Many components and factors go into making a good programmer. Knowing how to code is not enough to excel in your field; you have to have the best gadgets if you want to complete projects on time and conveniently. These gadgets may be pricey, buy they help improve creativity and save time. One of these gadgets is a keyboard. The best keyboards have enhanced productivity while reducing hand fatigue and mouse usage. Yes, starting as a programmer, you may not have the option of choosing which keyboard to use. However, you will need to invest in a decent keyboard when your efforts start paying off.
A decent keyboard feels right and helps you type fast and comfortably. Most advanced programmers prefer a keyboard they can reprogram with special keys that can be used to program to launch selected apps or take selected actions. Another reason to invest in a good keyboard is the health benefits; an ergonomic keyboard for programmers who spend at least 70% of their day typing would be handy. We have taken the time to review different keyboards based on many factors, including portability, pricing, connectivity, and sizes. We also factored in the ergonomics of these keyboards.
Components of a Keyboard
Before we review the best keyboards, we thought we’d tell a bit about the various components of a keyboard. This is because our review will be based on these components, and we wouldn’t want you to feel lost while reading the reviews. The design classifies keyboards into three categories: membrane, rubber dome, and mechanical keyboards.
A membrane keyboard does not have separate keys as moving parts. Instead, a membrane keyboard’s keys are pressure pads with symbols and outlines printed on flexible, flat surfaces. The advantages of a membrane keyboard are that they are cheaper, quieter, and more portable than the other kinds of keyboards. However, with the membrane keyboard, you should expect a shorter lifespan, difficulty in cleaning, and a sticky key feel.
Using collapsible rubber domes, the rubber keyboard provides tactility and resistance to its keys. These days, keyboards are rubber domes over the membrane.
On the other hand, mechanical keyboards have separate switches below every key, giving more tactile feedback. Mechanical keyboards are more reliable and encourage comfort when typing by improving your mood and making coding more enjoyable. Also, you can replace keycaps, customize your keyboard, and program special function keys. Most of our list’s keyboards are mechanical, and you can already guess why. Here are the best keyboards to buy in 2022.
Mountain Everest Max
This keyboard is our best mechanical keyboard for programmers. The mountain Everest max is a full-size keyboard with a numeric keypad. The switches on the mountain Everest max is a 3-Pin Cherry MX, hot-swappable. This keyboard uses a USB Type-C. One of our favorite features is that it allows sufficient room for customization.
Also, on the mountain Everest max, you can detach the numeric pad and media lock and connect it to the other side of the keyboard. The media lock is a mini keyboard connected on the top right corner, and this contains a display dial that features helpful information like download speed and CPU usage. Also, you can set up a screensaver for the media lock. This keyboard also comes with an Aluminium base and ABS keycaps. The disadvantages of the mountain Everest max are its cost and its weight. The mountain Everest keyboard retails for $250.
Kinesis Freestyle Pro
If you’re a programmer needing an ergonomic keyboard, this is the best keyboard for you. The Kinesis Freestyle Pro is tenkeyless and has productivity keys. It does not have a numeric keypad and uses a USB Type-C. The Kinesis Freestyle Pro supports three layouts: Mac, Dvorak, and Qwerty/Windows. The primary selling point of this keyboard is that it supports healthy typing and macro recording.
When using this keyboard, you have more space and freedom to adjust the position of your right and left arms when typing. They also help you keep your wrists straight. Keeping your wrists straight helps reduce tendons strain, which reduces the risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSI). Also, you have dedicated productivity keys. The cost of this keyboard is a disadvantage as the palm rests, and the tenting kit is sold separately. Also, you don’t get dedicated media keys on the Kinesis Freestyle Pro. You can buy the Kinesis Freestyle Pro for $179.
Glorious GMMK PRO
Most programmers say that the portability of a keyboard is the most important factor when shopping for one, and if you share the same line of thought, this is for you. The Glorious GMMK PRO has a tenkeyless form with 87 keys. It does not have a numeric keypad and uses USB-C. The advantages of this keyboard include its sturdy build and portable TKL size. Also, you remove its durable braided cord. Although it does not have dedicated media keys, you can buy Glorious GMMK PRO in any of its three popular sizes, Full, Tenkeyless, and compact (61-key). Also, this keyboard gets an extra point for its beauty. The cost of the Glorious GMMK Pro is $80.
Logitech MX Keys
Wireless keyboards have become a thing and this, by all standards, is our best wireless keyboard. With a full form (104 keys), the Logitech MX keys have a numeric keypad and use the scissors switches. This keyboard is slim, has a reliable battery life, comes with automatic backlighting, and has dished keycaps. Also, you can connect via Bluetooth and wireless USB. Another amazing feature is that it has hand proximity detection. Although the Logitech MX Keys isn’t a mechanical keyboard, it is quite an impressive keyboard. The Logitech MX Keys are sold for $150.
Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad
The Apple Magic Keyboard with the numeric keypad is your best bet if you use a Mac. It has a full form with 104 keys and a numeric keypad. It connects using a USB-C port and can be used wirelessly as well. Also, it has a light and thin design. Its battery, when fully charged, can last up to a month. However, the Apple Magic Keyboard with NumericKeypad is not a mechanical keyboard and does not have a backlight. You can buy the Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad for $78.
EVGA Z15
Most programmers prefer the EVGA Z15 because it is the best budget keyboard on the market. With a numeric keypad, the EVGA Z15 has a full form (104 keys) and has a USB-A port. It is a mechanical keyboard with a customizable backlight and good ergonomics. Also, it is completely programmable and has dedicated media keys. The disadvantage of the EVGA Z15 is that it is not wireless, and the cord cannot be removed. The EVGA currently retails for $35.
Conclusion
The first factor to consider when choosing the best keyboard for programmers for you is the size. Depending on your profession, for example, accounting, you may have to go for a full-size keyboard. Whatever your choice, you should choose a customizable, reliable, comfortable, and responsive keyboard. Which of the reviewed keyboards is your favorite and why?
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