Programming is a demanding and rewarding activity that requires a lot of skill, patience, and creativity. But it also requires a good keyboard that can make your coding experience more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable. A good keyboard for programming should have a reliable and responsive switch type, a comfortable and ergonomic design, and some extra features like macro keys, backlighting, or wireless connectivity.
But with so many keyboards on the market, how do you choose the best one for your needs? To help you out, we have compiled a list of the top 10 best keyboards for programming in 2023 based on our research and testing. Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly option, a high-end ergonomic keyboard, or something in between, we have got you covered.
Here are the top 10 best keyboards for programming in 2023:
Logitech Craft — Best programming keyboard overall (Editor’s Choice)
The Logitech Craft is our top pick for the best programming keyboard overall. It has a sleek and elegant design that looks great on any desk. It features a unique creative input dial that lets you adjust various settings and functions with a twist. You can customize the dial to work with different apps like Photoshop, Excel, or Visual Studio Code. The Craft also has smart backlighting that adapts to the lighting conditions and turns on when your hands approach the keyboard. The keys are smooth and quiet, with a satisfying tactile feedback. The Craft supports both wired and wireless connections via USB-C or Bluetooth. It can also pair with up to three devices and switch between them easily with a press of a button.
The Logitech Craft is not cheap, but it offers a premium typing experience and a lot of versatility for programmers who work with different apps and platforms. It is compatible with Windows and Mac OS, and comes with Logitech Options software that lets you customize the dial, keys, and backlighting.
Kinesis Advantage2 Ergonomic Keyboard (KB 600) — The best high-end keyboard for programmers
The Kinesis Advantage2 Ergonomic Keyboard is the best high-end keyboard for programmers who want to optimize their comfort and productivity. It has a unique contoured shape that follows the natural curve of your hands and fingers. It also has concave key wells that reduce finger extension and travel distance. The Advantage2 also features mechanical switches that provide a crisp and responsive feel. You can choose between Cherry MX Brown or Cherry MX Red switches depending on your preference.
The Advantage2 is designed to reduce strain and fatigue on your wrists, hands, and fingers. It also has many ergonomic features like palm supports, thumb clusters, vertical layout, and tenting. The Advantage2 also has 48 macro keys that you can program to perform any action or command. You can also remap any key using the onboard SmartSet Programming Engine or the SmartSet app.
The Kinesis Advantage2 Ergonomic Keyboard is not for everyone. It has a steep learning curve and a hefty price tag. But if you are willing to invest in your health and performance, it is one of the best ergonomic keyboards for programming you can get.
Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard — The best ergonomic keyboard for programmers
The Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard is the best ergonomic keyboard for programmers who want a more affordable and portable option. It has a split-key layout that helps align your wrists and forearms in a natural position. It also has a cushioned palm rest that supports your wrists and reduces pressure points. The Sculpt also features chiclet-style keys that are low-profile and quiet.
The Sculpt is wireless and connects via a USB dongle. It has a long battery life of up to 36 months with two AAA batteries. It also comes with a separate numeric keypad that you can use or detach as needed. The Sculpt is compatible with Windows and Mac OS, but some keys may not work properly on Mac OS.
The Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard is a great choice for programmers who want an ergonomic keyboard that is easy to use and carry around. It has a simple design that does not compromise on comfort or functionality.
Das Mechanical Keyboard — The best value keyboard for programming
The Das Mechanical Keyboard is a great value keyboard for programming that offers a lot of bang for your buck. It has a solid build quality with an aluminum top panel and laser-etched keycaps. It features mechanical switches that deliver a smooth and satisfying typing experience. You can choose between Cherry MX Blue or Cherry MX Brown switches depending on your preferred feel and sound.
The Das Mechanical Keyboard also has some useful features like dedicated media keys, a volume knob, a two-port USB 3.0 hub, and N-key rollover. It also supports Das Keyboard Q software that lets you customize the keys, macros, profiles, and more. The Das Mechanical Keyboard does not have any backlighting or macro keys, but it does have a detachable cable and a ruler that doubles as a footbar.
The Das Mechanical Keyboard is a great choice for programmers who want a simple but high-quality keyboard that offers a lot of functionality and performance. It is compatible with Windows and Mac OS, but some keys may not work properly on Mac OS.
US Filco Ninja Majestouch-2 — The best customizable keyboard for programming
The US Filco Ninja Majestouch-2 is the best customizable keyboard for programming that lets you tweak every aspect of your keyboard to suit your preferences. It has a minimalist and sturdy design with a metal plate and a detachable cable. It features mechanical switches that are durable and responsive. You can choose between Cherry MX Blue, Brown, Red, Black, or Silent Red switches depending on your preferred feel and sound.
The US Filco Ninja Majestouch-2 also has a unique feature called Ninja printing, which means that the key labels are printed on the front side of the keycaps instead of the top. This gives the keyboard a stealthy look and also prevents the labels from fading over time. The keycaps are also compatible with most aftermarket keycaps, so you can easily swap them for different colors or styles. The US Filco Ninja Majestouch-2 does not have any backlighting or macro keys, but it does have N-key rollover and anti-ghosting for accurate and fast typing.
The US Filco Ninja Majestouch-2 is a great choice for programmers who want a simple but high-quality keyboard that they can customize to their liking. It is compatible with Windows and Mac OS, but some keys may not work properly on Mac OS.
Logitech MX Keys — The best wireless keyboard for programming
The Logitech MX Keys is the best wireless keyboard for programming that offers a smooth and comfortable typing experience without any wires. It has a sleek and modern design with a metal frame and concave keycaps that cradle your fingertips. It features membrane switches that are quiet and soft, but still provide enough feedback for accurate typing. The MX Keys also has smart backlighting that turns on when your hands approach the keyboard and adjusts to the ambient lighting.
The MX Keys is wireless and connects via Bluetooth or a USB receiver. It has a long battery life of up to 10 days with backlighting on or up to 5 months with backlighting off. It also supports fast charging via USB-C. The MX Keys can pair with up to three devices and switch between them easily with a press of a button. It also works seamlessly with other Logitech MX products like the MX Master 3 mouse or the MX Palm Rest.
The Logitech MX Keys is a great choice for programmers who want a wireless keyboard that is elegant and ergonomic. It is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and comes with Logitech Options software that lets you customize the keys and backlighting.
Razer Huntsman Elite — The best gaming keyboard for programming
The Razer Huntsman Elite is the best gaming keyboard for programming that offers a fast and responsive typing experience with some extra features for gaming. It has a flashy and durable design with an aluminum top plate, RGB lighting, and a plush wrist rest. It features optical switches that use light instead of metal contacts to register keystrokes. This makes them faster, more consistent, and more durable than traditional mechanical switches. You can choose between Razer Purple or Razer Red switches depending on your preference for clicky or linear feedback.
The Razer Huntsman Elite also has some gaming features like dedicated media keys, a multifunctional digital dial, macro keys, N-key rollover, anti-ghosting, and game mode. It also supports Razer Synapse 3 software that lets you customize the lighting, keys, macros, profiles, and more. The Razer Huntsman Elite requires two USB ports to power the keyboard and the wrist rest.
The Razer Huntsman Elite is a great choice for programmers who also enjoy gaming and want a keyboard that can handle both tasks well. It is compatible with Windows and Mac OS, but some features may not work properly on Mac OS.
Apple Magic Keyboard — The best keyboard for programming on Mac
The Apple Magic Keyboard is the best keyboard for programming on Mac that offers a simple and elegant typing experience with full compatibility with Mac OS. It has a slim and lightweight design with an aluminum frame and scissor switches that are low-profile and quiet. The keys are stable and responsive, with a good amount of travel and feedback. The Magic Keyboard also has some useful features like function keys, arrow keys, an escape key, and Touch ID (for compatible Mac models).
The Magic Keyboard is wireless and connects via Bluetooth. It has a long battery life of up to one month on a single charge
and it comes with a Lightning cable for charging. The Magic Keyboard also has a scissor mechanism that provides stability and a low profile.
The Apple Magic Keyboard is a great choice for programmers who want a keyboard that works seamlessly with their Mac devices. It is compatible with Mac OS and iOS, and has a simple and elegant design that matches the Apple aesthetic.
Keychron K2 — The best compact keyboard for programming
The Keychron K2 is the best compact keyboard for programming that offers a lot of functionality in a small package. It has a 75% layout that includes function keys, arrow keys, and navigation keys, but omits the Numpad and some other keys. It features mechanical switches that are durable and responsive. You can choose between Gateron Blue, Brown, or Red switches depending on your preference.
The Keychron K2 is wireless and connects via Bluetooth or a USB-C cable. It has a long battery life of up to 72 hours with RGB lighting on or up to 240 hours with RGB lighting off. It can also pair with up to three devices and switch between them easily with a slide switch. The Keychron K2 also has RGB backlighting that can be customized with different effects and colors. It also comes with extra keycaps for Mac and Windows compatibility.
The Keychron K2 is a great choice for programmers who want a compact keyboard that does not compromise on features or quality. It is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and has a sturdy and ergonomic design.
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT — The best full-size keyboard for programming
The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT is the best full-size keyboard for programming that offers a lot of extra features and functionality. It has a 100% layout that includes a Numpad, function keys, media keys, macro keys, and a volume wheel. It features mechanical switches that are reliable and responsive. You can choose between Cherry MX Blue, Brown, or Speed Silver switches depending on your preference.
The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT also has some impressive features like per-key RGB backlighting, an aluminum frame, a detachable wrist rest, dedicated software buttons, and onboard memory. It also supports Corsair iCUE software that lets you customize the lighting, keys, macros, profiles, and more. The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT also comes with an Elgato Stream Deck software that lets you control your streaming setup with the macro keys.
The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT is a great choice for programmers who want a full-size keyboard that offers a lot of versatility and performance. It is compatible with Windows and Mac OS, but some features may not work properly on Mac OS.c
These are the top 10 best keyboards for programming in 2023 that we have selected based on our research and testing. We hope this article helps you find the best keyboard for your coding needs and preferences. Happy coding!
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