The keyboard lies at the heart of any PC gaming setup, and every gamer knows the value of having a comfortable layout, responsive keys, and the ability to customize each key to perform a specific task. However, having these features usually means that you’ll be paying around a $100 for a gaming keyboard, which is often more than budget-minded gamers would be willing to pay for.
Fortunately, there are several gaming keyboards out there that include high-end features like backlit keys, on-the-fly macro recording, and rollover technology, all of which help gamers get an edge during fast-paced real-time strategy games and first-person shooters like League of Legends, StarCraft II, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
Here are our favorite gaming keyboards for under $70.
Although Logitech G105 is an entry-level gaming keyboard, it still packs quite a few features that make it a worthwhile purchase, which helps explain its high, 4.5 star rating on Amazon. Right off the bat you’ll notice that it’s backlit, which is somewhat rare for gaming keyboards at the Logitech G105’s price range. Among these backlit keys are the quick-access media keys, which let you immediately control a variety of functions, most important of which is volume.
The Logitech G105 keyboard also includes 6 programmable keys that can be modified through 3 different modes, giving you access to a grand total of 18 possible macro keys. You’ll also get anti-ghosting technology which helps prevent unwanted button presses while also getting key rollover functionality that lets the keyboard record simultaneous keystrokes.
Razer has long been one of the most recognized names in gaming peripherals, so it’s no surprise that one of its keyboards would make it to our list. Known for using their unique poison green color scheme and Triple Headed Snake logo, Razer’s stylish keyboards are a good fit for anyone looking to spruce up their desktop setup.
Razer’s decision to forego mechanical keys in favor of chiclet-style membrane dome keys for the DeathStalker keyboard means there’s a smaller chance of you’ll wake up your roommates with loud keystrokes. The slim nature of the chiclet keys (2 mm) also means that you need less force to actuate each individual key, which allows you to issue lightning-fast commands during gameplay. Another feature worth noting is the 10-Key Rolleover technology, which means that if you simultaneously press down multiple keys (up to 10), they’ll all be registered.
The SteelSeries Apex [RAW] keyboard represents an ideal balance between performance and price, and although the keyboard lacks some of the features found on other SteelSeries keyboards, there’s still plenty to look forward to. For one, you’ll get to enjoy a new, streamlined design that features a larger-than-usual space bar and backlighting that can be adjusted over 8 different brightness levels.
Other significant features on the SteelSeries Apex [RAW] keyboard include 17 independent macro keys that can be organized into 2 layers, allowing for a total of 34 potential macro keys to be set up. One of the best things about the SteelSeries Apex [RAW] is the absence of any bundled software, which means bypassing often finicky setups and skipping straight to the gameplay, which is, after all, the very purpose of having a gaming keyboard.
The Razer BlackWidow Tournament Edition is a great choice for PC gamers who are constantly on the go or just want to have a little bit of extra space on their desks. The Razer BlackWidow completely does away with the numpad, revealing a compact factor that also looks very sleek. The Razer BlackWidow Tournament Edition is also the only keyboard on this list that is “Pro Gamer Validated” by e-sports athletes.
One of the hallmark features of the Razer BlackWidow Tournament Edition is the inclusion of Razer’s own mechanical switches, which provide a superior level of feedback and speed when used for gaming. The keys on the BlackWidow Tournament Edition are Razer’s proprietary green switches, each of which is rated for up to 60 million keystrokes…that’s a lot of games!
