If you're a PC gamer, having good accessories is just as important as having a good computer — and there isn't a more important PC gaming accessory than a keyboard. Keys are used for pretty much everything other than aiming and camera positioning in PC games, so having a keyboard you're comfortable with is critical.
Due to this, there are a huge amount of gaming keyboards available all over the market, and the best ones often cost a pretty penny. However, not everyone has the money to spend on industry-leading keyboards and will need to turn to more budget-friendly options. VicTsing has contributed a device of its own to this niche with their new RGB mechanical keyboard, and after testing it for over a week, I can confidently say that it's one of the best budget keyboards out there.
$40
Bottom line: Though the choice of switches is odd, the VicTsing RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is nevertheless a fantastic budget option for people looking to PC game without breaking the bank.For
- Durable build quality
- Cleverly compact design
- Feels great to use
- RGB lighting
- Very affordable
Against
- Uses Cherry MX Blue switches
- Keycaps not lit by lights
What you'll love about the keyboard
Without a doubt, the best thing about this keyboard is how great it feels to use. VicTsing opted for the tried-and-true slanted, ergonomic angle for the keyboard, which was a wise choice. On top of that, the keycaps are smooth, fit the device's switches well, and don't resist downward pressure — all three of these things are crucial to have in gaming keyboards. I'm not the biggest fan of the type of switch VicTsing chose here, but I'll get into why later.
On top of the great user experience, the keyboard is also quite sturdy. Built with an all-metal panel and featuring switches that are rated for 50 million keystrokes, you need not worry about this keyboard's ability to stand up to intense gaming. There are even two drain holes in the back of the accessory that you can use to save the keyboard from spillage if you tilt the keyboard.
Though a budget keyboard like this will naturally be lacking in terms of bonus features, the keyboard does have RGB lighting, and you can use VicTsing's driver software to extensively customized how the lighting looks. In addition, you can use the drivers to remap key functions as well, which fans of custom control schemes will love. Finally, the keyboard cuts down on space by combining the number pad keys and navigation keys together and allowing you to choose when to use one set of keys or the other with a toggle. Folks looking for something on the compact side will enjoy this clever design.
What you'll love less about the keyboard
While this keyboard is excellent overall, there are two things that I don't like about it. The first is the fact that it uses Cherry MX Blue switches instead of a different type of switch. While Cherry MX Bleues are amazing for typing since they offer substantial tactile feedback, their larger actuation distances and longer actuation times aren't the best for gaming. Some gamers don't mind having to press keys down harder and longer, but it irks me personally as someone who loves Cherry MX Speed switches. Cherry MX Blues are also notoriously clicky, which may drive some users up the wall.
The other downside is that the RGB lighting doesn't light up the characters on top of the keycaps. While this isn't really a big deal, being able to see the symbols of your keys lit up is valuable when typing in the dark. It's a minor complaint, but a noteworthy one nevertheless.
Should you buy this keyboard?
While I'm not a huge fan of the switches used for the VicTsing RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, and while lit up keycap symbols would be useful, it's impossible to deny how much great value you get with this gaming keyboard when you consider its low price.
If you have your heart set on a keyboard with advanced features such as dedicated macro keys, or really hate Cherry MX Blue switches for gaming, this keyboard won't be for you. However, if those things don't bother you much and you're in need of a high-quality budget gaming keyboard, this one will be right up your alley.
Brendan Lowry is a Windows Central writer and Oakland University graduate with a burning passion for video games, of which he's been an avid fan since childhood. He's been writing for Team WC since the summer of 2017, and you'll find him doing news, editorials, reviews, and general coverage on everything gaming, Xbox, and Windows PC. His favorite game of all time is probably NieR: Automata, though Elden Ring, Fallout: New Vegas, and Team Fortress 2 are in the running, too. When he's not writing or gaming, there's a good chance he's either watching an interesting new movie or TV show or actually going outside for once. Follow him on X (Twitter).