Mechanical Keyboards for Typing and Gaming: 5 Budget Options

Quick Summary

This guide compares five budget-friendly mechanical keyboards suitable for typing, gaming, and general use in the UK. These keyboards feature different mechanical switch types, build qualities, and feature sets at accessible price points under £100.

Mechanical keyboards use individual mechanical switches beneath each keycap, providing tactile feedback, durability, and typing characteristics distinct from membrane keyboards. Switch types determine actuation force, travel distance, and whether switches produce audible clicks or tactile bumps.

Common switch categories include linear (smooth keystroke), tactile (bump feedback), and clicky (audible click sound). Popular switch manufacturers include Cherry MX, Gateron, Kailh, and Outemu, with various manufacturers producing switches to different specifications and quality levels.

The keyboards featured here represent entry-level mechanical options available from UK retailers, covering full-size (104-key), tenkeyless (TKL/87-key), and compact layouts. All include UK layout compatibility with ISO Enter key configuration.

Redragon K552 Kumara

Redragon K552 Kumara Product Image

The K552 Kumara provides tenkeyless mechanical keyboard functionality at budget pricing. This compact design eliminates the number pad whilst retaining standard typing keys, saving desk space for mouse movement.

Key Specifications

Layout: Tenkeyless (87-key), UK ISO available
Switches: Outemu Blue (clicky) or Red (linear)
Actuation force: 50g (Blue), 45g (Red)
Backlighting: Red LED, adjustable brightness
Connection: USB wired, braided cable
Build: Plastic frame with metal backplate

Pros

Competitive pricing for mechanical keyboard entry
Compact TKL layout saves desk space
Metal backplate improves rigidity over all-plastic construction
Choice of clicky or linear switch types
Braided cable reduces wear compared to rubber alternatives

Cons

Outemu switches perceived as lower quality than Cherry MX
Single-color backlighting limits customisation
No software for macro programming or remapping
Non-removable cable complicates replacement if damaged

Typical Use: Budget-conscious individuals seeking mechanical keyboard experience without premium pricing. Suitable for general typing and casual gaming where advanced features are unnecessary.

Budget

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Keychron C1 Wired

Keychron C1 Product Image

The Keychron C1 offers full-size mechanical keyboard functionality with Gateron mechanical switches. This wired model provides Mac and Windows compatibility with included keycaps for both operating systems.

Key Specifications

Layout: Full-size (104-key), UK ISO available
Switches: Gateron G Pro Blue, Brown, or Red
Hot-swap: No (switches soldered)
Backlighting: White LED, 18 lighting effects
Compatibility: Windows and macOS
Price range: £45-55 depending on switch type

Pros

Gateron switches offer smooth operation and reliability
Mac and Windows keycaps included for cross-platform use
Full-size layout includes number pad
Adjustable typing angle with flip-out feet
Value pricing for Gateron switch quality

Cons

Switches not hot-swappable limiting customisation
ABS keycaps develop shine with extended use
No software for programming or customisation
Wired-only (no wireless option in C1 model)

Typical Use: Individuals requiring full-size keyboard with number pad for spreadsheet work or data entry. Mac users benefit from included compatibility keycaps.

Budget

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Corsair K60 RGB PRO

Corsair K60 RGB PRO Product Image

The K60 RGB PRO represents Corsair's entry-level gaming mechanical keyboard with per-key RGB lighting. This full-size keyboard features Cherry MX switches and aluminium construction targeting gaming and typing applications.

Key Specifications

Layout: Full-size (104-key), UK layout available
Switches: Cherry MX Red (linear) or Viola (tactile)
Actuation: 45g force, 2mm actuation point
Backlighting: Per-key RGB, customisable via iCUE
Build: Aluminium frame construction
Software: Corsair iCUE for lighting and macros

Pros

Cherry MX switches provide proven reliability and consistency
Aluminium frame offers durability and premium feel
Per-key RGB enables extensive lighting customisation
iCUE software allows macro programming and profiles
Detachable USB-C cable facilitates transport and replacement

Cons

Higher price point than budget alternatives
iCUE software requires Windows (limited Mac support)
No dedicated media keys (function layer only)
Non-standard bottom row complicates keycap replacement

Typical Use: Gamers seeking Cherry MX switches and RGB customisation at mid-range pricing. iCUE software integration benefits users with other Corsair peripherals.

Mid-range

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HyperX Alloy Origins Core

HyperX Alloy Origins Core Product Image

The Alloy Origins Core utilises HyperX's proprietary mechanical switches in a tenkeyless form factor. This compact gaming keyboard features aircraft-grade aluminium construction and per-key RGB illumination.

Key Specifications

Layout: Tenkeyless (87-key)
Switches: HyperX Red (linear) actuation at 45g
Lifespan: 80 million keystrokes rated
Backlighting: Per-key RGB with multiple effects
Cable: Detachable USB-C, braided
Software: HyperX NGENUITY for customisation

Pros

HyperX switches offer short travel distance for gaming
Exposed LED design produces bright, even illumination
Compact TKL layout maximises mouse space
Aluminium construction provides excellent rigidity
Detachable cable simplifies storage and transport

Cons

HyperX switches not hot-swappable
Limited switch variety (Red linear only in this model)
NGENUITY software less feature-rich than competitors
PBT keycaps not included (ABS standard)

Typical Use: Gaming-focused users prioritising compact layout and responsive linear switches. Bright RGB lighting appeals to enthusiasts seeking visual customisation.

Mid-range

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Royal Kludge RK61

Royal Kludge RK61 Product Image

The RK61 delivers 60% compact mechanical keyboard functionality with wireless connectivity. This ultra-compact layout eliminates function row, navigation cluster, and number pad, maximising portability whilst retaining mechanical switch quality.

Key Specifications

Layout: 60% compact (61-key)
Switches: RK Red, Blue, or Brown (user choice)
Hot-swap: Yes (allows switch replacement)
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4GHz wireless, USB-C wired
Battery: 1450mAh, up to 10 hours RGB use
Backlighting: RGB with multiple effects

Pros

Hot-swappable switches enable customisation without soldering
Triple connectivity modes provide flexibility
Ultra-compact design highly portable
Bluetooth supports up to three paired devices
Competitive pricing for hot-swap wireless keyboard

Cons

60% layout requires function layer for arrows and F-keys
Learning curve for individuals accustomed to full-size keyboards
Battery life reduced with RGB illumination active
Compact layout not suitable for number-intensive work

Typical Use: Portable mechanical keyboard for individuals working across multiple locations. Hot-swap capability appeals to enthusiasts experimenting with different switch types.

Budget

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Quick Comparison

Feature	Redragon K552	Keychron C1	Corsair K60	HyperX Origins	RK61
Layout	TKL (87-key)	Full (104-key)	Full (104-key)	TKL (87-key)	60% (61-key)
Switch Brand	Outemu	Gateron	Cherry MX	HyperX	RK
Switch Options	Blue, Red	Blue, Brown, Red	Red, Viola	Red	Red, Blue, Brown
Hot-swap	No	No	No	No	Yes
Backlighting	Red LED	White LED	RGB	RGB	RGB
Connectivity	Wired	Wired	Wired	Wired	Tri-mode
Price	Budget	Budget	Mid-range	Mid-range	Budget

Toolkit Extras for Keyboard Tinkerers

Finish your build with these workshop-friendly add-ons.

Switch & keycap station

Use foam trays and small jars to sort springs, stems, and stabilisers mid-mod.
Label each row so you can reassemble kits after livestream build sessions.

Sound-tuning pack

Grab pre-cut PE foam, tape, and lube brushes for instant thock experiments.
Keep spare O-rings to quiet switches when recording voice-overs.

Desk portability kit

A compact keyboard sleeve and braided USB-C cable make LAN nights effortless.
Add microfiber cloths to keep PBT sets photo-ready for build logs.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Mechanical Keyboard

Switch Type Selection

Linear switches (Red) provide smooth keystroke without tactile feedback, preferred by gamers for rapid key presses. Tactile switches (Brown) offer bump feedback at actuation point without audible click, balancing typing feel with moderate noise. Clicky switches (Blue) produce both tactile bump and audible click, satisfying for typing but potentially disruptive in shared spaces. Actuation force typically ranges 45-60g across common switch types.

Keyboard Layout and Size

Full-size (104-key) includes number pad essential for spreadsheet work and numerical entry. Tenkeyless (TKL/87-key) eliminates number pad for more desk space whilst retaining arrow keys and function row. 75% layouts compact the TKL design further. 60% keyboards (61-key) remove function row and navigation cluster, requiring function layer access but maximising portability.

Build Quality and Materials

Aluminium frames provide superior rigidity compared to plastic, reducing flex during typing. Metal backplates behind PCB improve switch stability. Keycap material affects durability: ABS plastic develops shine with use, whilst PBT maintains texture longer. Double-shot or dye-sublimated legends resist wear better than pad-printed alternatives.

Hot-swap vs Soldered Switches

Hot-swappable keyboards allow switch replacement without soldering tools, enabling experimentation with different switch types or replacement of failed switches. Soldered keyboards require desoldering for switch changes but typically cost less. Hot-swap boards appeal to enthusiasts exploring mechanical keyboard customisation.

Backlighting Options

Single-colour LED backlighting (white, red) provides key visibility in low light at lower cost. Per-key RGB enables customisation of individual key colours and effects through software. Some users disable backlighting entirely to reduce distraction or extend battery life on wireless models.

Wired vs Wireless Connectivity

Wired connections eliminate battery concerns and input latency, preferred by competitive gamers. Wireless keyboards (Bluetooth or 2.4GHz) offer cleaner desk aesthetics and portability. Modern 2.4GHz wireless provides latency comparable to wired connections. Battery life varies significantly with backlighting use, typically 10-40 hours with RGB active, considerably longer with lighting disabled.

Software and Programmability

Customisation software enables macro programming, key remapping, and lighting control. Corsair iCUE, Razer Synapse, and similar platforms offer extensive customisation but require software installation. Some keyboards store settings in onboard memory, functioning across computers without software. Basic keyboards lack software support entirely, relying on hardware switches or key combinations for limited customisation.

Keycap Compatibility and Replacement

Standard bottom row layout (1.25u modifiers) ensures compatibility with aftermarket keycap sets. Non-standard layouts (particularly gaming keyboards) complicate keycap replacement. Cherry MX-style stems represent the most common standard, though some manufacturers use proprietary stems limiting third-party keycap options.

Operating System Compatibility

Windows keyboards function on Mac systems but key legends don't match (Windows key becomes Command). Some keyboards include Mac-specific keycaps or dual-legend keys. Software compatibility varies: manufacturer customisation software may be Windows-only, limiting Mac users to hardware controls.

Noise Considerations

Clicky switches (Blue) produce significant noise potentially disruptive in office environments or shared spaces. Linear and tactile switches generate less noise but still louder than membrane keyboards. O-rings dampen bottom-out noise at the cost of reduced key travel. Some workplaces restrict mechanical keyboards due to noise levels.