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Get into mechanical gaming keyboards with this $40 pick [Setups]

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affordable mechanical keyboard
This mechanical keyboard for gaming will run you only about $40.
Photo: Newmen

For people who have only used membrane keyboards in office and at home, whether Magic Keyboard or similar wares from the likes of Logitech, mechanical keyboards can be a tempting world to check out — especially for gamers (because mechanical keystrokes hit at the same time won’t cancel each other out). And mech-keeb customization can be fun. But where to start? Today’s MacBook Pro and gaming PC setup puts forward an excellent candidate for an affordable mechanical keyboard.

MacBook Pro user relies on affordable mechanical keyboard for gaming

Inexpensive
Newmen GM1000 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
$41.99 $35.99

This mechanical gaming keyboard features Bluetooth 5.0/2.4GHz/USB-C connectivity, hot swappable switches and keycaps, a number pad, RGB backlighting and a choice of Gateron switches.

Pros:
  • 3 modes of connectivity
  • Connects to 3 devices via Bluetooth
  • Hot swappable
  • Affordable
Cons:
  • More premium keyboard may have higher build quality
09/25/2025 04:41 pm GMT

Redditor TheEpicEnforcer (“EE”) showcased a formidable gaming setup in a post entitled, “My (now) multi-purpose setup! M3Pro MBPro X my ol’ reliable Windows gaming PC.” They run an M3 Pro MacBook Pro and a gaming PC with a couple of displays and other peripherals. The need for the setup to become “multipurpose” came along with some new gear — an Apple laptop added to a PC gaming rig.

“I had this dual monitor desk set up for my gaming PC and after I got my MacBook Pro, I loved it but eventually began to yearn to be able to use my Mac on the dual monitors, but I wasn’t ready to replace my windows PC since I still use it for gaming,” EE said.

Recently I looked at the KVM switch and Thunderbolt 4 dock he relies on for easy computer switching. Now I’ll highlight that good-looking mechanical keyboard. The Newmen GM1000 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard costs only about $40 (!), marked down 33% from $60 on Amazon.

Newmen GM1000 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

affordable mechanical keyboard
The Newmen mechanical keyboard and Glorious Gaming mouse seem like a good combo in this MacBook Pro setup.
Photo: [email protected]

Gamer EE uses his affordable mechanical keyboard with a Glorious Gaming Model 0 wireless mouse. He described the keyboard as a “random Amazon keyboard” and said “[I] really wish I got a less gamer-looking mouse tho lol.” But the gear seems to work for him. And the keyboard seems like a great gateway keeb for someone curious about the world of mechanical keyboards, for gaming or for general productivity. It’s no slouch in the features department.

Keyboard features:

  • Newmen GM1000 wireless gaming keyboard with 96% layout has 100 keys and numeric keypad.
  • GM1000 triple mode compact mechanical keyboard support wireless 2.4Ghz, Bluetooth and USB-C connection. You can connect up to three devices, like desktop, laptop, tablet and smartphone,  via Bluetooth.
  • The wireless gaming keyboard with 20 RGB backlight effects, you can customize your one- of-a-kind RGB effect. Featuring ABS keycaps, anti-sweat, the letter glow and never fade, allowing you to hit the keyboard keys accurately even in the dark.
  • This wireless RGB backlit mechanical keyboard is hot swappable and compatible with most of 3pin and 5pin mechanical switches, enjoy the fun of your own DIY keyboard. You can choose from blue, brown or red Gateron Pro switches.
  • Ergonomic design includes adjustable double kickstand feet that help reduce hand fatigue after long-term use. Curved keycaps conform to the shape of each finger.

Shop these items now:

Affordable mechanical keyboard and mouse:

Computers, dock, KVM switch:

Displays and webcam:

If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected] (iPhone pics usually work fine). Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.

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