Cheap gaming keyboard in the test 2023

In times of the eSports boom, one floods unmanageable amount of gaming keyboards the market. Such a keyboard is a must for every gamer! The choice is a real agony, because what exactly is important when it comes to gaming keyboards?

The criteria 

As a first decision before buying, gamblers will commit themselves to a certain willingness to pay. "I don't spend more than 100 euros," it could say. But are 100 euros enough? Or even too much? It is clear that for many gamers there is no such thing as "too expensive" when it comes to a high-quality gaming keyboard. But what about keyboards under 30 euros? We from TechWatch asked us where exactly the differences between expensive and cheap are and, above all, which cheap gaming keyboards are really good. Of course, there is no Razer BlackWidow Chroma or a logitech Orion, but there are definitely models that are suitable for gaming! Everyone who is looking for something suitable for the office is with ours anyway Bluetooth keyboards Test better saved.

In this test series, we examine gaming keyboards under 30 euros for their quality and feel, compared to the high-quality (but also expensive) Corsair K70 LUX. The criteria for such a test must be clearly structured, for which a distinction is initially made between a mechanical stop and a rubber mat. As a standard question for keyboards, this distinction only serves as an introduction in this case, because there are no mechanical keyboards for gaming keyboards under 30 euros. Only the control keyboard from Corsair works with mechanical stops.

The difference between a mechanical keyboard and a so-called "rubberdome" keyboard is fundamental. While rubberdome works with a rubber mat that is laid out under all keys, a mechanical keyboard has a single stop for each key. The production is therefore more complex and expensive, but this technology is attributed to more precise operation and a higher rollover. You can find out more about this in the test of the Corsair K70 LUX.

Since this distinction does not make too much sense in our test, attention is then paid to USB hubs before examining the content. This includes checking macro and multimedia keys (and their properties), possible volume control and key rollover. Finally, the general feeling of the gaming keyboard rounds off the test - short and crisp.

The Corsair K70 LUX control keyboard

So let's get into the matter. The K70 should serve as a prime example here. In this way, all the advantages of a high-quality gaming keyboard can be identified in order to then better test the cheaper models for their quality.

As already explained in the info box, the K70 has mechanical stops. Experienced gamers will not be surprised that these keys are made by "Cherry". The German company has made a name for itself worldwide with Cherry MX versions. About 20 different switch types differ in pressure point, resistance and feedback. The decisive factor here is the strength of the spring and the design of the button itself. While the MX Blue, for example, is suitable for those who write a lot thanks to a noticeable and audible click point, gamers usually prefer the Red or Black version, as these can be pressed linearly.

The K70 features Cherry MX RGB Brown keys. Well, why should you use big words, the keyboard is just awesome! The hardware is a neatly crafted piece of brushed aluminum (it weighs about a kilo) and the keys are nested snugly within it. While I'm not just happily writing this text with the K70, I played a few rounds of "StarCraft 2 - Legacy of the Void" and "DOTA 2" with the keyboard beforehand. Even if my skills didn't really justify the keyboard, I was thrilled.

But what I almost enjoyed more was setting the gaming keyboard according to my wishes beforehand. All the keys can be color-customized via the dedicated software "CUE" (Corsair Utility Engine) thanks to Cherry's RGB function. That alone took me 30 minutes! If you don't have the time, you can download one of hundreds of lighting profiles from the Corsair community. CUE allows for custom static lighting, but can also change colors at the touch of a button or at the pace of your choice. 

Far more important, however, is the definition of macro keys. The K70 does not have dedicated buttons, but each button can be assigned a macro function. Of course, this makes sense especially with StarCraft. Units produce on the number keys and below them the keys to push them while scouting...back to topic.

The K70 also scores a plus with the multimedia keys. Located at the top right, the volume can be easily adjusted with a wheel and below there are the classic stop, play/pause and forward and back buttons. This means that the right song can be selected in a completely relaxed manner even during gaming.

The BIOS mode can also be adjusted there, i.e. the sampling rate can be selected between 8, 4, 2 and 1 millisecond. Of course, new games require maximum speed.

With a 104-key rollover, the maximum standard is set, all keys can be operated simultaneously without losing a command. The keyboard also comes with an FPS keycap set. “WASD” thus has better grip. However, this is already given by the extremely pleasant keys.

Overall, we did everything right with the Corsair K70 LUX as a reference model. It has shown what quality means in every area and now offers a very good basis for measuring the cheaper variants. Of course, this is an unfair comparison, after all, the keyboards differ by around 150 euros, but as a benchmark, all the necessary conclusions for the models that follow can be drawn very well.

#10 MOTOSPEED K70

The Motospeed K70 rubber dome keyboard is surrounded by a plastic housing that appears stable. However, the keys are not as high as on the RK100 or K928, ​​which makes typing or gaming more relaxed. A more or less useful feature is the promise of "waterproof". The gaming keyboard has (like all gaming keyboards tested) a plastic surface with openings for the connection to the rubber dome. On the MOTOSPEED K70, this surface has seven small holes that drain off any water that has run in. The rainbow LEDs can be controlled via an on/off switch on the edge, there is no regulation for the brightness. Also with the MOTOSPEED K70 you have to miss a rest for the wrist.

Tapping on the gaming keyboard is a little softer than on the models above. There is therefore only a limited feeling of a mechanical keyboard. The K70 has neither multimedia keys (not even on the F-keys!) nor adjustable macro functions. Seen in this way, it is a "normal" keyboard. It is also labeled in American. So it doesn't have any umlauts, etc., and the lettering on the number keys (i.e. brackets, dollar signs, etc.) isn't correct either. Despite a 7-button rollover, the MOTOSPEED K70 is a rather sparse option for serious gamers.

#9 A4TECH X7 G800V

The X7 G800V from A4TECH looks interesting at first glance. There are 11 macro keys available. Unfortunately, it turns out that these are not freely assignable because there is no suitable software for this. The keys can therefore only be assigned within games and programs. As if 9 wasn't enough, A4Tech also grabs two next to the space bar and shortens it.

The X7 G800V gets the right look with the orange WASD and arrow keys. Unfortunately, the typing experience of the G800V is very dull. There are six media keys on the right side of the gaming keyboard. They work well and are absolutely welcome. Unfortunately, the X7 G800V does not have a backlight.

Therefore, the A4Tech X7 G800V does not get very far in our test either.

#8 Rii RK100

In contrast to the CSL Cipher, the Rii RK100 makes a slightly better visual impression as soon as it is connected. The reason for this is the LED lighting in a rainbow pattern (also available in special colors, but not adjustable). This can be adjusted in brightness and between continuous and pulsating. At first glance, the RK100 looks like a mechanical gaming keyboard, but it works with the same principle as the Cipher, i.e. a plastic surface over a rubber dome. However, the keystrokes still feel good. With satisfactory resonance (feedback) and slight indentations, it is easy to type or game. The size is limited to the area of ​​the keys. After a while, this gets a bit on the wrists, since the keys are located very high.

There are no USB hubs and there are no special multimedia keys either. The volume, etc. can be controlled via FN + F1 - 8. Everything works perfectly. The RK100 does not have macro keys, so you have to play with the keyboard shortcuts.

Except for the FN function for multimedia selection, the RK100 does not distinguish itself directly as a gaming keyboard. However, it has to be said that the feeling when typing the keys is very pleasant and the lighting is definitely impressive. A 19-key rollover also reinforces the gaming focus. The only thing that is a bit unfortunate is the lack of a wrist rest for the very high keys. Otherwise, you get a solid gaming keyboard for the price, which, however, without the backlight, is not necessarily directly attributable to gaming (apart from the obligatory arrows on WASD).

#7 HiPoint EU GX300

The HiPoint gaming set consists of a gaming keyboard and laser mouse. The mouse is beautifully and ergonomically designed and feels good in the hand. A distinction can be made between three DPI levels, which should satisfy every gamer. There is also a forward and back button on the thumb. The keyboard, on the other hand, has little to do with gaming. Although the letters glow red, blue or pink, that's actually it for gaming. The wrist rests are too short and the tribals on the upper edge are without function.

In addition, no macro or multimedia keys can be found. The key rollover is four keys, which is very low. But it is enough to gamble. The keys are very deep in the case, which means that the lack of wrist supports is manageable. The QWERTY keyboard responds to German umlauts, but the Caps Lock light does not work. The resonance (feedback) of the keys only feels slightly mechanical. On the other hand, the plastic base under the keys has holes that direct spilled drinks past the keys and the keyboard is thus little damaged.

Apart from the 1,5 meter sheathed USB cable, the keyboard has little to offer in terms of quality, but it is sufficient for gaming and at least comes as a set with a gaming mouse. This works well and is easy to use.

#6 MASIONE Gaming Keyboard

The gaming keyboard from MASIONE doesn't need big words. Long story short, the keyboard is identical to the Rii RK100. Equipped with a sheathed cable and a little more variation in the color selection, it only differs in small things. The MASIONE keyboard can light up or pulsate constantly in red, blue, green, turquoise, purple and yellow. In addition, this version is slightly heavier at around 830 grams due to a thin metal plate on the bottom. Otherwise, all the pros and cons can be read a little further up or down.

#5 CSL Cipher

The CSL Cipher is an acceptable gaming keyboard for the low price. With a robust plastic housing, the rubber dome keyboard appears stable. The keystrokes are relatively quiet and feel very soft, which can be a bit irritating when typing or playing due to the lack of resonance (feedback). The keys sit on a plastic surface that has small openings to activate the rubber dome underneath. This is very useful for cleaning the keyboard, so each key can simply be removed and the gaming keyboard can be turned over or wiped carefully. The CSL Cipher does not have any lighting.

There are no USB hubs, and there are four multimedia keys on the left and four on the right. This can be used to control the volume or press play/pause. The arrangement is a bit awkward, so a title can only be changed using FN + F6 or F8. This would have made more sense in the keys on the edge. The CSL Cipher is ready to use as plug & play, but the right multimedia keys didn't work in the test (Internet Explorer, search, favorites, e-mail).

The four macro keys are also placed a bit awkwardly for gaming, so they are located above F3 - F8, which makes them a bit difficult to grasp in the game. However, the programming is very simple.

Otherwise, however, you can get used to the soft typing feel and the stable frame ensures that the keyboard sits well on the table. The rest for the wrists provides a visual rather than a qualitative upgrade.

#4 TYPHOON CARBONKEY

The Carbonkey gaming keyboard from TYPHOON makes a great impression right away. The plastic border is a bit less stable than the other models, but you only notice that if you press down hard for test purposes. The blue letter and wrist rest illumination provides a nice gaming feeling and the keys feel more mechanical than many of the other tested models. Unfortunately, the palm rest is a bit too short for the high keys. The amateurishly attached USB cable, which is connected very shakily, is also a pity.

What TYPHOON has done differently at Carbonkey compared to all other providers in this segment is the distribution of the macros. There are nine multimedia keys on the upper edge of the keyboard and the macro keys occupy F1 - F8. For me it's a good idea, so the macros are easily accessible and the multimedia keys can stay quiet up there. Loud and quiet are unfortunately mixed up with the multimedia keys, which will cause trouble for many... The key rollover also disappointed me a bit, our test resulted in a 4-key rollover. This is lower average even for a cheap gaming keyboard.

Thus, the TYPHOON makes a good first impression and can be used as a gaming keyboard. Nevertheless, a few details are not fully considered, which is a shame for the macro idea.

#3DBPOWER K828

In many ways, the DBPOWER K828 delivers exactly what the cheaper model from DBPOWER, the K928, ​​lacks. A robust aluminum frame not only provides protection but also some space for the wrists. The cable is sheathed and thus protected against knotting or kinking. The gaming keyboard and the typing feel are pleasant and (very) easily come close to that of a mechanical gaming keyboard. The frame has a mobile phone holder in neon green, meaning and color are a matter of taste. The nine different LED modes are really great. It can be varied between steady, pulsating, flashing or only when a key is pressed. The pure WASD lighting makes the K828 a real gaming keyboard. The keyboard can also light up to the bass, an interesting gadget. In this price range, such a spectrum is really worth mentioning.

The technical properties are similar to those of the RK100 or the MASIONE. Thus, the K828 has a 19-key rollover and a twelve multimedia keys. The volume can be adjusted and the song selection too. Key lock, calculator, home and e-mail only work with Windows in our test. Only the music keys work on OS X.

Due to the stable frame including palm rest and the variation in the lighting, the K828 is really recommended at this low price.

#2 TECKNET Gaming Keyboard

The gaming keyboard or the set (a mouse is included) from TECKNET is a stunner as soon as you unpack it. At 1,2 kilograms, not only in the truest sense of the word, but also by looking at it. Wide, with ample wrist support and large macro keys along the top edge. The plastic case looks stable. The keys have a pleasant touch, but the rubber dome technology is still clearly noticeable. In addition to the mouse: the gaming mouse has three different speeds and feels good in the hand. The buttons are very easy and quick to use and there is a forward and back button on the thumb.

Let's get back to the keyboard. Ten macro keys can be easily programmed and the multimedia keys are integrated in the F-keys. Three different lighting colors adapt the keyboard to every game and ensure a good feeling. A 19-key rollover provides the anti-ghosting effect. However, I have to object here that I personally was not able to type this text with the keyboard. This may be due to my stupidity, many recessions from portals don't seem to have the problem, but the keyboard reacted so quickly that almost every letter appeared twice and three times. That was probably due to my inability, I couldn't find a setting for the sampling rate...

Apart from this point (apparently it is unique), the TECKNET Gaming Keyboard is a genuine gaming keyboard as you would imagine it. It lacks nothing, neither sufficient macros, nor a decent typing feel and also comes with a very well suited gaming mouse.

#1 Sharkoon Skiller Pro

The Sharkoon Skiller Pro makes the best impression at first glance. A neat layout of the keys is supported by macro and multimedia keys. When writing this text, I am therefore somewhat disappointed with the feeling when the keys are pressed. Although these are quiet, they are quickly revealed to be rubber dome keys. I don't like the feedback of the keys, especially when gaming and you sometimes press twice or accidentally several keys at the same time. But everything else shows class.

The six macro keys are on the left edge of the keyboard - finally not above the keys. While the F-keys can take over the multimedia control, all multimedia commands are again located above the number pad, in this case as a separate key. Additional function keys can be found via ESC to F4. This can be used to switch between three user profiles and access Mails or Home.

The technology that comes with it is amazing. The gaming keyboard saves the profiles on its own on-board memory. A mini-disc is also included, which can be used to install software. Since I no longer have a CD reader, these are of course also available online. The software is absolutely strong for this price category. Each button can be assigned individually and the user profiles can have different assignments. In addition, the macros can be set. The key rollover is described as "multi-key rollover" by Sharkoon itself. "eqrtw" can be pressed at the same time, so I end up with a 5-button rollover. Sufficient but rather small compared to other models (but do you need more than 5 buttons at the same time?).

This makes the Skiller Pro definitely the test winner of our series. For such a price, the software and additional features of the Skiller Pro are absolutely unmatched. Only the feedback from the keys bothers me a bit, but I've already gotten used to it. The wrist supports could be a bit longer because the keys are very high, otherwise I can't find any other points of criticism.

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