Introduction
The allure of mechanical keyboards is undeniable. The tactile feedback, the satisfying click (or smooth glide, depending on your preference), and the overall enhanced typing experience have converted countless users from mushy membrane keyboards to the superior world of mechanical switches. However, the perceived high cost often acts as a barrier to entry for those on a budget. Fear not! The mechanical keyboard market has evolved, and there are now several affordable options that deliver a remarkable experience without breaking the bank. This article will explore five of the cheapest mechanical keyboards available, offering excellent value for various user needs and preferences. We’ll consider factors like price, switch type, build quality, keycaps, and extra features to help you find the perfect budget-friendly mechanical keyboard.
Understanding Mechanical Keyboards
Before diving into the specific models, let’s briefly cover the fundamentals. What exactly distinguishes a mechanical keyboard from its membrane counterpart? The core difference lies in the switch mechanism beneath each keycap. Instead of relying on a membrane sheet pressing down on a circuit board, mechanical keyboards utilize individual, physical switches.
These switches consist of several key components: a housing, a spring, a stem, and metal contact leaves. When a key is pressed, the stem travels downward, compressing the spring and causing the metal leaves to make contact, registering the keystroke. This mechanical action provides the tactile feedback and auditory cues that define the mechanical keyboard experience.
Switch Categories
Switches are categorized by their feel and sound:
Linear switches offer a smooth, consistent keypress without any tactile bump or click.
Tactile switches provide a noticeable bump when the key is actuated, indicating that the keystroke has registered.
Clicky switches combine a tactile bump with an audible click sound.
Common switch brands include Cherry MX, Gateron, and Outemu. Each brand offers a variety of switch types, each with its unique characteristics in terms of actuation force, travel distance, and sound. The keycaps, the plastic covers that sit atop the switches, also play a crucial role. They can be made from ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) plastic. PBT keycaps are generally preferred for their durability, resistance to shine, and more textured feel. The frame or case of the keyboard provides structural support and can be made from plastic or metal.
The benefits of choosing a mechanical keyboard extend beyond mere typing satisfaction. Their durability surpasses that of membrane keyboards, their responsiveness is superior for gaming, and the vast array of customization options, from keycaps to switches, allows users to personalize their keyboards to their exact preferences.
The Five Cheapest Mechanical Keyboards
Each keyboard entry below offers a concise breakdown of its price point, key features, notable advantages, drawbacks, and the intended user base.
Keyboard One: Redragon Kumara K552
Price Point: Very Budget-Friendly
Key Features: Outemu switches, ABS keycaps, compact tenkeyless design, sturdy build
Advantages: Extremely affordable, excellent entry point to mechanical keyboards, space-saving tenkeyless form factor
Drawbacks: Outemu switches may not be as smooth as Cherry MX or Gateron, ABS keycaps can develop shine over time, limited features
Target Audience: Gamers, students, and anyone looking for the most affordable mechanical keyboard experience.
Keyboard Two: MageGee MK-Box
Price Point: Budget-Oriented
Key Features: Outemu switches, vibrant color options, ergonomic design, floating key design
Advantages: Eye-catching aesthetics, comfortable typing experience, easily cleaned floating key design
Drawbacks: Build quality could be improved, Outemu switches are entry-level, limited to basic functionalities
Target Audience: Users looking for a stylish, affordable mechanical keyboard for home or office use.
Keyboard Three: RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61
Price Point: Competitively Priced
Key Features: Wireless Bluetooth connectivity, compact sixty percent layout, hot-swappable switches, long battery life
Advantages: Wireless freedom, highly portable, customizable switches, excellent for travel
Drawbacks: Takes some getting used to the sixty percent layout, battery life can vary based on usage, limited dedicated function keys
Target Audience: Mobile users, gamers, and those who value portability and customization.
Keyboard Four: Tecware Phantom
Price Point: Moderately Affordable
Key Features: Outemu switches, RGB lighting, customizable macros, solid build quality
Advantages: Stunning RGB effects, programmable macros for increased productivity, durable construction
Drawbacks: Outemu switches might not be as refined as other options, RGB customization software could be more intuitive, cable management could be improved
Target Audience: Gamers who want a stylish, customizable mechanical keyboard on a budget.
Keyboard Five: DIERYA DK61E
Price Point: Economical
Key Features: Gateron switches (usually), Doubleshot PBT Keycaps (on some models), Compact layout, Customizable RGB.
Advantages: Improved switch quality compared to Outemu on some configurations, Durable PBT keycaps providing excellent feel, compact form factor.
Drawbacks: Gateron switch availability varies depending on pricing, layout might require some getting used to, some features might be more basic than competitors.
Target Audience: Users who want improved switch quality and keycaps on a budget with a smaller keyboard.
Comparing The Cheapest Mechanical Keyboards
To further assist in the decision-making process, consider this comparison based on key characteristics:
Price: Redragon Kumara K552 is generally the lowest, followed by MageGee MK-Box. RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61, Tecware Phantom, and DIERYA DK61E are in the middle price tier amongst budget keyboards.
Switch Type: Redragon, MageGee, Tecware often use Outemu. RK Royal Kludge uses its own brand of switches. The DIERYA keyboard can be found with Gateron switches.
Build Quality: Tecware Phantom generally offers a better build compared to some competitors in this tier.
Keycap Material: DIERYA offering with PBT Keycaps provides a notable upgrade in this category.
Connectivity: RK ROYAL KLUDGE stands out with Bluetooth wireless option.
RGB Lighting: Tecware Phantom offers excellent RGB options for its price.
Layout: RK ROYAL KLUDGE and DIERYA offer compact layouts, Redragon has a tenkeyless.
Factors to Consider When Choosing A Cheap Mechanical Keyboard
When selecting a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard, several factors warrant careful consideration. Switch preference is paramount. If possible, try out different switch types before committing to a purchase. Experimenting with linear, tactile, and clicky switches can reveal the ideal feel and sound for your typing style.
Build quality should also be a key consideration. While compromises are inevitable at lower price points, prioritize a keyboard that feels sturdy and can withstand daily use. Keycap material significantly impacts both feel and longevity. While ABS keycaps are common on cheaper keyboards, PBT keycaps offer superior durability and resistance to shine.
Layout and size also matter. Full-size keyboards offer a complete set of keys, while tenkeyless (TKL) keyboards omit the number pad for a more compact footprint. Sixty percent keyboards are even smaller, sacrificing dedicated function keys for maximum portability.
Connectivity is another factor to consider. Wired keyboards offer a reliable, lag-free connection, while wireless keyboards provide greater freedom of movement. Customization options can also be important. Some users may want to swap out keycaps or switches to further personalize their keyboards.
Conclusion
The mechanical keyboard market is no longer exclusive to those with deep pockets. The five cheapest mechanical keyboards highlighted in this article demonstrate that a superior typing experience is attainable even on a tight budget. The Redragon Kumara K552 serves as an ultra-affordable entry point. The MageGee MK-Box offers vibrant aesthetics. The RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 provides wireless freedom. The Tecware Phantom delivers impressive RGB lighting, and the DIERYA DK61E offers good switch and keycap choices for the budget conscious.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and preferences. Whether you’re a gamer, a student, or a general user, a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard can enhance your typing experience and boost your productivity. Explore these options, weigh the pros and cons, and take the plunge into the satisfying world of mechanical keyboards without draining your wallet. We encourage you to consider these keyboards based on your individual needs and budget and find the perfect fit for you. With the right choice, you’ll see your productivity and typing enjoyment increase!
