11+ Best Keyboards for Programming in 2022 (Ranked and Reviewed)
- Last Updated January 2, 2022
Thock. Click. Thump. Tick. Rattle.
These are just some of the sounds keyboards make. And for some programmers, the right keyboard can make all the difference.
Spending countless hours typing requires a comfortable and responsive keyboard. And if you’re anything like me, a pleasant resonance to every tap.
But with so many different keyboards for programming out there, it’s especially difficult to know what the best keyboard for programming is, or which one will suit your needs best.
This article gives you a rundown of some of the top contenders and presents an overview on why they’re worth considering (or not) for you to make the best selection that suits your needs.
What Are The Best Keyboards for Programming?
Here are the best keyboards for programming in 2021 that have been ranked and reviewed that are a great accompaniment to boost your productivity at the desk.
Note: All prices listed are in $USD
1. Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro
Overview & Features
The Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro is a tenkeyless, wireless design that has excellent features for programmers. This keyboard is made with the best in quality, great ergonomics and will be sure to last through rigorous use.
This mechanical keyboard offers great responsiveness to ensure higher precision when typing with well-spaced keys. It also provides the highest level of comfort you would ever need – with two incline settings, detachable wrist rest, and ergonomic keycaps that are contoured to your fingertips.
With several mechanical switch options and macro-programmable keys, there is no better premium experience for typing. The keyboard also has multiple device Bluetooth connectivity, making it great to use on the go and between multiple devices simultaneously.
If you are going to make any keyboard purchase, then the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro is a no-brainer. This is regarded as one of the best mechanical keyboard for programming and it’s why it’s on the top of our list.
The Good…
- Premium Build
- Doubleshot keycaps that resist smudges
- Multi-function dial and media keys
- Ergonomic – two incline settings and premium wrist rest
- Wireless
And Not So Good
- Expensive
- Finicky when the battery is very low
Overview & Features
Next up on the list is the Das Keyboard. This programming keyboard is a full-sized keyboard with an old-school design and makes for one of the best keyboards for programming.
The keyboard features dedicated media controls and a large volume knob and is one of the best keyboards for programmers in the market. It also has a sharp and sleek design that will fit into workplaces nicely.
It comes with Cherry MX Brown switches which are known for being tactile enough for typing, but clicky enough that they’re easy to hear and quick to respond. The keyboard also offers the choice of clicky Cherry MX Blues switches – providing you the preference of responsiveness to keep you on your toes as soon as you start typing.
The Good…
- Fantastic Build Quality
- Cherry MX Switches – Cherry MX browns or blues
- A full-sized keyboard that includes a number pad and volume knob
And Not So Good
- No Backlight
- No wireless support
- Expensive
Overview & Features
The Razer BlackWidow Elite is an excellent premium keyboard that has been designed for both coders and gamers in mind. There is an in-built wrist wrest, which is removable and adjustable to ensure that you’re getting the most comfortable experience when typing. The keyboard also has a low-profile design with the choice of clicky, tactile, and linear mechanical key switches to cater to your preferences.
The BlackWidow Elite offers 100% anti-ghosting coverage so you can press multiple keys at once without having any problems. It also features full RGB backlighting and customizable macros to any key, making it one of the best choices for programmers out there.
The Good…
- Great looking and functional design
- Ergonomic keyboard with a wrist rest
- A very sturdy build
And Not So Good
- Overly thick braided cable
4. Realforce R2 Topre TKL
Price: $258
Overview & Features
The Realforce R2 is a tenkeyless keyboard that features Topre’s famous electrostatic capacitive switches which are quieter and more responsive than other mechanical keyboards. This is a programming keyboard that offers high build quality, an excellent design with low profile keys to ensure comfortable typing experience, adjustable LED backlighting for added visibility at night and has a sturdier cable connector – making it one of the best keyboards for programming in this roundup.
The Good…
- High Quality Build
- Topre Switches – making it perfect for in office
- PBT Keycaps
- 100% Anti-ghosting
And Not So Good
- Pricey
- The Rubber Dome Switches can feel mushy
- Not wireless
5. Keychron K6 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Price: $69
Overview & Features
This keyboard is perfect for those looking to have a wireless and compact design (65%) all in one. Best used by coders or hobbyists who want the convenience of having it with them at home, on their laptop, or even while traveling.
The keys are responsive and offer great precision when typing and don’t cause fatigue. It supports multiple Bluetooth devices and can last up to 240 hours typing (backlight off), so you can rely on this keyboard being with you for long sessions. Best of all it’s compatible with Windows, Max, and Linux.
The Good…
- Compact (65%)
- Robust Build
- Great Typing Quality
- Not as pricey as others
And Not So Good
- Reasonable, but not the best ergonomics (you can buy their official wood palm rest separately)
6. Microsoft Sculpt Keyboard
Price: $129.95
Overview & Features
The Microsoft Sculpt Keyboard is one of the best ergonomic keyboards in the market featuring a split keyboard layout and reverse incline. Best used by programmers and those with repetitive typing tasks, its design is made so you can type without feeling any strain in your hands or wrists. The keys themselves also have deep grooves which provide more stability when typing.
The Good…
- Excellent Ergonomics
- Great tactile feedback
And Not So Good
- Learning curve with split layout
7. Ducky One 2 SF
Price: $159
Overview & Features
The Ducky One 2 SF is a compact 65% keyboard (also available in other sizes) that features a one-of-a-kind, compact and sleek design best used by freelance programmers or those wanting to freelance who are looking for a keyboard that is both portable and minimal.
It’s got mechanical switches that offer great performance when typing as well as high-quality PBT double-shot keycaps for an excellent typing experience. The keyboard also has a full RGB backlight and features a USB Type-C port for improved compatibility.
The Good…
- Great RGB backlight
- Compact and sleek design
- Excellent typing experience
- Powerful Firmware
And Not So Good
- No wrist rest
- Wired connection only
8. Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB
Price: $219
Overview & Features
The Kinesis Freestyle Edge RGB is a large keyboard with some of the best ergonomics in the market. It’s got an excellent build quality, features three different layout options including split, tenting and straight – best for programmers who are looking for a more comfortable typing experience as well as those who spend long hours typing at work.
A 75% layout keyboard with the best features so you can type comfortably and not have to worry about getting any hand, wrist or finger strain. It also has mechanical switches for durability as well as backlit keys in blue or red which allow visibility even on dark days – perfect for programmers or coders looking to work at night
The Good…
- Best Ergonomics
- Sturdy and well-built design
- Excellent typing experience
And Not So Good
- Learning curve to use at first due to the layout
9. Corsair K100 RGB
Price: $229.99
Overview & Features
The Corsair K100 RGB is a premium full-sized keyboard with many excellent features that cater to programmers. It is a keyboard best used by programmers looking for durability as well as comfort when typing.
With a detachable wrist rest and a variety of different switches, the K100 RGB is an ergonomic keyboard that caters to your preferred typing experience. With additional features such as customizable RGB backlighting and dedicated macro keys, this premium keyboard makes it a no-brainer for programmers looking for something that will go the mile.
The Good…
- Durable construction and design
- Great backlighting options
- Dedicated macro keys
And Not So Good
- Pricey
10. Logitech MX Keys
Price: $149.99
Overview & Features
A wireless full-size keyboard with a sleek design and plenty of features to make typing more enjoyable. Best used by programmers who want long battery life, responsive keys (that also have enough space between them) as well as a clean, minimal layout.
It features Logitech’s Unifying Receiver so you can use it on Macs, PCs & tablets without installing any software – perfect for those looking for compatibility! It also has low-profile keycaps which are comfortable when typing without a wrist rest. Typing feels light and responsive and is an all-around excellent keyboard for productivity.
The Good…
- Clean, stylish, and sleek design
- Long battery life rating
- Wireless, multiple device Bluetooth connectivity
- Good typing experience
And Not So Good
- Wrist rest costs extra
- No incline settings
- Expensive
11. Obinslab Anne Pro 2
Price: $119
Overview & Features
Built for those who want a keyboard that is lightweight and perfect for travel, this 60% keyboard is one of the best keyboard choices for programmers looking to have flexibility while on the go. Best used by people who need to work in different locations (workspaces) because of its wireless and compact design.
It features a variety of mechanical switch options with seamless multiple device Bluetooth Connectivity and RGB lighting which looks great as well as provides outstanding performance when typing.
The Good…
- Excellent typing and build quality
- Sleek and compact design
- Full RGB backlight
And Not So Good
- 60% layout with no arrow keys
- Average to minimal ergonomics
FAQ
What type of keyboard is best for programming?
There are many different keyboards that work for programming, but the best ones usually have extra keys to facilitate shortcuts, offer ergonomic design (to reduce hand, wrist & finger strain), and of course – compatibility.
The top 3 best keyboards for programming I recommend are:
- Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro
- Das Keyboard 4
- Razer BlackWidow Elite
What keyboards do programmers use?
There are many keyboards that programmers use. The above-listed keyboards are the top contenders for what people rate as the best keyboards for programmers (and in general).
Is a mechanical keyboard better for programming?
Mechanical keyboards are often better for programming than membrane ones. The main advantage of mechanical keyboards is that they have a more responsive and consistent tactile feel (they have much less “bounce” or wobble which can be distracting) as well as an extended lifetime – this comes at the cost of higher price tags though.
The other major benefit of a mechanical keyboard is that it lets you type for longer periods without getting tired or fatigued like keyboards with rubber domes under each key do.
With how much time programmers spend typing away code on a keyboard, you’ll be sure to want to invest in a high-quality mechanical keyboard in the long run.
Are gaming keyboards good for programming?
Yes – most gaming keyboards offer a full keyboard with the addition of programmable and customizable keys. They also have features like N-key rollover (NKRO) to allow for multiple key presses at once, no matter what you’re doing – which is great when programming or coding.
Wrapping Up
We all know that there are many different keyboards out in the world. You can have a regular keyboard, you could get one with ergonomic style to reduce hand and wrist strain or even use a gaming-style keyboard. But what is the best type of keyboard for programming?
The three top choices recommended are Razer BlackWidow V Pro, Das Keyboard 4, and Razer BlackWidow Elite – they offer versatility (supporting multiple devices) and performance, as well as an optimized design that has no issues when it comes to typing comfort!
However, all the keyboards listed make a great choice, no matter which one you decide to go with. And if none of them tickle your fancy, you can learn to build one! Not only can you custom design it to your specifications, but they also make a lucrative hobby if you get good at it.
So next time you type on your keyboard, just think about how much better your experience may be if you had any of the listed keyboards on this list.
Good luck!
Jessica La
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