You’re looking for the best cheap mechanical keyboard in UAE and Saudi Arabia for 2023, and here are my top budget picks. For more detail, continue reading past this list below to see short reviews on each mechanical keyboard and a buyer’s guide.
Mechanical keyboards have become increasingly popular among gamers, programmers, and typists seeking more tactile feedback. Unlike membrane keyboards, mechanical keyboards use individual switches for each key, allowing for more precise actuation and a satisfying, tactile feel. This can drastically improve typing speed, accuracy, and overall experience.
But with a vast range of options available on the market, finding the perfect balance between performance and affordability can be challenging. The material, key switches, durability, and customization options all play critical roles in determining the right keyboard for your needs.
I’ve used tons of keyboards in every shape and form and have picked the top affordable options that don’t compromise on quality, ensuring an enjoyable and efficient typing experience. These keyboards offer good performance without breaking the bank.
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Royal Kludge RK61 Wireless 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- Wireless connection with easy device switching
- Compact 60% layout saves desk space
- Brown switches provide a balanced typing experience
- Single colour backlit instead of RGB
- Software support might require some tinkering
- Keys may be a bit noisy for some users
The Royal Kludge RK61 is a solid choice for those searching for an affordable, versatile mechanical gaming keyboard. The wireless connectivity makes switching between three different devices convenient.
With its minimalistic 60% layout and Brown switches, the RK61 offers a comfortable gaming experience and saves a lot of desk space for mouse movements. The Brown switches balance tactile feedback and low noise, making it a suitable choice for gaming and daily typing tasks.
While the keyboard doesn’t feature a multi-coloured RGB backlight, it still has 17 dynamic single-colour backlit modes, adding a touch of personalisation to your setup. You can adjust the brightness and glowing speed to your liking using the FN key and arrow keys.
The RK61 also offers DIY software support, which allows you to customise key bindings, adjust backlit modes and reassign key functions. However, be prepared to spend some time familiarising yourself with the software, as it may require some tinkering to get everything set up to your liking.
One possible downside for some users could be the noise the keystrokes produce. While it isn’t overly loud, it may still be a slight disturbance, especially if you share your workspace with others.
Keychron C1 Wired Mechanical Keyboard
- Versatile compatibility with Mac, Windows, and other systems
- White LED backlight with adjustable styles
- Durable Gateron Red switches ensuring a tactile experience
- Wired connection, limiting portability
- ABS keycaps may attract fingerprint smudges
- Limited to white backlight and no RGB options
This keyboard is perfect for those seeking an affordable yet high-quality mechanical keyboard and use both Mac and Windows.
The keyboard’s tenkeyless design suits my desk, providing more space for my mouse and other peripherals. While being wired may limit its portability, the USB Type-C connection ensures I get a stable connection during work.
What I appreciate about this keyboard is the Mac layout, as it includes all the necessary multimedia and function keys. However, it also comes with extra keycaps for Windows users, ensuring maximum compatibility. The adjustable white LED backlight adds a charming touch, and the variety of lighting styles allows me to match the keyboard’s appearance with my mood.
The Gateron Red switches have a smooth, linear typing experience with a 50 million keystroke lifespan. They provide excellent tactile feedback, which makes typing and gaming enjoyable. However, the ABS keycaps could attract fingerprints, but it’s nothing a quick wipe can’t fix.
SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB Gaming Keyboard
- Compact tenkeyless design for comfort and in-game performance
- Whisper quiet gaming switches with anti-ghosting technology for accuracy
- IP32 water and dust resistant for extra durability
- No Arabic support
- Takes some time to get used to the feel of the keys
- ABS keycaps
The SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL RGB gaming keyboard combines performance, durability and convenience features, making it a good choice for gamers on a budget. This tenkeyless keyboard offers a comfortable and practical layout, letting you focus on your gameplay without any unnecessary distractions.
One of the main selling points of the Apex 3 TKL is its whisper-quiet gaming switches. They are crafted from durable, low-friction materials that make them not only long-lasting but also almost silent. Additionally, the anti-ghosting technology ensures accuracy in every keystroke, a feature you’ll appreciate during my intense gaming sessions.
Another important aspect of the Apex 3 TKL is its IP32 water and dust-resistant design. This feature adds an extra layer of protection against potential damage from spills or dust particles, allowing you to continue gaming with peace of mind.
On the downside, some users might be disappointed with the lack of Arabic support on the Apex 3 TKL.
Razer Huntsman Mini 60% Gaming Keyboard
- Fast and responsive optical switches
- Customizable Chroma RGB lighting
- Durable aluminum construction and PBT keycaps
- Doesn't come with wrist rest
- Can be loud with clicky switches
- Average build quality
The Razer Huntsman Mini is a good choice for gamers seeking a compact, high-performance keyboard with exceptional build quality. The 60% form factor makes it incredibly portable, perfect for those with limited desk space or who frequently attend gaming events. The compact size does mean you lose the dedicated arrow keys, but the trade-off is well worth it.
The Razer Optical switches provide an incredibly fast and tactile response with a satisfying clicky feel. They’re more responsive than traditional mechanical switches, thanks to their light-based actuation. The PBT keycaps are high-quality, textured, and oil-resistant, ensuring they stay clean and durable even after long gaming sessions. The lack of Arabic letters might be a downside for some users.
One of the standout features of the Razer Huntsman Mini is the Chroma RGB lighting, which can be customized with 16.8 million colours and synced with popular games, other Razer gear, and even Philips Hue lighting systems. This level of personalization elevates the gaming experience and allows you to make the keyboard truly your own.
Epomaker EP84 Plus 75% RGB Hot Swappable Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- Compact layout with essential keys
- Aesthetically pleasing with Bauhinia flower-inspired colour scheme
- Hot-swappable custom switches and multiple connectivity options
- Steel plate might be scratchy
- Average stabilizers
The EPOMAKER EP84 Plus is a 75% mechanical keyboard with a compact layout that includes essential keys, making it suitable for gamers and typists who want a minimalist setup. I found the small size to be convenient for saving desk space, and perfect for gaming as it allowed larger mouse movements.
Aesthetically, the keyboard does not disappoint, featuring a Bauhinia flower-inspired colour scheme with a mix of white and light purple. One of the standout features of the EP84 Plus is the hot-swappable custom switches and multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB-C.
Although the keyboard offers impressive RGB effects and programmable options, there were a few drawbacks. For instance, the keyboard uses a steel plate to support the switches and keycaps, which might produce an audible ‘scratchy’ sound. The keyboard is also hard to modify as it requires removing a lot of screws, making the entire process quite painful.
HyperX Alloy FPS Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- Compact portable design with aircraft-grade aluminium body
- Customisable RGB lighting with up to 16 million colours
- Three adjustable keyboard angles for optimum comfort
- Average software support
- MX Blue switches can prove to be noisy
The HyperX Alloy FPS Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is sturdy and stable, even when typing at high speeds, and it speaks volumes about the build quality. The customisable RGB lighting lets you personalise the keyboard with various colours and dynamic effects.
One issue is that some keys had a slightly different feel and sound than others. This inconsistency is by no means a deal-breaker but could bother some users. The HyperX Ngenuity software is powerful but can be a bit confusing when customising the keyboard settings.
Despite these few drawbacks, I found that the HyperX Alloy FPS Mechanical Gaming Keyboard was a fantastic option for gaming enthusiasts on a budget. The keyboard’s compact design frees up precious desk space, and the adjustable angles ensure I can find the perfect typing position.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best cheap mechanical keyboard, I consider a few essential factors to help me make an informed decision. These factors ensure that I get the best product while staying within my budget.
Key switches
One crucial element to examine is the key switches. The type of switch influences the responsiveness and feel of the keys. There are three primary variants: linear, tactile, and clicky. Linear switches offer a smooth keystroke, whereas tactile and clicky switches give more feedback. The ideal choice depends on personal preference and the intended use of the keyboard.
Build quality
It’s essential to assess the build quality of a mechanical keyboard. A robust keyboard can withstand wear and tear from continuous use. I usually look for keyboards with a metal or high-quality plastic build and double-shot keycaps, as these tend to last longer.
Backlighting
While not a deal-breaker for some, backlighting can enhance the overall user experience and aesthetics of the keyboard. There are two primary backlighting options: single-colour and RGB. Single-colour backlighting is more affordable and offers a consistent look, while RGB backlighting allows for customisation and effects.
Keycap material
The material of the keycaps can impact the feel and durability of a mechanical keyboard. Common materials include ABS and PBT plastics. ABS keycaps tend to be more flexible and smooth, while PBT keycaps are more durable and resistant to wear. Both materials have their merits, and the choice depends on the individual’s preferences and budget.
Extra features
Some keyboards come with additional features like customisable keys, wrist rests, or dedicated media controls. These can be useful depending on the intended use but may add to the cost of the keyboard. It’s worth considering if these extra features are necessary and worth the potential increase in price.
Where To Buy the Best Cheap Mechanical Keyboard in UAE and Saudi Arabia
There are a few different options for buying budget mechanical keyboards in the UAE and Saudi that you might want to consider. These include:
Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces, like Amazon, Noon or Carrefour, are good options for finding the an affordable mechanical keyboard for your needs. These websites offer a range of options and a good deal of information about each. The only downside to this method of buying a water dispenser is that you can’t see it in person.
Large Retailers
Large retailers like Jumbo, Jareer and Sharaf DG are also great places to find mechanical keyboards. Sometimes, these stores have lower prices or clearance units that can be picked up at a much lower price. One downside of these stores is that, while the employees are helpful, they do not have specialized knowledge about mechanical keyboards, so you may have a few unanswered questions while shopping.
Mufaddal Fakhruddin
Mufaddal Fakhruddin has been writing about games and technology for the past 15 years. He has lost count as to how many reviews he has written over the years, but he is sure headphone reviews make up at least 70% of that.
