The best keyboards for programming
Finding a good keyboard for programming can be difficult, especially if you are looking for quality and ergonomics at a good price, but it is not impossible, as we will see below.
The best keyboards for programming have fast key mechanisms and provide good feedback when typing, allowing you to write code faster. They are also ergonomic and comfortable, so you can program for hours without feeling uncomfortable.
Based on these criteria, here are the best keyboards for programmers with English QWERTY layout that you can find on the market today.
Top 5 keyboards for programming in 2024
1. Logitech MX Keys Advanced
- Keyboard type: Wireless
- Connectivity Bluetooth, USB
- Layout: QWERTY English
- Compatible: Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, Linux
Last price update on 2023-03-29. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
The best keyboard for programming
The Logitech MX Advanced is, to date, the best keyboard for programming, both in terms of features and overall quality.
It is a wireless keyboard with a compact, solid and sturdy design with a Space Gray colored base that blends perfectly with most of today’s computers. Unlike the Logitech MX Mini keyboard, the MX Advanced version has a full keyboard.
In terms of ergonomics, its keys have a slight concavity that makes them very comfortable to the touch and the key travel is slightly longer than on other scissor keyboards, providing good tactile feedback when typing. It also has a proximity sensor that backlights the keyboard only when you bring your hands close to the keys, which is very handy when working in low light.
Another great advantage of the MX Keys is that its keys are reprogrammable, so you can customize the keys for specific functions or shortcuts in each application. You can take this feature even further by combining this keyboard with the MX Anywhere 3 or MX Master 3 mouse, whose keys are also reprogrammable.
The best wireless keyboard for programming
The Logitech MX Keys can be connected via Bluetooth or its USB receiver and both work very well, with no delays or glitches in the connection. In addition, if the computer goes to sleep, as soon as you activate it again, the keyboard will be instantly available.
This keyboard also stands out for its connectivity features. For example, you can connect up to 3 devices at the same time and switch between them with one click. In addition, if you combine it with the MX Anywhere 3 mouse, you can transfer files from one computer to another by simply moving the cursor to the edge of the screen.
The best keyboard for programming on Mac
If you use a Mac, you also have the full MX Keys for Mac keyboard and its MX Keys Mini for Mac version, both with command, option and control buttons. I personally prefer to have the numeric keypad, so I would recommend the full version over the MX Mini for Mac.
Is the Logitech MX Advanced worth it?
The Logitech MX Advanced is an excellent keyboard for the most demanding programmers. My recommendation would be to combine it with the Logitech MX Master 3 mouse if you are looking for a smooth user experience while programming.
View on Amazon2. Logitech G213 Prodigy
- Keyboard type: Wireless
- Connectivity Bluetooth, USB
- Layout: QWERTY English
- Compatible: Windows
Last price update on 2022-11-18. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
The programming keyboard with the best value for your money
The Logitech G123 is a full-sized keyboard that combines several advantages of regular keyboards and mechanical keyboards, all for a very affordable price. This makes it a very good value for money keyboard for programming.
Without being mechanical, it allows very fast typing. This is achieved thanks to its Logitech G Mech-Dome system, which provides a good tactile and sound response, without being as noisy as mechanical keyboards.
Since it is not mechanical, it does not need the care and cleaning required by mechanical keyboards. In fact, its keys are protected against splashes and its resistance has proven to be effective with up to 60 ml of liquid.
Another advantage is its ergonomics. Thanks to its integrated armrest and adjustable legs at 2 heights, it is easy to find a comfortable position to relax the wrists and forearms.
In terms of functions, all keys are reprogrammable and you can also customize the color of the backlight to highlight keys or groups of keys. On the other hand, it also has specific multimedia control keys, a detail that, without being key to programming, is appreciated.
Is the Logitech G213 Prodigy worth it?
The Logitech G213 Prodigy is a keyboard that, without being the best at anything, is very good at everything. It offers speed, practical features, good ergonomics and splash protection for a very affordable price, making it a keyboard with a very attractive price-performance ratio.
View on Amazon3. Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT
- Keyboard type: Wired
- Connectivity USB
- Keys: MX Speed
- Layout: QWERTY English
- Compatible: Windows
Last price update on 2022-12-26. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
The best mechanical keyboard for programming
The Corsair K95 is a very agile mechanical keyboard, mounted on an aluminum base. It is solidly built and ready to withstand demanding and prolonged use.
The key mechanism is very fast and the keys offer excellent audible and tactile feedback, so you can type confidently and quickly. In addition, it includes 6 macro keys have a different texture, easily recognizable to the touch, as does the volume control wheel on the top right.
You can customize the keyboard backlighting by color blocks if you find it useful, use a single color for the whole keyboard, or keep the RGB effect.
In terms of functionality, this keyboard is very complete. On the side, you’ll find 6 dedicated keys for macros and, on the top, lock keys and volume control. All keys can be customized with Corsair iCue and up to 3 different configuration profiles can be saved.
The settings are saved on the keyboard, not on the computer, so no matter which computer you connect it to later, you will be able to use the previously saved profiles.
The keyboard is very comfortable to use and you can rest your hands on the included pad. The pad is removable and reversible, allowing you to choose the texture you prefer. It is also magnetically attached so that nothing moves when using the keyboard.
Best for programming and gaming
This keyboard is great for programming, but for gaming it’s a real beast. That’s when the speed of its switches really shines. You can buy it with Cherry MX Brown, MX Blue and MX Speed switches.The MX Brown switches are the cheapest and offer good tactile feedback, allow you to type at full speed without doing all the key travel, and they are not too noisy. Only if you are really serious about gaming, it is worth investing in the Cherry MX Blue or the MX Speed switches.
Is the Corsair K95 worth it?
The Corsair K95 is a professional gaming keyboard and its price reflects that. That’s why it is one of the fastest, most functional and comfortable mechanical keyboards to use. In fact, after using it, it is very difficult to go back to using a “normal” keyboard.
View on Amazon4. Logitech ERGO K860
- Keyboard type: Wireless
- Connectivity Bluetooth, USB
- Layout: QWERTY English
- Compatible: Windows, macOS, iPadOS, ChromeOS, Linux
Last price update on 2023-03-29. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
The best ergonomic keyboard for programming
The first thing that stands out about the Logitech ERGO K860 is its convex wave-shaped curvature, specially designed to not overload the wrists, forearms and relax the shoulders while typing. The back of the keyboard also has two pairs of feet that allow you to raise the keyboard by 4 or 7 degrees, depending on your comfort level.
If you have discomfort in your wrists or forearms due to the hours you spend typing code, you will instantly feel a great relief, as it helps you place your arms and back in a more natural position.
In addition, its extensive wrist rest pad is built in 3 layers: two layers of foam (one viscoelastic and one high-density) plus a layer of stain-resistant fabric, so you won’t have any trouble cleaning it if it gets dirty.
This is a complete one-piece keyboard, unlike the Microsoft Sculpt, whose numeric keypad is in a separate module. In addition, the key layout of the Logitech ERGO K860 is the same as a normal keyboard, which the Microsoft keyboard does not have. This makes it easy to avoid having to re-learn where some keys are located.
You can connect it to up to 3 devices via Bluetooth or with the included USB receiver. You can also switch from one device to another with a single click. If you combine it with the ergonomic Logitech MX Vertical mouse you can also move files from one computer to another just by bringing the mouse to the edge of the screen.
Is the Logitech ERGO K860 worth it?
Good quality ergonomic keyboards are not very common. The Microsoft Sculpt and the Logitech ERGO K860 are the most popular and, after testing both, the Logitech one clearly has better connectivity and is easier to get used to the layout of its keys.
View on Amazon5. Keychron K2
- Keyboard type: Wireless
- Connectivity Bluetooth, USB
- Layout: QWERTY English
- Switches: Pro Brown Switch
- Compatible: Windows, macOS
Last price update on 2022-12-26. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
The best mechanical keyboard for programming on a Mac
The Keychron K2 is an agile keyboard with a neat retro design. Its construction feels solid to the touch and its keys offer moderate sound feedback, making it a good choice if you share space with more people while programming.
It comes with Mac root keys, which you can replace with Windows keys if you wish (they are included in the box). On the other hand, it lacks dedicated keys for shortcuts, although you can reprogram the functions of the existing ones.
It does not include a wrist rest pad, but I recommend you use one because the keys are quite high, and you can end up feeling discomfort if you do not use it. A simple wrist rest pad, proportional to the size of the keyboard, is enough.
Is the Keychron K2 worth it?
One of the strengths of the Keychron K2 is its retro design, which blends very well with Macs. It doesn’t have the advantages of a full keyboard, but it is an excellent compact keyboard and you can use it with or without a cable.
View on AmazonTop 5 best-selling keyboards for programming in 2024
Last price update on 2022-10-15. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
5 things to consider when choosing the best keyboard for programming
1. English QWERTY layout
It seems obvious, but the truth is that in US online stores you can find many keyboards that, instead of the English QWERTY layout, come with the layout for Spanish, German or Italian.
In keyboards for other languages, some keys are in different places, which ends up being impractical if you are going to work in English. Always pay attention to this detail before buying any keyboard online because many times, a price reduction is due to this aspect.
2. Wireless or wired?
Wireless keyboards are more expensive than wired keyboards, but they allow you to keep your desk uncluttered. In addition, the latest generation of wireless keyboards no longer have batteries and can last up to a month with just two hours of recharging.
I would only recommend a wired keyboard over a wireless keyboard if you like playing video games a lot, as the response time per keystroke is shorter.
3. Quality of materials
Investing in quality accessories is essential, especially if you spend many hours in front of your computer. Right now I’m typing on a 10-year-old keyboard that works like the first day, thanks to the quality with which it was made.
If you can afford it, save yourself some headaches and buy quality peripherals.
4. Ergonomics
Try to choose a keyboard that has an inclination that allows you to naturally position your hands when coding. Some keyboards are already inclined, 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 joint and back injuries.
5. Additional features
There are keyboards that allow you to connect more than one device via Bluetooth, others allow you to reconfigure 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 well never use them.
The same goes for backlighting. It’s certainly a handy feature on laptops, because we tend to take them from our 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 whether you really need that extra light.
