Skip to main content
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Keyboards for Programming

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Keyboards for Programming

Ergonomics and customizability are just a few of the considerations when you’re choosing a keyboard for programming.

A programmer’s keyboard is an extension of themselves. While a run-of-the-mill membrane keyboard may get the job done, a keyboard with extra features and smoother typing can improve comfort and efficiency while making extended coding sessions more enjoyable.

No two keyboards are built the same, and it’s important to know what to look for when shopping for a keyboard for programming. Read on for our ultimate guide to ergonomics, customization, and our recommendation of the best keyboard for programming.

Jump to a section...

Shop Happy Hacking Keyboard Now

Designed for those who type to live.

Shop Now

The most ergonomic keyboard layout for programmers

The best programming keyboards make ergonomics a number-one priority. Ergonomic keyboards are specifically designed to minimize repetitive strain injuries, either by contouring the keyboard to the natural placement of your hands, or by reducing finger travel while typing. Picking up a 60% compact keyboard is the easiest way to improve ergonomics without having to adjust to a completely different layout. These keyboards remove many of the extra keys you’d find on a typical membrane keyboard, putting the focus on where most users spend the majority of their typing time.

Benefits of smaller size:

  • Shrink keyboard footprint (more desk space)
  • Reduce finger travel
  • Minimize distance between keyboard and mouse
  • Decrease strain on hands and wrists

Did You Know? The HHKB layout repositions the control key to make it easier to execute more time-saving commands without leaving the home row. Click here to learn more.

Will I miss anything on a smaller keyboard?

Ten-key pad

The biggest cut to a 60% keyboard. If needed, pick up a USB ten-key attachment to provide additional functionality when you need it while being easily stowed when you don’t.

Function keys

The entire function row of keys is removed, but most keyboards combine them with the number keys on the top row and allow you to activate them with combination key presses.

Arrow keys

Some keyboards try to cram arrow keys in the bottom right corner of the keyboard by replacing the secondary Alt and Ctrl keys, while others omit them entirely.

Split keyboards and alternate layouts go beyond QWERTY to provide a uniquely ergonomic typing experience. Read What's the Best Keyboard Layout for Programming Ergonomically? for more information.

Customizability is key

If you spend most of your day typing on a keyboard, your keyboard should be pleasant to type on — it’s as simple as that. And there’s no better experience than writing code on a mechanical keyboard that’s specifically tuned to your aesthetic preferences and productivity needs.

Customizable features

Switches

Some keyboards opt for Cherry Blue switches and their trademark click-click-click, while keyboards like the HHKB Professional HYBRID Type-S use virtually silent Topre switches. There’s a wide variety of switch types in between that offer different levels of volume, tactility, and even actuation pressure. Some keyboards require soldering skills if you need to swap out switches on your keyboard, while others are built to be hot-swappable so you can change them out on the fly.

Keycaps

If you get bored with the look of your current keys, swapping them out for a different set couldn’t be easier. Keycaps come in a variety of colors, designs, and even materials. ABS plastic keycaps are less expensive than PBT plastic keys, but are more prone to wear and shine after extended exposure to your skin’s natural oils. Find a set that matches your mood and swap them out in minutes.

Reprogrammable layouts

The best programmer keyboards include software that allows users to fully remap their keyboard layouts. That way, you can build a keyboard that fits fully into your daily programming workflow, without sacrifices.

Check out our guide Are Mechanical Keyboards Good for Programming? to learn more about the benefits of programming with mechanical keyboards.

Macro keys help make coding work easier

User-defined macro keys are one of the greatest assets the best programming keyboard can provide for programmers looking to streamline and improve their day-to-day productivity. Keyboards can handle these additional keys in different ways, whether by providing more than a dozen distinct keys, or using a smaller handful of keys and swappable profiles to give you more versatility on a smaller footprint.

Macro key examples

However they’re implemented, macro keys allow you to set up custom actions that activate whenever pressed and can be used in a variety of ways:

  

Keyboard shortcuts

Do you copy and paste a lot of text throughout your day? Set up a macro for each to reduce multi-finger keyboard use.

Paste code snippets

If you find yourself writing a lot of the same functions or loops and making minor tweaks, set up a macro that pastes the framework for you in a snap.

Automate complex actions

Depending on the software, macros can also be set up like mini-scripts. Open a program, paste in a command, run it, send the results to your printer, then close the program, all with the push of a single button.

For more information on what you should look for in a good keyboard for programming, be sure to read The 5 Best Mechanical Keyboards for Programming.

Did You Know? Customize your HHKB to your liking with different keycap colors, travel bundles, and more. Click here to learn more.

There’s a mechanical keyboard out there for everyone

Whether you’re looking for an unconventional layout, are on a budget, or want something a bit flashy, there’s a programming keyboard out there to suit everyone’s needs.

Things to consider when looking at Mechanical Keyboards

For maximum efficiency

The HHKB Professional HYBRID Type-S makes some small changes to the conventional 60% compact key layout, putting important keys like Ctrl and Delete within close reach of the home row to increase productivity.
 

Unconventional comfort

Split keyboards like the Kinesis Freestyle Pro allow for custom placement on your desk to better match your natural wrist resting angle. Optional palm supports and tenting accessories allow for further ergonomic adjustment.
 

On a budget

While mechanical keyboards can be pricey, good budget keyboards know how to make the right tradeoffs. The EVGA Z15 provides a quality keyboard for programming with a solid feature set for an affordable price. 

RGB lighting

If you want to show off a bit, check out the Corsair K95 Platinum XTand its per-key RGB lighting and near-limitless customization options. 

Read 4 of Best Keyboards for coding for our full breakdown of these keyboards.

The best keyboard for programming: HHKB Professional HYBRID Type-S

If you’re looking for the best wireless keyboard for programmers, look no further than the HHKB Professional HYBRID Type-S.

Dr. Eiiti Wada designed the HHKB in 1996 to solve unique pain points programmers experienced across decades of keyboard redesigns. His solution trimmed extraneous keys and moved the Control and Delete keys closer to the Home row, making typing faster, more efficient, and more comfortable for coders.

 

The HHKB Professional HYBRID Type-S packs a wealth of features into its compact frame. Its electrostatic Topre switches steal the show, providing a quieter, more tactile experience than most mechanical keyboards, and included software allows full keymap customization. Once it’s set up to your liking, connect wirelessly to up to four Bluetooth devices, or directly via USB-C.

Read The 6 Best Keyboards for Programmers and Developers for more good programming keyboard recommendations.

High-quality keys, a compact design, and ample customization options make the HHKB the best keyboard for programmers looking to maximize comfort and efficiency. For a premium upgrade, check out the HYBRID Type-S for whisper-quiet typing action, and discover the full line of HHKB keyboards for more options

Shop Happy Hacking Keyboard Now

Designed for those who type to live.

Shop Now