1. Cooler Master CK552
The Cooler Master’s CK552 is one of the most budget-friendly mechanical keyboard available for the majority. It’s a gaming-sized keyboard that comes with RGB backlighting as well as an aluminum top plate and an 5.9-foot (1.8m) USB 2.0 cable. It has a variety of switches: Gateron Brown (tactile) and (clicky), Blue (clicky) and red (linear) and are all believed to be able to stand 50 million keystrokes with no failure.
The review unit I received was equipped with Gateron Red switches that proved to be responsive while gaming, so much that I sometimes hit a key that I didn’t intend to. It also did stumble a little during intense typing sessions. Selecting a different type of switch might help. Cooler Master can make the keyboard using touch-sensitive Brown as well as clicky Blue switches as well, however they’re not as easy to locate online as writing.
Ideal for avid gamers and gamers The CK552 comes with onboard memory that can hold as many as four profiles as well as on-the-fly control that makes it simple to record macros as well as control the backlighting. It also works with the Cooler Master Portal utility, that provides more precise controls on a number of similar areas, but it’s not as robust than rivals like Razer Synapse. But, this dual-method strategy is likely to appeal to those who aren’t keen on installing numerous programs and who would like more ability to control their devices.
2. HyperX Alloy FPS Pro
Its HyperX Alloy FPS Pro (currently going for $70) was created with eSports in mind, which makes it one of the most affordable mechanical keyboards designed for gamers. It has a small TKL design with an easily detachable USB cable, and a solid steel construction, which should enable it to travel easily. The features alone could help it be different from the other keyboards on this list, however HyperX did not stop there with the Alloy FPS Pro’s mobility.
Its Alloy FPS Pro is available with Cherry MX’s linear Red or blue switch that is clicky This makes it stand out from other mechanical keyboards that are priced at a lower price. The switches aren’t bad at all. a lot of switches from different manufacturers, but Cherry’s is still considered the best among them, at least on the market for consumers. (Don’t be worried, fans We wouldn’t do a favor to the quality of your Zealios or the brand new Panda switch from Glorious Computer Gaming race.)
HyperX also rolled out their Alloy FPS Pro with n-key rollover, 100% anti-ghosting, as well in red backlighting and various effects. All of these features resulted in some of the finest and most enjoyable gaming sessions I experienced while preparing this report. This Alloy FPS Pro was responsive and perfectly matched the other components of my setup, and felt like a ideal option to play on.
It is nice to have RGB backlighting as well as some media keys with dedicated keys however, from a pure perspective of gaming, it’s difficult to surpass this model. Alloy FPS Pro at this price.
3. Logitech K845
Logitech’s K845 is replacing our previous choice for productivity in the budget category, the K840. It’s about $10 more, however it includes backlighting in white to the keys. You can customize with one of five different patterns and can be adjusted up to 3 levels of light (plus the off). For $59.99 You get an entire mechanical layout that includes the aluminum upper plate as well as the option from red (linear) blue (clicky tactile) or brown (quiet tactile) switches from TTC. If you pay an extra $20 you can select an 845ch model that use Cherry switches (red or blue). The company provided us with an 845 equipped with TTC blue switches and we found them to be a satisfactory replacement for our Cherry MX Blue switches in our Das Keyboard daily driver.
It’s also a bit pricey. Logitech K845 also sports an aluminum top plate that is attractive and provides an upscale feeling than you’d imagine from a keyboard within this price bracket. But for those who are used to expensive keyboards that are heavy it’s worth noting that this 1.72-pound weight and the plastic shell do not scream “high-end keyboard.’ However the switches are capable of 50 million clicks, and the molded keycaps ensure that you don’t have to worry about labels becoming faded, though we’re not the biggest fan of the hefty font.
There’s no media keys, or macro keys and software that comes with it, as well as a the ability to detach cables. Also, the white backlight doesn’t look as stylish as RGB. However, we wouldn’t expect everything in this price point. The plastic feet that flip up at the back feel slightly more robust and sturdy, however more than other keyboards we’ve tried with more expensive prices. If you’re looking for a basic low-cost, easy to use mechanical clacker for your workstation (and maybe a bit of gaming) then the Logitech K845 is an excellent alternative, particularly if it’s available for sale at less than $59.99 MSRP.
4. Havit KB487L
The Havit KB487L keyboard doesn’t easily fit into any other category however, it’s an intriguing keyboard that we just had to include it in this list. It’s a traditional TKL design however, instead of the standard shortcut keys on the right side, it features an numbered pad. This creates the ‘have your cake and have it all too’ style which offers the space-saving advantages of the TKL keyboard, but doesn’t restrict spreadsheet users to an array of numbers. I didn’t see any change in my everyday usage–I don’t utilize either the shortcut cluster, or the number pad. However, it’s certain to turn off those familiar with a traditional layout.
Havit has also fitted the KB487L with sturdy PBT keyscaps that were more pleasant than the other keys I poked, punched and pressed during the course of creating this round-up. They also have a unique black, white and orange hue that allows the KB487L make a statement among the multitude of monochromatically-faced keyboards currently available. It’s not designed to look or feel like a low-end mechanical keyboard.
The beauty of the KB487L is more than just skin deep. I didn’t find any keys that were mis-pressed during the many days engaging in Valorant and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and these games are pretty easy to spot something wrong on the keyboard, for instance when you see what was clearly headshots fly away between the cities that are lost in Atlantis or Narnia. The game was still not my favourite game, but I enjoyed it more than many linear switches available.
5. MSI Vigor GK50 Elite
Its MSI Vigor GK50 Elite (along with the version that is low-profile listed on the page) is an excellent keyboard to type on. It’s less expensive than other popular typing clackers such as those from Hexgears Impulse (currently $100). Similar to the Impulse it’s also a great keyboard. Vigor GK50 Elite offers the outstanding Kailh Box White switches. It also comes with keyboard equipped with Kailh Blue switches meaning that you’ll get a loud and squeaky sound regardless of what.
Although the plastic keys here aren’t the most elegant but they did a fantastic job in preventing fingerprint smudges that we tested. MSI also includes an extra-high quality top plate however, they slashed cables, made of made of rubber with no reinforced for long-lasting. However, it’s an affordable, but basic keyboard that offers a premium typing experience.
Gamers won’t get extravagant premium features, such as bonus macro keys and onboard memory. Furthermore it is the Vigor GK50 Elite is only equipped with tactile, click switches that are a challenge to repeatedly hit the button.