Best Mechanical Keyboards for Programming

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keyboards is nothing less than a weapon for a programmer, Agree?

In fact, a programmer’s performance literally depends on the keyboard which makes it really important for a programmer to get a reliable and high-quality keyboard.

Talking of the keyboards, mechanical keyboards are ideal when it comes to programming. The ergonomic design not only helps you code faster but also avoids many wrist problems like RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury).

There are lot of mechanical keyboards out there in the market, which makes it confusing to pick the best one.

In this ultimate guide, I have shortlisted few top-rated mechanical keyboards for programming to help you make an informed decision.

Without further ado, let’s get started…

Best Mechanical Keyboards For Programming:

These are all the best mechanical keyboards reviewed with their advantages and disadvantages to help you make a better decision.Table of ContentsShow

Best Mechanical Keyboards For Programming

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Redragon K552 Mechanical Keyboard

Best Cheap Mechanical Keyboards for Programming

Some people think mechanical keyboards are expensive, but the Redragon K552 RED LED Backlit is opposite of thisstatement.

This inexpensive mechanical keyboard is not like mechanical feel keyboard, but it’s actually a mechanical keyboard with a small price tag.

Some people think this as an average mechanical keyboarddue to it’s price but this Compact 87-keys performance-driven keyboard comes with Pro features.

The great ergonomic and a space saving design not only provides smooth programming and fluid gaming experience but allows you to do your stuff for longer periods of time without feeling stains in your wrists.

Although the name suggests it’s a gaming keyboard, but it’s all in one mechanical keyboard.

Similarly, the perfect keystroke design makes the keyboard more comfortable as the ultra-durable keys are capable to take 50 million keystrokes and can bear actuation force of 50gf +/- 5gf and the keystroke travel is 2.0mm +/- 0.3mm.

The Redragon offers following features:

  • Solid Aircraft-grade Aluminum ABS construction
  • Compact 87-keys design
  • Plate mounted keys for durability
  • Double-shot injection molded keycaps
  • High-end switches with mechanical ultra-last springs
  • Red LED backlights ( crisp & adjustable )
  • High-Speed USB cable with gold-platted corrosion free USB connectorBox content

What makes this keyboard rigid and long lasting is the metal plate between the switches and the PCB which are also called plate mounted keys which increase the durability of the keyboard for unmeasurable time.

Furthermore, the custom mechanical switches Outemu are designed for longevity and reliability. The mechanical keys offer reasonable resistance, audible click sound, and instant tactile feedback for office and gaming performance.

The Redragon Mechanical keyboard is amazing and typing on it feel like pillow on your fingertips. You will love the sound generated by the clicks. It’s efficiently designed to save space as well as it is lightweight. It gives look and feel like expensive models but this cheap price keyboard is overall a great choice.

Overall, Redragon K522 is an excellent mechanical keyboard which is durable and offers high-quality features like other expensive models but comes in a very small price tag making it a solid investment for your money.

Pros
  • Inexpensive mechanical keyboard
  • Durable
  • Ergonomic design
Cons
  • No cons so far.

CORSAIR K55 Mechanical Keyboard

Best Quiet Mechanical Keyboards for Programming

The second best mechanical keyboard on our list is Corsair K55. This mechanical keyboard is quieter that shares similar features to the High-end models but not their price. It comes in an affordable price tag which allows the gaming enthusiasts and coders to get their hands on it in a reasonable price.

The Corsair K55 uses rubber domes beneath the keycaps instead of mechanical switches due to which the keyboard is also known as membrane keyboard. The use of these rubber domes makes the keystrokes softer as well as quieter. Don’t correlate it with spongy keys because you will still face reasonable amount of resistance while typing or gaming.

Beneath the keycaps are three RGB lighting zones instead of per-key lighting which is expensive. The rubberized domes and floating keycaps with lights beneath them gives an excellent diffused glow.

It’s large in size and has a quality feel and build. The only snag with this mechanical keyboard is the stripe of glossy plastic on the top of the keyboard which highlights as fingerprints and dust magnet but the small price tag justifies this minor issue.

There’s a reasonable distance between keycaps which makes the typing smooth. Above the num pad there’s a set of media keys which allow individuals to change tracks and adjust volume. While it’s not as easy to use as a roller wheel, which you have to bear for this small price tag. On the other hand, these keys are not illuminated as well which can create trouble to increase or decrease volume while gaming in the dark room.

The Corsair K55 boasts six keys on the left side which are used for assigning and executing macros as they are in K95 Platinum Keyboard. These macro keys are excellent in working but they lack the textured faces like the expensive model. You can simply assign macros using a CUE software of a dedicated macro recording button located at the top which is pretty easy.

Furthermore, the K55 comes with a rubberized, detachable wrist rest which not only provides basic support but a nice grip to make the wrists feel comfortable ever after long sessions of gaming or programming.

Aforementioned, the K55 uses Corsair Utility Engine (CUE). This software is available in almost every product by the company and allows you to adjust lighting presets. In the software there’s a drop-down menu which allows you to pick your desired color using a color wheel. If you intend to use software for recording Macros instead of keys you can do that easily.

Overall, Corsair K55 is a reasonably priced RGB gaming keyboard that comes with handful of features and feel as high quality expensive models. If you’re looking for a quieter, comfortable keyboard, K55 is the great option.

Pros
  • Great build quality
  • Better value than its rivals
  • Comfortable to use
Cons
  • Eight-key rollover
  • Font on keys is small

Tecware Phantom 87 Keyboard

Best Budget Mechanical Keyboards for Programming

Tecware Phantom 87 Key is another budget mechanical keyboard that comes with necessary features without breaking the bank.

The Tecware Phantom is a small package that brings functions of a standard gaming keyboard and offers a series of customizable RGB settings on it.

The plastic body with gunmetal alloy back makes it solid and durable. The legs at the back of the keyboard allows you to set the keyboard angle for your comfort. It also brings a set of replacement switches in case one or two of your keys goes dead.

Unlike the above keyboards we reviewed, this one lacks output ports, volume dials, or macro keys. You might need to use the wrist wrest because the keys on this keyboard are set too high up to comfortable rest your wrists on the table.

The function key on the Tecware Phantom allows you to perform several actions including volume adjustment, or open your control penal, calculator, web browser.

Below the keys are the RGB lights, which are elevated up on the switches. The lights shine clearly, thanks to the dark transparent material on the keys. But a downside of this material is the when RGB is turned off, it becomes difficult to differentiate between buttons. If you have QWERTY background that’s cool, if don’t then you will be only seeing the function keys or the RGB keys. In other words keys becomes invisible but that’s not that bigger problem if you mostly use the keyboard with RGB lights turned on.

Some people might struggle to read the font on the keys because it’s has science fiction sort of aesthetic. But that’s the issue with RGB turned off, which shouldn’t be a problem for you because if you are getting a mechanical keyboard, then the major reason of doing this is the RGB lighting. So not a problem until you are using the keyboard with RGB turned on.

The RGB lights are amazing, and they really add fun to your computer desk. There are 18 different LED models which start illuminating as soon as you hit the FN mode keys. They emit a solid color but as soon as you hit the keys, you can start seeing color ripples originating from the keys you press. If the full color makes your uncomfortable, you have option to choose your desired color out of 87 different colors.

Once you understand the instructions, you can modify lights easily. The instructional booklet that comes with the keyboard helps you learn everything about the keyboard allowing you to make possible changes with different modes of the keyboard.

Unlike other models, tecware phantom doesn’t comes with any software. You can visit the official website to get the required program which is really not going to be an easy thing. The real advantage is that you can customize everything form the hardware instead of using any kind of software.

Furthermore, the keyboard performs well in functionality. The response to keys is quick and never bogs down. You can use regular functions and added functions for your desired changes.

Overall, Tecware Phantom is an affordable, beautiful and customizable mechanical keyboard that offers large array of RGB colors and decent functions. Although it lacks software and some important features but the price tag justifies this. If you’re looking for massive gaming keyboard that looks like a console of an airplane, it’s an ideal option

Pros
  • 87 RGB light colors
  • Fully customizable
Cons
  • Lacks USB ports
  • Lacks macros keys

E-Element Z-88 RGB Keyboard

Best Gaming Mechanical Keyboards for Programming

The E-Element Z-88 is a water-resistant, 81 Keys Anti-Ghosting RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard for PC and Mac.

The E-Element comes with custom mechanical switches which are particularly designed for longevity,

responsiveness, and durability. You are definitely going to get the best tactile typing experience either gaming or programming. Similarly, the keystrokes are bit quieter than the blue switches, but louder than the red switches.

The best part about this keyboard is that you can use multi-keys to get your work done at high-speed and quickly. Each key is controlled by independent switch which provides smooth gaming experience and allows you to play high-grade games by giving you’re the fast response.

This mechanical keyboard is built with over-engineered ABS and metal material. The matte-finish texture and gold plated USB connector not only makes the keyboard look and feel good but also keeps the keyboard working for years. There’s is no compatibility issue with the keyboard as it works with almost any windows including Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10.

There are function keys at the top of the keyboard which allows you to perform certain tasks in a snap like opening a calculator, email, web browser, or adjusting volume.

The ergonomic design of the keyboard makes it an invaluable asset for programmer. The stepped keycap not only increases the look of the keyboard but the slope fit your hand which ultimately prevents wrist strains or injuries.

Overall, E-Element Z-88 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is top-notch with colorful backlighting and nice tactile feedback. The great build and amazing key platform makes it an ideal choice for gaming and office work.

Pros
  • Long-lasting
  • Best-budget
  • Ergonomic design
Cons
  • No customization available
  • Louder

Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2 Keyboard

Best RGB Mechanical Keyboards for Programming

Mechanical keyboards produced by Razer are fairly synonymous with PC gaming, this latest model is one of them.

Razor is a well-known brand for making peripherals and they made keyboard with three different flavors of proprietary switches, but today I will be discussing a less-clicky but linear yellow option.

The Blackwidow Chroma V2 is a full size gaming keyboard which feel bulky due to the understated metal deck. The excellent build quality and the sturdy construction allows it to withstand serious beating. Below the matte-black keycaps there are per key RGB lighting and Razer’s yellow switches.

These yellow switches are much faster and smoother compared to Cherry MX Reds and Cherry MX Speed switches. They are as quick as 1.2mm actuation point. Though the speed is good but they sound like a typewriter which is noisy.

There are five macro keys located at the left side of this keyboard. They are easily programmable but are located much closer to the basic keys which can cause accidental presses. You can simply record macros on-the-fly by using function-based key press.

Furthermore, this keyboard gives an excellent lightshow. The bright light is adjustable with Function key press. There are breathing, static, and color wave presets which looks fantastic.

The Chroma V2 boasts a USB 2.0 and 3.5mm audio pass-through. You can connect mice and other peripherals and headset with your keyboard.

The best part about Chroma V2 is the nice wrist rest. The included wrist rest is perfect for those who spend most of their timing programming, writing or gaming.

The Chroma V2 comes with Razer Synapse software which allows you to update firmware, setup macros, assign color settings and more. The beauty of this software is that you can save all your configurations and use them for any Razer device using cloud.

Overall, the Razer Blackwidow Chroma V2 is an awesome keyboard that offers excellent RGB lighting, great design, and speedy proprietary switches. Using this keyboard you can effectively do your work and can play games continuously with the nice wrist rest design which makes this keyboard an ideal choice.

Pros
  • Great software for customization
  • Bright RGB lights
Cons
  • Key strokes make noise

SteelSeries Apex M750 Keyboard

Best Mechanical Keyboard for Programmers

The Apex M750 is a top-notch gaming keyboard that comes with great lighting and reasonable price. The SteelSeries Apex M750 shares similar features to some top gaming keyboards and that’s why it’s commonly used by the gamers and programmers.

This mechanical keyboard has nice design and dazzlingly lights. Similarly, the floating keycaps makes it easy to clean the keyboard but they can also pop out accidentally and underneath them is the lighting effect that is visible throughout the keys.

Steel Series Engine allows you to customize the lights like simple static lighting, lighting effects and separate key colorization. Instead of using load of RGB colors, this keyboard offers great aesthetic element for your desk.

The unique and nice design with a dark aluminum backplate under keycaps makes it withstand tough typing situations.

On the side there are small metallic plates but nothing related to the visual design that would make this keyboard out of place in an office.

Compared with some high-end mechanical keyboards, this one is a bit noisy.

Similarly, there’s a small issue with lighting as well. The keycaps are illuminated by an LED above the keyswitch, the illuminated key isn’t uniform.

The cable has no routing underneath so it sticks out the backside of M750. The bottom of M750 has swappable rubber feet allowing you to adjust the angle, instead of foldable legs.

The SteelSeries Engine software allows you to customize lighting and using the per-game lighting profiles, you can customize lights for each game you play. Furthermore, it brings some pre-built profiles for some popular games like Overwatch, PUBG, Rainbow Six Siege, and many other. The beauty of these profiles is that they illuminate only those keys which will be used for the game.

Overall, The SteelSeries M750 is an outstanding keyboard with amazing lighting, solid construction and great performance. If you can ignore the noise generated by the keys then this mechanical keyboard is a solid choice for you.

Pros
  • Customizable lights for each game
  • User-friendly software
  • Ergonomic design
Cons
  • Key caps make noise
  • Keys can pop out accidentally

E-Element Z-77 RGB Keyboard

Best Durable Mechanical Keyboards for Programming

The RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard has great design, bright LEDs and nice colors. It’s easy to use, direct plug and play without any drive. It also brings a keycap puller which makes it easy to clean and doing maintenance.

It comes with N-Key Rollover to make multiple keys work simultaneously. The RGB LED backlit Chroma Dimmable means it has 10 backlight mode which you can shift with FN+1-5 without any driver. You get clicky and tactile feedback with Blue switches. Compact design saves lot of space on your desk. Easily accessible function keys to access calculator, browser, volume, media etc. Works with Windows Vista, XP, 7,8,10 etc.

Overall, this keyboard has great design, sturdy build and switches are responsive which is almost everything a programmer looking for. If you are looking for something that is durable and efficient E-Element Z-77 is a solid investment for you.

Pros
  • Smaller in size
  • Key profile:4.0+/-0.2MM
  • Key strength:60+/-15g
  • 12-months warranty
Cons
  • Noisy

ROSEWILL NEON K51 Keyboard

rosewill neon k51 Review

Exclusively, here in this blog for best gaming keyboard reviews and buyers guide 2020. I am going to review ROSEWILL NEON K51 – Hybrid Mechanical RGB Gaming Keyboard which is too much famous for its super quality and best compatibility with all gaming gears.

RoseWill Neon k51 is a top listed mechanical hybrid key board in cheap price which available all over the globe. The Neon k51 comes in both white and black colors featuring the amazing RGB back lights. Some of the key point’s one should know before buying this worthy RGB backlight gaming keyboard are listed here below:

  • K51 is a Hybrid Mechanical switch gaming keyboard
  • It’s a mechanical typing keyboard or known as Mem-chanical Gaming Keyboard
  • 100 percent modern anti ghosting technology is used in RoseWill Neon k5.
  • You can enjoy 8 different RGB backlights colour patterns / effects
  • Multimedia keys which are multi-function too
  • Arrow key and WASD exchange keys
  • Ergonomic and elegant keyboard design one will love to play with
  • Fine quality plastic key having nonslip rubber fleet
  • Best gaming keyboard under 500 with RGB backlights.

RossWill Neon K51 Mem-chanical Gaming Keyboard

You will get unique typing experience with its revolutionary mem-chanical switches. This is not only more tactful while typing but it also add durability and reliability of use. The perfect RGB backlights combination and overall excellent value will stand out in any gaming battle by dominating your player.

Hybrid gaming keyboard

RoseWill Neon k51 is great value hybrid gaming key board with RGB backlights only because of its Hybrid Mem-chanical Key Switches. So, by this you can experience hybrid gaming keyboard on your membrane typing panel. Another good feature it the removable key-caps for your keys. In this way you can customize your gaming controls with this gaming gadget. By this you will get more flexibility of use.

The 19 key anti ghosting technology and easy access of media on fly is another edge over different brands best gaming keyboards with RBG backlights. Cutting the story short, ROSEWILL NEON K51 – Hybrid Mechanical RGB Gaming Keyboard is the only recommended gaming keyboard option picket from the pool of hundreds of option. This is because of excellent gamer’s review, cheap affordable price and unmatchable value. So go for it and glow with this amazing unit of RGB backlight gaming keyboard

Pros
  • Best gaming keyboard under 50
  • 8 different backlight effects
  • Removable key caps
Cons
  • White colour gets dull some time when used rough

Das Keyboard 4 Mechanical Keyboard

Best Computer Mechanical Keyboards for Programming

The Das Keyboard 4 Root Cherry MX Mechanical keyboard comes along with numerous new features. It is a package of classy look and perfection with 104-key layout. People who are familiar with Das offering will definitely look into new over-sized volume knob and dedicated media controls located on the top right corner just above the number pad.

Key Features:

  • Keyboard Dimensions: 18”
  • x 6.8” x 0.8” (when not elevated)
  • Keyboard Weight: 2.9 lbs
  • Cherry MX switches along with gold contacts
  • Two-port USB 3.0 excellent hub
  • Dedicated media control with over-sized volume button and
  • instant sleep button to save battery
  • Full NKRO ( n-key rollover) support over USB
  • Extra thicker 6.6 feet USB cable
  • 105-key UK and 104-key US layout
  • Anodized aluminium made top panel
  • Magnetic detachable foot-bar

Media controls include play, forward, rewind, fast-forward buttons and another button to put computer on sleep mode. And the tiny blue LED lights indicate the status of scroll lock, caps lock and num lock. As compared to previous iteration this one has 1.8mm powder-coated aluminium top panel. The matte black finishing keeps it clean as well as provides improved durability.

When it comes to features the Das Keyboard has laser-inscription and new font design for increased readability. However, both Cherry MX blue and Cherry MX brown use black thermoplastic key-caps. Both models have some common features, for example, 2mm of pre-travel, 4mm of total travel, 50-milion auction operating life and less than 5ms bounce time.

Due to added durability the gamers will definitely appreciate full n-key rollover USB support. By default this feature is disabled to provide full-host system compatibility but can be toggled again by pressing shift + mute. It has two 3.0 USB hubs which are backward compatible with 2.0/1.1 USB devices. So, it is suggested to use 3.0 USB port on computer to get this hub function at full speed.

When it comes to connectivity than this product comes along with 6.6 feet long non-removable USB cable. The cable is the most thicker that I have ever seen— no need of drivers, just connect it with your Windows, Mac, Chrome or Linux system.

The bottom layer is made of formed thermoplastic which is attached with aluminium panel by hex screws. The four rubberized feet on the corners never let the keyboard to slide over the surface. And instead of feet the Das comprises the detachable magnetic footbar that inclines the board up to 4 degrees.

Pros
  • Includes Soft switches
  • 2- USB ports
  • Sturdy construction
  • Long lasting performance
Cons
  • No cons so far.

EagleTec KG010-N Keyboard

Best Mechanical Keyboard for Programming

The keyboard with the actual mechanical switches at the reasonable cost might be the dream of every Gamer. Obviously, only a premium Gaming PC can’t bring fun if you don’t have the right keys to have control over your video games.

EagleTec KC010-N is one of the budget choice to avail. This feature-rich keyboard seems like the double cost than its real one, due to its sheer number of features. It also includes all those features that come along the high-end Gaming keyboards.

The Construction and the design of EagleTech KG010-N are unlike other inexpensive gaming keyboards. The Feature of the mechanical switches is incorporated within this model, which has more longevity relative to other keyboards. For having a Comfortable typing position, it is highly praised one.

EagleTec KG010-N works even for those who don’t have any concern with the gaming. Its n-Key rollover feature makes it compatible to input all the keys that you have entered without missing anyone. The claim is that no matter how much keys you have pressed in a second it will cover all of them. It keeps your fingers dancing on the keyboard without any obstacle. This feature makes it to be useful even in the offices for other than gaming.

A gaming keyboard without the Backlit keys does not exist in this world. Even the backlit are the most important features that bring more attractiveness into the keyboard. EagleTEC KG010-N also has the backlit keys, but the light is static and of the same color. Still, the metal design and the static blue light keys combination makes it look more appealing and better from many. We prefer this because the pattern light keys make the distraction and reduce the performance level of the player.

It falls under the category of 104-Keyboard. Some additional keys are not included on the keyboard like Macro which is helpful in elevating the performance of the player. Moreover, the media keys don’t have their extra space on the board, but the function keys can be used for Media.

These might be the deal breaker for many, but the presence of other premium features under this price tag is hard to find. It has almost all the possible features that come with the expensive one if you are on the tight budget but still looking for the feature-rich, durable and responsive gaming keyboard. Here’s your stop, you can’t get the least expensive keyboard with the features that EagleTec KG010-N has.

Pros
  • N-Key Rollover
  • Great lighting
  • Nice design
Cons
  • Key strokes are loud

Razer Ornata Chroma Keyboard

Best High-Quality Mechanical Keyboards for Programming

Razer is one of the best companies in the world when it comes to making high-quality computer accessories.

This keyboard is the finest and affordable device from this company.\ If you want a good and comfortable experience of typing, you should go for this one.

Let discuss its some cool feature that you surely want to know.

BASIC FEATURES

  • Mecha-Membrane Technology: Most of the keyboards have traditional membrane technology that is good, but sometimes it gets defected, and you face a problem when pressing keys.\ This technology is the combination of both gaming and traditional keyboards. So that you have a smooth experience of typing.
  • Shorter Key-Caps: Shorter the key-caps, faster the typing you get. This is claimed by the company that their shorter key-caps are more suitable and faster for typing.\ So this keyboard is surely a good choice for that person who wants to type faster.
  • Padded Wrist Rest: Wrist rest is one of the notable things in this keyboard. Razer provides you big padded wrist rest that is attached to the front of the keyboard.\ So when you want to give some rest to your hands, this wrist rest will give you comfort.
Pros
  • Big Padded Wrist Rest
  • Affordable Price
  • Shorter keycaps
Cons
  • Features are limited

HyperX Alloy Origins Keyboard

Best HiperX Aloy Mechanical Keyboards for Programming

This is the new mechanical keyboard of HyperX. Its clean and aesthetic look made it one of the best midrange mechanical keyboards right now. The basic feature of this keyboard is its RGB lighting.

You have full control over the lighting effects of this keyboard. You can turn them On, Off, Dim, Bright, whatever you want to do. Its gaming mode feature is pretty useful for gamers out there.

Here are some of its mind-blowing features that you should know.

BASIC FEATURES

  • RGB Mode: One of the features of this keyboard is RGB mode. You can have full access to the lighting of this keyboard by installing its software “HyperX Ngenuity” This software allows you to control its lighting effects. You can turn them on or off. You can make Dim, or you can have brighter lights. You just need to install the software and have full control over your keyboard.
  • Gaming Mode: This software also allows the user to take full control over the gaming mode. Users can switch this keyboard from simple to gaming mode and enjoy the best gaming experience you have ever had. Moreover, you can use this software to assign macro keys to get the required results in gaming.
Pros
  • Best RGB experience
  • Unique gaming mode
  • Portable design
Cons
  • Little Expensive

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum Keyboard

Best Premium Mechanical Keyboards for Programming

If you want any keyboard that has premium features and looks, I must say this is the keyboard that you are looking for.\ Its attractive aluminum finish leaves you speechless when it comes to the design of this keyboard.

Glowing neon lights all around its casing and giving this keyboard a mind-blowing look.\ The list of amazing features of this keyboard is given below.

BASIC FEATURES

  • Aluminum Build:One of the main highlights of this keyboard is its body. It is made of aluminum. That makes this keyboard lightweight.
  • Additional Macro Switches:It comes with the additional macro switches on the left side of the keyboard. You can easily set them up by using the software released by the company.
  • Rubber Wrist Rest:The rubber wrist rest is also attached to the front side of this keyboard. So whether it is on the table or on your lap, your palms will get comfort.
Pros
  • Stylish Aluminum Finish
  • Rubber Wrist Rest
  • Handy Macro Switches
Cons
  • Rubber Wrist Rest gets scruffy quickly

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