Best Budget "Thocky" Mechanical Keyboards (UNDER 70 $) in 2025

Introduction

There is a sound captivating gamers, programmers, and typists across the internet. It is not the high pitched click of a generic office keyboard or the sharp clack of an old school mechanical board. It is a deep, resonant, and satisfyingly muted sound. It is the sound of "thock". This onomatopoetic term describes a keystroke that feels as good as it sounds, a full bodied report that evokes a sense of quality, precision, and substance. This auditory phenomenon has created a massive online community dedicated to chasing the perfect sound, with typing test videos garnering millions of views for their ASMR like appeal.  

 

Just a few years ago, achieving this coveted sound was the exclusive domain of dedicated hobbyists. It required expensive custom kits, hours of painstaking labor lubricating individual switches, and a deep knowledge of aftermarket parts. The barrier to entry was high, both in cost and effort. The year 2025, however, represents a monumental paradigm shift in the mechanical keyboard market. The overwhelming demand for this specific sound profile, amplified by countless online communities and content creators, has not gone unnoticed by manufacturers. Companies like Aula, Keychron, and Epomaker have responded by engineering keyboards that deliver a near premium acoustic experience right out of the box, often for less than $100. What was once a luxury feature is now a competitive baseline, a true democratization of thock.  

 

This article serves as the definitive guide to navigating this exciting new landscape. It will not simply list popular products. Instead, it will demystify the science behind the sound, breaking down the essential components that work in concert to create that perfect thock. Armed with this knowledge, readers will be able to critically evaluate any keyboard and make a confident, informed decision, finding the perfect board that delivers that deeply satisfying keystroke without emptying their wallet.

The 2025 Budget Thock Contenders: Our Top Selections Under $100

The budget mechanical keyboard market has matured beyond offering generic options. It has fragmented into specialized niches, each catering to a distinct user priority. The choice is no longer just about finding a "good" keyboard, but about selecting a keyboard philosophy. Whether the priority is the purest out of the box sound, ultimate software freedom, or a platform for DIY creativity, there is an excellent, specialized option available.

1. Aula F75: The Out of the Box Thock Phenom

 

 

Check Out the Aula F75 on Amazon

Sound Profile Analysis

The Aula F75 is consistently celebrated as the undisputed king of budget thock, delivering a deep, "creamy," and poppy sound signature straight from the box that rivals boards costing several times more. This exceptional acoustic performance is no accident. It is the direct result of a meticulous internal design featuring a gasket mount structure and five distinct layers of sound absorbing foam and silicone. This comprehensive dampening system, combined with excellent factory lubricated switches and stabilizers, eliminates any trace of hollowness or rattle, producing an incredibly clean and satisfying sound with zero modification required.  

Build, Features, and Performance

Despite its accessible price and ABS plastic construction, the Aula F75 feels surprisingly premium. It possesses a substantial weight of nearly 1 kilogram and exhibits minimal case flex, giving it a solid and durable feel on the desk. The keyboard is packed with features, including reliable tri-mode wireless connectivity with low latency suitable for both productivity and competitive gaming, a functional volume knob, and a two stage kickstand for ergonomic flexibility.  

Pros & Cons

Pros: Unbeatable out of the box sound profile, premium build quality for the price, excellent tri-mode wireless performance, incredible overall value.  

Cons: The stock keycaps are not shine through, which hinders the visibility of the RGB backlighting in the dark. The proprietary software is functional but lacks the deep customization of open source alternatives like QMK/VIA. The case is notoriously difficult to open, making it a poor choice for those who plan to mod.  

2. Epomaker TH85: The Feature Packed All Rounder

 

 

Check Out the Epomaker TH85 on Amazon

Sound Profile Analysis

The Epomaker TH85 offers a refined and pleasing sound right out of the box, often described as "milky and creamy" or a "clacky thock". This is achieved through a comprehensive internal design featuring a gasket mount structure and five layers of sound dampening materials, including Poron and silicone. This construction effectively minimizes unwanted resonance and ping, allowing the sound of the pre-lubed switches to come through cleanly.  

Build, Features, and Performance

While the TH85 has a plastic case, it feels solid and well built, making it lightweight and portable without feeling cheap. Its standout feature is its support for QMK/VIA, offering a level of software customization rarely seen at this price point. It's packed with modern features: reliable tri-mode wireless connectivity, a 4000mAh battery, bright south-facing RGB, and a hot-swappable PCB for easy switch changes. The firm PC plate and gasket mount provide a responsive feel that is excellent for gaming, though some typists might find it less forgiving for long sessions.  

Pros & Cons

Pros: Excellent value, full QMK/VIA support, great out of the box sound, tri-mode wireless, hot-swappable.  

Cons: The plastic case may not appeal to users seeking a premium metal build. Battery life is adequate but not exceptional with RGB enabled.  

3. Yunzii B75 Pro: The Aesthetic Champion

 

 

Check Out the Yunzii B75 Pro on Amazon

 

Sound Profile Analysis The Yunzii B75 Pro delivers an impressively clean and pleasant sound right out of the box, frequently described as "creamy" and "poppy". Its gasket-mounted structure, featuring five layers of internal padding, works in concert with pre-lubricated switches and stabilizers to produce a smooth, satisfying sound with no modding required. While not the deepest thock available, its refined and quiet sound signature is a major highlight, making it suitable for shared environments.  

Build, Features, and Performance The B75 Pro stands out with its clean, retro-inspired aesthetic and solid build quality that feels more premium than its price tag suggests. It comes loaded with features, including reliable tri-mode wireless connectivity, a 4000mAh battery, a multifunction knob, and a hot-swappable PCB that supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches. The typing experience is firm, stable, and highly enjoyable. However, its biggest drawback is the lack of QMK/VIA support, relying instead on proprietary Windows-only software. Users have also reported firmware bugs related to the keyboard's sleep function, which can lead to rapid battery drain.  

Pros & Cons

Pros: Beautiful design, great out-of-the-box sound, solid build quality, tri-mode wireless, hot-swappable, excellent value.  

Cons: Proprietary software is Windows only, known firmware issues can cause battery drain, unconventional Delete key placement.  

4. Ajazz AK820 Pro: The Feature-Rich Value Pick

 

 

Check Out the Ajazz AK820 Pro on Amazon

Sound Profile Analysis

The Ajazz AK820 Pro is a standout for its out-of-the-box sound, especially considering its price. It produces a loud and impressive mix of "marbly," "poppy," and "clacky" sounds. While some users describe it as "thocky," its profile is generally brighter and sharper than the deep creaminess of the Aula F75. This is achieved through a gasket-mounted structure with five layers of internal foam and silicone, a flex-cut polycarbonate plate, and excellent, well-lubed stock stabilizers that exhibit no rattle.  

Build, Features, and Performance

The AK820 Pro packs an impressive feature set for its budget price. It includes reliable tri-mode wireless connectivity, a hot-swappable PCB, a metal volume knob, and a 0.85-inch TFT color screen for displaying system info or custom GIFs. The build quality is robust; while the case is entirely plastic, it feels solid with a satisfying heft and no creaking. The gasket mount, however, is noted to be quite stiff, providing good sound isolation but little to no typing flex.  

Pros & Cons

Pros: Fantastic value for money, great out-of-the-box poppy sound profile, packed with features like a TFT screen and knob, excellent stock stabilizers.  

Cons: The gasket mount is very stiff, offering no flex. It relies on proprietary software that is considered a major drawback compared to QMK/VIA alternatives. The spacebar can have a loud "thud" that may require modification.  

Head to Head: Choosing Your Ideal Budget Board

Navigating the technical details of these excellent keyboards can be challenging. To simplify the decision, this table provides a direct, side by side comparison of the most critical attributes, helping to identify the best board for specific needs and priorities.

 

The Anatomy of Thock: Deconstructing the Deepest Keyboard Sound

The term "thock" is an attempt to capture a specific auditory experience. It describes a sound that is deep, full, and muted, standing in stark contrast to the sharper, higher frequency sounds of "clack" or "click". While subjective, the community generally agrees that a thocky sound signature has a lower pitch and a soft, cushioned impact that suggests a solid, substantial build quality. Achieving this sound is not the result of a single magic component, but rather the synergistic interaction of the keyboard's entire construction. A mismatch in one area can completely alter the final sound profile. Understanding these five pillars is essential to identifying a truly thocky keyboard.  

The Five Pillars of Thock

• Switches: The Heart of the Sound

The mechanical switch is the engine of the keyboard, and its design is the primary determinant of the sound profile. For a thocky sound, linear and tactile switches are overwhelmingly preferred. This is because they lack the internal "click jacket" found in clicky switches, which is designed to produce a sharp, high pitched sound. The materials used in the switch housing and stem also play a significant role, with higher quality, denser plastics contributing to a deeper tone. Furthermore, the practice of lubricating the switch, once a DIY-only modification, is now common from the factory. A precise application of lubricant on the stem and spring smooths the keypress, eliminating any scratchiness and dampening high frequency noises, which purifies the switch's inherent sound.  

 

• Keycaps: Shaping the Resonance

Keycaps act as the resonating chamber for the sound produced by the switch. The material, thickness, and profile of the keycap all have a dramatic effect on the final acoustics. Polybutylene terephthalate, or PBT, is the preferred material for a thocky build. It is denser and thicker than the more common Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, or ABS, plastic, resulting in a deeper sound. Keycap thickness is equally critical. Thicker keycap walls create a larger internal cavity, which allows lower frequency sounds to resonate more fully, contributing to a deeper, more substantial tone. Finally, certain keycap profiles, such as SA or Cherry, are known for their thicker construction and rounded shapes, which further enhance this full, resonant sound.  

 

• Plate Material: The Keyboard's Tuning Fork

The plate is the component that holds the switches in place above the printed circuit board (PCB). Its material and stiffness act like a tuning fork for the entire keyboard, fundamentally influencing the frequency of the sound. Stiffer materials, such as steel, carbon fiber, or aluminum, tend to transfer vibrations more directly, resulting in a higher pitched, sharper sound often described as "clacky". To achieve a thocky profile, softer and more flexible materials are ideal. Polycarbonate (PC) and POM are popular choices in the enthusiast community because they absorb more of the high frequency vibrations, leading to a duller, lower pitched, and deeper sound upon bottom out.  

 

• Mounting Style: The Gasket Revolution

How the plate and PCB assembly is mounted into the keyboard case has a profound impact on both feel and sound. The innovation that has defined the modern thocky keyboard is the gasket mount. In this design, strips of soft, flexible material like silicone or poron are placed between the plate and the keyboard case. This effectively isolates the typing assembly, allowing it to flex slightly under pressure and preventing harsh vibrations from transferring directly into the case. This cushioning effect creates a softer typing experience and, crucially, a more muted and deeper sound profile, making it an essential ingredient for achieving a clean thock.  

 

• Case and Dampening: Eliminating Unwanted Noise

The keyboard's case is the final piece of the acoustic puzzle. Its material, whether plastic or aluminum, and its internal geometry create a space where sound can echo and reverberate. An empty, hollow case will produce a cheap, "plasticky" sound regardless of the quality of the other components. To combat this, modern keyboards are filled with sound dampening materials. Layers of silicone and poron foam are strategically placed between the plate and PCB, and below the PCB, to absorb stray sound waves and eliminate any hollowness. This meticulous process of filling empty space ensures that the only sound that reaches the ear is the pure, deep thock of the switch and keycap, without any unwanted resonance or ping.  

Three Key Mods for Deeper Sound

The Tape Mod

This is one of the most popular and effective mods for deepening a keyboard's sound. It involves applying two to three layers of painter's tape or masking tape to the back of the PCB. The tape acts as a dampener, absorbing high frequency sounds and reflecting lower frequencies, which results in a deeper, poppier, and more muted sound signature. It is a simple, reversible, and highly effective way to tune the acoustics. A critical safety warning must be observed: this mod should never be performed on a wireless keyboard where the battery is located directly against the PCB, as the tape could potentially cause a short circuit and a fire hazard.  

The Foam Mod

Building on the principles of acoustic dampening, adding extra foam inside the keyboard's case is a surefire way to eliminate any remaining hollowness or echo. A thin layer of PE foam, the type often used as packing material, can be placed between the plate and the PCB to create a creamier sound. Additionally, if there is any empty space in the bottom of the case, filling it with denser case foam or even silicone can further absorb unwanted resonance, leading to a cleaner and more substantial sound.

Switch Lubing Primer

For those willing to take the next step in the hobby, hand lubricating the switches is a highly rewarding process. It involves carefully disassembling each switch and applying a thin layer of specialized lubricant, like Krytox 205g0, to the sides of the stem and the spring. This process has two main benefits. First, it reduces friction, making the keypress significantly smoother. Second, it eliminates subtle noises like spring ping and the scratchy sound of plastic on plastic, resulting in a much cleaner, quieter, and more refined sound that allows the switch's true acoustic properties to shine through.

Conclusion

The mechanical keyboard market of 2025 offers an unprecedented level of value and choice for consumers. The pursuit of the perfect "thock" is no longer a costly and labor-intensive endeavor. Thanks to a market that has responded directly to community demand, a premium typing and acoustic experience is now more accessible than ever. The landscape has specialized, providing distinct and excellent options that cater to different user philosophies, whether the priority is pure sound, feature packed value, aesthetic appeal, or software freedom.

• For the sound purist who wants the best possible thocky and creamy experience with zero effort, the Aula F75 stands alone as the top recommendation. Its meticulously engineered internal dampening provides an unbeatable out of the box sound that is simply unmatched at its price point.

• For the feature focused user seeking the most bang for their buck, the Ajazz AK820 Pro is the clear winner. Packing a customizable screen, a volume knob, and a great poppy sound profile for around $60, it offers an incredible suite of features for an astonishingly low price.

• For the aesthetics enthusiast who values a clean design and a pleasant, creamy sound, the Yunzii B75 Pro is an excellent choice. It delivers a beautiful retro look and a satisfying typing experience, perfect for users who prioritize style and out of the box performance over deep software customization.

• For the versatile all-rounder who needs a balance of great sound, modern features, and the power of open-source software, the Epomaker TH85 is the superior choice. Its QMK/VIA compatibility provides an incredible platform for both immediate enjoyment and future tweaking, making it a fantastic do-it-all keyboard.

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