What is the best keyboard for CAD to buy this year?
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.
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.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: No
⊕ 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.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: Yes
⊕ 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.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: No
⊕ 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.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: No
⊕ 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.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: No
⊕ 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.
Interface: Bluetooth | Keyboard backlighting: No
⊕ 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.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: No
⊕ 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.
Interface: Wired | Keyboard backlighting: No
⊕ 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-00001
Our Choice |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
Logitech G512
Multi Usage |
CHECK PRICE → | |
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Arteck HW197
Wireless Touch TV |
CHECK PRICE → |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Cherry MX Blue makes a very striking “click” sound at each hit, which makes it the loudest switch of the series.
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.
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.
