⌨ The Basaltech J80: A Budget Keyboard That Clicks (Literally & Financially)
A budget-friendly mechanical keyboard with RGB flair, clicky switches, and serious personality. The Basaltech J80 proves you don’t have to spend a fortune to type in style.
The Basaltech J80 RGB Mechanical Keyboard doesn’t just click — it clacks. And lights up. And goes on sale. Right now, it’s sitting at ~$50 on Amazon. That’s RGB mechanical goodness for less than a takeout dinner for two.
If you’ve been craving a mechanical keyboard that delivers big RGB energy without nuking your budget, the Basaltech J80 might just be your new favorite desk upgrade. With a 98% layout (100 keys total), it strikes the perfect balance between compact design and full functionality — numpad included, but without the excess width of a standard keyboard. Toss in a sleek metal top plate and hot-swappable red switches, and you’ve got a keyboard that feels way more premium than its price tag suggests.
Whether you're typing scripts, editing clips, or just smashing keys to feel something, the J80 has your backlit back.
📌 Affiliate Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click and buy—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the blog!
⌨ Basaltech J80 Mechanical Keyboard
💰 Price: ~$50.99 (Before any applicable discounts)
The J80 is surprisingly versatile for a keyboard that looks like it belongs on the bridge of the Enterprise. Its 98% layout includes arrow keys, a full number pad, and dedicated function keys — all without taking up the real estate of a full-size keyboard.
But the real showstopper here is the RGB. It’s vibrant, customizable, and plays surprisingly well with a variety of lighting presets. Whether you’re going full rainbow rave or subtle icy blue, it’ll fit right into your aesthetic. And with the sturdy metal plate construction, this keyboard doesn’t feel cheap — it feels ready to outlive your next three laptops.
The Chocolate variant has red switches that are linear and smooth, ideal for gaming and late-night writing sessions (with just enough click to feel satisfying but not enough to drive your roommate – human or otherwise – up the wall). The Purple variant has quieter brown switches.
🟫 Basaltech Chocolate Edition – For the Clicky Connoisseur 🍫
💡 Switch Type: Red Mechanical Switches
🔗 View on Amazon → Chocolate w/Red Switches
💰 Price: ~$50.99 (Before discount)
Love the sound of your keyboard almost as much as the feel? The Chocolate Edition is for you. With clicky red switches, every tap is satisfying, loud, and proud — just how mechanical purists like it. It’s ideal for gamers, coders, and anyone who wants their keyboard to sound like productivity manifesting in real time.
Pair that with RGB backlighting and a bold chocolate-and-cream aesthetic, and you’ve got yourself a desk centerpiece that’s as functional as it is delicious.
🟪 Basaltech Purple Edition – For the Quiet Power-Typer 💜
💡 Switch Type: Brown Mechanical Switches
🔗 View on Amazon → Purple w/Brown Switches
💰 Price: ~$50.99 (Before discount)
Prefer a keyboard that’s more whisper than war drum? The Purple Edition uses tactile brown switches, delivering a gentle bump without the “clickety-clack” drama. It’s a solid pick for shared workspaces, night owl creators, or anyone who wants to type like a ninja.
And let’s be real: the lavender-and-white color scheme is vibes. Throw in dynamic RGB and you’ve got an aesthetic-forward keyboard that doesn’t compromise on feel.
⚙️ Specifications:
- 🔢 100-key 98% layout
- 🔴 🟤 Linear red switches or tactile brown switches
- 💡 Full RGB backlighting with multiple presets
- 🧲 Hot-swappable switches
- 🖥️ USB wired connection
- 🪵 Full metal top plate
- 💻 Compatible with Windows and macOS
✅ Pros:
- 💡 Bright, customizable RGB lighting
- ⌨️ Compact form with full numpad
- 🛠️ Hot-swappable switches for future mods
- 💪 Solid build — surprisingly sturdy at this price point
- 🖱️ Great for gaming or daily typing
❌ Cons:
- 🧵 No wireless or Bluetooth option
- 🧠 No software for macro customization
🎯 Who It’s For:
- 👾 Gamers looking for clicky performance on a budget
- 🧑💻 Remote workers who want desk vibes and function
- 🎨 RGB lovers who need a pop of color
- 💡 Anyone who wants “premium keyboard feel” without the premium price
| 🎨 Version | 💡 Switch Type | 🎯 Best For | 💰 Price | 🔗 Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🟫 Chocolate Edition | 🔴 Red Switches (Clicky) | Gamers, loud typers, clacky-keyboard lovers | ~$50.99 | View |
| 🟪 Purple Edition | 🟤 Brown Switches (Tactile) | Quiet typers, shared workspaces, aesthetic desks | ~$50.99 | View |
📌 Affiliate Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click and buy—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the blog!
✨ Final Thoughts
The Basaltech J80 punches well above its weight — it’s budget-friendly, backlit like a Christmas tree, and gives you a mechanical typing experience without sacrificing desk space (or rent money). If you’ve been tempted to try mechanical keyboards or just want something slick and satisfying to type on, this might be the perfect excuse.
Now’s the time to snag it before your desk gets jealous of someone else’s glow-up. 💻🌈
