Best Budget Mechanical Keyboards of 2025: Top Affordable Picks Reviewed
Discover the top budget mechanical keyboards of 2025, featuring RGB lighting, hot-swap support, and various layouts. We review the best affordable options based on expert and user opinions, highlighting their pros, cons, and who they're best for.
If you want to experience mechanical keyboards but aren't ready to spend $150-$250, check out the budget segment. The market in 2025 offers affordable mechanical keyboards featuring RGB lighting, hot-swap support, compact 60% and TKL layouts, and even some wireless options. Here, we've gathered the best budget mechanical keyboards of 2025 based on user and expert reviews.
1. Red Square Keyrox TKL
- Price: ~$55
- Layout: TKL (87 keys)
- Connection: Wired
- Switches: Gateron Red (linear, hot-swap)
An affordable mechanical keyboard from a Russian brand, featuring a metal plate and vivid RGB. Hot-swappable switches make it a great entry point into the world of mechanical keyboards.
Pros:- Under $60
- Hot-swap support
- Metal mounting plate
- Bright RGB lighting
- Wired only
- Basic package contents
2. A4Tech Bloody S98
- Price: ~$65
- Layout: TKL
- Connection: Wired
- Switches: LK Light Strike (optical, linear)
A gaming keyboard with proprietary optical switches, delivering lightning-fast response-ideal for fast-paced titles like CS2.
Pros:- Optical switches (instant response)
- Vivid RGB
- Durable chassis
- Comfortable TKL size
- No hot-swap
- Louder than standard linear switches
3. Dark Project KD87A
- Price: ~$75
- Layout: TKL
- Connection: Wired
- Switches: Gateron (various, hot-swap)
A high-quality mid-range keyboard popular in Eastern Europe. Features solid stabilizers, a numpad-free form factor, and hot-swap support.
Pros:- Hot-swap support
- Durable keycaps
- Game-friendly size
- Good stabilizers
- Wired only
- Average weight (not the most portable)
4. Redragon Kumara K552 RGB
- Price: ~$45
- Layout: TKL
- Connection: Wired
- Switches: Outemu Blue (clicky)
One of the world's most popular budget mechanical keyboards. Known for its affordable price, bright RGB, and classic clicky switches.
Pros:- Under $50
- Reliable build
- RGB with multiple effects
- Popular model
- Noisy Blue switches
- No wireless mode
5. Tecware Phantom 87
- Price: ~$65
- Layout: TKL
- Connection: Wired
- Switches: Outemu (hot-swap)
A favorite among budget keyboard enthusiasts. Offers hot-swappable switches, vibrant RGB lighting, and great build quality for the price.
Pros:- Hot-swap support
- Affordable price
- Attractive RGB
- Easy customization
- Plastic quality could be better
- No wireless option
6. Varmilo VA68M
- Price: ~$75
- Layout: 65%
- Connection: Wired
- Switches: Cherry MX (Red or Brown)
A compact keyboard with genuine Cherry MX switches in an affordable configuration. A great pick for those seeking a quiet mechanical board with long-term reliability.
Pros:- Original Cherry MX switches
- Compact 65% layout
- Classic design
- Trusted brand quality
- Limited features
- No RGB lighting
7. Ajazz AK33
- Price: ~$40
- Layout: 75% (82 keys)
- Connection: Wired
- Switches: Outemu (various types)
The most affordable option on the list. Compact size, vibrant RGB, and Outemu switches make it a great choice for your first mechanical keyboard.
Pros:- Under $45
- Compact
- RGB with effects
- Accessible switch options
- No hot-swap
- Average switch lifespan
Comparison Table
| Model | Price | Layout | Connection | Switches | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Square Keyrox TKL | ~$55 | TKL | Wired | Gateron Red (hot-swap) | Metal frame, RGB |
| A4Tech Bloody S98 | ~$65 | TKL | Wired | LK Light Strike (optical) | Gaming, RGB |
| Dark Project KD87A | ~$75 | TKL | Wired | Gateron (hot-swap) | Stabilizers |
| Redragon K552 RGB | ~$45 | TKL | Wired | Outemu Blue | Cheap, noisy |
| Tecware Phantom 87 | ~$65 | TKL | Wired | Outemu (hot-swap) | Enthusiast pick |
| Varmilo VA68M | ~$75 | 65% | Wired | Cherry MX Red/Brown | No RGB, reliable |
| Ajazz AK33 | ~$40 | 75% | Wired | Outemu | Cheapest |
Recommendations
- Most affordable: Ajazz AK33
- Best price-to-quality: Dark Project KD87A
- Top choice for gaming: A4Tech Bloody S98
- Quietest for work: Varmilo VA68M
- Best budget custom: Tecware Phantom 87
Want to see not only budget picks but also premium options for gaming, work, and custom builds? Check out our full roundup: 12 Best Mechanical Keyboards of 2025.
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