12mo ago

What keyboard you recommend for coding?

Most keyboard reviews are about gaming. Can any of you recommend a good keyboard for coding/programming?

Here's some criteria for selecting the keyboard:

Comfortable keys, easy to click and write coding quickly
Must be a bluetooth keyboard
Prefer using replaceable batteries instead of charging port
Full keyboard keys including function keys, arrow keys and numpad
Size can be compact or full-sized
Doesn't matter if back-lit or not
Doesn't matter if loud or quiet clicks
Budget around USD 50

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30 comments

I have been using "gaming" keyboards for coding for ~10 years now. The only thing to be wary of imo, is keebs that have "extra customizable keys" on them and break conformity from a standard layout. Depends on the device, but Logitech will call them "G keys", for example, and often stick them on the far left of the board, left of tab/caps/L shift. Makes life a lot more difficult if not gaming.
Outside of that, I think calling something a "gaming" keyboard is more of a marketing tactic to up the price. It's hard to not recommend mechanical, but that sounds out of budget and often hard to do wireless/bluetooth, but personally I think mech is the top priority.
What I have seen a lot of peers do is wait to see whatever keyboard the get in office, then buy the same one for home for consistency, rather than dragging a personal one back and forth. Often companies will offer basic boards like logitech K270, K350, or K650. Not amazing, not terrible, and most likely fit in your described criteria.
- I like your comment. Reasonable feedback to recommend logitech K650 fits nicely into my needs. Going to explore if there are more choice just like this keyboard.
  Thanks for your insight. Gonna avoid the G keys Logitech keyboard.
  
  Actually, I have it the other way around. I bought the same keyboard I use at home for work as well. Imagine, you have to switch employers and get a new keyboard in the office. A nightmare!
  I am using a Planck keyboard (40% of the keys a regular keyboard has). This is way outside your 50,- €$£ price range, but I think, it is worth it: Fully customizable key layout and different more silent switches for work.
  I never would go wireless for a keyboard that is not connected to a TV. That reminds me, that I hate the mouse I have to use at work, it is wireless! I guess I buy a second G203 for work, too (without RGB). [=

30 comments