also known as tenkeyless keyboards don’t have the number pad while 60% keyboards additionally lack the arrow pad and F-keys. The less common 75% has the same keys as the 80% keyboard but with smaller gaps between which can make it slightly harder to clean. The most popular size is definitely 80%, but this is up to your personal preference.
Types of mechanical keyboard switches
Image credit: @strawberry_choi via Instagram
Arguably the most important part of any keyboard, the type of switch you get determines the overall “feel” when you type. There are 3 main types of switches – linear, clicky, and tactile; here’s a quick round-up on the distinct features and characteristics of each one.
| Type of keyboard switch | Characteristics | Pros | Cons |
| Linear / red switches | Smooth feel & relatively no sound when you press down a key | Light actuation force making it easy to press keys quickly and relatively quiet typing experience | Lack of feedback when typing may result in more typos |
| Clicky / blue switches | Clicky feel and sound when you press down a key | Clicky feedback when you press down a key lets you know when you fully activated a key. | Noticeably noisy when in use, requires a bit more force when pressing down keys which might affect speed. |
| Tactile / brown switches | Clicky feel but minimal sound when you press down a key | Good balance between having a tactile response during use and a silent typing experience | Requires a bit more force when pressing down keys which might affect speed. |
In general, most gamers opt for the linear switches thanks to its smooth feel and not-so-loud clicks. Typists and other keyboard users tend to lean more towards the clicky or tactile switches because they have a traditional “typewriter” feel when you press them.
Other things to consider when buying a mechanical keyboard
Apart from the keyboard size and type of mechanical switches, there are a few other key features you might want to think about when purchasing a new keyboard:
- Hot swappable functionality: if you’ve ever wanted to change the clicky sound of your keyboard, make sure to get a keyboard that’s listed as hot swappable.
Essentially, this type of keyboard doesn’t have its mechanical switches soldered onto its circuit board, which lets you swap switches whenever you want. While it is pricier than its soldered counterparts, hot swappable keyboards are the way to go if you plan on changing up your keyboard setup in the future.
- Material of keyboard case: this is one component that’ll affect the sound of your keyboard. There isn’t a “best” material per se, just whichever produces the sound that you prefer the most. Metallic cases tend to create a more high-pitched “clack” sound, while padded plastic cases will produce more “thocky” sounds. And for the RGB enthusiasts: choosing a translucent material can really show off any customised lighting modes.
- Wireless capabilities: going wireless can be a godsend if you’re always switching between devices, letting you get the most bang out of your buck as you wouldn’t need multiple keyboards. However, some gamers do prefer wired keyboards because it has a shorter lag time.
- Backlight: not all keyboards come with lights on their circuit board – especially lights of the RGB variety – so do pay attention to the listed specs if you want a light-up keyboard.
Now that we’ve got all the technical details out of the way, here are 10 mechanical keyboards to match your setup at home.
– Hot swappable budget mechanical keyboards –
1. Zuoya GMK67
Best overall budget mechanical keyboard
Image credit: Keyspace store
A darling of the keyboard modding community, the Zuoya GMK67 ($123.39) has been the budget pick for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts since its initial release. With Bluetooth support, RGB backlights, and a hot-swappable circuit board, it’s got all the bells and whistles without the hefty price tag.
Most people opt to get a keyboard kit for this model, which means it doesn’t come with switches or keycaps. But this means you get to source your own switches and keycaps, making it super customisable!
If the GMK67’s 65% layout is too small for you, you can also consider getting its upsized counterpart, the GMK87.
2. Keychron K4 V2
Best budget mechanical keyboard with bluetooth functionality
Image credit: Keychron Philippines
Those looking to avoid blowing a hole in their wallets when buying a solid mechanical keyboard can also consider the Keychron K4 V2 ($147.18). Firstly, it’s a 96% keyboard, which means you get all the essential functionalities at your fingertips, minus the added bulk of a full-sized keyboard.
Image credit: Keychron Philippines
Pair its portability with bluetooth connectivity, and the Keychron K4 V2 is a mean contender for one of the best hot swappable and space-saving options out there. It can connect to up to 3 devices and switch amongst them seamlessly, so you can type away on your phones, desktop, and even iPad with ease.
It comes pre-built with Gateron G Pro mechanical brown switches, which makes it a great typing companion if your office mates are particular about the click-clacks of mechanical keyboards. The Keychron K4 V2 also has a deep power reserve, as it lasts up to 240 hours on a single charge, which makes going wireless all the more effortless.
Get the Keychron K4 V2 on Amazon.
3. CIY68
Best budget hot swappable mechanical keyboard
Image credit: @oklewser via Carousell
The CIY68 ($65.29) is an almost-barebones mechanical keyboard that’s great for those who are just getting into mechanical keyboards.
I say almost, though, because despite its small size, lack of backlight and a plastic case, it comes with bluetooth support and is hot swappable. Running on 2 AAA batteries and with an option to go wireless, this keyboard will also be sure to reduce clutter on your desk.
Like the GMK67, the CIY68 often comes in kits that allow you to buy your own switches and keycaps.
4. Royal Kludge RK100
Best budget full-sized mechanical keyboard
Image credit: Amazon
Another brand with high quality and affordable builds, Royal Kludge’s RK100 (from $94) is a steal for its price. Not only is the orange and grey combination pleasing on the eyes, the 100-key keyboard also has all the functions you’ll need while keeping things relatively compact.
This keyboard is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Android and can be connected via Bluetooth, 2.4gHz wireless, and through a Type C-USB. Plus, you can even customise the brightness of the ice-blue backlight and the switches to create your dream keyboard.
This keyboard also comes with 24-hour customer support via Amazon message so you can resolve any of your problems directly with the seller.
5. Akko 3084
Best budget pre-built mechanical keyboard
Image credit: @perilariene via Instagram
For those of you who want something more subtle but still with a bit of personality, the Akko 3084 (from $115.59) is a great option. Featuring light blue and grey keycaps, this colourway is perfect for minimalists who want a pop of colour in their setup.
This keyboard has a white backlight for use in low light settings and just like the other Epomaker keyboards, you can also choose your preferred switch type when purchasing.
– Non-hot swappable budget mechanical keyboards –
6. Trio Gato Bamboo Mechanical Keyboard
Best eco-friendly budget mechanical keyboard
Image credit: Amazon
Cutting down on waste is a great way to do your part in the fight against climate change, and you can start by making more eco-conscious purchases. If you want to get a mechanical keyboard but don’t want to have to compromise on your values, the Trio Gato Bamboo Keyboard (from $140) can help solve this dilemma.
This keyboard and mouse is made using glass-coated bamboo, making it a sustainable choice. Better yet, this set can even be recycled at the end of its lifespan, meaning less additional waste to landfills. It also preserves power by going to sleep, and is 100% wireless so you can use it for multiple devices without forking out extra bucks.
Get the Trio Gato Bamboo Keyboard from Desert Cart
7. Boyi 61 Keyboard Mini Jokee Color
Best compact budget mechanical keyboard
ARMYs will find this keyboard lookin’ just like BT21’s Mang.
Image credit: Amazon
For all the maximalists out there who are so over the popular white Muji-esque look, the Boyi 61 Keyboard Mini Jokee Color (from $123.95) is a great keyboard to have. With a loud colour swatch giving us big unicorn vibes – or even BT21’s Mang – using this keyboard is sure to put you in a good mood thanks to its vibrant colours.
If these colours aren’t your cup of tea, Boyi also has other colourful keyboards for you to choose from that are under $100. Featuring the popular Cherry switches and customisable RGB lighting, this keyboard is also extremely well-built.
An example of the famous Cherry switches which are great for beginners in the keyboard community
Image credit: @the_cubed via Instagram
Get the Boyi 61 Keyboard Mini Jokee Color on Amazon
8. Motospeed 87-key keyboard
Best budget mechanical gaming keyboard with RGB
Image credit: Amazon
If you want to channel your inner gamer girl, this fully-pink Motospeed 87-key keyboard (from $100.67) is a great entry-level keyboard you can get without splurging too much. With an extremely long battery life of up to 500 hours without the white backlight, you won’t have to worry about forgetting to charge it.
Both wired and wireless functions are available – the latter allows use of the keyboard up to 10 metres away.
Get the Motospeed Mechanical Keyboard on Amazon
9. Logitech G512 Carbon
Best full-sized mechanical gaming keyboard with RGB
Image credit: @zadetech via Carousell
With Logitech being such an established brand in the gaming peripherals market, you can count on them to push out quality options when it comes to keyboards of virtually any type. We’re going with the Logitech G512 Carbon for another pick in the RGB mechanical keyboards department.
This powerhouse of a keyboard is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, and is even fitted with programmable macros to execute complex commands in-game with the push of a button. But, it’s the G512 Carbon’s RGB features that you’ll want to fiddle with.
Image credit: Logitech
Simply download Logitech’s free G HUB gaming software, and you’ll be able to tap into the keyboard’s LIGHTSYNC technology. From soothing pulsing animations that resonate over your keys to reflecting on-screen colours on the G512 Carbon to match your entire room’s vibe, the possibilities are pretty much endless.
Get the Logitech G512 on Amazon.
10. Satechi SM1 75%
Best budget low-profile mechanical keyboard
Image credit: Satechi
The Satechi SM1 75% ($157) is the perfect budget mechanical keyboard for those who want the satisfying, tactile feel of mechanical keyboards without sacrificing any portability.
Its 75% layout ensures that you don’t lose out on function keys, whereas its flat, low-profile switches and keycaps make it easy to store and carry around. Coupled with its bluetooth functionality, the Satechi SM1 75% can be easily integrated into any setup – whether it’s being used in your home office or outside at a cafe.
Get the Satechi SM1 75% on Amazon
Level up your rig with these mechanical keyboards
With most of us working from home these days, we spend a ton of time on our computers which is why investing in a mechanical keyboard can be a small luxury to indulge in. All these options are under $200 so you won’t have to spend a ton of money just to have a good rig for all your gaming and typing needs.
While the keyboards on this list are mostly pre-built, those who are looking for more customisable mechanical keyboard options can consider going down to one of the many mechanical keyboard shops in Singapore!
Check out our other gadget-related articles:
Cover image credit: @strawberry_choi via Instagram, Amazon
Originally published on 28th June 2021. Last updated by Khoo Yong Hao on 21st August 2025.