8 Best Keyboards for CAD in 2024

By Robin Owens 14 days ago, Keyboards

What is the best keyboard for CAD to buy this year?

best keyboards for autocad

Having education or already employment in the sphere of design and architecture, there is no way you haven’t used AutoCAD at least once. Much more likely, you’re spending a significant amount of time in it, and there’s a chance you never considered the best keyboard for CAD as a helpful accessory to this software.

Top 8 Best Keyboards for CAD

  1. Microsoft LXM-00001 - Our Choice
  2. Logitech G512 - Clicky mechanical switch
  3. Arteck HW197 - Budget
  4. DSI Left Handed Keyboard - Ergonomic design
  5. Macally Wireless Keyboard - Wireless
  6. iClever BK10 - Ultra slim
  7. Logitech K780 - Comfortable typing
  8. Perixx Periboard-512 - Compact

Sadly, there are no keyboards designed specifically to work with the software. However, many gaming and office models are easily adaptable to the task and can be very helpful. If you’re curious about whether such a change is worth a try, investigate the list of models with descriptions and don’t forget to look into the advice section.

1. Microsoft LXM-00001

Our Choice
microsoft lxm keyboard

Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: No

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⊕ Carefully-designed for better comfort
⊕ Super-convenient support
⊕ Dedicated keys and a number pad
⊕ Reasonable price
⊖ Office365 and emoji button

It’s easily the best keyboard for CAD and regular office use. This model collected all the important elements of functionality and style. You have a split profile with special delicate cushioning for wrists that helps your hands stay in the most comfortable and relaxed position throughout the day.

The keyboard has a reliable wired connection and a stylish slender look. You can make much use of the various dedicated buttons and the much-needed in CAD number pad. If you want to take even better care of your wrists and protect them from future injuries, you can also get the mouse from the same brand.

2. Logitech G512

Clicky mechanical switch
logitech gaming keyboard

Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes

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⊕ An additional USB port
⊕ High-performance illumination
⊕ Mechanical switches
⊕ Separate mode for gaming
⊖ Doesn’t illuminate shifted key values

This is a gaming device, but it has many features that are perfect for CAD users. If you work in a place where looks matter, this stylish device with 16.8 million color illumination will fit the atmosphere perfectly. It is also functional, operating on reliable mechanical switches and supplying you with a USB port.

The last but probably most important bit is the abundance of controls and shortcut keys. You can use the FN key to call certain actions, control the illumination, change the default modes and adjust all the features for your personal comfort.

3. Arteck HW197

Budget
arteck wireless keyboard

Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: No

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⊕ Quick setup
⊕ Wide compatibility
⊕ Sensible price
⊕ TV control
⊖ Not illuminated

This option will be perfect for those CAD users who frequently switch devices and need something portable and widely compatible. All you need is to plug the USB receiver into your computer, TV, HTPC or anything else and you’re good to go.

The connection is maintained within the 10-meter radius so you can use this keyboard from the other end of the room. This gives you great freedom, especially since the trackpad is incorporated.

4. DSI Left Handed Keyboard

Ergonomic design
dsi mechanical keyboard

Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: No

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⊕ Ergonomic build
⊕ Super-durable keys
⊕ Lengthy wire
⊕ Quick customization
⊖ Expensive

If you thought that there is no chance an AutoCAD keyboard for a leftie exists, you were wrong. Here is a great model thoughtfully designed to make your life easier starting with the numeric pad placement. It has been transferred to the left so that you can effortlessly type in digits with your dominant hand.

The device operates on high-quality mechanical key switches that are very responsive and comfortable in work. The keyboard itself has an ergonomic shape reducing the end-of-the-day tiredness and strain.

5. Macally Wireless Keyboard

Wireless
macally mini wireless keyboard

Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: No

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⊕ Comfort of use
⊕ Good ergonomics
⊕ Noiseless
⊕ Small dimensions
⊖ Not robust
⊖ No backlighting

This comfortable keyboard for CAD will satisfy those who prefer low-profile designs. It has very low and responsive scissor switches that are easy to press and provide nice feedback. This is a full-size device that has an additional dozen hotkeys allowing you to control various applications in an instant. The connection is wireless so you can take the keyboard with you anywhere and enjoy the luxury of a clear table.

6. iClever BK10

Ultra slim
iclever bk10 bluetooth keyboard

Interface: Bluetooth | Keyboard backlighting: No

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⊕ Ergonomic form
⊕ Moderate dimensions
⊕ Ultra-slim framework
⊕ Instant response
⊖ Absence of backlighting

It’s another Bluetooth option for CAD users. The manufacturers used stainless steel for the base and super-convenient ABS keycaps for increased comfort. You can prop it on the feet to have a helpful slope that relieves the strain on your wrist. Thanks to the refined connectivity algorithms, the keyboard can pair seamlessly and stay connected for up to 10 meters.

It also remembers the last paired device and immediately reconnects as you switch it back on. Apart from being robust and functional, it is also very stylish in its black colorway.

7. Logitech K780

Comfortable typing
logitech compatible keyboard

Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: No

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⊕ Instant switching between devices
⊕ Cross-computer operation
⊕ Comfortable in use
⊕ Adapts to any OS
⊖ Faulty auto-sleep mode

This is the perfect keyboard for CAD users operating on a central workstation with multiple devices. The keyboard will hold multiple connections and operate on the device where your cursor is currently active. You can make a whole set with a wireless mouse and speakers that all support this cross-computer operating mode and turn everything into a monolith system.

The keyboard itself is pretty quiet and comfortable, making the long working days strainless. You can also use it with other devices like tablets and switch between them with one click.

8. Perixx Periboard-512

Compact
perixx periboard keyboard

Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: No

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⊕ Ergonomic form
⊕ Plug-and-play
⊕ USB ports
⊕ Well-sized
⊖ No backlighting

This is a very comfortable device with a tactile key response. It was designed to make the long hours of typing less straining on office workers. The keyboard has a long flexible USB cable for a stable connection. The body is split to allow you to accommodate your hands more comfortably.

The special rest supports your wrist in a more relaxed position. In short, everything is made for ultimate comfort. Functionality is also provided with the 7 Multimedia Hotkeys and an incorporated USB port for flash drives or dongles.

Image Name Features  
microsoft lxm keyboard
Microsoft LXM-00001
Our Choice
  • Interface: Wired
  • Keyboard backlighting: No
CHECK PRICE
logitech gaming keyboard
Logitech G512
Multi Usage
  • Interface: Wired
  • Keyboard backlighting: Yes
CHECK PRICE
arteck wireless keyboard
Arteck HW197
Wireless Touch TV
  • Interface: Wired
  • Keyboard backlighting: No
CHECK PRICE

How to Choose the Best Keyboard for CAD?

best keyboard for cad

For most computer users, a keyboard is one of the least significant devices, and as long as it has characters marked in the right language, it is considered appropriate for any task. However, the purchase of the best keyboard for CAD can introduce noticeable improvements to the workflow. Different models exist, and some will increase your comfort and productivity while others could cause much frustration and even wrist pain. Here is what you should be looking into while picking a CAD-appropriate device.

Wired vs. Wireless

This is an important issue that, however, remains a purely individual choice. If you ask CAD users, many set their preferences on a wired device justifying it with the absence of annoying battery hustle. The use of wire has a stronger influence, though, establishing a solid connection without the risk of interference and eliminating lags. However, if your table is already cluttered with cords of all sorts, any way of reducing that mess should be considered. With wireless devices, you can also leave some USB ports free because one dongle can support several items.

Which Is the Best Keyboard for CAD?

Keep in mind that there are no dedicated CAD input devices. What you’re searching for is a device to optimize your workflow and shorten the time required for carrying out certain tasks. The program itself equips you for it by providing the possibility to set your personal hotkeys. To make the most use of it, just make sure a keyboard has a Numpad attached and you will be perfectly set.

What Is a Key Switch and why Is It Important?

Now a strictly mechanical component is the type of switch used under each key. It influences the responsiveness and precision with which a computer will register your keystrokes. This small matter that many consumers ignore can make the life of your device longer and the hours spent working on it less tiresome. Opt for a mechanical switch as something that can be easily repaired and try the different types to see what feels the most natural to your fingertips.

Is it Ergonomically Designed?

best keyboard for cad

Both your CAD mouse and keyboard would benefit from having the right build. If you work on more intricate projects, you might have felt the influence of working for long hours on your hands and wrists. But that doesn’t have to feel tiresome. Make sure you get ergonomic devices built to relieve muscle strain because they will protect you in the long run, not only feel comfortable at the moment of use.

FAQ

  • • What is the keyboard shortcut for saving an AutoCAD drawing?

Ctrl+Shift+S. This combination will call for the “Save as” dialog and allow you to make a copy of your project in a new file.

  • • What is the loudest keyboard switch?

The Cherry MX Blue makes a very striking “click” sound at each hit, which makes it the loudest switch of the series.

  • • What are the basics of AutoCAD?

The Basics show you the essential controls in the program. With Viewing, you can pan over the design and enlarge portions of it as well as sort the overlapping objects. There is also Geometry, which is useful for creating the fundamental objects from lined and simple shapes to hatched areas, and Precision to make sure that everything is fine-tuned.

  • • Which command is used to save the drawing?

If this is your first time saving a new project, you will have the Save As dialog displayed. Further on, you can either use the QSAVE command hidden under the icon in the menu bar or use the SAVEAS to make a copy of a project recorded as a new file.

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