A programmer’s or coder’s life is incomplete without a keyboard. This is why we’ve compiled a list of the best keyboards for programming and coding.
Several brands have worked on various ideas throughout the years to develop the best keyboard for their audience. A solid range of options has emerged as a result of newer innovative ideas, efficient material choices, and fresh aesthetics.
How to Choose the Best Keyboard for Programming and Coding?
Ergonomics
Because of the amount of time they spend on their keyboards, coders and programmers must choose carefully. The best keyboard for programming should be comfortable to use, beginning with some extra space between the left and right portions. While typing, maintain a healthy shoulder-width spacing between your hands.
For comfort and upper body alignment, programmers and coders require a palm rest and curved surfaces. To avoid repetitive strain injuries, which are frequent among programmers, a well-tested ergonomically built keyboard is always useful.
Also read: Best mechanical keyboard under $30
Durability
Keys on the keyboard should be able to endure between 50 and 100 million clicks. A removable number pad could make the set-up more efficient if you don’t use the number pad on a regular basis. Backlights and laser-etched keytops make typing easier and eliminate the chance of the keyboard fading. It’s preferable if the keyboard is wireless, but if it isn’t, detachable wires are always a good idea.
Compatibility
Keyboards for programming and coding must be compatible with the majority of common operating systems. The Windows PC and Mac operating systems are required. Compatibility with Linux and Chrome OS is also important.
Best keyboards for programming and coding 2021
Top 5 Best keyboards for programmers
Brand: Logitech | Weight: 2.12 lbs | Technology: wireless
While it is more expensive than many people are willing to pay for a keyboard, Logitech has created a piece of technology called Logitech Craft. That is specifically designed for those who work in programming and coding fields, and the options it provides can easily boost performance and creativity.
Settings in your favorite coding apps may be simply managed with its multi-function dial, named the Crown, and this can also be extended to the Microsoft Office Suite. You can easily zoom in and out with the Crown, as well as fine-tune parameters for your tools like scale, object opacity, and even text tracking, which is useful for web developers.
Brand: Kinesis | Weight: 2.2 lbs | Technology: USB
The ergonomics of a keyboard are the most important feature for programmers and coders. They spend their days stuck to their keyboards. They may suffer from repetitive strain injury as a result of poor design (RSI). The keys must be properly sized, and there must be a well-provisioned palm rest to minimize RSI. The Kinesis Advantage2 Ergonomic Keyboard, often known as the KB600, is ideal for this.
The keyboard is split into two sections, one on the left and one on the right. The splits are curved to give the palms a comfortable posture and space to rest. A CTRL button, Enter, and Space Bar is located on the right side of the keyboard. The Backspace, Delete, and ALT buttons are on the left. The spacing between the two sides is sufficient to keep the left and right shoulders shoulder-width apart.
Mechanical keys with a 50 million keypress capacity. The layout can be either QWERTY or Dvorak. Low-force MX keys or red silent MX keys are two types of these keys. The keyboard was designed for durability for many years.
Das Keyboard 4 Professional Mechanical Keyboard
best mechanical keyboard for coding
Das keyboard
amazon.com
$169.00
Brand: Das Keyboard | Weight: 2.87 lbs | Technology: USB
These keyboards are well-known for their durability and shock resistance. The Das Mechanical Keyboard is very resilient to falls and bends. The top surface of the keyboard is composed of aluminum, which makes it flexible and resistant to breaking.
The board’s keys aren’t Cherry MX switches. Rather the manufacturers shifted to gamma Zulu switches. The MX switches may withstand up to 50 million keystrokes before they need to be replaced. The gamma Zulu switches are twice as long-lasting and can withstand 100 million keystrokes without failure. Traditional MX keys are softer than these.
The ability to receive alerts is maybe the most appealing feature of this keypad. A unique form of alert can be assigned to any key on the keyboard. New alerts on a stack overflow comment thread, for example, can be tracked. The relevant key will blink whenever a notification is received. The keys can also send alerts for other systems’ notifications, such as a blinking alert for a phone ringing.
Read Also: Best White Mechanical Keyboards
Brand: Microsoft | Weight: 2 lbs | Technology: wireless
I highly recommend the Microsoft Sculpt computer programming keyboard for job ergonomics. It’s a lot easier to use than Kinesis, and it’s a lot less expensive. However, because they use different approaches, comparing them would be unfair. Unlike the Kinesis, this coding keyboard separates the keys by removing a portion of the material in the middle.
The motivation behind it, though, remains the same. To reduce the amount of strain involved in typing by putting your fingers and arms in a more natural position. And it does so admirably. I found this keyboard to be a lot easier than Kinesis, although it still takes some time to get used to.
Another thing I loved was the negative tilt. It’s distinct from typical keyboards’ forward lift, yet it’s quite pleasant. It is further supported by a padded wrist rest that prevents excessive wrist bending. The palm rest is magnetically attached to the keyboard and may be removed if you prefer typing on your lap. What’s more, the tilt can be adjusted.
Why should you choose?
- comfortable ergonomic design
- Separate number pad
- Detachable palm rest
- Adjustable tilt
Brand: Cooler Master | Weight: 1.39 lbs | Technology: USB
One of the best mechanical keyboards on the market is the Cooler Master Mechanical Keyboard. The Cherry MX keyboard registers the press of a key before it is fully depressed, allowing you to type with less force. Lasers are used to engrave the keys, making them wear-resistant, and all keys are lighted.
Without any additional software, it is possible to make essential modifications to the lighting and micro. Aluminum is brushed throughout the keyboard.
While the keyboard is not wireless, the cord is detachable, making it easier to protect the cable from being tangled and carrying it around. The cable has a PS/2 connector, which is convenient for users with older PCs.
The majority of programmers and coders are speedy in typing. They frequently push the next key before the previous one is recognized by the system. The N-Key rollover feature is available for PS/2 users on this keyboard. This makes it easier to keep track of which keys have been pressed.