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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.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Mechanical Keyboard For Programming
- OUR TOP PICK: USA Filco Ninja Majestouch-2
- RUNNER-UP: Das Keyboard 4 Professional Cherry MX Brown Mechanical Keyboard
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Corsair CH-9145030-NA K63 Mechanical Keyboard
Comparison Chart of the Best Mechanical Keyboards For Programming
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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
CONS
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
CONS
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
CONS
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
CONS
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
CONS
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.
- Full-size keyboard that has 108 keys
- TKL keyboard that lacks the usual numeric keys placed on the right
- 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.