I have been looking for a new mechanical keyboard, or to be honest, a cheap mechanical keyboard, for about 6 months now. Why has it taken me so long? Earlier this year, keyboard geek Jacob Ridley taught me a lot about how to choose a keyboard, but without acting decisively on that information, I entered the event horizon of research.

Do I want linear switches or tactile? Should I go with hot-swappable switches in case I don't like the ones I choose? I really miss having a numeric keypad, but I might as well go tenkeyless to keep the price down. What about the shape - should it be an open case?”. Of these really valid specs, there is one sure equalizer.

(If you're on a budget, there are lots of great deals on gaming keyboards on Amazon Prime Day.)

The truth is, I want to be that girl who has three interchangeable pastel-colored keyboards, all with very quiet key clicks. And if I want to be her, I can't spend twice as many Benjamins on a keyboard. I want to keep my keyboard hobby cheap. So I put together a list of cheap mechanical keyboards for Amazon Prime Day on the big day: