The most important peripheral in the programmer's arsenal, the keyboard is the lifeblood of programming - and can make or break a productive coding session in seconds. Programmers need only the best keyboards on the market, for accurate typing
Easily the most critical tool in a coder's arsenal, the best keyboards for programmers are essential peripherals that can make or break a productive session in moments.
The best keyboards for programmers at a glance:
• Best keyboard for programmers: Logitech G513 Mechanical Keyboard - View at Amazon
• Best value keyboard for programmers: RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Mechanical Keyboard - View at Amazon
• Best keyboard for programmers under £30: Razer Cynosa Lite Keyboard - View at Amazon
• Best keyboard for programmers under £20: Arteck 2.4G Wireless Keyboard - View at Amazon
Whilst standard keyboards are a serviceable way of working through hours of scripting, having a keyboard with incredible accuracy, an ergonomic feel and a convenient versatility is crucial to comfortable coding.
Choosing a great keyboard, however, is no easy feat - there are plenty of excellent brands to choose from, making decision-making near impossible. To help you out, we've picked our absolute favourites for knuckling down and whipping up code in a heartbeat, from top brands such as Logitech, Corsair, Arteck and more.
Best keyboard for programmers
The perfect keyboard for programmers deep in complex code, Logitech's G513 mechanical keyboard delivers truly phenomenal value and unprecedented quality for its truly low price. With aesthetics that can only be described as sharp, yet understated - the Logitech G513's allure lies in its well-crafted aluminium case, comfortable memory foam wrist rest and solid keycaps that offer more than meets the eye.
Logitech's G513 mechanical keyboard is, in fact, a blue switch keyboard, where each keystroke (or key press) is followed by a satisfying click to indicate key actuation. This is not only absurdly moreish to hear and feel, but it also gives programmers some peace of mind whilst typing away, whatever key you've pressed has most certainly been actuated.
Many blue key switch mechanical keyboards suffer from pinging or metallic twangs after each press of the keyboard, but the G513 possesses plenty of balance with its sound and feel, having a triumphant clicking noise whilst also not being overly loud.
If we were to nitpick, the G513's RGB lighting is a little weaker than other mechanical keyboards on the market, although some might just enjoy its subtle aesthetic compared to the glare of a fully backlit keyboard. All-in-all, the Logitech G513 is one of the best cheap keyboards on the market, it's a truly worthwhile investment for gamers, office workers and programmers alike.
Pros
- Solid blue switches
- The aluminium keyboard case is sensational
- Programmable keys for solid shortcutting
Cons
- Dim RGB lighting
| Dimensions: | 44.5 x 13.2 x 3.55 cm |
| Connectivity: | USB Type-A port, USB cable |
| Key-switches: | GX Blue |
| Additional features: | Memory foam palm rest, aircraft-grade aluminium |
- Customer review: "This is a great keyboard, probably one of the best blue switches I have ever used."
Best budget keyboard for programmers
A solid budget keyboard from manufacturer RK ROYAL KLUDGE, the RK61 is a great keyboard for beginners needing longevity, style and most importantly - a solid clicky sound.
A true mechanical keyboard, the RK61 is equipped with brown switches, acting as a middle ground between the quiet of red switches and the much more audible click of blue switches. Brown switches are quieter but certainly have some volume to them once actuated.
A nicely designed 60 per cent keyboard, the RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 is practical and well-made, whilst also keeping below a £50 budget. For programmers, however, a 60 per cent keyboard lacks the range of programmable keys, as well as a number pad for quick coding. For those limited on space as well as cash, however, the RK61 is an excellent budget mechanical keyboard worth indulging in.
Pros
- Solid build quality
- Great brown switches
- Nice overall design
Cons
- 60 per cent keyboard isn't the best size for programmers
| Dimensions: | 29.1 x 10.13 x 4 cm |
| Connectivity: | Wired USB |
| Key-switches: | Brown switches |
| Additional features: | Swappable switches, three or five-pin support, completely programmable keys |
- Customer review: "Awesome keyboard all around. Mechanical switches are quick, and lighting options look great. The RK61's battery life is good and the build feels very high quality."
Best keyboard for programming under £30
An unfathomably affordable keyboard from manufacturer Razer, the Cynosa Lite offers clean aesthetics, an ultra-durable spill-resistant design all in a soft, comfortable design.
Lacking any kind of individual switches, unlike mechanical keyboards, the Razer Cynosa Lite doesn't have high accuracy or satisfying punchy keys, but for most a membrane keyboard is perfectly fine, albeit a somewhat less satisfying typing method.
Despite its shortcomings, the durability of the Cynosa can't be argued with - it's tough and is unlikely to fail for years to come. If, however, something happens to an individual key, there's no method of repairing it.
For those in need of a reliable keyboard without the bells and whistles of mechanical keyboards - this gaming keyboard is perfect for programming.
Pros
- Affordable high-quality keyboard for programming
- Good RGB lighting
- Excellent spill-resistant build quality
Cons
- Lacks accuracy of a mechanical keyboard
| Dimensions: | 48.34 x 48.34 x 4.01 cm |
| Connectivity: | USB wired |
| Key-switches: | Membrane |
| Additional features: | Spill-resistant design, RGB lighting |
- Customer review: "I bought this keyboard as a nice budget option for work and gaming. Really nice to use, great layout and functionality, especially with the Razer software."
Best keyboard for programmers under £20
A truly excellent deal on a solid keyboard, the Arteck wireless keyboard is fantastic for small setups and on-the-go coders in need of the occasional escape from the desk.
Astonishingly cheap, yet wonderfully well-made, the Arteck wireless keyboard has a whopping six-month battery life, despite its ultra-slim design, giving programmers plenty of use from a single charge.
Concerning its design and hand-feel, the Arteck wireless keyboard feels premium, far exceeding its meagre £20 budget. Likened to the keyboard of MacBooks the Magic keyboard at a significantly lower price, the Arteck wireless keyboard might not be a mechanical keyboard, but it's certainly worth its price.
Pros
- Great value keyboard
- Long-lasting battery life
- Versatile and portable
Cons
- Doesn't have the accuracy of a mechanical keyboard
| Dimensions: | 27.94 x 13.49 x 1.4 cm |
| Connectivity: | Wireless USB, micro USB slot |
| Key-switches: | Membrane |
| Additional features: | Six-month battery life |
- Customer review: "The keyboard is so slim and elegant, I love it. It's just what I was looking for."
Best TKL keyboard for programmers
A rising star in the keyboard market, SteelSeries has been releasing innovative, competitively priced keyboards for the past few years to great success, and the Apex 9 is another addition to their wonderful collection. An excellent gaming keyboard that also works well for programmers, the Apex 9, despite its smaller size, is a speedy and accurate optical-mechanical keyboard, with response times that are unparalleled on the keyboard market in spite of its price.
As for the Apex 9's RGB lighting, SteelSeries certainly doesn't disappoint - its lighting is incredibly bold and vibrant, giving it an eye-catching appeal that's irresistible to programmers and computer nerds alike.
As a TKL keyboard, however, some convenience is lost when accounting for its size - not having instant access to a number pad makes coding slightly slower and more cumbersome. Nevertheless, the Apex 9 is smooth, instantly responsive and satisfying to use, making it one of the best TKL keyboards on the market.
Pros
- Great optical switches
- Tough build quality
- Great RGB lighting
Cons
- TKL keyboards aren't as convenient for programming
| Dimensions: | 12.83 x 35.54 x 4.19 cm |
| Connectivity: | USB wired |
| Key-switches: | OptiPoint Optical switches |
| Additional features: | Zero debounce, swappable switches, RGB backlighting |
- Customer review: "I was reluctant about buying such an expensive keyboard, but the quality of the product is like no other I have used. The software and the ability to customise it is fantastic and easy to configure it in many ways."
Membrane vs Mechanical: what's the best keyboard for programming?
When it comes to comparing both technologies, there's very little competition between the two. While membrane keyboards are a mainstay of classrooms and offices around the world, thanks to their affordability and durability - when it comes to accuracy, there's no beating a true mechanical keyboard.
Made with individual switches for high accuracy, compared to a membrane keyboard's singular keyboard mat - mechanical keyboards are designed with accuracy in mind, giving you the true edge in gaming, or working - when precision is a necessity.
Is a TKL keyboard good for programming?
A TKL keyboard is a great option for programmers thanks to its smaller size and convenient design. Programming on a TKL keyboard, however, isn't without its faults; the smaller keyboard design doesn't have the space for a number pad, and as such you can't type as quickly as with a full-size keyboard.
This isn't to say that you won't get used to not having a number pad, but a TKL keyboard certainly suffers from its absence.
What are key switches?
Key switches are the type of switches used in mechanical keyboards - there are three primary key switch types;
Red: Red switches are silent and linear, making them a favourite amongst gamers - they're very quick to actuate and are perhaps the most reliable for all-round purposes.
Brown: Brown switches are a type of tactile switch that's halfway between red and blue - they click, but not as audibly as blue switches, they're comfortable and quick to use and offer that clicky sound you're perhaps looking for.
Blue: Blue switches are the noisiest of key switches - their loud clicking is perfect for coding or gaming, when a confirmation of a key press can be crucial.