Keyboard for a Developer
What keyboard would you recommend for a programmer? Typing is incredibly important to me; it is my livelihood, and that requires a high-quality keyboard.
The last keyboard I bought was this Genius model: Genius GX Gaming Scorpion K10. It wasn’t the worst; I liked that it required a heavier actuation force (which suits me since I tend to make typos with too light of a touch), and it had various backlighting options. But in the end, it was a cheap Genius and lasted me about a month. (I expected a bit more, but it was a €20 keyboard, so I won’t go crazy over it.)
I decided that this time I would buy something better… I heard somewhere that mechanical keyboards are the best, but I know absolutely nothing about them. I have no idea which switch – Cherry MX Red, Romer-G, Kailh, Razer, etc. – would best fit my requirements. I also want it to actually last.
I have no idea what Anti-ghosting or other gamer features are. I am not a gamer (I only play games about once every six months), but I will probably buy a gaming keyboard anyway because they are backlit, and generally, the highest-quality keyboards are built for gamers.
Requirements:
- Mechanical keys – I don’t even know exactly why I want a mechanical one, but I read somewhere that they are of much higher quality, so I want to try it out.
- Backlighting – either RGB with customizable colors, or static white/blue.
- Heavy actuation force – required for my typing style.
- High key travel
- Numeric keypad
- Menu key (some keyboards omit this, but I absolutely need it)
- Price under €80 - €90 (I am willing to pay more if there is a solid argument for a higher price point)
- Wired/Wireless – wired is preferred since I don’t move it around and don’t want to worry about charging.
- Durability – should last at least half a year.
- Larger Enter key – preferred, but I can adapt to a smaller one (I’ve typed on them before and got used to it).
- Layout – US English preferred, but Slovak is fine too.
- Reputable brand – I want to avoid cheap keyboards assembled from discarded components.
Currently deciding between:
- Dell Alienware Advanced Gaming Keyboard AW568
- Logitech G413 Silver US
- Ozone Strike Pro Black US
- Razer Ornata Chroma
But I am no expert in this area, and it is entirely possible that I am not looking at the best options.
