The 5 Best Gaming Keyboards Under $150 Reviewed
PC gaming is widely recognized as a fun and cognitively beneficial pastime, but it can be even more so when you have the best possible equipment and technology on your side.
Many gamers (understandably) make the mistake of thinking that in order to get the most out of their gaming experience, they need to spend as much money as possible.
With some gaming keyboards running as high as $200 and over, this kind of purchase can be extremely expensive.
However, there is a limit to how cheap you can go without compromising on playability, functionality, or aesthetics.
If you want to experience really smooth and seamless gameplay, you’re going to have to be prepared to part with some cash.
Our research has shown that $150 is a good upper limit to set on gaming keyboards if you want to up your game and enjoy more advanced technology at relatively reasonable prices.
For under $150, you can get a gaming keyboard that is ergonomic, technologically advanced, and aesthetically appealing, enhancing your gameplay without breaking the bank quite as much as some of the more expensive models out there.
In this article, we’ll be reviewing the best gaming keyboards for under $150. We’ve included models that push the upper limits of our price range, as well as mid-range and budget options.
Bearing in mind that prices are liable to change in the market, we won’t be referencing any specific price points, but we’ve reviewed the featured products in order of their current listed prices from most to least expensive.
We’ve also put together a buyer’s guide of features and factors to consider before purchase.
In a hurry? Check out our top gaming keyboard for under $150:
Razer Huntsman Gaming Keyboard
● 10-key rollover
● Tactile mechanical feedback
● Optical actuation
● Programmable keys and macros
● Customizable RGB lighting
● Durable aluminum construction
● 100 million click longevity
Best Gaming Keyboards Under $150
1. Razer Huntsman Gaming Keyboard
Right at the upper limit of our price range is Razer’s Huntsman gaming keyboard.
This truly is one of the best keyboards you can get for under $150 due to the sheer amount of personalization and programming you receive for this price, not to mention its speed-oriented and ergonomic design.
The first thing to mention about this keyboard is that its transitions are fast; really fast.
Razer has chosen to use optical, photoelectric switches instead of the mechanical switches found on many other gaming keyboards.
What this means is that each keypress is registered at the speed of light through light-based actuation.
This feature reduces common gaming inconveniences such as lag. Razer’s 10-key rollover, meanwhile, allows for up to 10 keys to be pressed at a time without ghosting.
In conjunction with the speed enabled by the light-based actuation, the clicky feedback of these switches allows for satisfying and easily audible gameplay.
The keys are really light, though, so you don’t have to sacrifice playability for good feedback.
But that’s not all the Razer Hunstman has to offer – far from it. In terms of construction, the top frame is made from aluminum, which ensures structural strength and longevity.
In fact, it’s estimated that you’ll get as many as 100 million clicks out of this keyboard before it wears out.
The keys themselves are also highly durable thanks to the stabilizer bar which keeps keypresses level at all times and the textured oil-resistant PBT keycaps.
You can even program and customize the Razer Huntsman to suit everything from your gaming needs to your mood.
The on-the-fly macro technology combined with Razer’s Hypershift function means that you can program and customize macro sequences, offering you more personalized control over your gameplay.
This keyboard is also completely syncable with popular gaming technology from over 30 partners.
Even the lighting is customizable. Each key is individually backlit and this keyboard supports an incredible 16.8 million colors.
Meanwhile, Razer’s on-board memory and cloud storage allow the user to save up to 5 profile configurations, even without internet access.
This model is available in classic black or mercury white.
- The #1 Best-Selling Gaming Peripherals Manufacturer in the US: Source - The NPD Group, Inc., U.S. Retail Tracking Service, Gaming Designed: Keyboards, Mice, PC Headsets, and PC Microphones, Based on dollar sales, Jan. 2017- June 2020 combined
- Faster Than Legacy Mechanical Switches: Razer Optical switches use light-based actuation, registering key presses at the speed of light (30% shorter actuation distance than other clicky switches at 1.5 millimeter) with satisfying, clicky feedback
- Ultimate Personalization & Gaming Immersion with Razer Chroma: Fully syncs with popular games, Razer hardware, Philips Hue, and gear from 30+ partners; supports 16.8 million colors on individually backlit keys
- Quality, Aluminum Construction: Covered with a matte, aluminum top frame for increased structural integrity
- Fully Programmable Macros: Razer Hypershift allows for all keys and keypress combinations to be remapped to execute complex commands
2. Logitech G PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Next up, Logitech G’s PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard has received rave reviews from PC gaming experts and customers alike.
This keyboard has been primarily designed for tournament use, so it’s not only built for performance during gameplay, but also for comfort and convenience.
Logitech G’s GX Blue Click switches provide audible, clicky feedback with your every move. The keys are also highly responsive and durable, ensuring smooth and fast-paced gameplay as well as product longevity.
This is a compact and lightweight keyboard build that can easily be transported to and from tournaments, or any other locations or events you might need it for.
This portability is enhanced by the detachable, 3-pronged Micro USB cables. These cables are easy to transport and store when not in use, and provide a secure connection when plugged in.
The compact design also allows for more space for mouse movement, minimizing the spatial restrictions that too often limit gamers’ performances.
Logitech’s adjustable 3-step angling construction makes this a very comfortable and ergonomic keyboard to use because you can set the angle for optimal wrist support. Additionally, the rubber feet on the bottom of the keyboard ensure stability at all times.
LIGHTSYNC technology allows for the highlighting of individual keys and lighting sequences to be saved to the keyboard’s onboard memory.
For the lower price point, Logitech G even matches Razer’s 16.8 color RGB lighting support. However, macro and light programming are only available with the purchase of Logitech G’s HUB software.
- Built with and for esports athletes for competition-level performance, speed and precision.
- Durable GX Blue Click switches deliver an audible and tactile click for a solid, secure keypress.
- Ultra-portable compact ten keyless design frees up table space for mouse movement. It’s easy to pack up and transport to tournaments.
- Use LIGHTSYNC to highlight keys and program static lighting patterns to onboard memory for tournament systems that don’t allow G HUB installations.
- Detachable Micro USB cables feature a three-pronged design for an easy, secure connection and safe transport in your travel bag.
3. SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
For a mid-range gaming keyboard that will not only meet but surpass your expectations when it comes to performance, we recommend the SteelSeries Apex 5 Hybrid Mechanical Gaming Keyboard.
The blue hybrid mechanical gaming switches included in this keyboard combine a smooth membrane with tactile, click feedback, making for fast, yet audible key transitions.
One of the best things about the Apex 5 keyboard is its dedicated multimedia controls, which allow the user to control volume and multimedia settings through the easy-to-use metal roller and dedicated keys.
Meanwhile, the OLED smart display enables extensive display screen customization.
Although this keyboard is much more reasonably priced than many of the more expensive models on the market, you don’t need to worry about compromising on durability for a lower price tag.
The aluminum metal frame used in the construction of the SteelSeries Apex 5 ensures durability, longevity, and impact-resistance.
With the ergonomic features of the SteelSeries Apex 5, you can say goodbye to wrist and palm cramps for good. The magnetic wrist rest provides superior support for those long, intensive hours of gaming.
SteelSeries also offers dynamic, individual key RGB lighting effects and color schemes, so whether you want to highlight a single key for optimal ease-of-use or just set the mood for your gaming session, this keyboard has you covered!
- Hybrid mechanical gaming switches – The tactile click of a blue mechanical switch plus a smooth membrane
- OLED smart display – Customize with gifs, game info, discord messages, and more. OS-Windows, Mac OS X, Xbox, and PlayStation. USB port required
- Aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame – Manufactured for unbreakable durability and sturdiness
- Dynamic per-key RGB illumination – Gorgeous color schemes and reactive effects for every key
- Premium magnetic wrist rest – Provides full palm support and comfort
4. Razer Ornata Chroma Gaming Keyboard
We absolutely loved Razer’s Huntsman keyboard model, but we know that since it’s close to the upper limit of our price range, it might not be an affordable option for everyone.
Luckily, Razer offers another high-performing gaming keyboard for a much more accessible price in the Ornata Chroma.
This keyboard uses mecha-membrane switches, which are a hybrid of mechanical and membrane switches.
These switches provide the best of both worlds in terms of key transitions, combining membrane smoothness and faster actuation with mechanical tactile feedback.
The Ornata Chroma, like the Razer Huntsman, supports fully programmable macro sequences using the Razer Hypershift function.
This keyboard is compatible and syncable with games and software from more than 30 partners, while the RGB lighting on each individually backlit key is customizable from 16.8 million colors.
Something we especially love about the Ornata Chroma is how comfortable it is to use. The leatherette wrist wrest is extremely soft for optimal comfort, no matter how long you play for.
This wrist rest is also easily detachable and positionable due to the built-in magnets.
The durability of the Ornata Chroma is largely down to the key construction, which supports up to 80 million clicks.
- High-Performance Mecha-Membrane Switches Provides the tactile feedback of mechanical key press on a comfortable soft-cushioned membrane rubber dome switch suitable for gaming
- Ultimate Personalization & Gaming Immersion with Razer Chroma Fully syncs with popular games Razer hardware Philips Hue and gear from 30 plus partners supports 16 8 million colors on individually backlit keys.Keycaps:Regular ABS
- Fully Programmable Macro Support Razer Hypershift allows for all keys and keypress combinations to be remapped to execute complex commands
- Ergonomic Magnetic Wrist Rest Made of soft-touch leatherette to maximize comfort over extended gaming sessions with built-in magnets for convenient alignment
- Durable Construction Supports up to 80 million clicks backed by a 2-year
5. Corsair K55 RGB Gaming Keyboard
Given Corsair’s reputation as a leading global PC component manufacturer, the very reasonable price point of the K55 RGB is a pleasant surprise.
The even more pleasant surprise, however, is how much this keyboard offers for the price!
This keyboard is often overlooked in favor of Corsair’s more recent models, for example, the K95 RGB Platinum XT and the K68 RBG.
However, these models fall slightly outside of our dedicated price range. If you’re looking for a high-performing budget gaming keyboard, the K55 RGB is the way to go.
The keys featured on this keyboard are not mechanical, and therefore, they’re quieter than most mechanical keys. However, they are still very tactile and responsive, comfortable, and satisfying to use.
Meanwhile, the IP42 protection guards provide dust and spill-resistance, so a spilled drink doesn’t have to mean the death of your keyboard!
Corsair’s iCUE software allows user control over the dynamic, 3-zone RGB lighting, as well as macro programming using the dedicated macro keys.
The 8-key rollover, meanwhile, allows for 8-key combinations and sequences and eliminates ghosting.
Dedicated media controls mean that this keyboard supports in-game volume and media adjustability with no interruptions.
You can purchase this keyboard as a wired or wireless model, with or without a mouse or a mouse mat, all within our designated price range.
Buying Guide for Gaming Keyboards Under $150
Wondering what the most important features to prioritize are in gaming keyboards?
You’re in the right place.
Read on for more information on what to look for when choosing your ideal gaming keyboard for under $150!
Switches
The type of switches used in the construction of a gaming keyboard will determine the speed and smoothness of your key transitions.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a fully immersive, unencumbered gaming experience, switches should be one of your primary focuses.
There are 3 different types of switches in mechanical keyboards: linear, clicky, and tactile.
Additionally, these switches can either be optical, membrane, or mechanical. These types of switches can also be combined to create hybrids.
For gaming, clicky or tactile switches are generally recommended because they provide audible feedback with each keypress.
If you want louder feedback, clicky switches are your best bet. For slightly quieter, but still audible feedback, we recommend tactile switches, or a mecha-membrane hybrid, which produces a similar effect (see more below).
As you can see from our product reviews, our top 5 best gaming keyboards for under $150 feature a range of optical, membrane, and mechanical switches.
If speed is your priority when it comes to gaming, we recommend optical switches. This type of switch responds to keypresses at the speed of light for a highly responsive typing experience.
For durability, mechanical switches will probably serve you best on balance. These switches will also provide you with better feedback and superior precision.
Generally speaking, membrane keyboards don’t come very highly recommended for gaming because they don’t provide the tactical feedback that most gamers appreciate.
However, mecha-membrane switches (mechanical and membrane hybrids) can be a good choice because they combine the easier cleaning and smoother feel of membrane switches with the durability, feedback, and precision of the mechanical.
Programmability
Programmability isn’t necessarily essential in order to enjoy a smooth, fast-paced gaming experience, but it certainly helps.
Now, macro programming often isn’t allowed in tournament environments, but the ability to program macro sequences and individual keys means you can enjoy better control over your gameplay.
Moreover, it minimizes ghosting, which is where certain simultaneous keypresses aren’t registered by the keyboard.
Therefore, if you’re hoping for a more seamless gaming experience with minimal technical difficulties, and you aren’t restricted by tournament regulations, we highly recommend prioritizing programmability in your gaming keyboard.
Ergonomics
Long gaming sessions are a lot of fun, but they can also take a toll on the wrists and palms.
Therefore, if you anticipate gaming for hours on end, we definitely recommend buying a gaming keyboard that includes a wrist rest.
An adjustable wrist rest is ideal because you can adjust the angle to the position that feels most comfortable for you.
We also recommend a detachable rest so you can remove it when it’s not needed and transport your keyboard more easily.
Even better, a padded, soft wrist rest (eg. leatherette) will provide superior support and comfort and won’t dig into your wrists or palms after long periods of time.
And because we all know that gaming can get quite intense at times, we recommend coupling a comfortable wrist rest with a sturdy aluminum frame and other stability-oriented features such as rubber footpads.
A strong frame and non-slip base will keep your keyboard steady and prevent flexing in the middle for an easier gaming experience and a longer-lasting product.
Lighting
RGB lighting is a highly sought-after feature in gaming keyboards.
This isn’t only because it looks good, but because the ability to highlight individual keys or zones of your keyboard can help you to locate keys and areas more easily for faster and more intuitive gameplay.
This type of lighting is also great for when you’re gaming into the night and want to be able to see what you’re doing.