What are the best mechanical keyboards for programming? Many programmers prefer mechanical keyboards over normal keyboards. Maybe it’s the clickety-clack sound of the keys. Or maybe it’s that satisfying feeling of key travel when you push down on a good mechanical switch. Whatever it is, we can all agree that typing on a mechanical keyboard is just better—more accurate and more comfortable—than using a regular membrane keyboard (the kind found in most laptops). For programmers and other typists who spend hours every day hunched over keyboards, that extra comfort and precision can make all the difference between slow progress and fast productivity.
RELATED: 7 Best Mechanical Keyboards for Mac
Kinesis Advantage2
PROS
- Ergonomic keyboard
- Customizable options
- Wrist rest
- Durable build
CONS
- Heavy
Specs:
- Form factor: Ergonomic
- Numeric keypad: No
- Switches: Cherry MX Brown
- Ports: USB
The Kinesis Advantage2 is a mechanical keyboard designed to maximize comfort. It has a split design that allows your hands to sit at a more natural angle and has built-in palm rests, making it easier on your wrists when you’re typing for hours straight. The three-foot bar options also allow you to adjust for either more or less support for each hand as needed. Some reviewers have complained about the weight of the keyboard, but others say this improves longevity because there are fewer moving parts inside.
Kinesis Advantage2
Das Keyboard 4C TKL
PROS
- Removable footbar
- Durable build
- USB connection
CONS
- Dark-lettered keycaps for expert use only
Specs:
- Form factor: TKL
- Numeric keypad: No
- Switches: Cherry MX Brown Switches (Soft Tactile)
- Ports: USB-A
The Das Keyboard 4C TKL uses high-quality, German-made Cherry MX Brown gold-plated key switches that are designed to endure up to 50 million keystrokes and provide both tactile and auditory key feedback are used in this little TKL mechanical keyboard. Although there is no number pad due to the tiny form, the keyboard is nevertheless simpler to move, operate, and set up.
You may copy files or utilize peripherals without having to go to your computer thanks to the integrated two-port, high-speed USB hub, and the 87-key design, which allows for a flexible and comfortable workspace. This keyboard also includes a two-meter USB connection for flexible use in your home or workplace.
The Das Keyboard 4C TKL offers a stylish appearance thanks to its highlighted charcoal keycaps and black, anodized aluminum top panel. The Das includes a magnetically removable footbar that lifts the keyboard by four degrees and serves as a 16-inch ruler instead of tiny rubber feet that are prone to falling off and becoming misplaced over time. The dark grey letters, however, are a bit hard to read compared to other keyboards. So, people who don’t prefer that should reconsider.
Das Keyboard 4C TKL
Keychron K2
PROS
- Multiple switch options
- Long battery life
- Hotswappable
- Compatible with Mac and Windows
- Portable
CONS
- ABS keycaps
- Non-programmable
Specs:
- Form factor: Compact (60%)
- Numeric keypad: No
- Switches: Gateron Red/Blue/Brown
- Ports: USB-C
If carrying heavy and bulky keyboards is an issue, the Keychron K2 solves this issue. Compact and light, this mechanical keyboard makes use of wireless options that lasts long. It requires a strong battery because it is primarily a wireless keyboard (you may plug in a USB-C cable for heavy use or recharge). Thankfully, it features one that can last up to 72 hours of nonstop typing. You can easily switch between devices during the day because it connects wirelessly to the majority of Bluetooth devices, including your laptop, smartphone, and tablet. The F-keys on this mechanical keyboard are programmed for Mac functioning, making it completely compatible with Macs. The bundled keycaps for either Windows or Mac may be switched out.
Keychron K2
Corsair K100 RGB
PROS
- Many customizable options
- Durable options
- Various switch options
- Control wheel programmable
- Dedicated media keys
CONS
- Heavy-sized
- Expensive
Specs:
- Form factor: Full
- Numeric keypad: Yes
- Switches: Cherry MX/Optical
- Ports: USB
The Corsair K100 RGB is the most ideal mechanical keyboard for all of your coding and programming needs. With so many customizable features of this keyboard, including the control wheel, RGB lighting, key placements, macros, and more, its extensive software and extensive programmability offer the most personalized experience with all mechanical keyboards.
Additionally, the control wheel may be set up to control various operations and allows you to seamlessly transition between open programs. Also, the dedicated media keys also make it simple to switch between songs without having to launch Spotify or exit your full-screen programming environment. In addition, you may use USB-passthrough to connect a device to your keyboard without having to go for your PC.
Durable and long-lasting, this keyboard won’t break for a very long time thanks to the PBT keycaps and solid construction. You’ll feel more refreshed after lengthy coding sessions at work thanks to the ergonomic improvements made by the soft wrist rest.
The one drawback to this keyboard is its size, which makes it tough to carry around.
Corsair K100 RGB
Mechanical keyboards help with efficiently
The biggest advantage of a mechanical keyboard for programming is that it’s made up of many individual switches instead of just one big membrane. It makes it easier and more accurate to type. The sensation also improves accuracy because when you strike multiple keys at once with one finger (which happens often if you have fast typing speed), each individual letter will register separately instead of being grouped together as one big blob as they would be on cheap rubber dome models; additionally, since there’s no give in response time either (like there might be if several keys were pressed at once) users can easily keep track of which specific key presses generate which output commands without losing accuracy in their inputs
If you’re looking to up your typing game, consider getting a mechanical keyboard. They’re not cheap, but they’re worth it if you type a lot, just like most programmers do.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are mechanical keyboards good for programming?
Mechanical keyboards are great tactile and accurate typing for programmers who work all day long. It won't directly help your work and skills as a programmer, but it will certainly aid your working hours on your computer.