Best Keyboard For Programming: The top programmers’ keyboards will increase output while reducing hand and mouse fatigue.
Every programmer begins with the keyboard that is closest to them, which is likely your laptop these days.
But once you start typing in code for a living, you’ll want to spend money on a good keyboard. A keyboard for programmers should, first and foremost, feel “right” to you while you type so that you can type quickly and comfortably.
A programmer will be more efficient and less likely to make mistakes if they are more at ease using their keyboard. A keyboard with special keys that can be programmed to launch specific apps or carry out specific activities will appeal to more experienced programmers as well.
If you spend the day typing like there’s no tomorrow, you should think about an ergonomic keyboard alternative since it should ideally help keep you healthy.
The best keyboards for programmers have been compared based on a variety of reasons, including size, connectivity, design, and mobility. Along with other factors, we also considered the keyboards’ general ergonomics, switch types, and prices.
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What’s inside a keyboard anyway?
The uninformed may have linguistic anxiety simply by reading keyboard reviews these days, but there is no reason to become alarmed. There are three primary types of switches: membrane, rubber dome, and mechanical.
The cheapest to make and with a rubbery feel are membrane keyboards. Membrane keyboards don’t have the same sturdy construction as the other options, which means they can last less time.
On top of rubber domes, on top of a membrane, and on the keycaps of the majority of laptop keyboards is a scissor mechanism. So, when you hear “membrane keyboard,” it usually refers to a rubber dome.
In some circumstances, the fact that these keyboards are silent makes them useful, but they won’t last as long and, with very few exceptions, they offer little to no flexibility.
With a automatic keyboard, each key has its own switch, making the entire device more dependable and improving typing pleasure through better tactile feedback. This makes lengthy coding sessions less stressful and more fun. Additional customization options include programmable function keys and readily removable keycaps.
The best keyboards for programmers in 2023 in full
1. Mountain Everest Max
There are no two programmers alike since coders are accustomed to altering and stretching the boundaries of the virtual world. They can now experience customised nirvana in the physical world as well, due to the Mountain Everest Max keyboard.
Starting with its most prominent feature—the detachable numeric keypad that can be positioned on either side of the keyboard—this keyboard pushes the envelope and innovates in ways that others have never done.
With the supplied keycap puller tool, you may swap out the keycaps, and you can select your preferred MX switch type when you buy it, from MX Red, MX Brown, MX Blue, MX Silent Red, and MX Speed Silver. If you’re not content with the original switches, you may replace them by simply taking them out – no soldering is necessary.
2. Kinesis Freestyle Pro
Long-term use of conventional keyboards can result in unpleasant illnesses, discomfort, and exhaustion. Ergonomic keyboards reduce stress and injury by letting your hands rest in a more comfortable posture.
There are many different ergonomic designs, with fixed designs being the most common. Split ergonomic keyboards take up less room and provide you more room to move your left and right arms around more freely when typing at a desk.
Additionally, they enable you to maintain a straight wrist, which lessens stress on the tendons and helps you avoid repetitive strain injuries (RSI).
3. Glorious GMMK PRO
An easier-to-transport smaller keyboard can be advantageous for those who desire it. There are three common sizes available for the Glorious GMMK Pro: Full, Tenkeyless, and Compact (61 keys).
Because it offers the right balance of keys for programmers, we decided to go with this version without a numeric keypad. The only distinction between the three is the quantity of keys, but each has a lovely design and similar technical features.
4. Obinslab Anne Pro 2
You want a programming keyboard that is as tiny as possible while yet maintaining the feel and functionality of larger ones with typical desktop key sizes if you have a small desk or are constantly changing locations.
The most practical way to get 104-key capability with only 61 keys is to use the small, or 60%, format keyboards. While coding, however, not every coder will grow having to press two keys to access the Role Keys or arrow keys.
5. Logitech MX Keys
There are mechanical keyboards that are also wireless in this buying list, thus anybody looking for a wireless mechanical keyboard should completely disregard this entry.
Nevertheless, Logitech has surprised us with a tried-and-true “rubber dome and scissors” mechanism seen in the majority of laptop keyboards.
The spherically dished keys feel nice in your fingertips for extended periods of programming, and they did a fantastic job doing it.
6. Apple Magic Keyboard with Keypad
While PC keyboards can be used with a Mac, you lose keycaps that are exclusive to Apple, including the Option and Command keys. For Mac users, some mechanical keyboards come with replacement keycaps. But why bother when Apple has a good option?
The Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad, often known as magic keyboard NK, has a larger layout that will appeal to most programmers. It also has full-size arrow keys and document navigation controls for quick code scrolling.
5.5 inches longer than the regular Magic Keyboard is the Magic Keyboard NK. The interior of every Magic Keyboard is the same, with a scissor mechanism beneath each key and a very short key travel distance.
How to choose the best keyboards for programmers for you?
Start with the size while deciding on the finest keyboard for programmers for you. Do you prefer a tenkeyless design or a full size keyboard? A full-size keyboard will be useful if you perform a lot of number crunching.
The portability of your keyboard will be impacted by its size. While a tenkeyless or small keyboard will do well when it comes to portability, a full size keyboard lacks it.
Next, you should examine the keyboard’s connectivity. If the model is wireless, connecting will be simple and you’ll have a tidy wire-free appearance. However, you should look into the kind of battery that wireless keyboards use.
If you plan to use the keyboard for an extended period of time, replaceable batteries are good solutions. Although you won’t need to change the batteries on wired devices, you will still need to deal with the wire tangles.