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If you’re working as or planning to be a programmer, you have to expect that you will spend long hours in front of a computer. One main thing you will constantly be doing is typing. You will spend a lot of time writing codes, so you need to make sure that you invest in a proper keyboard. This doesn’t only apply to those using desktop computers because those who work on laptops can also use an external keyboard. Programmers need a comfortable and responsive keyboard that will guarantee maximum productivity. You have to think about whether a wired keyboard is alright with you or if you will need a wireless option. If you pick the latter, you will have to make sure the keyboard’s battery life will be reliable enough, so you don’t have to keep recharging every other hour. Some keyboards also come with customizable keys that programmers will benefit from because they can configure special actions or designate a particular key to launch your most-used apps. Keyboards come in different shapes and sizes, so you will undoubtedly find one that’s perfect for you. Let’s look at some of the best keyboards for programmers in 2022.
The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT might be built for gamers, but its features make it a fantastic choice for programmers as well. This premium mechanical keyboard features precision molding. Its double-shot keycaps with an anodized aluminum frame guarantee longevity because it’s resistant to fading and wearing off. One of the things that programmers will benefit from this keyboard is its six dedicated fully-programmable macro keys. The keyboard also has a detachable leatherette palm rest, making your typing experience even more comfortable, especially after long hours of programming. People can instantly tell that the keyboard is for gamers because of its per-key RGB backlighting. Users get customizable and dynamic lighting effects because of the keyboard’s 19-zone LightEdge. You can change the keyboard’s lighting patterns and effects through the CORSAIR iCUE software. The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT uses CHERRY MX RGB Blue key switches from Germany that promise audible clicks with a tactile response. You can also get a variant that uses brown key switches(silent). The keyboard uses a wired connection, so you won’t have to worry about it running out of power after several hours.
Click latency is very lowSix dedicated fully-programmable macro keysPre-travel distance is lowCustomizable RGB lightingDurable design
Wired connection onlyNot the most user-friendly setup software
The Mountain Everest Max is the ideal keyboard for programmers who don’t have a limited budget. The keyboard’s main selling point is its fully-customizable design. It comes with a detachable Numpad that you can place either on the left or right side of the keyboard. The same applies to its Media Dock that you can attach to the right or left top side. This dock isn’t like any other because it has a display that allows you to access your controls more easily. The keyboard will help those who work long hours daily because it has a magnetic palm rest. You will also save more time because the keyboard comes with customizable display keys that you can program to launch programs or shortcuts. The Mountain Everest Max comes with patent-pending riser feet that will let you use the keyboard in an elevated position while remaining sturdy and secure. Users can find the right height for them since the keyboard comes with a set of spacers for the riser feet. An added feature programmers may like about the keyboard is its RGB lighting. It will give you different modes and up to 16.7 million color choices, so there’s no doubt that the keyboard can match any workspace’s aesthetic. Since the keyboard is a mechanical keyboard, you might think that the sound you will hear from the keys will be annoying. Thankfully, Everest used genuine Cherry stabilizers to minimize any noise or rattle for the keyboard. If you aren’t happy with the design of the keys you get with the keyboard, you can always switch them up since the keyboard has hot-swappable keys. The Mountain Everest Max is available in Midnight Black and Gunmetal Gray.
Detachable palm rest, media dock, and numpadCustomizable display keysPatent-pending riser feetRGB lightingGenuine Cherry stabilizersHot-swappable keys
PriceyHeavy
The Kinesis Freestyle Pro would be the best choice for programmers looking for a keyboard with an ergonomic design. This keyboard features a split design that you can separate for up to 20 inches. The split layout you get from this keyboard will help keep your wrists straight, minimizing the strain on your hands after long hours of typing. The keyboard features a standard QWERTY layout, but you also get eight additional hotkeys and a separate numeric keypad. You can also set it to different layouts like Dvorak and Mac. Users will love the macro recording feature of the keyboard since it allows you to reprogram any of the keys to whatever function you’d need to boost your productivity. The keyboard uses genuine Cherry MX Silent Red switches that promise a quiet operation while offering a premium feel and performance. The low force you get from each key promises optimum ergonomics and comfort. You can count on this keyboard to last you a long time because each key can withstand as many as 50 million key presses. You don’t need any installation software to get the keyboard up and running; all you need to do is plug it into your computer, and you’re good to go. The Kinesis Freestyle Pro works with any computer running on Windows, Mac OS X, Chrome, and Linux. Customers will receive a two-year manufacturer’s warranty upon purchase.
QWERTY, Dvorak, and Mac layout supportErgonomic designGenuine Cherry MX Silent Red switchesDurable designTwo-year manufacturer's warranty
No media keysYou'll have to buy the palm rest and tenting kit separately
If you want a keyboard that uses wireless connectivity, the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro would be an excellent choice for you. This mechanical keyboard can connect to up to 3 devices simultaneously via Bluetooth. Switching between devices won’t be an issue because there’s a dedicated switch on the keyboard. You can use a USB-C cable for when you need to charge it. The keyboard features the Razer Green switch technology, giving you the satisfying clicky sound you’d expect from a mechanical keyboard. It features RGB backlighting, so you will never have a dull time working again. The Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro comes with four media keys that you can set to play, pause, or skip tracks, and you can also set them to adjust volume, brightness, etc. You won’t have to worry about the labels on the keycaps wearing off thanks to its doubleshot molding. The keyboard itself has a durable construction, supporting up to 80 million clicks because of its military-grade metal top plate. Your wrists can quickly ache after many hours of programming, but this keyboard has a soft cushioned leatherette wrist rest to help relieve pressure. The keyboard has companion software, but it only works on Windows. If you want to configure the keyboard on a computer running on Mac OS or Linux, you will have to save all the settings you want on a Windows system first.
Durable designMacro-programmable keysWireless and wired connectionConnect up to 3 devices simultaneouslyRazer Green switch technologyRGB backlighting
Companion software only works on WindowsProfile might be too straight for some
If you’re a programmer who often works outside of your home, you should pick a more portable keyboard, like the Obinslab Anne Pro 2. This keyboard has a minimalist, compact design that requires less hand movement from you. You can connect the keyboard to your computer or laptop through a wired USB-C connection or Bluetooth. The best part is that you can connect to up to four devices simultaneously, and you can quickly switch between them whenever you like. All of the keys on the keyboard have RGB backlighting, and you can customize them to any color you’d want, or you can also use the pre-installed lighting effects. You will get maximum productivity with this keyboard because it has sixteen macro keys that are fully customizable. Even though the keyboard has a small profile, you won’t have to worry about pressing more keys than you intended to since the keyboard features 100% anti-ghosting with full n-key rollover. Users can expect a durable and quick typing experience with the Obinslab Anne Pro 2 because it uses Gateron and Kailh Box RGB switches. Its PBT Keycaps won’t wear off easily, they were tried and tested to maintain their texture even after long hours of intense typing. Users can download the ObinsKit Console software to update the keyboard’s software, customize the RGB lighting, and assign characters or macros to any key.
Wired and wireless connectionConnect up to 4 devices simultaneouslyDurable buildCustomizable RGB backlighting and macro keysPortable and compact
Could use more extra featuresBattery life can use some improvements
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