Best keyboards for designers
The best keyboards for Graphic Design differ from conventional keyboards in that the latter are only intended to cover the needs of a casual user.
The best keyboards for Graphic Design have specific functions and features to facilitate and increase the productivity of graphic designers.
In the following selection of recommended keyboards for graphic design, you will find different models sorted according to how well they meet the needs of designers. Of course, they are all top-quality keyboards from brands such as Apple, Logitech or Corsair.
The 7 best keyboards for designers in 2024
1. Logitech Craft
- Keyboard type: Wireless
- Connections: Bluetooth, USB
- Layout: QWERTY UK
- Compatible: Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, Linux
Last price update on 2023-05-11. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
The best keyboard for designers
The Logitech Craft is a professional wireless keyboard for Graphic Design and is specifically designed to improve your productivity and comfort when designing.
For starters, it has a sleek design, rounded edges to keep your arms safe and a space grey colour that blends in perfectly with your computer and other cutting-edge devices.
The body and key materials are top-notch and it feels sturdy and compact. The keys rest on an aluminium body and are particularly quiet and comfortable. To achieve this, they use a short-stroke membrane mechanism and have a small indentation on the surface so that you don’t make mistakes when typing.
It has reversible control keys, which are used for both Windows and Mac.
This keyboard stands out for its selector disk called “crown”, to which you can assign different functions depending on the context and the programme you are using. Through the keyboard software you can set different functions for Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, After Effects or any other programme you use.
The Logitech Craft also helps you improve your workflow. If you have your tablet and cell phone on your desktop while you work, in addition to your computer (which is very common among web designers), you can operate all three devices alternately from the keyboard.
Just by pressing a button, you can select which device you want to control from the keyboard. It also has a key to lock the screen of the mobile or tablet when you are not using it.
To save energy, its intelligent backlighting system turns on only when you bring your hands close to it. Thanks to this, the keyboard lasts up to a week without recharging (via USB-C), but you can make it last longer by simply switching off the backlight during the day.
Is the Logitech Craft worth it?
If you are serious about Graphic Design, you will notice how your productivity improves shortly after using it.
The selection dial allows you to shave seconds off various actions, and you end up wondering how you ever lived without it until now. Without a doubt, the Logitech Craft is my recommended keyboard for graphic designers of all kinds.
View on Amazon3. Logitech K780
- Keyboard type: Wireless
- Connections: Bluetooth, USB
- Layout: QWERTY UK
- Compatible: Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, iOS, Android
Last price update on 2023-05-16. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
The best keyboard for web designers
The Logitech K780 stands out for its multi-device function, and in fact it has a stand to place your mobile or tablet while you work and thus be able to see how your designs adapt to each screen.
Specifically, you can place up to 3 devicessimultaneously (macOS, Windows, iOS or Android), whether they are tablets, mobiles or computers, and switch from one to the other instantly with the press of a key. If you are wondering, the holder can fit 2 tablets and a mobile without any problem.
Its fully rounded keys give it a retro-futuristic look as well as providing smooth, agile and quiet typing. To do this, the keys use a membrane mechanism and have a convex upper part to make it easier for you not to make mistakes when placing your fingers.
Although the keyboard uses 2 AAA batteries, Logitech promises up to 12 months of normal use without the need to change them.
Is the Logitech K780 worth it?
If you’re a web designer or need to consult your designs on mobile devices on a regular basis, this keyboard will be a great help. Its stand and multi-device function will instantly boost your productivity, making the Logitech K780 highly recommended. It also comes with a 1-year warranty from Logitech.
View on Amazon4. Apple Magic Keyboard
- Keyboard type: Wireless
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB-C
- Layout: QWERTY UK
- Compatible: macOS, iPadOS, iOS
Last price update on 2023-05-11. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
The best keyboard from Apple
If you are an illustrator, or you design with a medium or large graphic tablet, you will love the Apple Magic Keyboard. It stands out for being small and compact, which leaves a lot of space on the desk for the rest of your things.
Designed in aluminium, with rounded edges and white keys, it is already an Apple classic that has been slightly restyled in this version. The keys use a very quiet short-travel scissor mechanism, which facilitates agile and effortless typing.
Forget about batteries and constant recharging. The new Magic Keyboard can go for about a month without recharging. After that, simply connect it to your computer via its USB-C port to recharge it in just a couple of hours.
It goes without saying that this keyboard is only recommended for users of Mac computers because it has Apple’s own control keys (Fn, Command and Apple). Check out our selection of the best keyboards for Mac if you want to see more alternatives.
Is the Magic Keyboard worth it?
If you have a Mac and have a shallow desktop or just like to keep it uncluttered, the Apple Magic Keyboard is the keyboard for you. Adobe and other software manufacturers have adapted their keyboard shortcuts to the size of these keyboards, so you won’t miss any buttons. It also comes with a one-year warranty from Apple.
View on Amazon5. Logitech K750 Wireless Solar
- Keyboard type: Wireless
- Connectivity: USB
- Layout: QWERTY UK
- Compatible: Windows, macOS
Last price update on 2023-05-11. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
The best wireless solar keyboard
Whether you’re concerned about the environment or want to say goodbye to changing keyboard batteries, the Logitech K750 is a wireless solar keyboard that also has a slim and sleek design.
Once charged, you can use it for up to 3 months in complete darkness.
The highlight of this keyboard is that it does not need batteries of any kind, since it is recharged through its two solar panels. It should be noted that it feeds on both sunlight and artificial light, so don’t worry if you don’t work next to a window. It has an indicator that will tell you if it is getting enough light.
Its keys are slightly concave to facilitate finger gliding and use a scissor mechanism that makes them quite quiet, although not as quiet as those of the Logitech Craft, for example.
Is the Logitech K750 worth it?
If you don’t like changing batteries or even having to connect your wireless keyboard to charge, the Logitech K750 is a highly recommended, high-quality keyboard. It also comes with a 3-year warranty from Logitech.
View on Amazon6. Logitech G513
- Keyboard type: Wired
- Connectivity: USB 2.0
- Layout: QWERTY UK
- Compatible: Windows, macOS
Last price update on 2023-05-11. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
The best mechanical keyboard to design and gaming
The Logitech G513 is a full keyboard specially designed for gamers. Its keys are black with RGB backlighting, are mounted on a dark grey aluminium base (in its Carbon version). In the Silver version (only available in some countries), it comes with black keys on a light aluminium base.
The keyboard has a USB input, so you can connect another device, but to prevent this from slowing you down while gaming, it uses two USB connections to plug into the computer.
The Logitech G513 includes a memory foam wrist rest specially designed for your comfort. The wrist rest is very comfortable and quickly adapts to the shape of your arms.
It is a mechanical keyboard with floating keys and cherry GX-BLUE switches, manufactured by Kaihl exclusively for Logitech. These provide smooth typing, while allowing you to feel every click tactilely and audibly.
Its keys are compatible with cherry key caps, so you can customize it to your liking. Logitech also includes several additional keys for gaming, with a different shape from the rest, so you can easily identify them by touch if your hand gets out of place while playing.
Through the Logitech G HUB you can also control and customize the LED lights of the keys and their actions. Through this you can highlight, therefore, the keys that interest you with a different colour and assign them key combinations to be faster playing and designing.
Is the Logitech G513 worth it?
The Logitech G513 combines the speed needed to play games at the highest level with the practicality and comfort a designer needs.
And the ability to attach keyboard shortcuts to a single button will increase your gaming performance and your productivity, as well as your design. By the way, it comes with a 2-year warranty.
View on Amazon7. Corsair K83
- Keyboard type: Wireless
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB
- Layout: QWERTY UK
- Compatible: Windows, macOS, iPadOS, iOS, Android…
Last price update on 2023-05-11. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Best keyboard for Smart TV and Design
Although the Corsair K83 is specifically designed to connect to your PC and Smart TV, it can be used with a console, tablet or even your mobile phone.
Its design is slim and sleek, with a dark grey aluminium frame and black scissor-action keys, providing a fast and quiet typing experience.
One of the most interesting features for designers is the ability to program keyboard shortcuts and actions. Through the software Corsair iCUE, you can redefine the functions of the keys and associate actions that save you a lot of time when designing. You can even associate these actions with movements and taps on the trackpad to be even faster!
Its trackpad has good sensitivity and can be programmed to detect all kinds of gestures, for both Windows and macOS. In the same area, it includes a pair of mouse buttons and an aluminium wheel to control the audio volume.
It also includes a joystick for gaming and even trigger buttons on the front and back. But while you can play your favourite console games with it, the position of the buttons takes some getting used to.
It’s quite handy, though, for getting around the menus on a Smart TV.
Its battery lasts approximately 5 days with normal use. Then just connect it through its mini USB to the computer to charge it.
Is the Corsair K83 worth it?
The Corsair K83 is a good keyboard, very well finished. Also, having an integrated trackpad and joystick is handy, especially if you plan to use it with a Smart TV. It comes with a 2-year warranty.
View on AmazonTop 5 best-selling keyboards for designers in 2024
Last price update on 2023-05-16. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
How to choose the best keyboards for designers
Among the main criteria to consider when buying a keyboard for Graphic Design, you should pay special attention to the following.
English QWERTY layout
It seems obvious, but the truth is that many of the keyboards sold in online stores come with different layouts and languages, so you need to pay close attention to which one you are buying.
Keyboards from different languages come with different keys and in different positions, which ends up being impractical if you are going to work only in English. Always pay attention to this detail before buying any keyboard online because many times, a price reduction is due to this.
Wireless or wired?
Wireless keyboards are somewhat more expensive than wired keyboards, but they allow you to keep your desk clear of clutter. In addition, the latest generation of wireless keyboards no longer use batteries and can last up to one month with only two hours of recharging.
Only if you really like playing video games, I would recommend a wired Mac keyboard, rather than a wireless keyboard, because they have a shorter response time per keystroke.
Quality of materials
Investing in quality accessories is essential, especially if you spend many hours with them and your Mac. Right now I write with a 10-year-old Magic Keyboard that works like the first day, thanks to the quality with which it has been manufactured.
If you can afford it, save yourself potential headaches and buy quality peripherals.
Ergonomics
Try to choose a keyboard that has a slant that allows you to naturally position your hands when typing. There are keyboards that are already inclined by itself, but others allow you to adjust this inclination, which offers greater ergonomics.
If you use your computer on a daily basis, keep in mind that the ergonomics of your keyboard can prevent various back and joint injuries.
Additional features
There are keyboards that allow you to connect more than one device via Bluetooth, others allow you to reconfigure the keys or create keyboard shortcuts and actions that are activated with a click. Choose these features based on your current usage habits, or you may never use them.
The same goes for the backlight. Without a doubt, it is a very practical feature on laptops, because we usually take them from the desk to other parts of the house, but is it on an external keyboard? Check the lighting in the place where you are going to use it regularly, to assess if you really need that extra light.
How to choose the best keyboards for designers: 5 things to consider
Among the main criteria to consider when buying a keyboard for Graphic Design, you should pay special attention to the following.
English QWERTY layout
It seems obvious, but the truth is that many of the keyboards sold in UK online stores come with different layouts and languages, so you need to pay close attention to which one you are buying.
These keyboards come with different keys and in different positions, which ends up being impractical if you are going to work only in English. Always pay attention to this detail before buying any keyboard online because many times, a price reduction is due to this.
Wireless or wired?
Wireless keyboards are somewhat more expensive than wired keyboards, but they allow you to keep your desk clear of clutter. In addition, the latest generation of wireless keyboards no longer use batteries and can last up to one month with only two hours of recharging.
Only if you really like playing video games, I would recommend a wired Mac keyboard, rather than a wireless keyboard, because they have a shorter response time per keystroke.
Quality of materials
Investing in quality accessories is essential, especially if you spend many hours with them and your Mac. Right now I write with a 10-year-old Magic Keyboard that works like the first day, thanks to the quality with which it has been manufactured.
If you can afford it, save yourself potential headaches and buy quality peripherals.
Ergonomics
Try to choose a keyboard that has a slant that allows you to naturally position your hands when typing. There are keyboards that are already inclined by itself, but others allow you to adjust this inclination, which offers greater ergonomics.
If you use your computer on a daily basis, keep in mind that the ergonomics of your keyboard can prevent various back and joint injuries.
Additional features
There are keyboards that allow you to connect more than one device via Bluetooth, others allow you to reconfigure the keys or create keyboard shortcuts and actions that are activated with a click. Choose these features based on your current usage habits, or you may never use them.
The same goes for the backlight. Without a doubt, it is a very practical feature on laptops, because we usually take them from the desk to other parts of the house, but is it on an external keyboard? Check the lighting in the place where you are going to use it regularly, to assess if you really need that extra light.
Conclusions on the best keyboards for graphic design
When you choose one of the best keyboards for graphic design, you are making an investment in your future. Time is money and all the seconds that you can scratch in each action, in each gesture you make while you work, is time you win to carry out one more project or to do it even better.
While some keyboards like the J-Tech Digital Mechanical Designer Keyboard require some adaptation, the improvement that they suppose in the medium and long term in your working speed, more than compensate the effort.
But of course my favourite is the Logitech Craft, as it shares several advantages of the T11 Designer Keyboard with the fact that it is a full keyboard.
