Being a developer can quickly become uncomfortable without a development keyboard . Indeed, despite the fact that you might appear to be a programmer comfortably seated all day, the reality is quite different, and your wrist and hand will bear witness to this. A developer keyboard will allow you to improve your typing comfort and therefore your productivity.

Obviously, this only applies if you have developer skills, because this programming keyboard won't automatically grant you programming skills . Therefore, we offer this comparison and buying guide to help you choose the best developer keyboard suited to your needs.

Things to know before making a purchase!

• Keyboards for developers can be membrane, chiclet, or mechanical. Mechanical keyboards are generally the most comfortable to type on.
• An ergonomic keyboard with a wrist rest is essential for accumulating hours of programming.
• Some developer keyboards have media keys dedicated to programming, coding, and other developer tasks.

Comparison of the best keyboards for developers!

1. LOGITECH G513: Enjoy a high-performance keyboard

Logitech needs no introduction to gaming enthusiasts. This time, they're offering the G513 mechanical keyboard. Featuring a customizable RGB lighting system with the downloadable Logitech G HUB software, it allows you to personalize the lighting per key with a choice of 16.8 million colors. Equipped with G LightSync technology, this next-generation RGB lighting system is driven by actions performed in over 300 games.

Equipped with GX Browns mechanical switches, these keyboards are designed to optimize your performance and offer exceptional tactile feedback. This keyboard also features a dedicated gaming function to prevent accidental key presses. Twelve additional keys are provided to allow you to get the most out of the keyboard. With a 26-key rollover option, you can customize these keys to save your preferred combinations. 

Designed with an attractive aesthetic and crafted from an aluminum alloy, this keyboard boasts a high-quality finish with a chassis that mimics a brushed metal blade. For added comfort, the Logitech G513 keyboard features a removable memory foam wrist rest that actively and fully returns to its original shape. This durable wrist rest is also sweat-resistant.

The USB passthrough device simplifies connecting accessories like your mouse, flash drive, or phone to the Logitech keyboard for direct data transfer or charging. It's compatible with Windows 7/8/8.1/10 operating systems. And to ensure product quality, the brand offers a 2-year warranty.

The advantages:

• Attractive design and a sophisticated finish;
• High-quality material;
• Solid and durable chassis;
• Provides greater comfort to the user;
• Sensitive mechanical keyboard;
• Better typing experience;
• Customizable per-touch LightSync backlighting;
• Adjustable light intensity;
• Removable foam wrist rests;

The disadvantages:

• Complicated backlight features;
• Limited Logitech Hub software.

2. DAS KEYBOARD 4 Ultimate: Enjoy a unique experience when using it!

The DAS KEYBOARD 4 Ultimate is a mechanical keyboard that stands out from other accessories in its category. It is unique with its original design and unparalleled typing experience, specifically designed for developers and programmers.

A completely blank keyboard; the keys have no keycap markings. The DAS KEYBOARD 4 Ultimate is made with high-quality materials, making it very robust. The keyboard's top panel is made of anodized aluminum. The Cherry MX mechanical key switches are high-performance and provide tactile and audible feedback. They are gold-plated and can last up to 50 million keystrokes. An oversized multimedia control button is located on the right side of the keyboard, allowing the user to quickly adjust the volume and providing quick access to multimedia controls.

The DAS KEYBOARD 4 features a dual-port USB 3.0 hub for fast, wireless data transfer. Transfer speeds can reach up to 5 Gb/s. It is backward compatible with all USB 2.0 and 1.1 devices. For added comfort and to raise the keyboard by 3.1 cm, it is equipped with a magnetically detachable foot bar that also functions as a ruler.

To offer you its advantages and performance, this keyboard boasts broad compatibility, suitable for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux operating systems. It requires no installation or drivers. The keyboard measures 45.8 x 17.3 x 2.03 cm and weighs 1.3 kg. The USB cable is 2 m long with a single USB Type-A connector.

The advantages:

• Attractive and original design;
• Very high quality material;
• Solid structures;
• Precise mechanical keyboard;
• Tactile and audio feedback of the keys;
• Multimedia control button;
• HUB 3.0 ports;
• Fast and simple data transfer;
• Detachable stand;

The disadvantages:

• Nothing to report.

3. Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2 (HHKB): a keyboard specifically designed for programmers

The brand HHKB, also known as Happy Hacking Keyboard, offers a keyboard specifically designed for programmers: the Professional 2 model. Measuring 29.4 x 11 x 40 cm and weighing 530 g, this keyboard boasts an ergonomic and compact design. Comprising 60 keys, its nearly symmetrical layout allows the user's hands to remain within the designated row. This system provides greater precision, reduces wrist and finger fatigue, and optimizes your time.

The keys on this HHKB keyboard are sculpted in a cylindrical shape for improved ergonomics. This design provides greater comfort for your fingers and helps keep your hands on the home row. The key switches feature Topre technology, which eliminates click noise with each keystroke, making them ideal for professional coding and programming. The keyboard has a lifespan of 30 million keystrokes.  

The UNIX system is designed for a better key layout. To delight programmers/developers, the CTRL key is located to the left of the A key, allowing for increased productivity and easier access to the keys.

This Professional 2 model features a dual-port USB 2.0 hub. This makes it easy to connect your various devices to the keyboard. To prevent wrist fatigue, it is equipped with three height adjustments, allowing you to customize it to your liking, and it comes with a 2-year manufacturer's warranty.

The advantages:

• Ergonomic and compact design;
• The keys are almost symmetrical and easily accessible;
• Silent keys;
• Ideal for developers and programmers;
• Key layout designed for greater accessibility and productivity;
• Equipped with a 2-port USB 2.0 hub;
• Keyboard height adjustable to 3 levels;
• 2-year warranty.

The disadvantages:

• Plastic finish;
• No backlighting.

4. RAZER Huntsman Elite: Enjoy optomechanical switches for improved typing

Razer, a well-known brand in the computer industry, presents its Huntsman Elite keyboard, a gaming keyboard perfectly suited for developers and programmers. Featuring a new, original, and sophisticated design, this keyboard measures 44.4 x 14 x 3.5 cm and weighs 860 g. Made with a matte anodized aluminum casing and a plastic chassis, this keyboard boasts an impeccable finish.

Featuring a customizable Razer Chroma lighting system, all four sides of the keyboard are equipped with full RGB LED backlighting and 38 customizable zones. The brand offers 18 levels of brightness adjustment with an option to turn the lighting off completely. Integrated multimedia controls include three buttons and a fourth button topped with a multifunction scroll wheel. Advanced options can be explored via Razer Synapse 3 software.

Razer optomechanical switches feature an integrated optical sensor; each time a key is pressed, the receiver is activated by a light signal for incredibly fast actuation. The switches have a lifespan of approximately 100 million keystrokes. You can save up to 5 profiles to customize your key combinations.

This Razer Huntsman Elite keyboard comes with a magnetic, ergonomic wrist rest. Made with soft, leatherette-like material, it offers enhanced comfort and makes typing more pleasant. It also features customizable backlighting with 20 zones.

The advantages:

• Sophisticated and original design;
• Good manufacturing quality;
• Solid ;
• Reactive switches;
• Good typing quality;
• Multimedia controls;
• Comfortable wrist rest;
• Customizable backlighting;
• Adjustable intensity of light effects;

The disadvantages:

• Thick chassis;
• Non-detachable wrist rest;
• Noisy keys; 
• Razer Synapse 3.0 software required for Chroma features;
• Razer Synapse 3.0 software incompatible with macOS;

5. Corsair K63 Wireless: Choose this small wireless mechanical keyboard that offers optimal performance

The Corsair K63 Wireless is the brand's first wireless keyboard. It shares the same basic design as the wired K63 version. Priced at €193.47, this keyboard boasts an ergonomic and compact design. For added user comfort, it comes with a wrist rest and adjustable tilt. This Corsair K63 Wireless keyboard features individual blue backlighting for each key. You can control the brightness directly on the keyboard without having to use a separate keyboard

Powered by a battery, a long micro-USB cable is included for charging, as well as for wired use. Wireless connectivity is provided via Bluetooth, allowing you to pair two devices simultaneously. You can switch between them by pressing FN+F9/F10.

Measuring 36.6 x 17.3 x 4.1 cm, this keyboard is smaller than the wired K63. The keyboard layout has been redesigned; Corsair has retained the multimedia keys but removed the numeric keypad. Several additional features have been added, including a Windowslock key, a backlight brightness adjustment button, keyboard shortcuts for sleep mode, and shortcuts for navigating Android devices (back, home, overview, and search).

The advantages:

• Good quality overall;
• Ergonomic design;
• Reduced keyboard size;
• Equipped with multimedia keys;
• Smooth and pleasant strike;
• Touch-sensitive backlighting;
• Programmable macro keys;
• Bluetooth connection on 2 devices;
• Long cable for wired use and for charging;
• Anti-ghosting;
• Suitable for gamers and developers;
• Reactive switches;
• Comfortable wrist rest;

The disadvantages:

• Non-customizable backlighting, only available in red;
• Noisy keys;
• Does not have a numeric keypad;
• No RGB lighting;
• Single key switch option
• Fragile wrist rest;
• Lack of lighting synchronization

Who are these keyboards intended for?

As you've probably guessed, these keyboards are designed for developers. These users often work on their desktop or laptop computers for long hours . In addition to prolonged screen time, they are at risk of developing wrist and hand pain (tendinitis, pressure points, etc.), hence the importance of keyboards designed for development that improve typing comfort.

When looking at keyboards for developers, you'll often find that they're actually gaming keyboards. This isn't surprising! Gamers appreciate cutting-edge professional technologies for their video games. While some developers enjoy gaming, many gamers also enjoy development, programming, and coding . This explains why we see programming keyboards with a gaming look.

What are the differences between a standard keyboard and a developer keyboard?

Apart from what we have just stated, one might ask what the major difference is between a standard keyboard and a developer keyboard?

While a developer's keyboard may have dedicated media keys to assist during coding and programming sessions, a computer keyboard is still a keyboard. However, whereas someone might only be interested in office tasks and word processing, and spend only a short time in front of their computer each day, a programmer will need a comfortable and responsive keyboard with high-performance switches and a keyboard layout that allows them to program without experiencing fatigue.

This is what distinguishes developer keyboard standard keyboard designed for office work and short word processing. As you might expect, programming keyboards are more expensive than others, due to the technologies they incorporate.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a developer keyboard?

A developer keyboard has both advantages and disadvantages , and that's what we're going to look at now.

The advantages

The advantages of a keyboard for development are numerous. First, typing comfort is increased thanks to switches . We'll explain what a switch is and how to choose the right one in our buyer's guide. In any case, this keyboard will improve your programming productivity and can also be used as a gaming keyboard if you're interested. As a result, these keyboards are more responsive, and their ergonomics are designed to accommodate wrist rests.

Furthermore, your desk is your workspace, often equipped with a computer and a stylish mouse. Developer keyboards are often RGB, just like gaming keyboards, which is ideal for adding a touch of style to your desktop setup.

The disadvantages

We're telling you , there's no real downside to choosing a developer keyboard . In fact, there would be a problem if you chose one that doesn't meet your needs. For example, you might have chosen a standard-format programmer keyboard with a numeric keypad when you wanted a TKL (tenkeyless) keyboard due to space constraints, or you might have opted for a membrane keyboard when you needed a mechanical one…

Apart from the price of developer keyboards, which can make more than one person blanch, their disadvantages are dictated by the question: Is the programming keyboard I have chosen suitable for my needs?

To ensure you choose the best developer keyboard , we offer this buyer's guide analyzing in detail the technical characteristics of a good development keyboard.

Developer Keyboard Buying Guide

This buyer's guide aims to help you choose a development keyboard computer programming needs , by outlining the technical details and indicating which ones to prioritize when buying a developer keyboard.

The type of key on your keyboard

This is one of the most important purchasing criteria when choosing a PC keyboard for software development. Indeed, choosing the keys you'll press daily determines your typing comfort . The type of keys on your computer keyboard will account for 90% of its price. There are three main types of keys found on developer keyboards (not including virtual keyboards):

• Membrane keyboards
• Chiclet keyboards
• Mechanical keyboards

Remember that a QWERTY keyboard and an AZERTY keyboard are exactly the same except for a few keys. Note that you can switch between them on Windows 10 by pressing ALT+SHIFT.

So what are the advantages of each of these keyboard types for programming? Let's find out right now!

Membrane keyboards

Membrane keyboards are the most common type found on the market. Many developers appreciate this type of keyboard because they started programming and coding on these keyboards. As a result, they value the tactile feedback they developed.

The advantage of membrane keyboards lies in their affordability. They are the least expensive on the market (though not all are low-end) , which will delight those on a budget. Furthermore, unlike their mechanical counterparts, they are quiet keyboards that won't drive you crazy during long programming sessions, something your neighbor or wife will also appreciate.

In any case, these keyboards are the entry-level option available to developers. As such, their durability and response time . These inexpensive developer keyboards might be suitable, but at the cost of reduced typing comfort.

Chiclet keyboards

Highly valued by programmers, chiclet keys are comfortable and quiet. Indeed, you've probably seen them before! These are the famous flat keys often found on laptops to maximize space. These flat keyboards are extremely comfortable, explaining the positive feedback they receive from software developers .

The disadvantages of these keyboard keys are their transmission speed and price. Indeed, they are not responsive and only offer the advantages described above. Furthermore , chiclet keyboards are becoming rare and their typing comfort is very expensive, which is not advantageous.

Unless you consider these keyboards the holy grail for developers, we do not recommend them, as the price-performance ratio is unfavorable for programmer keyboards.

Mechanical keyboards

Mechanical keyboards are the most recommended keyboards for developers on the market. Programmers looking to invest in a high-end keyboard with great durability will inevitably turn to a mechanical keyboard.

Indeed, besides being extremely robust compared to others, these developer keyboards offer exceptional tactile feedback thanks to their switches , providing unparalleled typing comfort. Furthermore, they are extremely responsive with a very low polling rate (in milliseconds).

Transmission speed is the time between pressing a key and the action appearing on the screen. It should be less than 5ms for a good user experience. On a mechanical keyboard, the information is not sent when the key is pressed, but when you begin to press the key.

In any case, there are few drawbacks to mechanical keyboards for developers other than their noise (compared to quieter membrane keyboards) and high cost. However, this is the price of a long-term investment.

The switches

As we briefly mentioned, the switch is a technology present in each key of your keyboard. It's what ensures the transmission speed and typing comfort of your developer keyboard. The most well-known is Cherry MX.

There are 3 categories of switches :

• Click-free linear displays
• Click-and-collect
• Touchscreens with click

Click-free linear displays

More comfortable for some and less so for others, this type of switch on your developer keyboard refers to keyboard keys whose activation pressure is greater or less than normal, such as you having to apply 60g of pressure instead of 50g for example.

Click-and-collect

This is the most popular keyboard switch for development . Here, the force required at the beginning of the movement is greater than that at the end of the movement, providing exceptional feedback and typing comfort.

Touchscreens with click

If you have ever used a mechanical keyboard, you have experienced this type of switch, which is predominant on them.

What size keyboard do you need?

Not all programmers have a small laptop or a large desk, especially since it's often cluttered. The importance of choosing a developer keyboard suited to the space available at home is therefore obvious to many computer scientists and programmers.

Besides ergonomic keyboards with special shapes, we can summarize keyboard formats into 2 categories:

• Classic formats
• TKL formats

The classic keyboard

Standard keyboards are the ones most commonly found in stores. In addition to the standard AZERTY or QWERTY layout, these keyboards for developers are equipped with a numeric keypad , which is very useful for programming or coding.

However, these keyboards for software development take up a lot of space . Therefore, they are difficult to transport and unsuitable for a desk with limited space. This is why many developers will appreciate the TKL format.

The TKL keyboard

Take a standard keyboard and remove the numeric keypad, which is simply a handy shortcut, and you have a TKL keyboard . As you can see, the advantage of this type of keyboard for developers is the significant space it saves next to your desktop computer. Furthermore, a TKL format is easily portable , allowing you to code anywhere, as long as you have a computer nearby.

The ergonomics and design of your keyboard

Some keyboards designed for development have special features, whether purely aesthetic or ergonomic . Regardless of the PC keyboard design you choose, it must be comfortable for your wrist . As a programmer, you spend several hours a day in front of your computer, typing away. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure wrist comfort to prevent joint problems related to your work.

We recommend you choose a developer keyboard with a wrist rest. It's the bare minimum for a computer programmer.

As for aesthetics, that's entirely up to you! Generally, RGB keyboards are very popular . Haven't you ever seen a stunning keyboard with backlighting ? That's RGB. Depending on the developer keyboard you choose, the backlighting may be customizable or not, with the color, brightness, and placement of the backlighting changing. In any case, it's more pleasant to type on a beautiful keyboard .

Our FAQ about developer keyboards

We've addressed many points to help you choose the best developer keyboard , one that provides the typing comfort you need. However, we understand that some questions may still remain. That's why we've created an FAQ section on programmer keyboards to answer them.

Q1 – Which connector should I choose for my development keyboard?

That's a legitimate question. It would be a shame to discover that your developer keyboard isn't compatible as soon as you leave the store and have to go back to buy an adapter. Rest assured, these situations are quite rare, as almost all keyboards sold commercially have the same connector, making them plug and play. This term, originating from the gaming community, refers to computer hardware that you simply plug in for everything to be automated and immediately usable.

Keyboards designed for development are equipped with USB ports , making them very easy to use. Simply plug in your keyboard and it will work.

Q2 – Which is better, a wired keyboard or a wireless keyboard?

In the previous question, we discussed the connectivity of wired developer keyboards . However, many programmers prefer Bluetooth keyboards , which are wireless . To answer your question, let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of these two types of developer keyboards:

• Wired keyboards
• Wireless (Bluetooth) keyboards

Wired keyboards

As their name suggests, these development keyboards need to be connected via cable to function. Most PC keyboards on the market are equipped with a USB connector , allowing anyone to connect their PC without much hassle. But then, what are the advantages of a wired keyboard?

These developer keyboards offer the fastest possible transmission speed . The connection is direct, eliminating latency from wireless adapters or Bluetooth . Furthermore, you won't encounter any unpleasant surprises! These computer keyboards don't require recharging, making them both incredibly convenient and highly durable, as the battery won't degrade over time. These developer keyboards are a reliable choice.

The downside of this type of keyboard? The cable, which adds to the myriad of wires already cluttering your desk. If you're not particularly organized, this drawback is significant and will likely lead many programmers to opt for wireless keyboards.

Wireless keyboards

In contrast to wired keyboards, there are wireless keyboards. Just like PC mice, there are two main types on the market: Bluetooth keyboards and keyboards with adapters . They are essentially the same, except that the latter are easier to connect than the former, but they do require a USB port on your PC.

In any case, these developer keyboards have the advantage of not adding any extra cables to your desk, keeping it completely clean. Furthermore, they're the ideal type of keyboard to take to work, on vacation, or to friends' houses, as the cable won't get in your way in your bag.

The drawback of these keyboards for computer programmers? The much slower transmission speed because the connection to the PC isn't direct. However, these keyboards are most popular with developers who don't need extremely low latency, being more the domain of gamers seeking high performance .

Q3 – Can I use my developer keyboard for something else?

Of course, developer keyboards are generally very similar, if not identical, to gaming keyboards. Therefore, by investing in a developer keyboard , you'll have a multifunctional keyboard for office work, word processing, programming, coding, and gaming. Furthermore, these technological marvels (like mechanical keyboards) will provide you with comfortable typing for all your daily computer tasks. So don't hesitate to use your developer keyboard for other things too!

Q4 – As a developer, should I invest in a mousepad and mouse?

We could tell you that you're obligated to buy one and that it would make keyboard and mouse manufacturers rich, but that's not the case. Unless you're looking to invest in a complete setup to fully equip your desktop computer and ensure optimal comfort, as a developer , there's no point in investing in a large mouse or a high-end mousepad.

Indeed, you are a programmer and your primary tool is your development keyboard. Other peripherals are secondary.

Now, if you want to treat yourself, go for it without hesitation! We were only responding from the perspective of a hardcore developer

Q5 – Which brand should I choose for a developer keyboard?

When you want to invest in a developer keyboard, you can easily get lost given the sheer number of brands and models available within those brands. As with the comparison above, we can offer some guidance. Many programmers appreciate Logitech keyboards. They often started with these and find it hard to switch. Alongside this, there's a more popular brand, especially among gamers, considered the Apple of PC peripherals Razer. Their developer keyboards are excellent, but be aware that the price can be steep.

It is generally towards these 2 brands that one might be tempted to turn and from which you will find very good developer keyboards.

Q6 – What budget is needed for a developer's keyboard?

To ensure a comfortable typing experience , we recommend investing at least €80 . This will guarantee you a durable keyboard you can rely on and type on without any issues.