Buying guide
Budget Enthusiast Setup
Updated How we research
Enthusiast feel without the price tag. The page is split into four sections (A budget board that overdelivers; Budget switches with real character; Affordable ABS keycaps to start; Cheap mods that make a big difference), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 16 picks. Our scores range from 6.2 to 8.6 out of 10.
- Best overall:JWICK Black Linear Switches V2 58.5g Full Nylon 5 Pins (70pcs). Highest overall score in this guide at 8.6/10.
- Also great value:TMKB 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Red Linear Switch, Wired, Black | LED Backlight, Anti-Ghosting, Detachable USB-C, Double-Shot Keycaps, 61 Keys. Value score of 9/10, overall 7.3/10.
- Solid build:GLORIOUS Gaming ABS Doubleshot 123-Keycap Set OEM Profile (Black). Build and materials score of 7/10, overall 7.8/10.
- Feature-rich:EPOMAKER Lusterfly Jelly Keycaps Set - 123 Keys Double-Shot Laser Engraved | MDA Profile, ABS+PC, Non-Shine-Through, MX-Compatible for 61/68/84/87/98/100/104-Key Mechanical Keyboard (Blue). Features score of 8/10, overall 7.5/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
A budget board that overdelivers
- TMKB 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Red Linear Switch, Wired, Black | LED Backlight, Anti-Ghosting, Detachable USB-C, Double-Shot Keycaps, 61 KeysOur score7.3/10
- MageGee MK-Box Portable 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, LED Backlit, 68 Keys, Blue Switch, Grey/BlackOur score7.1/10
- MageGee MK-Box Portable 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, LED Backlit, 68 Keys, Red Switch, Black/GreyOur score7.1/10
- 60% Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Blue Switches, LED Backlit | 61 Keys Ultra-Compact Mini Portable Office Keyboard for PC/Mac/Xbox, 18 LED Backlight, Easy to Carry On Trip, BlackOur score7.1/10
Budget switches with real character
- JWICK Black Linear Switches V2 58.5g Full Nylon 5 Pins (70pcs)Our score8.6/10
- MarsHopper OUTEMU Switches 3-Pin Hot Swappable (Blue, 70 Pcs)Our score7.3/10
- DRAOZA OUTEMU Blue Switches 3-Pin MX Equivalent (72pcs, Blue)Our score7.3/10
- OUTEMU (Gaote) Black Switches 3-Pin Linear Heavy 60g (20 Pack)Our score6.2/10
Affordable ABS keycaps to start
- GLORIOUS Gaming ABS Doubleshot 123-Keycap Set OEM Profile (Black)Our score7.8/10
- EPOMAKER Lusterfly Jelly Keycaps Set - 123 Keys Double-Shot Laser Engraved | MDA Profile, ABS+PC, Non-Shine-Through, MX-Compatible for 61/68/84/87/98/100/104-Key Mechanical Keyboard (Blue)Our score7.5/10
- 104 Key Custom ABS Keycap Set Double Shot OEM Profile (Coffee Mix)Our score7.0/10
- Happy Balls ABS Keycaps Doubleshot Backlit Shine Through (Black/Gray)Our score6.6/10
Cheap mods that make a big difference
- UCEC 120Pcs Rubber O-Ring Ultra-Quiet Switch Dampeners + Remover/Brush/MudOur score7.4/10
- ThreeBulls 120Pcs Clear Rubber O-Ring Keycap Switch Dampeners for Cherry MX (Black)Our score7.0/10
- 120Pcs Rubber O-Ring Switch Dampeners Keycaps for Cherry MX (White)Our score6.8/10
- 120Pcs Rubber O-Ring Switch Dampeners Keycaps for Cherry MX (Red)Our score6.4/10
All 16 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1A 70-piece pack of JWICK Black V2 58.5g linear switches with full nylon housings and 5 pins, a cheap thocky linear.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Full nylon housing gives a deeper, muted sound than plain polycarbonate
- + 58.5g weight gives a firm, satisfying linear keystroke
- + Low cost per switch makes a full compact build affordable
- - Nylon housings block RGB light, so lighting looks dim
- - Heavier springs may tire fast or light touch typists
#2Glorious' black gaming ABS doubleshot 123-keycap OEM set replaces stock caps with thicker shine-through legends.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 123 keycaps cover full size layouts with extra keys for variety
- + Doubleshot legends let RGB lighting shine through clearly
- + Glorious sizing is designed to fit popular gaming boards
- - ABS surface can become glossy after months of use
- - Plain black style is functional rather than decorative
#3Epomaker Lusterfly Jelly keycap set with 123 double-shot keys in an ABS plus PC blend, MDA profile, translucent jelly look. It includes a laser-coated butterfly accent keycap.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Same 123 key count as the old Glorious set, with 104 standard keys and 19 supplementary keycaps.
- + An ABS plus PC composite with a crystal jelly look that the listing says enhances RGB backlighting.
- + Listed as fitting 61, 68, 84, 87, 98, 100 and 104 key MX-compatible boards.
- - The listing says the legends are non-shine-through, which matters if you want lit legends.
- - It uses an MDA profile, so the feel differs from the OEM profile of the old pick.
#4UCEC's 120Pcs ultra-quiet rubber O-ring dampeners come with a remover, brush and cleaning mud.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Remover tool and brush are included for easier installation
- + Cleaning mud helps tidy dust between keys
- + Ultra-quiet rings target loud bottom out sounds
- - Cleaning mud can leave residue if not used carefully
- - O-rings add a softer, mushier feel than stock
#5TMKB 60% wired mechanical keyboard with red linear switches at 45g, 61 keys, 15 lighting modes and a detachable USB-C cable.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10
- + Linear red switches at 45g actuation, rated for 50 million keystrokes.
- + 61-key ANSI layout with foldable feet and a detachable USB-C cable keeps it portable.
- + Double-shot keycaps keep the backlight clear, with 15 lighting modes and 61-key rollover.
- - Linear reds replace the brown tactile switch of the old SKY68, and there are no dedicated arrow keys.
- - Listing gives no hot-swap detail, and TMKB is a lesser known brand.
#6MarsHopper's 70-piece pack of OUTEMU Blue 3-Pin hot swappable switches is a budget clicky refill for Outemu boards.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10
- + Outemu switches fit the hot-swap sockets on many budget keyboards
- + 70 switches can replace a whole compact board in one order
- + Blue clicky feel suits typists who like loud feedback
- - Outemu quality varies more than Gateron or Kailh switches
- - 3-Pin switches can wobble without a plate
#7DRAOZA's 72-piece pack of OUTEMU Blue 3-Pin MX equivalent clicky switches for refilling budget hot-swap boards.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10
- + 72 switches cover a compact board with spares for broken keys
- + MX equivalent design fits standard hot-swap sockets
- + Very low cost per switch makes experimentation easy
- - Clicky Outemu blues can sound scratchy compared with premium clickies
- - 3-Pin legs are less stable than pinned PCB switches on plateless boards
#8MageGee's MK-Box is a portable grey and black 68-key compact board with LED backlight and blue switches at a very low price.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 5/10 · Value 9/10
- + Very low price makes it an easy way to try mechanical switches
- + Compact portable body with arrows is handy for small desks and dorms
- + Blue switches give clear clicky feedback for new mechanical users
- - LED backlight is basic and not full RGB despite the gaming branding
- - Loud blue switches and light plastic build show its budget roots
#9MageGee MK-Box Portable 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, LED Backlit, 68 Keys, Red Switch, Black/Grey
This MageGee MK-Box in black and grey swaps in red switches for a quieter portable 68-key budget board.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 5/10 · Value 9/10
- + Red linear switches are quieter, which helps in shared dorms and homes
- + Portable size fits a backpack for school, work or LAN events
- + LED backlight adds basic visibility for evening use
- - Not hot-swappable, so upgrading switches later is not practical
- - Stock keycaps are thin and wear quickly with daily use
#10CACKBIRD 60% wired mechanical keyboard with blue clicky switches, 61 keys, 18 LED backlight effects and a detachable Type-C cable.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 5/10 · Value 9/10
- + Blue switches give a clicky sound and tactile bump in a compact 61-key layout.
- + Detachable Type-C cable and foldable kickstands help with travel and desk comfort.
- + Plug and play with no software required, with 18 backlight effects and full key anti-ghosting.
- - No arrow keys on a 60% layout, so navigation uses function key combinations.
- - A lesser known brand with no hot-swap or software mentioned in the listing.
#11A 104-key coffee mix ABS doubleshot OEM profile keycap set for full size boards with warm brown tones.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Doubleshot legends stay crisp even as ABS caps wear
- + Coffee mix colorway gives a cozy look for warm toned desks
- + OEM profile matches the feel of most stock keyboards
- - ABS develops shine faster than PBT with heavy use
- - 104 keys may miss extra modifiers for some compact layouts
#12ThreeBulls' 120Pcs black clear rubber O-ring dampeners soften keycap bottom out on Cherry MX style boards.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Black rings disappear under dark keycaps
- + 120Pcs handle a full size board with spares
- + Quick mod that installs without tools on the stem of each cap
- - Shortened travel can make keystrokes feel less crisp
- - Rubber rings can wear and need replacing over time
#13A 120Pcs pack of white rubber O-ring switch dampeners for keycaps on Cherry MX style keyboards.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + White rings suit white or light keycap sets
- + Reduces the clack of keycaps hitting the switch housing
- + Pack size covers most keyboards including full size
- - Rings slightly change keycap height and feel
- - Does nothing for spring ping or stabilizer rattle
#14Happy Balls' black and gray ABS doubleshot backlit keycaps offer shine-through legends for lit keyboards.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + Shine-through legends make RGB keyboards easier to read at night
- + Two-tone black and gray gives a classic retro look
- + Doubleshot ABS keeps legends from fading
- - Key count and profile are missing from the title
- - ABS caps will polish and shine with daily use
#15A 120Pcs pack of red rubber O-ring keycap dampeners for Cherry MX, adding color and quieter presses.
Fit for the job 6/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Red color can peek out under translucent keycaps as an accent
- + Softens keycap bottom out on noisy keyboards
- + Enough rings to fit an entire full size board
- - Colored rings may clash with neutral builds
- - Reduced travel may bother fast typists
#16A 20-pack of OUTEMU Gaote Black heavy 60g 3-Pin linear switches for typists who want firm keys on a budget.
Fit for the job 6/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + 60g heavy spring cuts accidental presses for heavy handed typists
- + Budget price makes testing heavier linears painless
- + 3-Pin design fits most MX style hot-swap sockets
- - 20 switches are only enough for a few keys or a macro pad
- - Heavy springs may cause finger fatigue in long sessions
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MechKeeb Lab curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.