SteelSeries’ gaming keyboards manage to consistently impress me over the years, especially with the Apex lineup. In 2024, SteelSeries refreshed its Apex Pro for a third generation that consists of full-sized and tenkeyless models (including a wireless version). When I reviewed the Apex Pro TKL Gen 3, I was hard-pressed to find an aspect I would change about it. From the OmniPoint 3.0 switches to the OLED control panel, it has exactly what I’m looking for in a gaming keyboard.

Regardless of the model you go with, the SteelSeries Apex Pro isn’t a flashy keyboard, but its sleek, simple design is complemented with keycaps that have a bold font type and tasteful RGB that shines through. The real star is the Hall Effect switches – these aren’t just smooth and buttery to type on; each keystroke feels consistent and satisfying. And because they’re Hall Effect, you can set a custom actuation point between 0.1mm to 4.0mm for any key. Being able to have an extra-short actuation point in competitive shooters is advantageous, and setting it back to normal for work and typing gives it a versatility that very few keyboards offer.

Additionally, features like Rapid Tap, Rapid Trigger, and Protection Mode can improve performance, though their usefulness may vary depending on what you play (and be wary of Rapid Tap being banned in certain games). The OLED panel is great, though, and being able to control things like media, RGB lighting, actuation points, macros, and information displayed is nice along with swapping custom profiles. The battery life is manageable, topping off at 45 hours under ideal conditions, but keyboards are one peripheral where I can work with limited battery life.

From nearly every angle, the Gen 3 SteelSeries Apex Pro is the keyboard I’ve been looking for, and it’s probably going to take the perfect keyboard to get me off of it.

Razer has several gaming keyboards in its lineup and it can be hard to distinguish one from another. Don’t get me wrong, the Ornata and Huntsman series are great in their own right, but it’s the flagship BlackWidow V4 Pro that takes the top spot for me. What the Deathadder is to mice, the BlackWidow is for keyboards. Several iterations have led to a top performer that is easy to recommend because of its build quality, mechanical switches, and additional features.

While it may not have that sweet OLED screen with the Command Dial as seen in its tenkeyless counterpart, the full-sized V4 Pro has a handy programmable dial on top of a column of macro keys. It also has a full set of media controls on the top-right corner. All of it is customizable to a sharp degree through the Synapse software, giving it a unique type of versatility that’s great for productivity. Razer has also evolved with its own roster of mechanical switches and the tactile Oranges, clicky Greens, and linear Yellows are some of the best out there. These are all top performers and have a slightly shorter actuation point for quick, clean, and consistent keystrokes. You can also access a higher polling rate up to 8000Hz, and while it may not be that crucial compared to mice, it is one way Razer covers all aspects of performance.

It’s the little things and the years of iteration that have led to it being above the competition, as expressed in our Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro review, and many other keyboard makers (with the exception of SteelSeries) may want to play catch-up.

If you pull up Redragon’s website or just search for one of its keyboards on Amazon, you’ll get flooded with tons of different models, and sussing out which one won’t fail you is challenging. With it being a more budget-focused brand, Redragon may seem like one of the many knockoffs out there, but having used the K582 Surara in a pinch as a cost-effective alternative to the typical prominent brands we tend to focus on, I came away impressed.

One of the biggest concerns I had when picking up a Redragon is durability – it uses off-brand mechanical switches and has an annoyingly flashy aesthetic, so I admittedly had some hesitation. But throughout my time using the K582, I rarely gave it much thought that I wasn’t using a big-brand keyboard. The “professional” Red switches performed as I would expect a Cherry MX Red, smooth and buttery linear actuation and consistent performance. This particular model is a full-sized keyboard, but if the K582 is any indication, Redragon’s budget-level TKLs and mini models may fill the void if you want to try those layouts instead.

The Redragon K582 Surara has a listed price of $44.99 which is already super cheap for a mechanical keyboard, but it typically goes on sale for around $36 – and that’s almost unheard of when it comes to gaming keyboards. Of all the budget brands out there, I can at least say I had a good experience with Redragon.

Compact 60% keyboards may not be for everyone – not only do these chop off the number pad like a tenkeyless, but they nix the center column and function row as well, relegating these controls to key combos. Even if they may not be the best for productivity, these keyboards are so cute. The super-small footprint is an attractive prospect, saving desk space and cutting out any potentially unnecessary controls. So if you’re into this particular design, I give a high recommendation to the MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra TMR.

Not only does this keyboard go for cheaper than most boutique keyboards, it also sports the rare TMR switch type. Tunneling magnetoresistance is tough to find and it's a different style of magnetic switch from Hall Effect, but it's effectively the same in terms of functionality. Magnetic switches are gaining ground in the gaming spaces because of its reliability and customization, and the FUN60 Ultra TMR also sports features like adjustable actuation points, which can be effective in competitive gaming. Although I don't necessarily think a 8,000Hz polling rate is super helpful when it comes to keyboards, the FUN60 Ultra does have it, and if anything, it helps give you peace of mind that you have the best response time possible. There are inherent limitations to going with a compact 60% layout, but our review of the FUN60 Ultra TMR will tell all about why it's a fantastic gaming keyboard.

I’d been a big fan of Logitech’s keyboards through the years – the G413 was a long-time favorite because of its sleek design, low-key Logitech G branding, and buttery smooth and fast keystrokes. That keyboard has more or less evolved into the Logitech G Pro X TKL Rapid, which sports a better trim, updated magnetic switches, and the latest Lightspeed wireless tech for top performance.

The finer details help the G Pro X TKL Rapid stand out from the wave of other 75%-sized keyboards out there. The brushed aluminum top has a nice and unique look to it, and the exposed keycap design lets the RGB flourish in a tasteful way. And while other TKLs may sacrifice on-board controls to save space, the G Pro X TKL Rapid keeps those kinds of features without getting too bulky. The volume wheel, media controls, and mode toggles are easy to access on the top row of the keyboard, which I find convenient for everyday use. Its keycaps are a bit different than most, sporting a slick finish as opposed to the rougher matte style of other keyboards on this list. Paired with Logitech's debut into magnetic switches, keystrokes on the G Pro X TKL Rapid are satisfying and responsive, and the customizability that comes with magnetic switches sets a new standard.

While other keyboards may have the new hotness of OLED screens and high polling rates, the G Pro X TKL Rapid does everything it sets out to do, and does it extremely well. That makes it one of the best tenkeyless keyboards and very easy to recommend, which we say as much in our Logitech G Pro X TKL Rapid review.

These days, I get a lot of tenkeyless keyboards for review and have a soft spot for those mini 60% layouts. But when I need a full-sized functionality, I really like the 96% layout, which keeps all the keys but crunches things into a smaller board so there’s no wasted space. These are tough to find, which is why I loved the original Keychron K4 for a while, but it got even better with a Hall Effect refresh.

With the Keychron K4 HE, I was immediately impressed with the Gateron Nebula switches since they're firm, more so than most magnetic switches. It performed as expected in both competitive gaming and as my everyday workhorse, which is to say it held up admirably, especially since you can shorten the actuation point through its web-based configurator. It’s also built on a minimalist frame, so it’s slim and actually doesn't take up a whole lot more deskspace than the typical tenkeyless keyboard. Keychron’s keyboards tend to be no-frills and focus on the essentials, but its color schemes add a bit of personality (like the cream and wood grain version) and the Bluetooth wireless connectivity gives it some extra versatility to boot.

The crammed nature of 96% layout takes a bit of getting used to – if you want to use the center column functions, you need to swap modes, which, while easy to do, is just a quirk you need to account for. So if you need that number pad and full functionality while saving a bit of desk space, I cannot recommend the Keychron K4 HE enough. You get great magnetic switches at an affordable price, which is why I scored it a smooth 9 in my Keychron K4 HE review.

The Corsair K100 RGB was reviewed by IGN's team, and it takes a full-sized keyboard to the extreme. Its brushed aluminum plate is beautiful, letting the RGB flood underneath the exposed keycaps. The marco key column on the left gives you much more control if you need, and the various media controls and programmable buttons and knobs on the top bar give a premium and look and feel. It strikes a nice balance of flashy and functional as to not be gaudy, but still carry an expensive-looking vibe. And I do like the RGB strips along the side of the board itself – I mean, if you're going to be extravagant, go ahead and embrace it.

At $250 for a wired keyboard, you’re still getting your money’s worth, especially if you get the K100 with Corsair’s proprietary OPX Optical switches. You can still opt for the mechanical Cherry MX Speed switches, which are superb, but optical switches have a unique and satisfying feel to them. It uses light to register inputs instead of physical mechanisms, but either way, it’s built on a solid frame that gives you firm and consistent keystrokes.

Customizing the macro keys and extra buttons is fairly straightforward, even if Corsair’s software is a bit of a pain to navigate, but once you have it all set, the K100 is one of the rare full-size-plus keyboards I can get behind. To top it all off, it offers 8,000Hz polling rate, which as I’ve said before is overkill for keyboards, but hey, if you want the absolute most from your keyboard, it makes sense that the Corsair K100 offers it.

While my top recommendation for a compact keyboard is the MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra TMR, those looking for the best low-profile keyboard should consider the Logitech G515 TKL. It sports a super-slim profile yet has a certain density to give it a weight and durability at the same time. The ultra-thin keycaps have a nice texture for added tactility on the fingertip, but they also help maintain a sleek look and small footprint. And Logitech’s updated mechanical switches have a shorter actuation point (1.3mm) to complement the low-profile ethos.

In my review of the Logitech G515 TKL, I praised its performance being on par with some of the best gaming keyboards out there while packing all of that into an aesthetically pleasing design. You don’t necessarily get the layers of foam and gaskets to provide the satisfying “thock” or bouncy keystroke feeling you get from other keyboards, but that’s the trade-off you make for this style of board. The top bar where you find mode toggles feels like a missed opportunity since it doesn’t include media controls or any additional features that could’ve gone the extra mile, but that’s the only thing I knock against it.

When it comes down to pure performance and embodying the design of low-profile gaming keyboard, the Logitech G515 TKL is a top choice.

Pulsar is a brand better known for custom keyboard parts, so when I saw it put out its first standalone keyboard with the Xboard QS, I was intrigued. It’s more of an enthusiast-level product – a tinkerer’s keyboard – given its unique feature set and physical customizability. But I loved it even out of the box, and that’s a credit to its build quality, unique aesthetic, and incredible stock switches.

Starting with the mechanical switches, the Kailh Box Ice Mint 2 are linears with a normal actuation point of 2.0mm but a light actuation force of 38g, which makes it very easy on the fingers. Because the board itself is built with several layers of foam and frames, keystrokes are firm and responsive as well. Typing all day and gaming all night was made easier by design. I also just love the pristine white and black color scheme along with the slight retro-futuristic aesthetic. The programmable volume knob is a nice touch as well, letting you control the RGB lighting, too. There isn’t any first-party software for the Xboard QS, though, so customizing it is a bit of a challenge since you have to use QMK tools, which takes some learning. Physical customization is easier, though, since you can easily take out the mechanical switches or access the innards if you want.

Despite its hefty $300 price tag and wired limitation, I sang the praises of the Pulsar Xboard QS when I reviewed it. So, if you’re willing to ball out on a wired keyboard and want something that’s unique, built to last, and amazing to use, I give top marks to the Xboard QS.

Building your own keyboard is kind of the way to go in the enthusiast keyboard space, but given its fairly niche, there are still ways to customize keyboards off the back of a great stock product – like the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% IGN reviewed. The reason why this particular model lends itself well to customization is because Razer made it specifically for that reason, on top of having all the high-performance features from the normal V4 Pro.

Although I would recommend the Razer Oranges in a heartbeat if you like tactile, bumpy switches, you can remove all the switches easily and snap in any 3- or 5-pin of your choice. I did this so I can get my favorite linear switches in, and I ended up creating one of my favorite keyboards yet. That’s because everything else built around it is fantastic – from the several layers inside that made keystrokes satisfying and responsive, to the Command Dial I grew to love, the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is the closest a mainstream manufacturer has gotten to embracing the tinkerer’s dream.

For years now, it's felt like graphics card manufacturers have essentially forgotten about the budget graphics card. Nvidia, for instance, still hasn't released a follow-up to the GTX 1660 Ti, instead telling anyone on a budget to settle for last year's GPUs. Luckily, Intel has stepped into the fray and its second generation of graphics cards are providing an excellent entry point to PC gaming. The Intel Arc B580 is by far the best budget graphics card we've had in years.

This graphics card starts at $249 and is strapped with 12GB of VRAM, which is significantly more than the 8GB that the comparable RTX 4060 and Radeon RX 7600 offer. While having more than 8GB is nice to have at 1080p, it's essential at higher resolutions, as that frame buffer can fill up quickly at 1440p or 4K. When I reviewed the Intel Arc B580, I found that it delivered way better performance at 1440p than any other comparable graphics card, thanks in large part to that frame buffer.

In fact, throughout the eight games I benchmarked with the Intel Arc B580, I found that it offered by far the lowest cost per frame out of the lineup. Averaged out across the test suite, the Arc B580 only costs $3.72 per frame in a 1440p game, compared to $4.39 from the RTX 4060 and $4.89 from the AMD Radeon RX 7600 (based on retail price). For its price, then, the B580 easily provides the best value for gamers watching their wallets.

What's most suprising though, is how good the B580 is at handling ray tracing. Even games that traditionally favor Nvidia's hardware, like Cyberpunk 2077, lean towards the Intel B580. In Cyberpunk, at 1440p with the Ray Tracing Ultra preset and XeSS set to Balanced, you can expect a healthy 60fps average. Compared to the more-expensive RTX 4060 with 49fps, and the choice is clear.

Keep in mind, though, that because this is only the second generation of Intel's graphics cards, there are still some bugs to sort through. When I was testing Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, I noticed that the benchmark would run without rendering the gun in the player's hand. Annoying, but it is something that could be fixed. It should also be noted that this bug persisted throughout all of the Intel GPUs I tested, including the last-gen Arc A770 and A750, so it's not a problem with the B580 alone.

Nvidia has had a hard time following up its RTX 4000 graphics cards, but the RTX 5060 Ti actually marks a solid improvement over the last-gen RTX 4060 Ti. It mostly achieves this higher performance through being a bigger chip – now with 36 compute units instead of 34 – but Blackwell comes with some neat features, like DLSS 4.

The big selling point of this entire generation is the next iteration of Frame Generation, with the RTX 5060 Ti now supporting Multi-Frame Generation, or MFG, through DLSS 4. Essentially, this uses AI to generate up to 3 interpolated frames off the back of each rendered frame, dramatically increasing frame rates. This does come at the cost of latency, though, so I wouldn't advise turning it on in any game where you need super-fast reaction times, like Marvel Rivals.

When I reviewed the Nvidia RTX 5060 Ti, I found that it was about 23% faster than the RTX 4060 Ti across my entire testing suite, and 43% faster than the RTX 3060 Ti. That's not the most dramatic generational uplift, but it does mean it can handle pretty much any game at 1080p or 1440p with the settings cranked to max.

Keep in mind, though, that there are technically two versions of the RTX 4060 Ti: The one I actually reviewed, with 16GB of VRAM and one with 8GB of VRAM. I haven't tested the one with less memory, but with how RAM-hungry games are getting these days, you should probably stay far away from it.

Buying a more affordable graphics card is an exercise in compromise. Because while the AMD Radeon RX 7600 is not a card I'd recommend for anyone that wants to use ray tracing, it's still awesome at traditional 1080p gaming. Let's be real: Who needs fancy ray tracing tech when you just want to play Phasmophobia with your friends?

In my review for the AMD Radeon RX 7600, I found that while there are certainly some games where it struggles – looking at you, Cyberpunk 2077 – there are plenty of games where you can get more than 60fps at 1080p. In Total War: Warhammer 3, the RX 7600 is capable of up to 83fps at that resolution. That's not as fast as a graphics card that costs twice as much, sure, but at around $250, I can't be mad at it.

Plus, this AMD graphics card has 8GB of VRAM, which is more than you'll need for 1080p gaming most of the time. Where the 7600 really shines is just powering popular games without any fuss. You'd be hard pressed to find a modern game that can't run smoothly on this GPU, even if you have to turn down the ray tracing from time to time. I can live with that.

If you have a keen eye, you've probably realized the GTX 3050 is an old graphics card at this point, being part of the last-generation 3000-series cards. However, Nvidia hasn't really launched a follow-up yet, and we're three years into the Ada Lovelace generation, so who knows when we're getting a new cheap card from Team Green? Luckily, the RTX 3050 is still a great value, easily delivering solid 1080p gaming performance in almost anything you can throw at it.

Unlike some of the other cards on this list, you will probably have to compromise on quality settings on some games, especially harder-to-run ones like Cyberpunk 2077 or Horizon: Forbidden West. At the time of writing, this EVGA RTX 3050 is only $179 on Amazon, making it the most affordable way to get into PC gaming right now, short of digging through Craigslist for a used card.

Plus, because it is using Nvidia's third-generation Tensor cores, the RTX 3050 still has access to DLSS 2.0, which stretches the value a bit, and makes up for a bit of the lost performance in games that support it. That being said, this isn't a card I'd recommend enabling ray tracing on, even if it has the RTX in its name. It'll run, but it won't be a good experience.

Instead, this GPU is best in traditional gaming workloads, and is perfect for esports or indie games.

While the AMD Radeon RX 9070 isn't what I would typically call a "budget graphics card" it's the best value you can get out of a GPU for under $600 right now – or at least it will be once stock normalizes in a couple months. This AMD graphics card is basically the entry point to the mid-range, providing excellent 1440p performance, while backing it up with more VRAM than you would typically see in a graphics card of this caliber.

When I reviewed the Radeon RX 9070, it outperformed the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 at the same price point, even in some games with heavy ray tracing effects, thanks to improvements made to AMD's ray tracing pipeline. For instance, in Cyberpunk 2077, the Radeon RX 9070 gets 93fps at 1440p with the ray tracing ultra preset and with FSR set to balanced. Compared to the RTX 5070, which gets 90fps with similar settings, AMD really has closed the gap in a game that has traditionally favored Team Green.

And unlike the RTX 5070, the AMD Radeon RX 9070 has 16GB of GDDR6, which may not be as fast as the GDDR7 on the Nvidia card, but the 5070 is limited to 12GB of VRAM. That's going to become an issue as games get more demanding on memory, especially at higher resolutions. Really the only thing that holds the AMD Radeon RX 9070 back from greatness is how close its priced to the 9070 XT, which can easily handle 4K gaming for just $50 more. It's obviously not nothing, but it's a small price to pay if you have a 4K TV or monitor.

Alienware is basically the last stop before you get to high-end boutique PC builders like Maingear and Digital Storm, but if you know where to look, you can still get a pretty solid deal on a gaming system. While you can configure the Alienware R16 to be absolutely ridiculous, this configuration nets you an Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU and an RTX 4060 for under $1,500. You can still get a similar config for cheaper with another manufacturer, but if it fits in your budget, why look anywhere else?

The Alienware Aurora R16 is Dell's flagship gaming PC, but that doesn't mean you get an imposing tower that'll take up all the room on your desk. Instead, this is a compact gaming rig that'll fit nicely on any desk, while still having enough internal space for a high-end graphics card. But there's a catch: In order to fit into this small chassis, Dell opted for a proprietary motherboard and power supply. This won't be a big deal for most people, but if you're looking for a budget gaming PC to buy as a starter rig to upgrade over time, it's definitely something to be aware of.

It's very likely that this configuration will be updated in the next month or so, now that the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 Ti is out and the 5060 is right around the corner. But even with the technically last-generation RTX 4060, you're going to be able to get incredible 1080p performance – or you can upgrade to the RTX 5070 for an extra $250 to stretch it to a 1440p gaming machine.

Let's get one thing out of the way right off the bat: The HP Omen 25L with current-generation hardware is going to cost you about $1,200 just to get in the door, and that's with a GPU that's technically two generations old. That might seem like too much to be considered a "budget" gaming PC, but gaming rigs have gone through some huge price jumps over the last couple of years, especially if they're using current-gen CPUs and GPUs. What you get here is a solid little gaming PC with an Intel Core i5-14400F and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super, which should be more than capable of running any game at 1080p, although without ray tracing or DLSS.

It is kind of a bummer that this gaming PC is using what is essentially a 4-year-old graphics card, but it's because there's not really another choice for a budget GPU in 2025. Nvidia didn't release a single budget card to follow it up in the RTX 3000 or 4000 generation and now that the RTX 5080 is out, it's increasingly looking like we won't get one any time soon. Don't despair! If you don't care about gimmicky features like ray tracing, you won't actually lose out on much, and the GTX 1660 Super is still an excellent graphics card for 1080p casual gaming, though it is definitely getting a little long in the tooth.

What helps elevate the rest of this package is the premium chassis. HP has come a long way in the last few years and this 25-liter (that's where the L comes from) PC case allows for a ton of airflow, keeping your components nice and cool. Plus, unlike older gaming PCs, this PC case uses standard mounts for the motherboard and power supply, which means you can easily keep it upgraded over the years – once you pay that up-front cost, at least.

When you're looking for a gaming PC under $1,000, there are certain compromises you'll need to start making, especially if you're not building your own rig. With the MSI Codex R2 the biggest compromise is its cooling. You get a very simple air cooler over the CPU that's reminiscent of the lackluster coolers that used to come bundled with off-the-shelf processors. These are the coolers that I'd always toss in favor of aftermarket coolers. With the Intel Core i5-14400F this cooler should be fine, but if you ever want to upgrade to a more powerful chip, this cooler should be the first thing you replace.

Luckily, the chassis gives you plenty of room to add whatever components you want later down the line. Because this case is so easy to work with, the MSI Codex R2 is the perfect budget gaming PC for anyone looking for a starter system. Building your own PC is intimidating, but upgrading a rig like this one piece at a time is a much more approachable way to get into PC building.

This version of the MSI Codex R2 has an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060. It's not the most powerful graphics card on the market, but it's perfect for 1080p gaming. So, while one of the biggest selling points of this PC is its upgradability, you don't need to upgrade this rig for a while, especially if you're not playing at 1440p or 4K anyway.

The CLX Set makes it an absolute breeze to customize your gaming PC, but even the base configuration is perfect for anyone looking to do some 1080p gaming for an absolute steal, costing only $599. With it comes a 6-core AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor and AMD Radeon RX Vega 7 graphics. Yes, this build has integrated graphics with no ray tracing or DLSS to be found. Even still, it can hit about 80fps in Fortnite and 95fps in Apex Legends when playing at a 1080p resolution, according to CLX’s handy configuration tool. So, action should feel buttery smooth in most games. Just don’t expect it to shine in more demanding titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 or Cyberpunk 2077.

Paring its processors with 16GB of DDR4 RAM, the CLX Set will have no problem keeping top performance even with several applications running, ensuring ultra-responsive action. The 1TB of storage is average and plenty of space to save a few games natively. Of course, it’s always possible to upgrade any of these components when configuring your PC on CLX, but be prepared for the price to jump quickly.

Upgrading down the road is also an option, as the CLX Set has a roomy, toolless case for easy tinkering when the itch for a more powerful PC arises. So, have no fear, you won’t have to live with your initial components forever. Given how spacious the chassis is, there’s plenty of airflow and a few fans to keep things frosty and running smoothly. However, adding RGB lighting on the fans for a little pizzazz to your setup will cost a bit extra. And like many CLX builds, the Set comes with a lifetime labor warranty and lifetime support for added peace of mind.

Look, I know what you're going to say. The Asus ROG Ally isn't really a gaming PC, but if you just want to play PC games on a device under $500, it's the best option you have. The AMD Z1 chip that powers this thing is easily able to play most games at 1080p, albeit at medium-to-low quality settings. Plus, you can carry it around while you play the games, which makes it all the more appealing.

Unfortunately, the state of PC gaming means you can't really get your hands on many current-generation PC components for under $500 on their own, much less an entire system. And while there are plenty of PCs out there using poor-quality or old hardware to push the price down as much as possible, they're not going to deliver a solid gaming experience. I wholeheartedly believe that even if you don't have a thousand bucks to toss at a gaming rig, you still deserve a great gaming experience, and this is just the way to do it right now.

The days of the super cheap gaming PC tower have ended, and that sucks. But, hey, the best handheld gaming PCs are filling the void that's been left behind by Nvidia and AMD's high GPU prices.

How Much Should I Spend on a Gaming PC?

For most people, setting a budget of around $1,000–$1,500 is the sweet spot for getting a budget gaming PC that won't fall apart. However, even if you can't quite reach that price range, you can still get an extremely solid gaming rig, but it becomes more important to know what you're looking for. For instance, going for a last-generation graphics card like the RTX 3050 can drastically cut down on your price, while still giving you an extremely solid gaming rig.

Start by focusing on the graphics card, as it plays a crucial role in determining the visual quality of your gaming experience. Look for a graphics card that offers a good balance between performance and price, such as an Nvidia GTX or AMD Radeon series card. While you may not be able to run games at ultra-high settings, the best budget graphics cards should be more than capable of handling most titles at decent frame rates.

Next, think about the CPU and RAM. A decent quad-core processor from Intel or AMD paired with at least 8GB of RAM should be sufficient for most gaming needs. If you can squeeze a little extra budget into upgrading either of these components, it will be well worth it in the long run.

Storage is another important consideration when choosing a budget gaming PC. However, as long as your motherboard supports multiple storage slots, then you can upgrade your storage more down the line. As long as you have enough space for the games you want to play initially, you can get away with lower storage to start with. Make sure you opt for a gaming PC with SSD storage, ideally M.2, as this will reduce boot and load times.

Lastly, don't overlook the importance of a good power supply and cooling system. A reliable PSU will ensure stable and efficient power delivery to your components, while adequate cooling will help prevent overheating and extend the lifespan of your hardware. This means your gaming PC will last for years to come, allowing you to upgrade it, rather than replace it.

Finding a well-balanced system that offers good gaming performance without unnecessary frills is essential when picking the best budget gaming PC.

Check out our roundup of the best gaming mice!

MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra TMR – Performance

Thanks to the pre-lubed stabilizers and rigidity of the keyboard chassis, the pre-installed Akko Glare Magnetic Switches with their extra pins, reversed polarity, and closed bottom both feel and sound great. They smoothly bottom out, making a satisfying dull clack, providing a great mix of performance and feedback that's ideal for touch typing.

The PBT keycaps have a slight grit, which helps with grip and resistance to showing finger oils, although I personally wouldn't have minded just a bit more texture. The keycap design does a great job of showcasing the north-facing ARGB, which is another stand-out in terms of brightness and consistency.

Of course, as much as I love typing on this keyboard, but as a consequence of the 60% design, it's missing quite a few keys I found useful, and not just a number pad. Not having arrow keys is the biggest omission for me, but there's also other missing keys like back quote/tilde (` ~) and delete (del).

While shortcuts address some of these omissions, like FN+backspace for delete, others, like the arrow keys, are simply not available. For instance, even with the browser client, I couldn't figure out how to program arrow keys as there just weren't enough non-system-specific keys to map in a logical up, down, left, and right configuration.

Ultimately, for me, I'd love to have this exact keyboard for use as a daily driver, just in a slightly more expanded 65% layout, or preferably greater, version with a complete set of keys (with media keys or macro buttons to boot). With that said, the person buying this type of 60% keyboard probably knows what they're getting and why, so these aspects come with the territory.

If for some reason you don't like the included keys or switches, both are replaceable. In fact, when you replace the switch type, either for the whole keyboard or individual keys, you can properly calibrate and set the configuration for that specific type, either magnetic or 5-pin mechanical, through the browser client. The FUN60 is directly compatible with Windy/Glare, Jade, Jade Pro, Jade Gaming, Uranus, and King switches, but there's also an option for other mechanical switches, although you may not be able to match quite the same actuation accuracy even with calibration.

While I had no trouble using the FUN60 with various devices over Bluetooth, including a Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, the real performance comes from the wired or 2.4 GHz wireless modes. Testing confirms the FUN60 has a true 8K polling rate and a delightfully low latency of around 0.6ms wired and 1.1ms over 2.4 GHz.

Hardcore enthusiasts will want to adjust deadzones and what-not, but for my modest gaming skills I set my actuation points for every key to 1.00 mm down and 0.50mm. Combined with setting A and D as snap keys, I had lighting-fast performance in games where such things matter, like Fortnite (but be mindful that SOCD, or simultaneous opposite cardinal direction, inputs are a contentious feature in competitive gaming, and will get you kicked from games like Counter-Strike 2). Even better, these settings had no impact on touch typing, which again, even with the keyboard designed to remain at a solitary fixed angle, was both comfortable and satisfying.

While the TMR technology really delivers when it comes to precision and performance, it's also supposed to use less power. The built-in 4000mAh battery requires about 12 hours for a full charge, but delivers up to 200 hours when ARGB lighting is off, which is very impressive. With ARGB lighting on, that figure drops to only 11 hours, which is not that great in comparison to a keyboard like the Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL, which can deliver just over 40 hours of battery life at 100% RGB brightness.

The big gap in battery life with and without lighting is somewhat a bummer, but it's still good to know that even with the ARGB lighting on, the FUN60 should power you through at least a full day of gaming. And unlike the Logitech G915 X Lightspeed TKL, it’s at least very quick to wake up from sleep.

One other note about battery life is that since there's no local software running on your computer, there's no active monitoring. You can do a manual battery life check by pressing FN + spacebar, with, for instance, the escape key glowing green at 90% or greater battery life left, or glowing red below 30%, but no way to be notified proactively when the FN60 is running low on power.

You don't have to look far into Logitech's portfolio of products to find a great keyboard for just about any setup, and that's the case for the iPad as well. Logitech's Pebble Keys 2 K380s, the follow-up to the K380, is the perfect portable companion to your iPad. With this model, you get an upgrade to the battery life, lasting a whopping three years, plus a few additional shortcuts. Its Bluetooth improvements ensure a more reliable connection to your iPad, while a Logitech Bolt receiver support is great for pairing laptops and PCs. Easy-Switch buttons are still included to make swapping between three connected devices a breeze.

The Pebble Keys 2 K380s keeps a similar design to the original, offering a slim, compact, and lightweight build. It features low-profile scissor keys that are fluid and quiet for a typing experience similar to a laptop. They’re also a unique rounded shape, giving the keyboard a distinct aesthetic. Even though the keyboard is compact, it doesn't cramp together the keys too tight or skimp on useful controls.

Along with the impressive upgrades we discovered in our review of the iPad Pro M4, Apple’s Magic Keyboard also got a few enhancements, making it our favorite keyboard for Apple’s high-end tablet. By all appearances, this keyboard looks similar to previous models, offering a premium, sleek build with a floating cantilever design to find the perfect viewing angle. However, this time around, the keyboard is a little bit lighter and offers a slightly bigger glass trackpad with haptic feedback and Multi-Touch gesture support.

Connecting your device to the keyboard is simple thanks to a series of ultra-strong magnets. These magnets are in a new spot, so, unfortunately, the Magic Keyboard will only work with the latest models. Although no wires are required for a link to the tablet, a USB-C port for passthrough charging is available to keep the tablet topped off. When the iPad isn’t in use the keyboard wraps around it, acting as a protective case.

Typing on the Magic Keyboard is a pleasant experience with the scissor key switches offering similar feedback to the best Macbooks. The keys are slightly more cramped than the notebook but shouldn’t take long to get used to. Still, Apple managed to squeeze in 14 function keys to adjust brightness, volume, and more. Given all that’s on offer, this keyboard and case combo can turn your iPad into a viable laptop replacement.

For an affordable and portable option, the Omoton Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard is a great choice, costing just $20. This compact keyboard weighs 9.9oz, so it won’t weigh you down when you toss it in your backpack alongside your iPad. It’s also wonderfully thin at 0.24 inches, is AAA battery powered, and has Bluetooth pairing. Blending white and metallic silver with responsive low-profile scissor keys on an ergonomic angle, the design even fits nicely with Apple’s aesthetic.

The majority of the keyboards designed for portability lack a backlight since running those depletes the battery far quicker, so most manufacturers opt out to save on juice. Still, when typing in darker spaces, lighting is often necessary, and the Harburfine 7 Color Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard is a great solution.

Beyond being wildly inexpensive, Harburfine’s keyboard offers bright backlit keys. It’s not just a basic white glow either; it cycles through seven different colors to fit your mood. An auto-sleep mode will turn off the lights due to inactivity, helping save on battery. Power comes from an integrated rechargeable battery, so forget about disposable batteries. However, the battery only lasts about four hours with the backlights illuminated. If they’re off, 15-20 days of juice can be expected depending on usage.

The Harburfine 7 Color Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard is one of the best travel keyboards thanks to its ultra-compact design, weighing less than half a pound and measuring about a quarter inch thick. Just be sure to keep it safely tucked away when not in use since it’s a little flimsy. When it’s time to get typing, the keyboard seamlessly connects to an iPad via Bluetooth. And once connected, the scissor keys are quiet and decently responsive.

You don’t see too many unusual keyboards these days, so we welcome the more unique iClever BK03. This device is interesting because it folds up for travel, resembling something like a deck of cards, but then unfurls to 10 by 3.5 by 0.3 inches. Unlike most of the other travel keyboards you’ll find for the iPad, which are made mostly of plastic, this model is made almost entirely of aluminum. That shows in its weight, 6.3 oz, but also in aesthetics, ruggedness, and durability.

Open it up and it powers on automatically, and then the iClever BK03 goes to sleep automatically after 15 minutes of inactivity to conserve battery life. It’s equipped with a rechargeable battery that iClever claims runs for over 80 hours of continuous use and can hold a charge while asleep for over 200 days. And while compatibility is limited, it can connect to iOS, Android, and PCs. You can even switch among three paired devices with a keyboard shortcut. It does have an Achilles Heel: The unfolded keyboard doesn’t lock rigidly in place, meaning you can only really use it on a hard surface like a desktop. Most one-piece keyboards work perfectly fine on a mushy bed or in your lap, but not the iClever BK03.

When you don’t plan on taking your keyboard on the go, you might as well grab a quality full-size keyboard that works nicely with your PC and laptop, too. The Logitech MX Mechanical is the perfect option with its responsive mechanical switches, a full number pad, arrow keys, and function keys – some with double labels for a Windows or Mac machine. The keys are also low profile and feature smart backlighting, making for a more enjoyable typing experience.

You’ll connect to your iPad using low-power Bluetooth, but this wireless keyboard also features a tiny 2.4GHz wireless dongle for low latency when on your laptop or PC. Three included keys make swapping between using three different saved devices a breeze. As for battery life, the Logitech MX Mechanical juices up using a USB-C. With a full charge, you get 15 days of power when the backlighting is on and 10 months with it off. If you're looking for a more compact keyboard, take a look at the mini version.

If you suffer from repetitive stress injury or just prefer the feel of an ergonomic keyboard, you’re generally out of luck when it comes to portable keyboards for the iPad – most keyboards are as straight as a ruler. However, the iClever BK06 is a split keyboard with an angled ergonomic layout. It is more or less a keyboard divided in half. If you’re not already a split keyboard user, it will definitely take some practice to get used to, but once you hone your muscle memory, you might love the more comfortable angle.

It’s not just an ergo keyboard; it also folds for travel, sort of like the BK03, also from iClever. While the BK03 is all aluminum with mechanical hinges, the BK06 is a rubberized affair with a flexible membrane serving as a floppy hinge. It’s only 6.2 x 4.0 x .5 inches when folded. The keyboard also includes a rechargeable battery and can run for about 40 continuous hours or 30 days of standby. And the keyboard is compatible not just with the iPad, but with all iOS devices and Windows computers.

The easiest way to get an iPad to act like a laptop is with a keyboard folio cover, and we’re big fans of the Logitech Combo Touch. It’s similar to Apple’s Magic Keyboard but costs significantly less and works just as well, if not better than Apple’s offering. Pairing is equally simple with Logitech’s keyboard due to the inclusion of Smart Connector. Power is also sourced directly from the iPad ensuring battery life is never an issue. However, the model we’ve chosen only works with the new iPad A16 and 10th generation iPad.

Logitech’s design differentiates from Apple's. The Combo Touch is a far superior case, as the edge of the iPad is fully protected to help keep it extra secure in bags or during the occasional drop. Even with the added peace of mind, it still keeps compact dimensions, adding minimal bulk to the iPad. We’re also big fans of the kickstand for better flexibility using the display, while the keyboard can be easily removed from the rest of the case to use the iPad in handheld mode.

Using the keyboard is an all-around pleasant experience. The keys are well-spaced and extremely responsive but slightly more cramped together than a traditional keyboard. For easier typing in dimmer spaces, the backlit keys even automatically adjust. As for the trackpad, it's precise and supports Multi-Touch gestures.

Want to split off your iPad from a keyboard at will? This Zagg keyboard and case will do the trick. The keyboard connects to the iPad via Bluetooth, and you can easily detach it from the base when you don’t need it without having to take your iPad out of the case. The keyboard also acts as a screen protector when folded up, making it an ideal option for those who travel.