By Robin Owens 24 days ago, Keyboards
The best budget keyboards for programming.
Being a good programmer means spending long hours at the computer creating and testing the code. The computer becomes not only a fancy device for pleasure, but a powerful work tool, and every part of it should be of superior quality.
The keyboard is an essential part of a PC set, and it has to correspond to the highest demands to help a programmer in his/her job.
The best keyboard for programming needs to be ergonomic and convenient to use. When a programmer spends many hours typing, he/she shouldn’t have any uncomfortable feelings or pain.
Another important feature that is frequently used by programmers is the possibility to have special buttons, ensuring quick access to the chosen applications on the PC. Below you will find a list of good keyboards for programmers, which we consider the most decent alternatives.
Interface: Bluetooth | Keyboard backlighting: No | Weight: 3.10 lbs | Color: Black
⊕ User-friendly native software for gaming
⊕ Irreproachable wireless capabilities
⊕ Excellent tool for work or gaming
⊖ Wrist rest cannot be removed
⊖ No RGB lighting
Those, who are looking for a wireless mechanical keyboard for programming and gaming, will be fully satisfied with Logitech G613. The quickest response and excellent wireless capabilities appeal to many users. But there are downsides too.
For instance, it is not provided with RGB lighting, there is no possibility to control volume, the key programming is limited, and the corps is made of plastic. In fact, all the disadvantages don’t look too significant, rather like a basis for improvement.
This keyboard is equipped with nice silent and accurate mechanical switches, which are durable enough to survive up to 70 million clicks. Programmers will enjoy six programmable keys, which may be individually adjusted to enhance overall performance and deliver additional comfort.
Interface: Bluetooth | Keyboard backlighting: no | Weight: 13.6 ounces | Color: White
⊕ Fancy design
⊕ Built-in rechargeable battery
⊕ Portable size
⊖ Expensive
If you want a fancy keyboard with a set of useful advanced functions, try Apple Magic Keyboard and you won’t regret it. This one may be a decent programming keyboard, considering its improved key features and built-in rechargeable battery.
Every key is equipped with a solid scissor system, delivering extra accurate typing. The keys are low-profile, which is very comfortable. The Magic keyboard will automatically connect to your Mac, so you don’t need to worry about the software. The keys are placed rather tight, so you may need some time to get used to them.
However, it tilts back only 130 degrees. You will find a USB-C port on the side, but you won’t be able to use it for data transfer, as it is designed for passthrough charging only.
Interface: Wired| Keyboard backlighting: yes | Weight: 2.92 lbs | Color: black
⊕ Dedicated media keys
⊕ Superior build quality
⊕ 32-bit Arm Cortex Processor
⊕ 8MB profile storage
⊖ No audio pass-through
Those, who appreciate durability, will be absolutely satisfied with Corsair K95. This device is suitable not only for gaming, but it is also listed among the best coding keyboards. Its build quality is impressive, a lightweight aluminum frame will survive the longest gaming or programming sessions.
The keyboard is equipped with a profile storage of 8MB, giving a possibility to save and choose between three profiles, not depending on external devices. The ergonomic design includes a comfortable wrist rest, which is long enough, may be detached, and feel soft on both sides.
The polling rate of the device is 1000Hz, which is quite decent. One more appealing feature of the keyboard is the lighting, which may be customized, offering to select different colors for the keys, set the level of brightness and light animation for 19 zones.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: no | Weight: 2.60 lbs | Color: Black
⊕ User-friendly software, perfect RGB backlighting
⊕ Dedicated buttons for media control
⊕ Adjustable white backlighting
⊖ No ports for audio or USB
The best gaming keyboard may act as the best keyboard for programming – we think it is true for Logitech G610. This mechanical keyboard is equipped with durable Cherry MX switches, often used in gaming keyboards, and delivering a nice feel and excellent responsiveness.
You will surely enjoy special media controls and a roller bar for volume adjustment. The keys of this keyboard are very reliable and claimed to survive up to 50 million strokes. They are especially great for fast typing.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: yes | Weight: 2.75 pounds | Color: Black
⊕ Reasonable price
⊕ Irreproachable backlighting
⊕ Ergonomic design
⊖ Corps made of plastic
I can’t but mention Razer BlackWidow talking about the best mechanical keyboards for programming. This device offers a strong set of features, like fine and responsive Razer mechanical switches, a system of anti-ghosting, a HyperShift to double the functions of the keys, and a polling rate of 1000Hz.
The keyboard feels great while typing and gaming, but it works with clicky sounds.Programmers, as well as gamers, highly appreciate the backlighting of 16,8 million colors, which may be individually set for different keys. All the keys and the keypress combinations may be programmed to fulfill the commands and enhance the performance.
Interface: Wired| Keyboard backlighting: yes | Weight: 2.16 lbs | Color: Black
⊕ Portable design
⊕ Mechanical button tension system
⊖ Not wireless
The list of decent keyboards for programmers would be incomplete without Logitech G Pro. This wonderful keyboard is often chosen by gamers all over the world for its durability and superior performance.
It has a compact design, adjustable RGB color backlighting, dedicated buttons for advanced control, the possibility to program macros for complex commands.
The keys are equipped with sturdy Romer G switches, an anti-ghosting system, and rollover to control the accuracy. This keyboard is compact, so it won’t occupy much space on the desk, and you will be able to take it with you anywhere.
Interface: Wired| Keyboard backlighting: yes | Weight: 2.76 lbs | Color: White
⊕ Outstanding design
⊕ Irreproachable build quality
⊕ USB 2.0 pass-through
⊖ Lack of dedicated macro keys
Looking for premium quality, pay attention to the Corsair K70, which is highly appreciated by gamers, but also is a wonderful keyboard for coding. It has a sturdy aluminum frame, the keys are equipped with a system of switches and keycaps, ensuring the most accurate performance.
With the help of native software, you can program macros and enjoy amazing multicolor backlighting. Save your settings and use them any time with 8MB of onboard memory. Also, this keyboard is equipped with a USB pass-through, special controls for media, and a soft wrist rest, which may be detached.
Interface: Bluetooth | Keyboard backlighting: no | Weight: 2.56 lbs | Color: Black
⊕ Excellent wrist support
⊕ Customizable palm lift
⊕ 3 layers of comfort
⊖ Does not have a backlit feature
Logitech Ergo K860 is a sophisticated ergonomically-designed keyboard for programmers. Typing on this keyboard is perfect. It has a special curved and split keyframe to minimize any uncomfortable feelings in your wrist and forearms muscles.
Take care of your hands, shoulders, and neck, with this Logitech keyboard they will stay relaxed even if you have to work long hours. The typing is accurate, fluid, and almost silent. The performance of the device is irreproachable. You will also enjoy the numeric pad and a built-in long-lasting battery.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Logitech G613
Our choice |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
Apple Magic Keyboard
For programming |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
Corsair K95
Stylish |
CHECK PRICE → |
The best keyboard for programming must be ergonomically-designed to minimize pain or strains in the wrists, which may occur after long hours of typing. The possibility to adjust the height and inclination of the keyboard are essential features if you want to choose the most comfortable positions for your wrists and hands.
Keystrokes are also called key switches – another important parts of the keyboard, responsible for comfortable, precise and effective typing. The keys of some keyboards feel soft like feather, the others demand more pressure while typing.
The way you feel the keys, as well as the noise they produce, and their sensitivity are defined by the type of switches. There are three main types of switches: scissors, rubber dome, and mechanical ones.
It is great if a coding keyboard has a full-size layout, including a full number-pad and special keys to open dedicated software or control music. Such a keyboard ensures the most accurate and efficient typing. The same is relevant if you are looking for the best video editing keyboard.
If you don’t want to mess up with cords, opt for a wireless keyboard. But be ready, that it is powered by a battery, and may lag sometimes. Such type of keyboard is more expensive. Another option is to choose a mid-range keyboard with both wired or wireless setup.
For programmers, who are moving from one place to another, we recommend opt for a wireless keyboard. In case you don’t want to replace batteries, or are not ready to plug the keyboard in for charging, select a wired one.
Definitely. A mechanical keyboard for programmers makes your typing experience very pleasant. Also, what you feel while you are typing, significantly depends on the switches.
A good gaming keyboard may be the best keyboard for programming as well. For both tasks, you may use macros to enhance your overall performance.
50-70 words per minute are the average speed of a professional typist. If you manage to type quicker than you solve software issues, you will be considered a good programmer. You have to type at least 40 words per minute to express your thoughts on the “paper” without any delay.
60% keyboards are often chosen as the best programming keyboards. It may be easily explained by their great layout, clearness, compact size, durable build, and excellent switches.
