Best Keyboard for Programming in 2023 – our top picks for programmers
The time has come, the time for a new keyboard. Specifically, a keyboard built with programming in mind. Whether you are about to undertake a programming course, a new job, or your existing set up needs enhancement, many of us find ourselves on the hunt for a new keyboard for programming.
But how do we find the best keyboard? There are so many on the market; it can be hard to choose the correct one. The last thing any of us wants is a keyboard that is too loud, unresponsive, or uncomfortable to use. Especially if you are using it every day, comfort and performance are key. None of us want our work to suffer, do we?
But before we descend into a keyboard-related panic, let’s take a step back and take a deep breath, for we have the solution to all your keyboard problems! That’s right, we have the best keyboard for programming right here and can’t wait to share it with you! So without further ado, let’s see those keyboards that are perfect for long days of programming!
Products at a Glance
How We Picked The Best Keyboard for Programming
Here at PC Guide, we take keyboards seriously. After all, it’s a vital part of any PC setup. We hold them to incredibly high standards and don’t share anything with you that doesn’t meet or exceed them!
When it came to the keyboards today, we looked at a few factors to decide their worth. We considered their comfort, responsiveness, programmable options, and key switches. We also paid close attention to the reliability of the keyboard, its price, and customer reviews.
We won’t recommend a product that we wouldn’t use ourselves, and keyboards are no exception! You can be assured that the keyboards included today met or exceeded all our expectations and will be the perfect addition to your life. What are you waiting for? Keep reading to find your new keyboard for programming.
Product Reviews
- Reasonably priced
- Durable for up to 80 million strokes - perfect for work!
- Customizable for a truly personal experience
- Wrist support offers comfort during extended use.
- Some customers found the software difficult to maneuver.
Today’s winner and the top of our list is the Razer BlackWidow Elite keyboard. The keyboard is the perfect option for those after a comfortable and customizable keyboard at a reasonable price.
The award-winning keyboard features a mechanical design that is perfect not only for programming but gaming too! It’s a keyboard that is sure to stand the test of time as it can handle up to 80 million keystrokes! Ideal for those working as programmers!
Razer’s keyboard features a digital dial and dedicated media controls, offering a diverse use of the keyboard. It is also customizable too; you can customize the lighting for each key, binding, and macro! Fantastic for those that want a unique keyboard that reflects themselves.
These settings can be easily adjusted, and thanks to the onboard memory and cloud storage, personalized settings can be accessed anywhere!
You won’t need to worry about comfort when using the keyboard, thanks to the wrist rest. It’s fantastic for those working all day at the office or late into the night. No more cramped or aching wrists for you!
Customers loved the keyboard, praising its clicky sound and high-quality keys! They noted the durable quality of the rigid metal board and enjoyed the built-in USB and AUX ports on the side of the keyboard, offering a range of connectivity options.
While some found the keyboard software challenging to work, reports of this were few and far between! Just be sure to dedicate enough time when it comes to setting the keyboard up.
After a comfortable and durable keyboard that will make programming a breeze? Grab the Razer keyboard today!
- 60% keyboard, perfect for those with limited space or traveling
- Range of customizable modes for a personalized experience
- Compatible with a range of software
- Comfortable for all-day use
- No built-in wrist support
For those after a compact keyboard, why not try RK’s Royal Kludge keyboard? The 60% keyboard offers a smaller alternative for those with limited space or who want to travel with their keyboard.
The white keyboard features 62 keys providing you with all you need to program with ease. But, that’s not all! It’s also a great option for gamers. The keyboard does not feature the number pad that larger ones do, offering you more space on your desk for a mouse, fantastic for gamers and programmers alike!
RK’s keyboard features a brown switch, offering a faster double tap and a quieter sound when typing compared to a blue switch. You are less likely to be scorned for your loud typing with this keyboard!
The keyboard features an RGB backlight design with 18 modes to choose from! Why not customize it to suit your style? What’s great about this keyboard is the night mode, perfect for late-night programming that won’t strain your eyes.
It’s comfortable to use too and shouldn’t put your hand in any unnatural positions. Whether you are working all day or into the night, you will be comfortable! Due to its size, though, there is not a wrist rest which some users would have preferred.
RK’s keyboard is compatible with a range of software and operating systems, too, allowing you to attach it to any PC or laptop with ease! There is also on-hand customer support to help you should you have any concerns!
Customers loved this keyboard! They praised its low price, compact size, and fantastic quality. They enjoyed the brown switch design, and the detachable USB-C cable added a nice feature.
After a compact keyboard that is sure to make programming easier? Grab the RK Royal Kludge RK61 keyboard today!
- promotes wrist comfort
- high build quality
- non-traditional design
The Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic keyboard is another great option for those looking for a keyboard built for programmers. Its unique design enables optimal wrist comfort, which is not commonly found in other keyboards. It is highly functional and user-friendly, much like other Microsoft products. The only drawback is its unconventional design, which you may need some time to adjust to.
With Bluetooth technology, the Microsoft Sculpt operates wirelessly, enabling you to enjoy enhanced flexibility and mobility without being controlled by cords or wires. But, that’s not all. The keyboard’s keys are also nicely crafted to be low-profile and quiet, allowing for a more seamless and uninterrupted typing experience.
- Wireless keyboard perfect for any setup
- Personalize easily with lighting and animations
- The tenkeyless design offers more desk space
- Highly responsive keys that are perfect for work
- Micro USB used
For those with a bigger budget, why not give Logitech’s keyboard a whirl? The keyboard is a fantastic option for programmers who work on the go, thanks to its wireless design!
The tenkeyless keyboard features up to 40 hours of battery life on a single charge, perfect for those after a wireless workstation or a keyboard they can travel with. There is a low battery warning light, too, so you are never caught out and a fast charging time of 3 hours so you can be on the go again!
Logitech’s keyboard features RGB lighting that can be personalized to suit your needs. There are over 16.8 million colors for you to choose from, offering endless possibilities and even custom animations through the Logitech G HUB software.
You can expect fantastic accuracy from the keyboard and extremely responsive keys, perfect for long days spent programming. The mechanical keyboard delivers the clicky sound we all know and love too, making it the ideal choice for work or play.
It’s extremely durable, too; thanks to the aluminum used, you can expect a thin but incredibly tough keyboard. Perfect for taking on the go with you or using at home.
Customers loved the keyboard, praising its long battery life and the quality of the keys. They found the keyboard easy to use and that their keystrokes were highly responsive, making it an excellent choice for work.
Some customers did complain about the keyboard using a micro USB port compared to a USB-C; you might need an adapter when using the keyboard wired. However, if you have the slot available, this shouldn’t cause any issues.
After a wireless keyboard that will save some space on your desk? Look no further than Logitech’s offering!
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Faster than other keyboards, perfect for speedy work
- Customizable lighting and buttons
- Sensitive and highly responsive
- On the pricier side
- Wheel not entirely needed
Things To Consider
Type
There are a few different types of keyboards that you will be choosing between. The two main choices are membrane and mechanical, with the biggest difference being how the keyboard operates.
A membrane keyboard features a thin film that presses on a circuit layer when you press a key. The design offers a thinner keycap and is generally more portable than mechanical keyboards. Membrane keyboards tend to be cheaper, too, due to their lower manufacturing cost.
However, these keyboards aren’t as responsive as mechanical keyboards. You can expect a mushy feeling when typing. While many users are fine with this, those using the keyboard daily might struggle with unresponsiveness. They can also be harder to clean and aren’t as durable.
On the other hand, mechanical keyboards are fantastic for programmers or anyone using the keyboard for work. The keys tend to be spring-loaded to register your keystroke. It’s these springs that give a mechanical clicking sound that we all know.
They are far more responsive than a membrane keyboard but can be more expensive. It’s worth considering your budget and how important a responsive keyboard is to you.
Form Factor
When it comes to your keyboard, the form factor or size is an essential factor to consider. Generally speaking, keyboards come in three form factors: full-size, tenkeyless, and compact. Each size offers different advantages that should be considered when choosing your keyboard.
Full-sized keyboards will feature a number pad on the right side and are the largest keyboards. They aren’t the most portable and can impact the space for your mouse on your desk. The range of keys is advantageous, but they might not be the best if you need more mouse space.
Tenkeyless keyboards come in a few variations but generally will be a standard keyboard without the number pad. These can save you space, especially if you don’t need the additional pad for your work.
Compact keyboards are the newest on the market and have become increasingly popular. Known as a 60% layout, the keyboard has no number pad, F1-12, and arrow keys.
They are popular with those looking to save space on their desks or need a keyboard they can travel with easily. If you don’t use your number pad a lot, they are a fantastic choice, but the lack of function keys can be an issue for some programmers. Consider the keys you need carefully before making your decision.
Comfort
If you are using the keyboard all day, you need to be comfortable! Some keyboards come with ergonomic rests built-in, offering comfortable support for your wrists and palms when working all day. These are advantageous but can boost the cost of your keyboard.
It’s also worth considering your setup on your desk, as the height of your desk, chair, and monitor will all impact your overall comfort. Ideally, you want a keyboard with easy and smooth keys to touch and any additional wrist rests on providing all-day comfort. Why not try a few out and see which one feels best for you?
Are mechanical keyboards better for programming?
Typically, yes, as they are highly customizable and can improve typing speed. The good news is that you can find one for less than you’d think. Check out our picks for the best mechanical keyboards under $100 right here.
Is a split keyboard good for programming?
They can be, yes, especially as their design can help you type in a more natural position. Some of the best ergonomic keyboards can also provide benefits for programmers too.
Our Verdict
And just like that, we have reached the end of our review today! The keyboards included are extremely responsive and comfortable to use; whether you are using a full-size or compact keyboard, you are sure to be happy!
While Razer’s keyboard is still our favorite, any of these will be a welcome addition to your desk! Be sure to use our ‘things to consider’ section to help narrow down your choice and get ready to welcome your new keyboard home!