I'm not joking, this under-$30 gaming keyboard just became one of my favorites

Newmen GM326 gaming keyboard on a wooden desk — (Image credit: Future)

Cheaper Amazon brands are tempting. They offer the world for ludicrously low prices, promising everything we’ve been taught to avoid - an offer that looks too good to be true. That’s what I thought I was buying when, for science purposes, I added the Newmen GM326 to my cart a few months ago. I was looking to build a custom keyboard for a friend and needed a budget base to work off. Instead, this super cheap deck accidentally became one of the best gaming keyboards I've tested.

While pricing can fluctuate all the way from $18 to $33, it’s most commonly found at around $26 - even at the top of its price range, though, the value for money on offer is excellent. Right now, it's on sale for $21.99 at Amazon. This is a fully hot-swappable keyboard with sturdy-feeling ABS keycaps, surprisingly satisfying switches, and even a dedicated volume control dial. Alternatives from budget brands like Redragon often come in at $65 for a similar feature set.

Should you buy the Newmen GM326?

Newmen GM326 gaming keyboard on a wooden desk with blue backlighting — (Image credit: Future)

I've just landed the Newmen GM326 in second position on my guide to the top gaming keyboards of the year. It's a budget pick for those looking to spend as little as possible while still getting that super satisfying mechanical feel.

It's difficult not to compare it to another budget-friendly gaming keyboard I've been testing recently. The Glorious GMBK 75% is double the price at $59.99, but swaps those mechanical switches for a membrane set. That means heavy, clunky typing, even if you're saving a few gaming-specific features like bolder RGBs and more dedicated controls.

I said it in my review then, and I'll say it again now. The era of cheap membrane keyboards has come to an end. Now that mechanical options are hitting these kinds of price lows (and still feeling like more premium options did only a few years ago), I can't see myself recommending another rubber dome deck instead.

Of course, if you're after one of the best wireless gaming keyboards to keep that desk space clear or travel easier, you'll need to move further up the price scale. This is still a fully hot-swappable deck, though, with plenty that punches well above its price.

See today's Black Friday gaming keyboard deals at Amazon
Newmen GM326 | ~~$25.99~~ $21.99 at Amazon
Glorious GMBK 75% | $59.99 at Amazon

There are plenty more Black Friday gaming deals to prepare for this year, but if you're after something console-shaped check out the Black Friday PS5 deals and Black Friday Nintendo Switch deals we've found so far.

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