The keyboard can be any normal output device for people, but it is the most important tool to any programmer; for him, it is more than just a particular device.
There are so many keyboards with different sizes on the market. But for programming, particularly, there is no better keyboard size.
Best keyboard size for programming?
But most programmers tend to prefer tenkeyless keyboards, or %60 keyboard size as these keyboards are more portable and there are no unnecessary multimedia keys. Whereas, full sized keyboards have keys that most programmers don’t need, like function keys, multimedia keys, and even number.
Read more on Quora: As a programmer, which keyboard size you guys prefer for coding?
Does keyboard size matter for programming?
For programmers, the size of their keyboard is not all that matter. Yet how the keyboard performs matters the most. They want something on which typing is easy, it can be of any size, any type, and from any brand like Razer, Steelseries, etc.
Size is just a matter of preference and it can be varied from person to person. Such that, for short-handed programmers keyboard with %60 size will be the best fit while for large-handed people full size keyboard is ideal.
To be more precise with your hand size. That’s to say, if you have shorter hands, a full size keyboard will feel difficult to approach all keys. Similarly, for big hands, a small-sized keyboard is not ideal as the distance between the keys would feel short. They might end up pressing two keys at the same time.
That’s why we are here to help you out in this situation, and we have put a detailed specific guideline that anyone can follow while choosing a keyboard.
What type of keyboard is best for programmers?
Every programmer wants a keyboard according to their own needs and desires. It may fit for one while others have a tough time.
Keyboard style and designs
Every programmer has their preferences regarding the size and style of the keyboards.
Many of them choose Tenkeyless Keyboard as it does not take a lot of space and is easily portable. But, the full-size keyboards have their place. As technology is continuously advancing, the designs of keyboards have also been improvised with time.
Now, programmers get multiple choices;
Split keyboards are the most popular designs among writers, coders, gamers, and programmers. The unique style helps the programmers keep their hands moving in the right gesture.
Read more here: Reddit source
It makes the type a little bit faster than usual. You can choose the design that fits your workplace conditions and maintain your higher convenience.
What should be the layout of a keyboard for programming?
The layout of a keyboard for programming
The arrangement of the keys is known as the keyboard’s layout, another essential factor to be considered before making any purchase.
There are two famous keyboard arrangements,
DVORAK and QWERTY.
- DVORAK is named after August Dvorak, who invented it. This keyboard’s home row finger keys are “a, o, e, u, h, t, n, and s”. Many programmers use this layout for its better ergonomic design.
- QWERTY is the most commonly used layout in all countries. It features “a, s, d, f, j, k, l, ;” as home row fingers.
Why is it important to choose a specific keyboard for programming?
As a programmer, you have to perform different typing and writing tasks with your keyboard. An easy-to-use and advanced programming keyboard lessen the mistakes.
The most comfortable a programmer feels, the most productive he will work.
A keyboard doesn’t directly relate to programming skills, but it can make you fall in love with your job. It has been considered a dress for any programmer; as a programmer, you have to wear it all the time.
A keyboard’s main feature is that it lets the programmers do most of their work without using the mouse; ultimately, it increases the production rate.
Whether you are a programmer, internee, or want to start a programming job keyboard is the must tool. A finest featured keyboard could do much more than just typing. Be specific while buying and follow all the guidelines.
Best keyboard for
Other things to consider when buying a keyboard
Membrane v/s mechanical keyboard
When a newbie enters a market, the jargon’s anxiety hits him. You might have heard about membranes, rubber domes, and mechanical keyboards.
Worry not! We will explain it briefly.
A membrane keyboard comprises a thin polyurethane film to press on a circuit layer while pressing a key. These keyboards are perfect for avoiding keyboard sound, but they do not last long.
On the other hand, the mechanical keyboard has separate switches under every key; which makes the mechanism more reliable.
It gives a better typing experience, improved tactile feedback, and a less stressful working experience. The mechanical keyboard allows you to change the keycaps. You will wonder if its lifespan is measured in decades.
Although membrane keyboards are cheaper than mechanical keyboards, they lack customization options.
Choosing a mechanical keyboard for better response and more customization options from replaceable keycaps to special programmable keys is better.
A mechanical keyboard works on practical aspects, it has springs installed in them, and they produce a pushing effect while pressing the keys. The keyboard has sound, but interestingly, you can control the noise level using different mechanical switches.
Ergonomic
Would you prefer to live in a hotel room which is very comfortable and has all luxuries except the proper lighting?
Nobody wants to compromise on this factor; the same goes for keyboard ergonomics; it should be up to the mark and follow all the protocols. Ergonomics include the size, shape, design, and structure of the keyboard.
A proper ergonomic keyboard can lessen your physical burden. Some keyboards provide unique keyboard shapes and designs.
Wireless
A wireless keyboard is an excellent addition to any programming computer setup, as it lets you place your keyboard in any convenient place.
These features enable the programmer to make a comfortable environment at its place. This can help the programmer from continuous physical strain and improve the production rate.
Look for this distinctive trade when buying a keyboard collection for your programming setup. This would make your workplace more digitalized.
Keyboards attached with Comfortable palm rests
Continuous typing on the keyboard can lead you to have permanent wrist or hand pain. A wrist rest attachment works magically in this scenario.
In specially designed programming keyboards, like Obinslab Anne Pro 2, there are options for palm resting to protect you from stretched wrist or arm. These are going to put your arm in the most comfortable position.
A padded soft palm rest should be your priority to add in your additional Keyboard equipment.
Conclusion
Pay the same level of attention on keyboards as you pay on computers. If you have decided to invest in a specialized programming keyboard, you must choose it wisely.
In the past, programmers were restricted to using the typical computer keyboard or the laptop keyboard, but now they have various options.
This guide tells all the “must-haves” your next programming keyboard needs. By following this guide, you can make the right keyboard selection and make your programming the real fun it ought to be.
