Mechanical keyboards continue to become more affordable, making it easier than ever to get a high-quality typing or gaming experience without spending a fortune. In 2025, the US market is filled with budget-friendly mechanical keyboards packed with features that used to be reserved for much pricier models.
Whether you want a productivity-focused full-size keyboard, a compact wireless gaming model, or a QMK-programmable board for tinkering, there is something for everyone under $50. In this guide, we’ve selected seven of the best budget mechanical keyboards currently available, based on performance, build quality, features, and value.
1. Keychron C2 Pro
The Keychron C2 Pro shows that a full-size mechanical keyboard with enthusiast features can still be affordable. Starting at around $44 for the base version and going up to about $64 with RGB, this 100% keyboard targets productivity users who want a number pad without sacrificing quality.
The C2 Pro comes with Keychron K Pro red (linear) or brown (tactile) switches and offers a hot-swappable PCB, which is uncommon at this price. The keyboard ships with double-shot PBT keycaps and a detachable USB-C cable. Even more impressive is its support for QMK/VIA firmware, making it fully programmable and highly flexible.
It does lack wireless options and sticks to a plastic case, but the build feels solid for daily use. The white LED backlighting is sufficient for most users. RGB is available at a higher price, though many buyers of this board value functionality over lighting effects.
If you need a budget-friendly full-size keyboard with full programmability and quality keycaps, the C2 Pro is a great choice for 2025.
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Keychron C2 Pro Wired Custom Mechanical Keyboard Full Size Layout QMK/VIA Programmable Macro White… | Check Price on Amazon |
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2. Ajazz AK820 Pro
Ajazz’s AK820 Pro remains one of the most feature-packed 75% keyboards available under $60, with discounts often bringing it below $55. It stands out on this list for delivering a near-enthusiast experience at a budget price.
It features gasket mounting, tri-mode wireless connectivity (Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz, and USB-C wired), hot-swap support, and double-shot PBT keycaps. You also get a 0.85-inch TFT display and a volume knob, features typically found on boards costing well over $100.
Typing feel is flexible and satisfying, helped by the board’s solid weight and gasket mount design. Ajazz ships the AK820 Pro with either its Gift linear switches or Flying Fish tactile switches, both offering decent stock performance. Since the board is hot-swappable, experimenting with your own switch preferences is easy. The TFT display adds practical value, showing battery level, volume, or custom animations, while the volume knob is a convenient touch for media control.
Ajazz’s software remains the least refined part of the experience, but once configured, the AK820 Pro delivers excellent usability and versatility. It is easily one of the most complete “budget custom” style boards currently available.
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AJAZZ AK820Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, 75% Layout, Customizable TFT Display, Hot Swappable, RGB… | Check Price on Amazon |
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3. Aula F75
While the Aula F75 (full review) technically sits above the $50 mark, usually priced around $69, it is simply too good to ignore if you are willing to stretch the budget slightly. I have been using it as a daily driver for a while now, and it easily delivers a typing experience that feels far more premium than its price suggests.
This is a compact 75% board built around a leaf-spring gasket-mounted structure, with five layers of sound and shock-absorbing padding inside. The result is a soft, cushioned feel with excellent acoustics. Every keystroke feels controlled and satisfying, with no harsh bottom-out. The included TTC New Moon linear switches are buttery smooth out of the box, and the board supports full hot-swappability for easy switch experimentation.
The tri-mode wireless connectivity works flawlessly, with low-latency 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired USB-C options. Battery life is excellent thanks to a large 4000 mAh cell. You also get a useful volume knob, vibrant RGB backlighting, and stylish dual-tone PBT keycaps that complete the look.
Visually, this is easily one of the best-looking boards I have on my desk right now. If your budget allows for an extra $20, the Aula F75 offers one of the most refined and versatile experiences in this entire category.
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AULA F75 75% Wireless Mechanical Keyboard | Hot Swappable | Pre-lubed Linear Switches | RGB Backlit… | Check Price on Amazon |
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4. Royal Kludge R65
The Royal Kludge R65 brings a lot of refinement to the compact keyboard segment, and in 2025 it stands out as one of the best budget 65% wired or wireless boards with enthusiast-friendly features. Priced around $59.99 but often available with discounts (sometimes under $50 for the wired version), the R65 offers a polished build and flexible customization.
The board features a gasket-mounted structure with five layers of internal sound dampening, giving it a pleasantly soft, muted typing sound that rivals more expensive custom boards. The stock RK Cream linear switches are pre-lubed and feel smooth out of the box, though the hot-swap PCB makes it easy to experiment with your own switch choice. The MDA-profile double-shot PBT keycaps feel great under the fingers and add a touch of visual style, while an aluminum CNC volume knob provides easy media control.
Perhaps most impressive is the R65’s support for QMK/VIA programming, letting you fully remap keys and create layers through open-source firmware. You also get vibrant RGB backlighting with over 20 modes, and onboard memory to save your configurations.
Both wired and tri-mode wireless variants are available. The wireless model supports 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and USB-C wired modes, providing excellent flexibility for multi-device setups. Latency over 2.4 GHz is low enough to make it suitable for gaming.
5. Redragon K617 Fizz
Redragon’s K617 Fizz Magnetic is probably the biggest surprise in the budget keyboard market this year. It is a wired 60% board priced around $45 on sale, yet it offers magnetic hall-effect linear switches with adjustable actuation points, rapid trigger functionality, and an 8,000 Hz polling rate.
These features give competitive gamers an edge in fast-paced titles, with actuation as shallow as 0.2 mm and immediate reset thanks to rapid trigger technology. The board uses double-shot ABS caps with a playful design.
It is built for gaming above all else, so the 60% layout may feel limiting for general productivity. There are no arrow keys or function keys without layer combos, and the keyboard is wired only to support its high polling rate.
For players chasing performance on a budget, the K617 Fizz Magnetic is a brilliant value and one of the fastest keyboards under $50.
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Redragon K617 Fizz 60% Wired RGB Gaming Keyboard, 61 Keys Compact Mechanical Keyboard, (Linear RED… | Check Price on Amazon |
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6. Redragon K728 Pro “Antonium”
The Redragon K728 Pro is an 87-key TKL keyboard that offers gasket mounting, hot-swappable switches, tri-mode wireless connectivity, and solid acoustics at a budget price. It frequently drops to around $50 on sale.
The board comes with pre-lubed Dragon Chant linear switches, doubleshot PBT keycaps, and per-key RGB lighting. Thanks to its gasket mount and five layers of sound-dampening foam, the K728 Pro provides an impressively soft and muted typing feel out of the box.
Its Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless performance is reliable, and the wired USB-C connection is always there for lag-free gaming. Build quality is solid, though the Redragon software can sometimes be frustrating to navigate.
The K728 Pro is an easy pick for anyone wanting a feature-rich, quiet, and versatile TKL board on a tight budget.
7. JamesDonkey J2 75%
The JamesDonkey J2 remains one of the most complete budget 75% keyboards you can buy in 2025. Priced around $34–$59, it delivers a well-rounded feature set that rivals far more expensive boards.
It supports QMK/VIA for full key remapping and customization through the Keychron Launcher app, making it one of the most flexible boards at this price. The gasket mount structure combined with sound-absorbing foam ensures a softer, quieter typing experience than typical budget keyboards.
Connectivity is excellent, with 2.4 GHz wireless at 1000 Hz polling rate for gaming, Bluetooth for up to three devices, and USB-C wired for low-latency work. The board runs on a fast ARM MCU with full NKRO, so responsiveness is top notch.
The shine-through double-shot PBT keycaps and crisp north-facing RGB lighting complete a very polished package. If you want a compact wireless board with advanced programmability and refined typing feel, the J2 remains a top choice under $60.
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