Why is it so important to know the best keyboards for programming & game development?
Well, as developers we spend most of our time on the keyboard.
That’s why it is important to have a reliable keyboard which we can use for hours. When it comes to programmers & game developers, the process of choosing the best keyboard depends on their preferences.
It is a complex process but we will break it down to simple steps which will make it easier for you to pick the right keyboard for you. Also, we will share some of the best keyboards for programming and game development. Let’s get started.
How to choose the best keyboard for programming?
To choose the best keyboard for programming, you will need to consider the various factors which we will discuss in this section.
Layout
The layout is the most important factor which you should consider when choosing the best programming keyboard. According to our opinion, a programmer-friendly keyboard should follow the KISS Principle which means that the keyboard should be as simple as possible. It will allow the programmer to focus on the coding rather than finding shortcuts.
Ergonomics
If you want to use your keyboard for hours with minimum strain on your wrists then you can go for ergonomically designed keyboards. The best thing about these keyboards is that they are designed according to the natural position of our arms which means when we will use ergonomic keyboards, our arms will experience the minimum strain. The problem with ergonomic keyboards is that you will need some time to get used to the layout.
Mechanical vs Non-Mechanical
It mainly depends on what type of keyboard you prefer. Some programmers prefer to use mechanical keyboards while some of us prefer the low-key keyboard. If you are choosing the keyboard for home office then you can pick the one which you like. However, the mechanics keyboards are not ideal for office environment because they are very loud as compared non-mechanical keyboards.
What is the Best Keyboard for Programming and Game Development?
There are tons of good keyboards available out there but only a few of them are best for programming and game development. That’s why we have handpicked the best ones for you. Let’s take a look at them.
- Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard
- Razer BlackWidow Elite
- Apple Magic Keyboard
- Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard
- Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT Mechanical Keyboard
Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard
Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard is one of the best keyboards for programming and game development. It is an ergonomic keyboard, and its layout is designed in a way that it causes minimum strain on your arms and you can use it for hours.
The keyboard also comes with the padded wrist rest which offers a place to rest your wrists and do typing. It is also detachable so if you don’t want to use it you can simply remove it. The keys have a low profile and offer a good typing experience. The only problem with this keyboard is that if you are new to the ergonomics keyboard then you will need some time to get used to it.
Pros
- Great Design
- Detachable Palm rest
- Good keys
- Wireless keyboard
Cons
- Steep learning curve
Price:
Razer BlackWidow Elite
Razer BlackWidow Elite is one of the best keyboards for programming and game development. It is a mechanical keyboard that comes with the RGB keys. The keyboard also comes with the magnetic wrist rest which will protect your wrists from the strain.
The BlackWidow Elite comes with the Razer Green switch technology which offers the clicky sound and 50 G of actuation force which make it ideal for typing. The layout of the keyboard is also pretty standard so it will be much easier for you to move on to this keyboard.
Pros
- Solid Build Quality
- Great Layout
- Detachable Wrist rest
- Razer Green Switches offer nice tactile feel
- RGB
Cons
- No Ergonomic Design
- Expensive
- Too loud for the office environment
Price:
Apple Magic Keyboard
If you are looking for a simple keyboard for programming then you can’t go wrong with Apple Magic Keyboard. It is a simple keyboard that comes with the Scissor keys that offer less sound and more stability. It is a full-size keyboard and it comes with a dedicated number pad and other keys. The overall build quality of the keyboard is also up to the mark.
Pros
- Full-Size Keyboard
- Low profile Scissor Keys
- Great Build Quality
- Wireless
Cons
- No Ergonomic design
Price:
Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard
Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard is another very capable keyboard that is designed to be used for productivity. It is a full-size keyboard and the build quality of the keyboard is also good. It also comes with the built-in shortcuts for office 365, emoji keys, etc.
The keys are also very good and have a low profile. Also, it comes with wireless functionality and it offers the battery life of up to 3 years which means you won’t have to worry about the battery. Overall, the Microsoft Bluetooth keyboard is a great option for those who want a simple and affordable programming keyboard.
Pros
- Solid Build Quality
- Simple design
- The battery life of up to 3 years
- Wireless
- Great value for Money
Cons
- No Ergonomics
Price:
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT Mechanical Keyboard
Corsair K95 is one of the best keyboards for programming. It is mainly designed for gaming but it also works well for those programmers who prefer the mechanical keyboards. Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT comes with three different switches: Cherry MX Speed, Cherry MX Blue, and Cherry MX Brown so you can go for the one which you like the most.
It also comes with the detachable, soft textured leatherette palm rest which can offer great comfort to your palms during extended coding sessions. Overall, Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT is a great keyboard for programming and we recommend it.
Pros
- Great Build Quality
- RGB Keys
- Detachable Palm rest
- Mechanical Keys
Cons
- Expensive
- No Ergonomic design
- Too loud for the office environment
Price:
Conclusion
That’s all folks. These are the best keyboards for programming and game development. You can’t go wrong with any of these keyboards because all of them are good for programming and game development. Let us know your favourite keyboard for programming in the comment section below. Also, visit our website for more useful guides like The 3 Best Monitors For Software Developers.