Table of contents
- NuPhy Air75
- NuPhy Air75 Features:
- Keychron Q2
- Keychron Q2 Features:
- Keychron V1
- Keychron V Series Features:
- ROYAL KLUDGE RK61
- ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Features:
- Razer Pro
- Razer Pro Type Ultra Features
- Ducky One 2 RGB TKL Hot Swap Keyboard
- Vortexgear Pok3r
- Filco Majestouch 2 TKL
- Logitech G Pro X Mechanical Keyboard
- Anne Pro 2
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Having the best, most comfortable, and most efficient keyboard is crucial for productivity and coding accuracy as a programmer.
A good keyboard should be durable, have a comfortable typing experience, and have convenient shortcuts.
This blog will explore the top 5 best keyboards for developers, programmers, and coders.
NuPhy Air75
The NuPhy Air75 epitomizes the tremendous mechanical keyboard for a programmer. It strikes the perfect balance between affordability and quality.
The typing experience is unparalleled right out of the box, and the build quality is top-notch. This keyboard is also highly portable, making it the perfect companion for on-the-go coding.
It’s compatible with all operating systems, including Linux, and can connect via Bluetooth or the USB receiver for a more stable connection in crowded wireless environments.
And when the battery starts to run low, plug it in for a wired connection while it charges.
The low-profile mechanical switches and chiclet-style keycaps make for a comfortable typing experience, allowing you to rest your wrists on the desk and reach the keys without straining.
The PBT keycaps are durable and have a slightly rough texture that feels great on your fingers.
And, with an impressive 48-hour battery life, you won’t have to worry about charging it frequently, even with the RGB backlighting turned on.
NuPhy Air75 Features:
- Mechanical keyboard with low-profile switches
- Portable design
- Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth or USB receiver
- 48-hour battery life
- Durable PBT keycaps
- RGB backlighting
Pros
- Good typing experience with low-profile switches
- Portable design for easy transport
- Good battery life
- Durable keycaps
- RGB backlighting
Cons
- Some users may find the layout too small
- Limited compatibility with some operating systems
Keychron Q2
Keychron Q2 is one of the best developer keyboards we tested; it has superior build quality and a great feel, look, and sound.
The Q-series of Keychron keyboards are highly customizable, with a hot-swappable PCB for changing switches, stabilizers, and keycaps.
A toolkit is included for complete disassembly and modding. The compact Q2 is just one option, with more compact options like the Keychron Q4 and full-size boards like the Keychron Q6 also available.
Keychron keyboards are fully compatible with VIA and QMK, allowing for software and firmware adjustments to fit your workflow.
Keychron Q2 Features:
- Outstanding build quality and looks feels, and sounds great
- High level of customization with hot-swappable PCB
- Included toolkit for disassembly and modding
- Compatible with VIA customization software and QMK
- Available in compact size (Q2) and other sizes (Q4 and Q6)
Pros
- Feels incredibly well-built. All keys are macro-programmable.
- Companion software is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Cons
- No wrist rest included.
- Keycaps aren’t translucent.
Keychron V1
The Keychron V1 is a budget-friendly keyboard that offers a remarkable set of features for its price point. It can be considered a budget variant of the Keychron Q2, our top pick.
Although it lacks the solid aluminum frame found on the Q-Series boards, it features a sturdy plastic frame available in black or frosted black color options.
The V1 features high-quality PBT keycaps, screw-in stabilizers, and layers of sound-dampening foam that help reduce ping and rattle while typing.
This V Series keyboard is also customizable, from its internal hardware components to its firmware, making it a great starting point for those interested in a bespoke unit for programming.
The included toolkit makes it easy to disassemble and upgrade the components, taking about an hour to make changes.
One downside is that it is wired only, so if you’re looking for a wireless option in the same price range, the Obinslab Anne Pro 2 is a great alternative.
This keyboard connects wirelessly with up to four devices at once using Bluetooth, making it ideal for multi-device setups.
However, its battery life is limited, with a maximum of 8 hours of continuous use, so you’ll have to charge it daily.
Keychron V Series Features:
- Mechanical keyboard with low-profile switches
- Affordable price point
- Sturdy plastic frame
- Customizable hardware and firmware
- PBT keycaps
- Wired connectivity only
Pros:
- Good typing experience with low-profile switches
- Affordable
- Sturdy build
- Customizable hardware and firmware
- Durable keycaps
Cons:
- Wired connectivity only
- Some users may find the layout too small
ROYAL KLUDGE RK61
If you’re looking for an affordable programmer keyboard, the ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 is a great option.
Despite its low price, this compact keyboard features a hot-swappable PCB, allowing you to easily replace the stock switches with your preferred ones.
Its versatility is enhanced by its ability to connect with up to three devices simultaneously via Bluetooth.
A variant with a wireless USB receiver is also available, providing a more reliable connection in noisy Bluetooth environments like open offices.
However, the battery life of the RK61 is limited, with a maximum of 10 hours when used wirelessly. But, the included USB-A to USB-C charging cable allows you to operate the keyboard while it charges.
It’s worth noting that this keyboard has multiple variants, with some offering single-color backlighting and Bluetooth connectivity only.
In contrast, others come with a USB receiver and RGB backlighting.
ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Features:
- Affordable price point
- Hot-swappable PCB
- Compact design
- Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth or USB receiver
- 10-hour battery life
Pros:
- Affordable
- Hot-swappable PCB for switch customization
- Compact design for portability
- Wireless connectivity
Cons:
- Short battery life compared to other options
- Some users may find the layout too small
Razer Pro
The Razer Pro Type Ultra is a solid choice for a developer who needs a full-sized keyboard. This wireless unit boasts impressive ergonomic features, a sleek look, and a well-padded wrist rest for added comfort.
Its linear Razer Yellow switches are lightweight and easy to press, making extended typing sessions less tiring on your fingers.
With a long battery life of up to 200 hours without backlighting, the Pro Type Ultra is highly convenient.
You can connect it via a USB receiver, which can also be paired with select Razer productivity mice or with up to three devices via Bluetooth for multi-device setups.
Razer Pro Type Ultra Features
- Full-size keyboard
- Padded wrist rest
- Lightweight Razer Yellow switches
- Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth or USB receiver
- 200-hour battery life
- RGB backlighting
Pros:
- Good typing experience with lightweight switches
- Padded wrist-rest for comfort
- Good battery life
- Wireless connectivity
- RGB backlighting
Cons:
- Pricey compared to other options
- Not as portable as compact models
Ducky One 2 RGB TKL Hot Swap Keyboard
The Ducky One 2 RGB TKL Hot Swap Keyboard is a compact, high-performance coder keyboard perfect for programmers.
It has Cherry MX RGB mechanical switches and customizable RGB lighting, and it’s built with a durable aluminum frame.
The hot-swappable switch design means you can change the switch type without de-soldering them, making customization easier.
Vortexgear Pok3r
The Vortexgear Pok3r is a 60% mechanical keyboard designed for programmers. It’s compact, lightweight, and easy to carry, making it an ideal keyboard for on-the-go coding.
The Pok3r has Cherry MX switches and programmable keys, so you can create macros and custom key bindings to make coding even more efficient.
Filco Majestouch 2 TKL
The Filco Majestouch 2 TKL is a high-quality mechanical keyboard perfect for programmers and coders.
It features Cherry MX switches and a durable, sturdy build, making it a reliable choice for even the most demanding coders.
The keyboard has a classic and elegant layout, making it an attractive addition to any workspace.
Logitech G Pro X Mechanical Keyboard
The Logitech G Pro X Mechanical Keyboard is a compact and lightweight keyboard perfect for developers on the go.
It features Logitech’s GX Blue switches, which are designed to provide a responsive and comfortable typing experience.
The keyboard also has customizable RGB lighting, programmable macro keys, and an aluminum frame, making it a durable and efficient choice.
Anne Pro 2
The Anne Pro 2 is a compact and portable 60% keyboard perfect for coders and programmers who need a keyboard that’s easy to carry around.
It features Cherry MX RGB switches and customizable RGB lighting, and it’s built with a durable plastic frame.
The keyboard has programmable keys and is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems, making it an ideal choice for coders and programmers who work on multiple platforms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best programmer keyboard is an essential investment for any programmer, developer, or coder.
The keyboards mentioned in this article offer various features and benefits to cater to different needs and preferences.
Whether you prefer a compact, budget-friendly keyboard or a full-size wireless unit, there is a keyboard for everyone.
You can decide which keyboard best fits your workflow by considering switch type, connectivity options, battery life, and build quality.
You can work more efficiently and comfortably with the right keyboard, making the investment well worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
A suitable keyboard for coding should have a comfortable typing experience, efficient key placement, customizable features, and durable build quality.
Some coders prefer mechanical switches, while others prefer low-profile switches with a comfortable wrist rest.
Some top brands for coding keyboards include Keychron, Razer, Royal Kludge, and NuPhy.
A hot-swappable PCB is a circuit board that allows users to easily switch out the stock switches for their preferred ones without the need for soldering. This allows for greater customization and versatility.
Mechanical switches have tactile feedback and audible click sound, while low-profile switches are quieter and more comfortable for extended typing sessions.
Low-profile switches also have a more modern and sleek look.
Yes, most coding keyboards are compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
Wireless coding keyboards offer greater freedom of movement and can reduce clutter on your desk. Some also can connect with multiple devices, making them ideal for multi-device setups.
