Best budget gaming keyboard under $50 in 2026?

[umairaalam]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to upgrade my keyboard but I don’t want to spend too much. My budget is around $40–$50, and I mainly play FPS and some casual RPGs. I’ve been using a basic membrane keyboard for a while, and I’m thinking about switching to a mechanical one, but I’m not sure which brand or switch type is best for that price range.

Things I care about:

• Good durability
• Comfortable for long gaming sessions
• Decent build quality
• Preferably RGB, but not required

I’ve seen a few options online from brands like Redragon and some lesser-known ones, but I’m not sure which ones are actually worth buying.

What budget keyboards are you guys using right now?
Any recommendations or experiences would really help.


Thanks!

 

[Kaamos_Llama]

PCG likes this one: https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-keyboards/gamakay-x-naughshark-ns68-review/

 

[mh_ko_shabash]

Good discussion here. Under $50, I think the key things to compare are switch type (mechanical vs membrane), build quality, latency, and durability. Some budget mechanical boards now offer red or blue switches with decent anti-ghosting, which is impressive at this price point.


One thing I’ve noticed is that a lot of gamers focus only on RGB, but in this range, stability and key consistency matter much more for long sessions. A solid membrane keyboard with good rollover can sometimes outperform a cheap mechanical with inconsistent switches.


I run a gaming site that mainly focuses on mobile gaming, but we also cover budget gaming setups and accessories for players who switch between PC and mobile. I recently wrote about affordable peripherals that pair well with casual and competitive gaming without overspending.


Curious if anyone here has long-term experience with durability on sub-$50 mechanical boards — do they hold up after a year of heavy use?