When you’re spending hours in front of a computer learning to code, it’s worth investing in some good technology to improve your experience. For many people, that includes finding the best Keyboard for programming!

A good coder keyboard can increase your efficiency, keep you comfortable, and ultimately help you enjoy coding more.

I’m a big believer in quality over quantity for these types of purchases. Once you find the best coding keyboard for you and your needs/wants, it can last you a long time.

Disclosure: I’m a proud affiliate for some of the resources mentioned in this article. If you buy a product through my links on this page, I may get a small commission for referring you. Thanks!

For instance, I still use an Apple MC184LL/B Wireless Keyboard that I got from Amazon back in 2015. (If it ain’t broke, why fix it, right?)

So, what are some factors that go into choosing the best Keyboards for coding? What sets apart the best keyboards for developers vs the best ones for the average person?

In this post, we’ll start by looking at why programmers might want a specialized keyboard for coding. Then, we’ll help you find the right programming keyboard for your needs by sharing what to look for in a coding keyboard and our picks for the 11 best keyboards for coding!

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What’s the best keyboard for programming (and do you really need a special one)? Check out these 11 coding keyboards to find out!
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Do You Really Need a Special Keyboard for Coding?

Is a coding keyboard actually necessary, or can you just use any regular keyboard for coding? 

In short, no, you don’t need a special programming keyboard. But since coders spend so much time using a keyboard, having one that is optimized for programmers can help you be more productive while minimizing mouse usage and hand fatigue, among other benefits.

Reasons why you might want a special keyboard as a coder:

• Having a good keyboard can significantly improve workflow/productivity
• It makes coding more comfortable so you can do it for longer
• Investing in a good keyboard means it will last you a long time, so you won’t have to frequently replace them if it stops working, keys break, etc
• Good keyboard ergonomics can help prevent RSI/carpal tunnel

Now, if you’re just dabbling with coding, using your built-in laptop/computer keyboard is fine! As one Redditor says, “Buying a good keyboard is definitely a good idea. Buying a good keyboard to get better at programming is a bad idea.”

If you’re a beginner at coding, getting a new keyboard probably shouldn’t be a top priority (unless you really value comfort/ergonomics). After all, you can code with any keyboard! 

Getting a good keyboard for programming could be smart if you know this is the career field you want to pursue, want to get faster at coding, enjoy the idea of customizing your work setup, need a more comfortable computer workstation, want to make an investment in yourself, feel like a better keyboard might motivate you to code more often, etc.

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What Factors Should Devs Consider When Buying a Coding Keyboard? 

Before we start looking at examples of the best keyboards for developers, what actually goes into determining a good coding keyboard?

Let’s look at nine factors to consider while choosing your personal best keyboard for programming.

1. Size

Aren’t keyboards just…keyboard sized? Maybe a little bigger or smaller depending on the computer they’re with?

Not quite! There are actually quite a few keyboard sizes, often denoted by percentages.

The list of official keyboard sizes includes:

• Full-sized: A full-sized keyboard with all the usual keys included and the number pad in its own zone off to the side
• 1800 compact (96%): Similar to a full-sized layout, except they combine the number pad and the rest of the keyboard to save space
• Tenkeyless (TKL): Full-sized but with no number pad
• 75%: Slightly more compact version of a TKL board. Places the arrow keys right next to the home cluster (which consists of the page up/down, delete, insert, home and end keys). Aligns the home cluster vertically to save space.
• 65%: No number pad, home cluster, or function row (the top row of F keys). This is the smallest keyboard size you can get that will still have arrow keys. 
• 60%: No arrow keys, home cluster, number pad, or function row
• 40%: No number pad, function row, arrow keys, home cluster, numbers on the top row, or non-letter keys such as the semi-colon, quotes, etc.

Full-sized keyboards can be too big for some, meaning they’re less portable and potentially less practical. However, they do include all the keys you could want, right there with no hassle!

Compact keyboards can save desk space and reduce distance between your keyboard and your mouse. But in order to make the keyboard smaller, manufacturers often have to remove some keys.

When switching to a more compact keyboard for coding, the layout may take some getting used to. Plus, if you’re missing a key you want, you might have to customize the keys or create “function layers” (coding multiple key functions into one key that can be toggled through).

As with most things, the best coding keyboard size for developers comes down to personal preference.

For example, many coders like 60%, but as this Reddit user says “I hate 60% for programming. For gaming, typing, browsing, most things it’s fine. I need ~ and arrow keys, which are frustrating or impossible to get on 60% or smaller. I much prefer to use TKL and full-size for programming, but I’m trying a compact 75% soon that I hope will be better.” 

Another Reddit user says, “Primarily 40%-60% user here; as long as it’s programmable you can use any size no matter how small.”

2. Compatibility

Technically, you can use any keyboard with any operating system (Windows keyboard with a Mac, for example).

However, if you do this, you may need to “remap” certain keys to make them work how you want them to, as some keys work differently on the Mac vs Windows. It’s generally best to just get a keyboard for coding that’s already meant to work with the system you’re using. 

3. Connectivity 

Wireless vs wired keyboards give you another factor to consider.

Wired keyboards may be better if you don’t want to deal with input lag, the risk of interference, or battery life.

Wireless keyboards may be better if you don’t want to deal with a bunch of wires or want to use your keyboard from long range. It all comes down to personal preference!

Let’s hear from another Redditor: “I have used a 100% wireless keyboard for 10 years and I’m not sure I could adjust to one that is wired. I like being able to push it out of the way when I need more space in front of my monitor for paperwork.”

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4. Mechanical vs membrane keys

This is one coding keyboard factor that will noticeably affect your experience, because these two key types feel very different from one another while you’re typing.

The default keyboard that comes in modern laptops is a membrane, so that’s probably the kind you’re already used to.

Mechanical keyboards are great for typing, but they’re often noisy since they have hard keycaps.

Using a mechanical keyboard for coding definitely takes some getting used to. However, a lot of people say they can type faster with a mechanical keyboard vs membrane, meaning coders often boost their productivity using the best mechanical keyboards for programming.

Many say that mechanical keyboard switches feel smoother, and with each thing you type it has actual force behind it. You can also tailor mechanical keyboards to your needs, and they tend to be easier to clean and fix.

Keep in mind that this is also a personal preference – many coders use mechanical but many also use membrane! Here are two sides of the spectrum from Reddit users:

Likes mechanical: “Mech keyboards definitely improve your typing experience and speed. It might have a small learning curve but the results are not disappointing.”

Dislikes mechanical: “Tried various keyboards. Jumped on the mechanical keyboard bandwagon for a while, but realized they’re not for me. The tall keys and long travel times make my wrists hurt and they mess up with my muscle memory resulting in me typing much slower.”

Membrane keyboards are easier for beginners and lighter to bring with you, but also less efficient in the long term and break more easily. Membrane coder keyboards are cheaper and usually quieter. 

5. Switches and keycaps:

If you’re interested in finding the best mechanical keyboard for coding, you now have another choice in front of you! Switches are the part of the key beneath the cap. They provide the mechanism that registers key presses.

With mechanical keyboards, there are tons of switch varieties, with the different types differentiated by their colors (red, blue, green, brown etc).

• Blue: Makes a loud click sound; more resistance so may be a slower reaction time; may be too “clicky” for some people
• Brown: Less noise than blue; you can feel the bump of a key when clicked; slightly easier to click than blue
• Red: Smooth; almost no noise; easiest to click; good for games since a click registers with just a light, quick press.

They can also be described as linear, tactile, and clicky.

• Linear: Red, Yellow, Black — smooth and silent
• Tactile: Brown, Clear — not too loud, gives some feedback
• Clicky: Blue, Green — loudest and gives the most feedback

Many recommend Cherry MX-Browns as the best programming keyboard switches. This type of switch has a really low activation force, so it helps with both speed and lessening fatigue/carpal tunnel.

It’s also recommended to get Cherry MX-Browns with o-rings to mute the sound of the keycap bottoming out against the case — some keyboards can be bought this way, but it’s also an easy modification to do yourself.

Others may enjoy a more clicky keyboard (such as Cherry MX Blue or similar) but this is not recommended if you’re sharing the space with someone. Not everyone enjoys keyboard noise!

Part of the beauty of the cherry-style switch is that keysets can be changed easily. You can buy different keycaps and attach them quickly and easily.

Most keyboards or keycap sets will come with a keycap picker which will let you easily pull the keycaps off of the keyboard. They are held on by friction, meaning you just need to push them on firmly to apply new keycaps.

6. Appearance/design: 

This can also be a factor for you when buying a keyboard. If you want it to fit a certain aesthetic, getting a certain color or one with different key colors may be important to you. 

Think about backlighting as well. Simple “on and off” backlighting is great, but dimmable and different colors can be even better.

Also consider the design and construction of the keyboard. Cleaning your keyboard regularly will keep it functioning well for longer, so are the keys easy to remove? Is the board easily accessible?

7. Ergonomics 

How important are ergonomics? Enough that I wrote a whole post about ergonomic keyboards!

Features vary, but could include things like a cushioned palm rest, curved keys that mimic your finger shape, degrees of tenting (how much it’s raised in the middle), etc.

The idea is to maximize comfort and reduce pressure on your arms, wrists, and fingers while typing.

There are also split keyboards, which are divided right down the middle. Most split keyboards are ortholinear and a smaller format, so you don’t have to reach as far for some keys. This is potentially good for everyone, but especially if you have smaller hands. Of course, it can take some getting used to. 

About split keyboards, one Redditor says: “More comfortable position for shoulders, arms, wrists. I get discomfort if I try to use a standard keyboard.”

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8. Customizability/programmability: 

You might see the term “hot swappable” in this context, which means you can easily swap the keyboard switches to create your own personalized keyboard. As you become more familiar with your own needs as a programmer, this can be important!

A programmable coder keyboard will also benefit you because you can create macro keys for repetitive key combinations.

From Reddit: “As a programmer, I can’t recommend enough getting a board with programmable layers, QMK or otherwise, so you can remap most used symbols, Fkeys, etc to your home keys (resting finger positions), and get far better use out of bad standard keys such as CapsLock (try it as Ctrl or Backspace to start with).”

9. Price 

Keyboard prices can vary widely. That’s why the last factor to consider is your personal budget when buying a keyboard for coding. 

Keep in mind that a keyboard for coding is an investment in your productivity, comfort, and health.

Many of the best keyboards for developers are $200+ (especially for mechanical keyboards). You can expect to pay $50-$100 for a budget mechanical keyboard (but $400+ for a high-quality one). Ergonomic keyboards also tend to come in at $150-$200+. 

Luckily, there are keyboards to fit pretty much any budget! On the list below, I made sure to include some of the best keyboards for developers on a budget as well as some of the higher-quality ones.

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The 11 Best Keyboards for Programmers

Please note that pricing listed below may change in the future!

Let’s start with a table to quickly sum up some of the most important features (and a few drawbacks) of these 11 best keyboards for coding!

1. CODE keyboard

Approx price: $185

The result of a collaboration between Weyman Kwong of WASD keyboards and Jeff “The Coding Horror” Atwood. Built and designed by coders for coders. Super high quality; keys are mounted to a steel backplate so there’s a solid feel when typing. 

Pros:

• White LED backlighting w/7 levels of brightness 
• Clean design; no obnoxious branding
• 6 different Cherry MX switch variations you can use
• Built to last: 50 million keystroke life cycle
• Programmable
• Ability to switch from a Mac OS layout to Windows 

Cons:

• Not super ergonomic/comfortable
• Some pinging and reverb with the stock keycaps

Reviews from Reddit: 

• One – “I highly recommend the CODE keyboard. It’s a high quality keyboard without all of the frills. Backlight, metal framing internally so it’s really solid feeling, configuration switches on the back to control qwerty style and you can change a few other things, and they come in multiple configurations of key switches and key layouts.”
• Two – “I have a few mech keyboards and the CODE is by far my favourite. The build quality is great and the layout is perfect for programming. I have Cherry MX Clears on it which I’m a big fan of.”

2. Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional2 (HHKB)

Approx price: $250

What makes this coding keyboard unique is that it uses a Topre switch (i.e., a hybrid between a mechanical spring based switch, a rubber dome switch, and a capacitive sensor), which eliminates key chatter and provides maximum tactility. It is built to last and super high-quality. Nice and compact; easily fits on smaller desks. Amazing choice if you’re looking to make an investment and want something on the small side.

Pros:

• Portable and fun to type on
• No bottom-out noise 
• Incredibly compact size; condenses a standard 101 key keyboard into only 60 keys
• Topre switch provides a very smooth typing experience
• Very quiet
• Contoured frame reduces hand/finger fatigue

Cons:

• Odd/different layout that may take some getting used to
• Steep price tag

Reviews from Reddit:

• One – “A fan favorite of programmers. it uses the old UNIX layout that swaps backspace-\ and CapLck-Ctrl. oh yeah, and no bottom corner keys (Fn is right of right shift). hhkb features topre switches that most ppl seem to love – it’s a tactile rubber dome switch – but some ppl really don’t like…seems to be a semi-acquired taste as far as i can tell.”
• Two – “The biggest drawback for many is the odd layout. I spent 30 years using traditional keyboards but the shift to the HHKB layout didn’t bother me the slightest. For others they can’t stand it and they end up hating it. If you are buying, buy from somewhere you can return it in case it doesn’t work for you.”

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3. Tecware Phantom 87 Key Mechanical Keyboard

Approx price: $45

A good budget mechanical keyboard if you’re just starting out. Comfortable to type on, but some report that the keys feel a little spongy. Hotswap switches so you can customize it later on if you want to. It’s a great starter coder keyboard.

Pros:

• Sturdy; well-built for a budget keyboard
• Medium/heavy overall, won’t slide around
• Hotswap switches (Outemu only)
• Floating key design for easy keyboard cleaning

Cons:

• Switches are scratchy and the springs are crunchy
• Outemu switches produce a pinging sound
• Dull backlight on keys
• Dust particles and fingertip oils are easily seen
• No wrist rest included

A review from Reddit: “It’s a minimalistic looking board (font is kinda ugly), sturdy, the software is pretty straight forward and it is hot swappable (only with Outemu switches) as well. If you just want a cheap mechanical keyboard and don’t mind the ping sound then go for it.”

4. Keychron K2

Approx price: $60

This 75% layout mechanical keyboard is wireless and is white LED backlit. The battery can last up to 72 hours typing. Great for a minimalist workstation as it’s compact and looks great. Easy to travel with.

Pros:

• Classy, professional look
• Comes with two levels of incline
• High-quality aluminum framing
• Great RGB lighting effects

Cons:

• Keys can be a bit wobbly
• Not hot-swappable
• Some report inconsistencies in the sound of the keys
• No wrist rest
• Backlight isn’t the best

Reviews from Reddit: 

• One – “Great no-nonsense tenkeyless keyboard. Available in multiple switches. They also make a low profile version named K1. Simple white backlighting, no need for rbg or any other pointless crap. USB-C, works with windows and Mac.” 
• Two – “If you’re a macOS user, I’d recommend the Keychron K2 with brown switches. Just the right amount of clicky and insanely good travel. Plus, it has both Windows and macOS mapping.” 
• Three– “Have been using the K2 for a while as my daily keyboard – I am a developer, and I love it. I use a standing desk so don’t feel the need for a wrist rest, but if I was sitting all day I would invest in a wrist rest from Amazon.”

5. Koolertron Programmable Split Mechanical Keyboard

Approx price: $128

A programmable split mechanical keyboard with 89 keys. Comes with OEM Gateron Black switches. It’s comfortable to type on, lightweight, and backlit. A great ergonomic mechanical keyboard option. The two separate pieces can move a good distance apart.

Pros:

• Good build quality
• Comfortable; great for ergonomics
• Each side is individually programmable

Cons:

• No wrist rest
• Not hot swappable
• Configuration software can be kind of glitchy
• Many people don’t like the placement of the arrow keys

A review from Reddit: “I’m really happy with my Koolertron split keyboard. I genuinely think that the split keyboard is good for easing shoulder tension, and the mechanical keys feel better on hands/wrists.”

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6. Logitech ERGO K860

Approx price: $130

Another great ergonomic keyboard option. Has a unique curved, split keyframe and sloping keyboard design. Not a mechanical keyboard. Curved wrist rest with memory foam layer. Scooped keys match the shape of your fingertips. Many consider it the best ergo keyboard on the market.

Pros:

• Built for ultimate comfort; unique design is built for ergonomics
• Excellent feel to it
• Durable wrist pad
• Firm, snappy keys

Cons:

• It takes some time to get used to because if you’ve been using traditional keyboards, your muscle memory will have you hitting the wrong key
• Not easy to clean; recommend getting a keyboard protector

Reviews from Reddit:

• One – “Logitech Ergo K860 and a Logitech MX Ergo trackball. Best typing experience I’ve ever had. No more wrist pain.”
• Two – “The ergo positioning does make a difference in comfort and long-term strain, and it also has a wonderful typing experience (better than most keyboards, and better than any other ergo in my personal opinion) and it also is the only ergo I’ve used where I didn’t have to spend a large amount of time adjusting to the different layout vs a regular keyboard (this is due to the shape of the keycaps that Logitech uses). It felt good almost immediately (for me, at least).”

7. Das Keyboard Model S

Approx price: $120

This mechanical keyboard comes with Cherry MX-Brown switches, which many agree are great for coding. Offers an ergonomic and enjoyable typing experience. Many coders say it’s a joy to code with, feels great/comfortable, and is sturdy/high quality.

Pros:

• Built to last; keyboard life up to 50 million keystrokes
• Keys have a nice spring to them
• Helps you build good typing habits
• Sturdy, heavy design

Cons:

• Super high-gloss so easily shows fingerprints, dust, etc.
• The cable has two USB plugs which means you have to plug both of them into your computer if you want to use the USB ports on the right side of the keyboard (say, for your mouse)
• No backlighting 
• No wrist rest/pad

Reviews from Reddit: 

• One – “I love it to death. The mechanical switches are a little louder and take some getting used to (for you and anybody sharing your space), but the button feel is phenomenal. The Cherry MX Browns are soft enough for extended coding session