There are hundreds of different mechanical keyboards on the market, each with their own distinct features and strengths and weaknesses. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to find the best mechanical keyboard for your particular needs and wants, even with something as specific as cheap hot swappable mechanical keyboards as your criteria. However, this guide will help you narrow down your selection to just the hot-swappable mechanical keyboards that have what you need and want in them, so you can find the perfect cheap hot-swappable mechanical keyboard that suits your particular set of priorities.

Is it worth getting a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard?
A good mechanical keyboard is expensive. A great mechanical keyboard costs a lot more than that. But if you’re using your computer for anything beyond typing up an essay or basic spreadsheet—if you’re playing games, designing graphics, video editing, or some other professional or creative pursuit—having a truly high-quality keyboard can make your life easier and let you work faster and more accurately. If any of those sounds like something you’d enjoy doing then it’s worth investing in quality hardware. (That’s not to say there aren’t affordable options out there: we’ve found affordable mechanical keyboards that don’t skimp on quality.) In our buying guide, we’ll explore what makes one mechanical keyboard better than another—and how different key switches change how each board feels to type on.

Corsair K63
If you’re looking for a mechanical keyboard at a great price, it’s hard to beat Corsair’s K63. It features Cherry MX Red switches, which are ideal for fast-paced gaming sessions or typing. However, their high actuation point may not be ideal for first-time mechanical keyboard users. The K63 comes with 18 programmable macro keys and dedicated media controls that are all set up through Corsair’s excellent CUE software. While it doesn’t offer RGB lighting as more expensive keyboards do, it does come in several different color options and supports full n-key rollover over USB. What’s more, it only costs $90 on Amazon. (View on Amazon)

Ducky Shine 5 RGB LED Backlit Wired / Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Cherry MX Blue Switch
The Ducky Shine 5 RGB LED Backlit Wired / Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Cherry MX Blue Switch has a look of elegance and versatility. Its solid build will allow it to survive all kinds of wear, and its high-quality illumination system makes it stand out from other gaming keyboards. It’s also highly affordable, so you can quickly enjoy its numerous benefits. The Ducky Shine 5 is compatible with Windows XP through Windows 10, as well as Mac OS X 10.5 or higher. So you can use it anywhere without having to worry about compatibility issues or extra software. It includes convenient hotkeys that give you easy access to volume control and media playback without even needing to take your hands off your keyboard!

CM Storm QuickFire Rapid (MX Blue)
This is a full-size mechanical keyboard that comes with Cherry MX Blue switches. These are loud, clicky switches that make it easier to detect typing errors because they click loudly when you press them down. The Rapid also has a USB port that allows you to use it as a gaming console controller. Just plug in your console’s USB, and you’re good to go! What more could you ask for? Well, we’d like for it to have full anti-ghosting capabilities instead of just 6KRO but hey, we can’t always get what we want. For its price though, it’s still one of the best cheap hot-swappable mechanical keyboards on our list today.

Redragon S101 Ornate LED Backlit Wired best cheap hot swap mechanical keyboard
Gaming can be expensive. PC gamers often have to contend with thousands of dollars in hardware to get their fix, and keyboard enthusiasts aren’t exempt from that rule either. Although we’re used to seeing mechanical keyboards for $100 or more, Redragon’s S101 Ornate LED Backlit Wired Gaming Keyboard defies that trend by selling for just under $30 on Amazon Prime. That said, while it might look flashy on paper, there are a few caveats you should know about before you pick one up.

Cooler Master Quick Fire Pro (Cherry MX Blue) Keyboard
For under $50, you can get a great mechanical keyboard from Cooler Master. The Cherry MX Blue switches and blue LED backlighting to make for a lovely design, while also keeping things nice and simple. If you’re looking for something flashy with tons of extra features (media keys, macro settings, etc.) you’ll have to step up to a pricier board—but we think it’s worth it to just keep things clean in our budget range. And if you’re not ready to commit to a full keyboard yet, check out our best gaming keypad guide too.

Logitech G610 Orion Brown Backlit Wired Gaming Keyboard with Romer-G Switches (UK Layout, Carbon Black)
For PC and Mac gamers looking for an affordable mechanical keyboard, it doesn’t get much bette