To programmers, keyboards are like their weapons. A programmer’s performance greatly depends on the keyboard. And that’s exactly the reason a programmer needs a reliable and high quality keyboard to provide the best experience while programming.
It’s not an easy job to find the perfect keyboard to suit your need, that’s why we put together a compilation of the 5 best keyboards for programming, and looking into current market, I think the list will probably make it into best programming keyboards for 2019.
Table of Contents
- Why programmers need a programming keyboard?
- The list of Best Programming Keyboards
- 1. Filco Ninja Majestouch-2 – Best programming keyboard
- 2. CM Storm QuickFire Rapid – Best programming keyboard runner up
- 3. WASD Keyboards CODE – Mac-friendly
- 4. Ducky Shine 5 RGB – Shine & Customize
- 5. RealForce 87U – Best Topre switches keyboard
- What makes a keyboard programmer-friendly?
- Keyboard size matters
- Are ergonomic keyboards worth buying?
- Membrane & mechanical switches: the most important factor
- Types of mechanical switches
- Key rollover – KRO & N-key rollover – NKRO
- Best Keyboards for Programmer 2019
- Final Words – Wrapping Up
Why programmers need a programming keyboard?
As I said above, keyboards are weapons to programmers. Most of the time programmers’ eyes stare at the monitor(s) while typing with their fingers, so that’s their fingers are in direct contact with their job. It’s necessary for a programmer to find a keyboard that suits his/her needs. A good keyboard, without a doubt, will provide the best experience for a programmer, therefore boost their performance. On the other hand, a terrible keyboard will make things hard, frustrating, uncomfortable, unbearable for a programmer, and will definitely reduce performance quality greatly.
The list of Best Programming Keyboards
| Keyboard | Switches | Size | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filco Ninja Majestouch 2 Best programming keyboard | Blue / Brown | Full Size / Tenkey-less | $$ | |
| CM Storm QuickFire Rapid Runner Up | Blue / Brown | Full Size / Tenkey-less | $ | |
| WASD Keyboards CODE Mac Friendly | Blue / Brown | Full Size / Tenkey-less | $$ | |
| Ducky Shine 5 RGB | Blue / Brown | Full Size | $$ | |
| RealForce 87U | Topre | Tenkey-less | $$$ |
Last update: We’ve just updated this list on 12th Dec 2017.
>> Every programmers should have a ergonomic mouse. Check out our new buying guide here
1. Filco Ninja Majestouch-2 – Best programming keyboard
Filco is one of the best mechanical keyboard producers in the market right now. Each of their line products always have a different characteristic. Filco Ninja Majestouch 2 is one of their most popular products.
Filco Ninja Majestouch 2 features front printing key caps and provides a look of “almost” a blank keycap keyboard. What does that do to benefit programmers? Programmers are precision typists, and programmers remember locations of all key caps on the keyboard. That means labels on top of key caps usually do not serve much of a purpose. Not to mention front printing labels help remove the problem of fading labels.
Customers like Filco Ninja Majestouch 2 not only love it because of the front printing, they love Filco Ninja Majestouch 2 because of the build quality. Filco Ninja Majestouch has a second to none build quality on the market. The keyboard’s body is really sturdy, has a little rough surface, and with sleek key caps.
Filco Ninja Majestouch 2 has only 3 back lit keys: Caps Lock, Num Lock and Scroll Lock. It’s not like programmers need back light to help with the keys.
The cable length is 1.5 meters (4.9 feet), and is enough to almost all needs. Filco Ninja Majestouch 2 is weighted at 1 kg (2.2 pounds) for the tenkeyless version or 1.2 kg (2.7 pounds) for the full size version. So if you want to move around with your keyboard, tenkeyless is the way to go, but a full size keyboard won’t be much trouble.
In my opinion, Filco Majestic Touch 2 should earn the title of Best keyboard for programmer.
- Excellent feedback on key press
- High build quality for both body and key caps
- Has multiple options
- NKRO accepts all key press
- Front printing labels on keys
- Package is not impressive
Amazon
Amazon
2. CM Storm QuickFire Rapid – Best programming keyboard runner up
CM Storm is another well known manufacturer for mechanical keyboards. Their products are balanced between performance and price. CM Storm QuickFire Rapid is one of their most popular products.
CM Storm QuickFire Rapid provides a lot of options for switches and all come from Cherry: Cherry MX Brown, Cherry MX Blue, Cherry MX Green, Cherry MX Red. Just like every other programming keyboard that I choose, this keyboard is no bell and whistle: it’s clean in design, and good in execution.
The labels on key caps may look a little ugly (in my opinion), but hey, if you want, you can change the key caps. Key caps are very durable, all thanks to the laser-marking process. CM Storm QuickFire Rapid also features NKRO via PS/2 cable, unfortunately, USB still supports only 6 KRO (like any other keyboard). The keyboard also features a removable braided USB cable with cable routing: you can route the cable to back, left, or right if you want.
Programmers who do gaming will like this: Windows keys can be disabled through a switch. They also provide a few extra key caps and and key cap puller.
CM Storm QuickFire Rapid comes with a TKL version and Full Size version.
- Clean and simple design
- Available in many options
- NKRO via PS/2
- Inexpensive compared to other keyboards
- Best value
- Excellent choice for beginners
- Braided USB cable
- Unattractive key caps
3. WASD Keyboards CODE – Mac-friendly
Now this is not “yet another programming keyboard”, it’s a programming keyboard to code with style. The WASD Keyboards CODE (or CODE for short) is a typical all black keyboard, with no special engraving, not even a logo in the front.
Now, the key caps have a smooth feeling, and high quality labels. The first thing you may notice is that the Windows keys have no labels, but hey, who care. CODE features a 1.8m (70.8in) Micro USB cable with a cable tie, allowing you to route your cable many different ways. However, the cable is not braided, it’ll be a disappointment for a perfectionist.
The next thing you might notice after plugging the CODE, and turning up your computer is that CODE comes with LED back lighting with 7 levels.
CODE are available in may options: Full Size or Tenkey-less, Cherry MX Brown or Blue switches.
The CODE keyboard is also compatible with Mac machines: by using the DIP switches, you can enable or disable the OS keys, and change keyboard’s function from standard QWERTY mode to Mac mode. Please refer to the user guide or manuals for more information.
- Excellent cable routing
- Back lighting with 7 levels
- Compatible with Mac and PC
- Sturdy build
- Sharp labels on key caps
- USB cable is not braided
- Expensive
4. Ducky Shine 5 RGB – Shine & Customize
The first thing that came into my mind when I took a look at the Ducky Shine 5 RGB is: it does shine. Ducky Shine 5 RGB features individually back-lit keys that make it shines like the sun in the dark. Unlike many back-lit keyboards that require software to change the colors and effects of lighting, Ducky Shine 5 RGB does not need that. Ducky Shine 5 RGB provides a way of changing lighting profile by using a combination of keys: Breathing mode, Reactive mode, Aurora mode, Ripple mode, Wave mode. You can also change the level of lighting for each color: Red, Green, Blue.
Ducky Shine 5 RGB is powered by a removable mini-USB cable. The cable is 4.9 feet long (or 1.5 meters), enough for basic needs.
Ducky Shine 5 RGB has a little rough body, with smooth default key caps. The key caps are double-shot ABS, Long story short, it’s thicker and more durable than normal ABS.
By using DIP switches, you can change Ducky Shine 5 to be compatible with Mac. Please refer to manual that come with the keyboard.
Ducky Shine 5 features 24 media keys, but these keys (combinations) are disabled by default, so you will have to follow the manuals to bring them up.
Ducky Shine 5’s heart is the ARM M3 MCU, according to Ducky, to provide the fastest response to key press. Unfortunately, Ducky Shine 5 does not have a Tenkey-less version, so if you want a small keyboard, you’re out of luck.
- Excellent finish and build quality
- Highly customizable
- No driver needed
- RGB led-backlighting
- Compatible with Mac
- Detachable USB cable
- USB cable is not braided
- Expensive
- No tenkey-less version
5. RealForce 87U – Best Topre switches keyboard
RealForce 87U is different to other keyboards that I introduced earlier is Topre Switches. In case you haven’t heard of Topre, they’re a huge OEM company based in Japan that specialize in manufacture electric components, switches, etc.
RealForce 87U is available in a black color (or more like gray-ish), the body is sturdy and has high build quality with a little rough surface. The key caps are made from PBT (except the spacebar is still made from ABS) and quite rough. PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) is a high quality material, so much more durable than ABS. A key cap made from PBT is expected to last 3 times longer than normal ABS. So if you want a keyboard to last a short amount of time, you’ll be disappointed, this keyboard will be around for really a long time.
The labels on keys are printed in a dark gray color, and will be hard to see in low light condition. There are 2 exceptions: Esc key is in light red, and Windows keys have a plastic Windows logo. The space bar is on an angle to point towards the user.
The USB cord is not detachable, and is placed on the top left-hand-corner of the keyboard.
Topre switches provide the best sensation I’ve ever had: smooth and satisfying, the bumps are noticeable and very smooth. However it’s really hard for me to explain in words, you’ll have to try it to know for yourself. Topre switches make a little clicky sound when pressing down a key, but that’s acceptable.
- Premium quality
- Topre switches
- Excellent for typing
- USB cable is not detachable
- Expensive
- No DIP switches
- Ugly Windows keys
- Hard to change key caps
What makes a keyboard programmer-friendly?
First of all, a good keyboard must provide excellent feedback on each key press. The feedback of a keyboard is provided by the switches, the most famous mechanical switches on the market are: Cherry MX, and Topre. Programmer-friendly keyboards also emphasize the KISS principle: it should be as simple as possible, so that we can give all attentions to our work, not our keyboards. That’s why some gaming keyboards are not suited to be programming keyboards, but this is just personal preference. Keyboard layout and key roll-over are other factors, we’ll talk about this later, but it’s best to use standard layout due to its popularity. Connectivity is huge factor in choosing a keyboard: while USB connection is popular and appears on all devices; PS/2 is a legacy connection for mice and keyboards, but we may not find PS/2 on new devices, especially laptops.
So let’s sum up, a programmer-friendly keyboard should:
- Give excellent feedback on key press by using mechanical switches: Cherry MX, Topre
- Be as simple as possible
- Have USB connection, or PS/2 connection with PS/2 to USB dongle
- Be standard keyboard layout
- Have both full size and tenkeyless options
Keyboard size matters
Keyboard size is defined by the number of keys on a keyboard. There are several keyboard sizes but by default there are 3 common keyboard sizes: Full size, Tenkey-less (or TKL), and Compact.
Choosing the keyboard size really comes down to personal preference. A full size keyboard has the advance of providing full keys (especially the numeric keys), but on the other hand it’s very heavy and user’s hands must travel a long distance to reach the mouse. A TKL keyboard is probably the best keyboard for a programmer. It provides a standard layout keyboard, without the numeric keys, and in my opinion, programmers don’t need numeric keys. Because a TKL keyboard has fewer keys, it’s lighter than a full size keyboard, and it’s much easier to travel with the keyboard. No doubt compact keyboard is the lightest keyboard, but with the cost of many keys, usually the function keys, such as: Home, Insert, Delete, Page Up / Page Down, F1…F12. If you use function keys a lot, then the compact size keyboard is not the best choice.
If you’ve never used TKL or compact size keyboards, I recommend that you should give it a try, because you’ll be amazed how much space you save, and it’ll be much easier to reach for your mouse.
Are ergonomic keyboards worth buying?
I’ve been using the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard for quite some time now, and I really like it. It’ll take a few days to get used to, it will not make you type faster, and once you get used to ergonomic keyboards, it’ll be hard to come back to the normal keyboard. This is purely my opinion, but unless you’re experiencing wrist pain, you shouldn’t buy ergonomic keyboards. This is because the feedback of keys on ergonomic keyboards are not good, and they don’t use mechanical switches on ergonomic keyboards. But mostly because I’m using several keyboards in my daily routine: one at work, one at home, on my laptop, and one Bluetooth keyboard for my iPad.
There’s also an article on HealthyTyping.com about this issue, you should read it if you’re planning to buy a ergonomic keyboard.
Because of those issues above, I won’t include ergonomic keyboards in this article, instead, I’ll compile a list of the best ergonomic keyboards to review in the near future.
Membrane & mechanical switches: the most important factor
Computer keyboards can be classified by the switch technology that they use. Computer alphanumeric keyboards typically have 80 to 110 durable switches, generally one for each key. The choice of switch technology affects key response (the positive feedback that a key has been pressed) and travel (the distance needed to push the key to enter a character reliably). Newer keyboard models use hybrids of various technologies to achieve greater cost savings.
Source: Wikipedia
There are several switch technologies used to make a keyboard: membrane, dome-switch, scissor-switch, mechanical switch, etc. While dome-switch and scissor-switch are used mainly on laptop keyboards, normal keyboards predominantly use membrane and mechanical keyboards.
Membrane keyboards use a one-piece plastic keytop/switch plungers which press down on a membrane to actuate a contact in an electrical switch matrix to register a key press. Generally, membrane keyboards do not produce a noticeable physical feedback.
Mechanical keyboards use separate switches underneath every key. Each switch is composed of a base, a spring, and a stem. Depending on the shape of stem and spring, each switch type can produce a different actuation force, travel distance, and sound. Also note that mechanical keyboards allow you to replace keycaps quite easily. Major producers for mechanical switches are Cherry and Topre.
Types of mechanical switches
As I mentioned above, there are 2 major players in mechanical switches market: Cherry and Topre. You can easily look at the comparison table below to understand their line of products:
| Switch Type | Actuation Force | Key Feel | Target Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| MX Blue | 50 g | Tactile / Clicky | Typing |
| MX Brown | 45 g | Tactile / Non-Clicky | Gaming / Typing hybrid |
| MX Clear | 55 g | Tactile / Non-Clicky | Gaming / Typing hybrid |
| MX Black | 60 g | Non-Tactile / Non-Clicky | Gaming |
| MX Red | 45g | Non-Tactile / Non-Clicky | Gaming |
| Topre Standard | 45g | Tactile / Non-Clicky | Gaming / Typing Hybrid |
While you may think the difference between 60g and 45g actuation force is nothing, it may not be much of a difference with the first few strokes, but after 1 hour of programming, you’ll find your fingers sore because of typing fatigue and hope to buy a different keyboard. For programming, it’s best to choose switches with low actuation force, such as Topre, MX Blue or Brown. While MX Blue switches have higher actuation force (50g) and with a clicky sound, MX Brown switches have lower actuation force (45g) but without a clicky sound. Topre switches are much like MX Brown, but in my opinion, provide better feedback than the MX Brown.
The level of sound may be a factor when choosing a keyboard for yourself. I have no problem using clicky keyboards at my office, but at home, I tend to not use them.
Cherry MX Blue switches are the way to go if you don’t care about the noise that the switches make. Blue switches provide an identical clicky sound when you press a key, and blue switches are very accurate for fast typists. They also provide a tactile feedback when you press they key.
Cherry MX Brown switches are suitable for typists who prefer a silent work environment. Brown switches also provide a tactile feedback on key press, but they don’t produce the clicky sound, hence they are more silent than the Cherry MX Blue.
Topre switches are Japanese-made switches. They’re not as popular as other Cherry MX switches, but are gaining momentum. Topre switches are quite like Cherry MX Brown switches: tactile feedback, non-clicky sounds, 45g actuation force. But in my opinion, Topre switches are better than the Brown, you have to try it to feel it.
To understand more about the sound that Cherry MX switches make, put on your headphone and play the clip below:
Key rollover – KRO & N-key rollover – NKRO
Key rollover is the ability to register multiple key presses at the same time on a keyboard. This feature benefits gamers more than programmers but, since we’re talking about mechanical keyboards and programmers also play games too, I decided to give some information on this topic. A keyboard has a label that says: “5 key rollover”, that means that keyboard can only register 5 keys at the same time. Meanwhile, a keyboard labeled as “N-key rollover” does not have limitation on number of key presses (but may depend on other factor(s), normally connection).
The key rollover is defined by two factors: the keyboard itself and the connection. Most mechanical keyboards support N-key rollover (unlimited key at the same time). Normally, USB connection has 6 KRO, and PS/2 has NKRO. Some keyboards support NKRO by using 2 USB ports at the same time.
Best Keyboards for Programmer 2019
Although it’s still the beginning of 2018, we’re looking forward 2018 with many new programming keyboards. As soon as new keyboards come out in 2019, we’ll try to get our hands on those products, test and review those products. But with the current trend, I doubt there will be any better keyboards for programmers that will come out into market in 2019. So probably, this list of best keyboards for programmer 2019 will remain the same as the list in 2018.
Final Words – Wrapping Up
Finding the best keyboard for programming is not an easy task with the amount of keyboards available on the market. That’s when buying guides like this one come into play. This list was carefully written, researched, and rewritten (many times) to provide the best information on programming keyboards.
We hope you pick up the best keyboard that suits both your needs and your budget. If you think we’ve missed a good keyboard on this list, let us know!
Thank you for the in-dept review, must say I love it. I’m planning to buy the Ducky Shine, what’s noise difference between Blue and Brown switches? Are they noticeable?
Hey Willard, yes, they are noticeable, and can really disturb others, so it’s best to buy the brown switches version. I’d say there are no difference between the brown and blue versions, except the clicky sound
Have you tried Filco Ninja Majestouch-2? Do you have any problems typing without the labels on the keycaps?
Yes, I have. Actually, I’m using the Filco Ninja Majestouch-2 at work right now, and I just love it. I think it will not be any problem at all.
I know it’s not out yet, but have you looked at the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard? What are your thoughts on it? Do you think it could be a contender for 2018?
I love the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard, and actually, I ordered one for myself months ago (with the track ball and key cluster). I’ll update this article right after I have the keyboard, but I can’t say anything at the moment.
hi, If you do find the time, we’d love to have a review of the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard
cheers,
Panos
I certainly will do.
“best programming keyboard”, no numpad and backlights 🡨 lol
Why do you need numpad and backlighting? I’ve been developing with vim and vscode, and I don’t think I need or want those features.
I think you can go long and long debating why or why not we need this or that. I am not using vim but I am using emacs and I think that has nothing to do with the IDE you are using, I mean you can hack your windows and add keybindings and be a notepad hipster and using the worst keyboard but with the best keybinding. But we all have to agree this small keyboard are looking great but when we need to insert a whole bunch of numeric in our code, the numpad is so faster and less prone to mistyping, even if you know where to type the numbers are two rows upper the initial position of your hand and the probability to miss the keys and lose time trying to fix the mistypings and make your brain disturbed and unfocused is higher than when you just look the numpad and type the number on your mind. Also we don’t need to brag about “hey look I can type without watching my keyboard”, about all the programmers can type without watching the fingers but the backlit, in the night, when for example you have to use the F1, F2, F3 keys for debugging navigation is really useful. And let say you are in deep darkness and you are just laying back watching your code and ponder and you just need to type a letter or symbol on cursor mouse, you can watch the keyboard and because there is light you can spot the letter you need to press, and doesn’t have to place your hands in initial position just to find where it is.
Actually these keyboards look pretty damn nice and I think I will acquire one later, it’s convenient when you are traveling or needs to bring your keyboard on your workplace for doing small works but when it comes to choose a keyboard for real programming I prefer to think about having all the necessary, yet not too useless features on it.
Great write up! I’m glad to see the CM Storm Quickfire Rapid on there. I’ve been using it for ~2 years now, and I am very satisfied. I have the TKL version, and it took me a bit of research to find a reliable keyboard.
Thanks to your article, maybe others can find reliable keyboards without having to dig through marketing sites and forums as much.
Also, I’ve heard good things about ErgoDox: https://ergodox-ez.com/ It’s a bit unconventional, like the Kinesis, but it would be interesting to see your take on that.
ALU84 and use QMK to make your custom keymap for what you want. Best keyboard until i build a dactyl. Also Cherry MX Clears are great, good feedback, low(er) on sound, and very fast.