I took a punt on the Newmen GM326 gaming keyboard when I ordered one off Amazon last year. Having spent years testing the latest and greatest decks, I wanted to see how the budget category was faring, outside of your usual Razer and Corsair entry level models. Newmen took me completely by surprise.
This is a $30 gaming keyboard (and that's on a bad day - right now it's down to $23.99 in Amazon's Big Spring Sale), but it's offering a typing experience I would have paid over $100 for just a couple of years ago, with hot-swappable switches, a sturdy build, and dedicated media controls no less.
NordVPN is handing out free Amazon gift cards with its already-discounted memberships right now. With prices starting from $2.91, four months extra free for GamesRadar+ members, and a 30 day money back guarantee, that's going a long way with gaming keyboard deals this cheap.
Nord VPN | up to 77% off, 4 months extra free, Amazon gift card
Considering the last keyboard I reviewed cost $359.99, there's a lot of room for the Newmen GM326 to shine. It's one of the best gaming keyboards I've tested so far for good reason.
The 75% layout keeps primarily controls to hand while still providing a good amount of navigation, but it's the density of this typing feel that surprised me.
Just a couple of years ago a mechanical keyboard at this price would have been rattly, with echoes pinging across the empty case any time I so much as looked at a key. Here, though, each stroke feels well-cushioned and any pings are incredibly difficult to hear. I've caught a few now that I've been running the GM326 for a few more months, but at first listen this could be a far more premium model.
The caps are ABS, and feel a little thinner than the PBT options you'll find elsewhere on the market. They're nicely textured, though, and still feel solid under the hands.
Even those stock 'Red' switches are impressive. Don't go in expecting the creamy thock of a set of clackers that cost more than this keyboard ten times over, but the existing linears avoid the scratchiness I'd expect at this price point, with a nice bounce to them.
Ultimately, if you're looking at this sub-$50 price point you're more likely going to be fending off offers from membrane gaming keyboards. These have typically ruled the roost when it comes to prioritizing a low price and dedicated gaming features over typing feel. The Newmen GM326 makes it nigh-on impossible to recommend a membrane deck in 2026.
- See all gaming keyboard deals at Amazon
I'm reviewing plenty more of the best hot-swappable keyboards on the market, or check out the best wireless gaming keyboards available now.
