I only had £30. Here’s how I found the perfect wireless mechanical keyboard
Intro
I wasn’t just looking for a cheap keyboard—I was looking for the best value within my personal constraints.
So I treated this like a mini research project:
• Where I can buy the best deal?
• Which features are worth compromising on—and which ones aren’t?
• How do I avoid getting stuck in an algorithm bubble while searching?
And then… I basically turned into a part-time keyboard researcher.
My situation
I’m currently living in London and job hunting, which means I’m watching every penny.
Still, I really wanted a Wireless Mechanical Keyboard with Linear Switches—not a luxury, but something that could make daily writing and study more enjoyable.
My maximum budget: £30
Here’s what I was looking for:
• Wireless
• Linear switches
• Under £30
• 60~75% layout (compact, but functional)
• Arrow keys
• Black gradient or transparent design (preferred)
• Absolutely no pink!
How I approached the problem
Step 1: Amazon vs AliExpress
Buying online was an obvious choice—it’s cheaper and gives access to way more options that in-store.
My first instinct was Amazon—fast delivery, easy returns.
But the price gap compared to AliExpress was too big to ignore.
Even factoring in the long shipping time, AliExpress was clearly the better choice for someone like me, who needs to stretch every pound.
So I made a conscious trade-off:
Speed vs. Savings → I chose savings.
Step 2: Choosing the right keywords & guiding the algorithm
I started with a simple search:
“Wireless Mechanical Keyboard”
But I didn’t stop there.
I actively trained the algorithm. I clicked on different layouts, brands, even unrelated accessories, just to avoid falling into a narrow filter bubble.
It worked—soon I was getting a broader, more diverse set of suggestions.
Even I could get that new options kept popping up.
Step 3: Clarifying my non-negotiables
As I explored, I realized:
• I could save money by going for a Wired Keyboard.
So I asked myself:
“Can I tolerate the inconvenience just to save a few pounds?”
And my honest answer was:
No.
My desk is already packed with cables. A wired keyboard would only add to the chaos. That decision helped narrow things down a lot.
Also, I knew I wouldn’t have many choices when it came to design, given my budget.
So I made a basic rule:
Avoid anything all-pink.
Step 4: Creating a shortlist and comparing trade-offs
I added every keyboard that fit my criteria and budget to my cart, and then began comparing:
• Is it Wireless?
• Does it have linear switches?
• Is the layout compact, ideally 75%?
• Does it include arrow keys?
• Is it under £30?
I also spent hours watching YouTube reviews to hear the typing sounds, read user comments for real feedback.
Final decision: Epomaker EP84
After all the digging, I landed on the Epomaker EP84.
Why this one?
• Wireless (Bluetooth + USB-C+Dongle)
• Linear switches
• Clean and minimal design
• From a keyboard-focused brand, not some random manufacturer
• And thanks to the sale, it was £8 cheaper than usual
And the kicker is that I got it for £13 (including tax) thanks to AliExpress’s annual sale.
Was it perfect? No.
I originally wanted a 68-key layput, and this one has 84 keys, which feels a bit large.
And while I avoided pink, this one came with purple accents, which helped balance it oust—so I was okay with it.
But within my limits, it offered the best balance of quality, design, and price.
It felt like a decision I could stand behind—not just a lucky find.
Other contenders I looked at:
1. EWEADN MK68
• Pros: Low Profile, Wireless, Aluminum Panel, 60%, Tri-Mode
• Cons: limited info online
2. AULA F68 Transparent
• Pros: Wireless, Transparent, Tri-mode
• Cons: above £30
3. AULA F3001
• Pros: Knob, Wireless, Tri-Mode, Gradient color
• Cons: 87 keys, not preferred layout
4. Redragon K709 PRO
• Pros: Rounded keycaps, Arrow keys, Wireless, Tri-Mode
• Cons: Girlish style, above £30
5. G68
• Pros: Wireless, Tri-Mode, 65%, Arrow keys, Many reviews
• Cons: color
Final thoughts
This wasn’t just about buying a keyboard.
It was about working within real constraints,
deciding what matters,
understanding what I’m willing to compromise on,
and making a choice with intention.
And in the end, I didn’t just save money—I made a decision I actually feel good about.
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