The 8 Best Keyboards For Programming - Spring 2020
Reviews

The best keyboard for programming we've tested so far is the Razer BlackWidow Elite. Our unit features Razer's proprietary Orange mechanical switches, but you can get it with clicky or linear switches. The Orange switches have a light tactile bump that feels a lot like Cherry MX Browns, and they provide an excellent typing experience that won't tire you out.

If you work long hours and need extra support for your wrists, the keyboard comes with a nice plushy wrist rest that attaches magnetically. This keyboard also has dedicated media controls to adjust the volume, play, pause, or skip tracks. It's compatible with Razer's Synapse 3 software, where you can set macros, reprogram keys, or customize its full RGB backlighting. Profiles can be saved within the software or using the keyboard's onboard memory if you need to move to another computer.

Unfortunately, Synapse 3 is only available for Windows, and not macOS or Linux. Additionally, the keyboard has a USB passthrough to let you connect another peripheral or to charge a mobile device, and there's a 3.5mm headphone jack for convenience. On the whole, although this keyboard was designed for gaming, its performance and features should satisfy most programmers.

The best ergonomic keyboard for programming we've tested so far is the ErgoDox EZ. As the name suggests, it's one of the best ergonomic keyboards we've seen, as you can place it however you like with endless incline settings, and it has good programming features.

This keyboard comes with lots of blank keycaps, so you can program every key how you like and save up to 32 different layouts on a single profile. There are a ton of customization options and it's available in a wide variety of Cherry MX and Kailh switches. The keyboard has PBT keycaps which feel great to type on, and you can easily replace them if needed. The build quality is excellent, so it should last you a while, and although the whole keyboard feels solid, the rubber wrist rest is comfortable to use.

Unfortunately, there's no backlighting, which might be disappointing for those who program in dark environments. However, with its incredible customization options, this is the best ergonomic keyboard for programming we've tested so far.

The best programming keyboard with macro keys we've tested so far is the Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT. Although it's mainly designed to be a gaming keyboard, the six dedicated macro keys and the ability to reprogram every key make it favorable for programmers too.

This keyboard is available in different switches, including Cherry MX Speed (linear), Cherry MX Blue (clicky), and Cherry MX Brown (tactile), so you can get the switches you prefer the most. The unit we reviewed has the Blue switches, which are too loud for an office environment but offer great tactile feedback. The typing quality is excellent and the double-shot PBT keycaps feel stable and help minimize typos. The keys require a fair amount of actuation, so it might get tiring typing on this keyboard, but it comes with a comfortable wrist rest. Each key is individually lit, which is fantastic for those late-night programming sessions, and the overall build quality of the keyboard is amazing.

Unfortunately, the iCUE software isn't available on Linux, so the extra macro keys are disabled by default. If you program on Linux, you're going to have to set your macros on Windows or macOS, save it to the keyboard's onboard memory, then work on Linux. Besides this little issue, this is the best keyboard for programming with macro keys that we've tested so far.

The SteelSeries Apex 3 is the best budget keyboard for programming that we've tested so far. It's a full-size keyboard with great build quality, and it comes with a nice magnetic wrist rest for extra support. Every key on this keyboard can be reprogrammed using SteelSeries' Engine software, where you can also customize the RGB backlighting, though it's zone-lit instead of per-key.

The downside is that it uses rubber dome switches, which feel rather mushy and don't have satisfying tactile feedback. Also, although you can save profiles within the software, the keyboard doesn't have onboard memory, making it harder to switch to another computer. There's a cloud sync option available, but it requires the software to be installed on the computer as well as an account.

If you work on Linux, all keys function properly, however, you won't be able to customize the keyboard in any way. If you're shopping on a budget and you don't mind the rubber dome switches, this keyboard is a good option that won't break the bank.