Best Mechanical Keyboards for Programming – 2023 Top Picks Reviewed

Austin
| Last Updated: January 14, 2023

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For programmers, a keyboard is crucial. Their work depends enormously on it. Not only that, for programmers, quite a lot of time is spent in front of the screen typing away codes. The constant use calls for a keyboard that is efficient and compatible with the unique use of programmers. 

An upgrade to a mechanical keyboard provides programmers with the comfort, agility, and responsiveness required for their job.

In this article, we have reviewed some of the best available mechanical keyboards for you to look into.

Comparison Chart of the Best Mechanical Keyboards For Programming

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Compact and saves space
  • Comes with key puller to help change keys
  • Legends are located on the front of the keys
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  • Voume knob is oversized for better use
  • Able to withstand more than 50 million keystrokes
  • Made to last for years
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  • Best for the Money
  • High-quality aluminum frame for durability
  • Allows access to 3 stored profiles
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  • Syncs with most popular games and gear
  • Has a durable aluminum top frame
  • Macros are completely programmable
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  • Designed to be more comfortable for fingers
  • Separate number pad for even better flexibility
  • Enhances comfort while typing
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What Makes a Mechanical Keyboard Great For Programming?

A mechanical keyboard provides a design that is suitable for programming. The design enhances comfort and hence, the work experience. It also supports features like sturdy, easy-to-press keys to make typing faster with fewer errors. What features make a mechanical keyboard good for programming? Let’s see below.

Corsair CH-9145030-NA K63 Mechanical Keyboard

The Intelligent Layout

Mechanical keyboards are built on the KISS Principle that is employed to keep the design very simple. This is done so that the programmers do not spend a lot of time figuring out their keyboards. Rather, they have simple, easy to operate hardware that facilitates the task at hand. 

Moreover, a wide variety of these keyboards are ergonomic, which provides comfort to the hands and prevents repetitive strain injury due to constant use.

The Keys

Such keyboards have somewhat special keys that are different from the regular dome-shaped ones. Firstly, they are incredibly responsive and give excellent feedback upon pressing. Secondly, they are soft and don’t require bottoming down to get a command in action or a character on the screen. 

Thirdly, they are designed to withstand the brunt of repetitive keystrokes, so they don’t fade out due to the constant use.

Connectivity

These keyboards support connectivity through either a USB cable, a USB, or Bluetooth. This enhances a comfortable work experience and portability. Moreover, they are compatible with a variety of operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux, etc. Wide compatibility and efficient connectivity remove the hassle from your work.

Review of the Best Mechanical Keyboards For Programming

Mechanical keyboards are necessities in the modern era and the jobs that currently exist. They are sturdy, dependable, and often customizable, which also factor in the user’s comfort. There are numerous mechanical keyboards of each type present in the market. This makes the whole selection process rather difficult. Below we have reviewed some of the  best available mechanical keyboards, especially for programmers.

Best Overall:
USA Filco Ninja Majestouch-2

PROS

  • 87 keys arranged in US ASCII key arrangement
  • 1.5 m long cable for an easy and comfortable setup
  • Cherry MX Brown keys are responsive and easy to press
  • Simultaneously pressed keys are recognized on the PS/2 port
  • Solid build can endure repetitive keystrokes on sleek keycaps

CONS

  • Does not support wireless connectivity
  • Limited backlights options for working in the dark

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers love their purchase. They’ve found the keyboard excessively comfortable to work with. It has front printing that prevents the fading of legends at all. The Cherry MX Brown keys are super-smooth, yet very silent when typed with, giving a smooth, gliding typing experience. Moreover, the PS/2 Port is highly robust in recognizing the pressed keys, even if they are pressed simultaneously.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The keyboard has everything that makes a good mechanical keyboard for a programmer. It has a long cord that allows you to attain a comfortable position while working without being limited by the keyboard cord. It has soft, smooth keys, and the key layout is simple to avoid confusion. Moreover, it has a few backlight options to allow working in the dark.

Who Will Use This Most

This keyboard is a very suitable choice for programmers who touch type. Although it still has a reference at the front, the almost blank appearance is perfect for those learning to touch type or those who are a pro at it. It is sturdy and would work loyally for anyone involved in continuous programming tasks without wearing down.

Bottom Line

In all, this is a programmer’s dream come true. It’s a fast, responsive keyboard with a build that guarantees your comfort. Moreover, it is perfectly capable of withstanding constant typing by programmers for long hours. It would neither break nor will its keys become hard or stuck.

Runner-up:
Das Keyboard 4 Professional Cherry MX Brown

PROS

  • 104-key US layout for easy key recognition
  • Dedicated media controls and sleep switch at the top
  • Two 3.0 USB ports to transfer multimedia at high speeds
  • Complete N-Key rollover that eliminates the need of PS/2 port
  • Cherry MX Brown keys with gold contact to enhance the tactile experience

CONS

  • Lacks support for RGB or any backlight
  • Does not support wireless keyboard connectivity

What Recent Buyers Report

Most recent users are impressed with the keyboard’s premium look and ultra-pleasant feel. They have noticed their typing getting considerably better after spending some time on this board. Moreover, they really liked that the keyboard requires no extra drivers to install on the many operating systems it is compatible with. 

The Cherry MX keys give the feel of blue keys without the racket, which make the overall experience more comfortable.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Many features make this keyboard shine as a great contender. It has an aluminum top panel, which gives a really smooth and pleasant look. The Cherry MX keys have gold contacts to enhance the tactile experience, noiselessly. Also, it supports full N-Key rollover, eliminating the need for a PS/2 port. All you have to do is press a combination of shift and mute to toggle the NKRO.

Who Will Use This Most

We find it to be suitable for programmers and typists alike. However, the NKRO full rollover makes it exceptionally popular among programmers. It has two 3.0 USB ports that are capable of transferring heavy multi-media with a speed of up to 5 GB/s, which is an added advantage for those who deal with multi-media a lot.

Bottom Line

In all, this is a premium keyboard that gives a premium experience loaded with comfort and efficiency. The build is sturdy, yet classy. It provides all the features of a great keyboard with added advantages such as high-speed USB ports, dedicated media controls, and sturdy keys capable of withstanding up to 50 million+ strokes. This is functionality packed in aesthetics. 

Best for the Money:
Corsair CH-9145030-NA K63

PROS

  • Super-fast response to keypress in 1 ms
  • Supports programming keys to make MACROS
  • Original Cherry MX Brown keys are smooth and responsive
  • Wireless connectivity enhances comfort and makes set up easy
  • External detachable soft pad added to rest your wrist while typing
  • 3 stored backlight options with per-key multicolor RGB backlighting creates unlimited backlight options

CONS

  • Really low battery life with the backlight on
  • USB Connection might be loose which results in screen-keyboard desynchronization

What Recent Buyers Report

A lot of recent users report that the keyboard provides the reliability and precision you expect from it. It has a smooth and modern finish with memory foam underneath, so the keyboard is comfortable if you keep it on your lap. Moreover, the response is unlike any other when connected properly. The mouse pad is large and gives enough space for comfortable movements.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This keyboard is highly customizable, which, combined with its efficiency, gives an unbeatable combination and that too, for a very reasonable price. The keyboard has memory foam and detachable wrist rest to ensure the user’s comfort. 

Meanwhile, the CORSAIR iCUE software allows many customizations. With a very high response rate, the keyboard is wireless and compatible with all OS. These features make it a great deal for its price.

Who Will Use This Most

Programmers who also happen to be gaming enthusiasts will find this keyboard to be a life-saver. It has all the specs that make for a keyboarded for long continuous use. It is highly responsive and has anti-ghosting keys that can also be programmed into MACROS. It is compatible with all major OS and is easy to connect. Additionally, it is also compatible with keyboard-enabled Xbox games.

Bottom Line

We find this to be quite a bargain. It provides the features of high-end mechanical keyboards with a sophisticated look and robust workability. However, it does not charge as much. They are quite affordable, considering the operation they provide and are a popular choice among gamers, typists, and programmers alike.

4. Razer Huntsman Elite

PROS

  • Keys able to survive 100 million strokes
  • High-quality aluminum for a smooth and tough finish
  • Fast optical keys that register presses at the speed of light
  • Fully programmable MACRO support to save complex combinations in one key
  • Numerous personalization options to choose from 16.8 million individual backlit colors

CONS

  • Wired keyboard that does not support wireless connectivity
  • Lighting profiles are not stored on the keyboard’s memory and require software for customization

What Recent Buyers Report

Most recent buyers have reported that this unit has an exceptional build and very fast response to a keypress. The fast response was helpful to those who worked long hours, as it enhanced their typing speed. The media controls were widely popular and were used to play music from various resources such as Spotify with a quick button press to other multimedia such as from a game.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The most outstanding feature among the many offered by this keyboard is the new Razor-Opto Mechanical Switches that have actuation as fast as the speed of light. This fast response allows the users to type in an uninterrupted flow, which is ideal for programmers. Combine this with the comfort of a leather pad and features like dedicated media control, and an extraordinary keyboard is born.

Who Will Use This Most

The keyboard offers ultra-fast processing, and hence, is perfect for anyone involved in extensive processing work. This makes it a great option for programmers and data analysts, as well as gamers. However, the keys, although very fast, are a little noisy and won’t be suitable for use in an environment where silence is required.

Bottom Line

Overall, this is an outperforming keyboard with lightning speed response and intelligent ergonomic design. You can customize your keyboard from the millions of backlight options available and enjoy it to the fullest. It is here to serve you long, for it has a solid build and keys that can withstand up to 100 million strokes.

5. Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard for Business

PROS

  • Supports encrypted keystrokes
  • Wireless USB connection allows portability
  • Requires only 2 AAA batteries for operation
  • Built on ergonomic principles to give maximum comfort
  • Comes with a separate number pad to enhance workstation organization

CONS

  • Dirt and dust stick to the exterior, giving an unpleasant appearance
  • Keys have a normal response rate and do not support fast response

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers have really enjoyed working with this keyboard. It is reported to be one of the most comfortable keyboards with good performance. The keys have short strokes, which are pleasant to type on. The wireless connection further enhances comfort, as you can take the keyboard off the desk and put it in your lap.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Everyone needs comfort for lasting productivity. For users who spend most of their time in front of a screen typing away, it is even more crucial. This keyboard, however, is designed keeping in view the natural state and position of body parts so the continuous work does not tire you out. 

Who Will Use This Most

According to us, this keyboard is more suitable for users who work constantly and regularly with a keyboard rather than occasional users. For regular users, it is fit for anyone from typists and office workers to programmers and gamers. 

The split-key design positions the hands at natural intervals with the dome helping to attain a comfortable position and the cushion avoiding strain on the wrist, ensuring comfort for maximum productivity.

Bottom Line

Well, this is one of the best keyboards featuring an ergonomic design. These workhorses are built to serve you for a long while, taking care of your well-being. Often, people suffer from repetitive strain injuries due to constant use of keyboards for hours at length, and this one is designed to counter exactly that. 

What Size of Mechanical Keyboard is Best For Programming?

The size of a keyboard depends upon the number of keys present on it. Based on this classification, there are usually three types of keyboards.

  1. Full-size keyboard that has 108 keys

  2. TKL keyboard that lacks the usual numeric keys placed on the right

  3. Compact size, 60% keyboards.

For programmers, the full-size keyboard, even though it provides all the keys, is too large, and the user has to travel long distances to press keys and use the mouse. A 60% keyboard, although very light, comes at the cost of too many keys, which might not suit a programmer's need.

Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard for Business

Therefore, the best keyboard size for a programmer would be the TKL size. It is lightweight, yet has all the keys necessary for a programmer. Also, it could be taken places so that programmers have their keyboards with them always.

Conclusion

Mechanical keyboards provide incredible performance. They are fast, yet durable and can withstand any amount and sort of heavy-duty work. There is quite a wide variety of them available based on your intended use. For programmers, a lot of different options exist that combine performance with comfort. If you are a programmer looking to upgrade, a mechanical keyboard is definitely worth a shot.

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Austin

When the tech company I worked for restructured and I ended up jobless, I decided to put the wealth of knowledge and management skills to use somewhere new. I’d checked out a few buyer’s guides on the site in the past and reached out to the previous owner. A few months later, here we are. Now, I get to be behind the scenes, helping people find the best tech.