Top Keyboards for Software Developers on a Mac

In this video, I’ll review the best keyboards for Mac-using software developers. You'll see top picks like the Apple Magic Keyboard, NuPhy Air75, Keychron K2 V2, Logitech MX Mechanical Mini, and Logitech MX Keys for Mac. I'll share what I think about their feel, design, and cool features for software developers.
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🎥 Video edited by Mark Bacskai: / bacskaimark
🔖 Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:16 Disclaimers
2:01 Price
2:43 Keyboard feel and sound
6:46 Keyboard layout
8:04 Important things in layout for software development
10:42 Connectivity
11:12 Customization
12:06 Other options
13:01 Final thoughts
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Пікірлер: 58

  • @ArjanCodes
    @ArjanCodes3 ай бұрын

    💡 Get my FREE 7-step guide to help you consistently design great software: arjancodes.com/designguide.

  • @ivancazzamali4508
    @ivancazzamali45083 ай бұрын

    the correct answer is "any split ortholinear keyboard with configurable firmware", in my opinion

  • @FeanaroKurufinve

    @FeanaroKurufinve

    3 ай бұрын

    not column-staggered?

  • @murtadha96

    @murtadha96

    3 ай бұрын

    100% spot on my friend

  • @PerisMartin

    @PerisMartin

    3 ай бұрын

    This! Although that would be a very short video xD

  • @finkle131

    @finkle131

    3 ай бұрын

    Agreed! Tbh the focus that a lot of people seem to put on key sound and feedback is a bit weird to me. There are so many other aspects to a keyboard that have a much bigger impact on ergonomics and efficiency!

  • @rogershermanmusic

    @rogershermanmusic

    3 ай бұрын

    Yuss! I use the ergodox ez and the Voyager (from the same company).

  • @twentytwentyeight
    @twentytwentyeight3 ай бұрын

    Ohhh love the variety of content lately ❤❤

  • @ArjanCodes

    @ArjanCodes

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoy it!

  • @janik6n
    @janik6n3 ай бұрын

    My current favourite is the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini. I love how it feels to type, I like the sound and the ability to switch between devices is important. Also the battery seems to last well for my needs.

  • @devanshkanda9618
    @devanshkanda96183 ай бұрын

    Much needed video!

  • @ArjanCodes

    @ArjanCodes

    3 ай бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it, Devan!

  • @banjohead66
    @banjohead663 ай бұрын

    I finally landed on the Das Keyboard 5QS and, for me, it feels great!

  • @xcuu
    @xcuu3 ай бұрын

    I’ve been using the Glove80 for a couple of weeks. Still getting used to it, but I can see I’ll end up liking it more than regular keyboards.

  • @NealD
    @NealD3 ай бұрын

    Been using a MS split keyboard for a good 25 years. By far the best feel and wrist angle. You can use them till all the letters are worn off. They only break with you hit them hard or spill coffee/beer into them.

  • @murtadha96
    @murtadha963 ай бұрын

    Wait... all those and not a single split ergonomic keyboard? ZSA Voyager should be at the top of any list of keyboards for programmers.

  • @kevinrenskers

    @kevinrenskers

    3 ай бұрын

    Is there something like that except wireless, can switch between multiple devices, and ships from Europe? 😅

  • @toolworks

    @toolworks

    3 ай бұрын

    @@kevinrenskers Dygma Defy, but its not cheap

  • @mrrobotman5299
    @mrrobotman52993 ай бұрын

    I love my MX Keys for home use because I can swap between connected machines (personal, work) at the push of a button. I also really like my Logitech M750 that I have in the office. It's solar powered so it never needs a new battery.

  • @JonBrookes
    @JonBrookes3 ай бұрын

    A year or so back I went for logitech in your list of possibles, it was life changing for me. Travel on keys I likey very muchy and as it works well with windows and mac. I use a logitech mouse as you mentioned, both mouse and keyboard can switch between up to 3 devices via bluetooth, which is another fantastic thing to have and one which I use daily multiple times. such a nice segway to your design guide, that was laugh out loud funny. Thanks for the Friday pick me up.

  • @felix-chromecast
    @felix-chromecast3 ай бұрын

    Big shift key left is a keyboard layout issue rather than a keyboard brand or manufacturer issue. On my Macbook laptops I have picked the “US (=ansi)” keyboard, rather than the ISO keyboard which is default for Dutch laptops and keyboards sold in Europe. It’s the big shift key. They are available, but you have to look closely. Thanks for an entertaining variation from the usual (also great) content.

  • @brandonhouse7446
    @brandonhouse74463 ай бұрын

    I always worry about straying too far from a "normal keyboard". I don't want to wind up situation where I don't have access to something eccentric and then have to retraining my brain.

  • @finkle131

    @finkle131

    3 ай бұрын

    Before switching to something eccentric, as you say (a 34-key stripped down zsa moonlander with colemak dh) I had the same worry. But experience showed that switching back and forth between that and a normal qwerty board was actually never an issue.

  • @olearydj
    @olearydj3 ай бұрын

    I've been using the NuPhy Air75 v2 with wireless high polling rate connection. It is my favorite after using all the ones you covered, except the Keychron. I have a Gem80 on order and look forward to getting the TKL layout and some gaps between my F1 and Esc keys. I expect it will be my new favorite, but the Air75 v2 is, I think, the best widely available, non-custom, mechanical keyboard available at a consumer friendly price.

  • @ksrsundar
    @ksrsundar9 күн бұрын

    I'm a keyboard addict, I have been addicted to Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 at my workplace and still unable to give up that keyboard. I have used other keyboards, but the wavy shape of that keyboard is no match. For long typing sessions, I find that the wrist rest, padding helps a lot. I also tried the logitech k850 and mk825 combo, felt that was good too. Yet to try a mechanical keyboard.. Will post after my nuphy arrives..

  • @GOTHICforLIFE1
    @GOTHICforLIFE13 ай бұрын

    Recommend covering ergonomic keyboards. A lot of RSI struggles in the software developer space, which makes it very relevant.

  • @rightsdriven
    @rightsdriven3 ай бұрын

    Whatever you do, make sure you use a language version that actually has the keys you need for the languages you use. Having to use key combinations for things like {[]} or | is a right royal pain on any keyboard. My laptop has a German keyboard because I had to buy it quickly and in Germany, so I travel with a US layout Cherry keyboard I snagged somewhere from a bin and cleaned.

  • @jace3789
    @jace37893 ай бұрын

    Does Nuphy75 have UK options? There didn't seem to be any options.

  • @gavintillman1884
    @gavintillman18843 ай бұрын

    I'm keen to get the NuPhy but it's not sold directly in the UK, though there are ways of getting one - some used ones on Amazon for example - and I think it's only available in ANSI.

  • @BartDorlandt
    @BartDorlandt2 ай бұрын

    It might not be for everyone, though I do love my typematrix Dvorak layout keyboard. The beauty is in the aligned keys. With the enter, backspace and delete in the center, where your strong fingers are! (There is also the qwerty and other layouts)

  • @psadi_
    @psadi_3 ай бұрын

    i prefer Keychron k8 Pro (80% Layout) i just need the arrow/home,insert keys to be separated.

  • @MicheleHjorleifsson
    @MicheleHjorleifsson3 ай бұрын

    I have had Keychron K4 on 3 machines here in my home office and i love the feedback from the keys but the keys are tight together leading to typos (even after 2 years of using em) and the arrow key placement is HORRIBLE. Going to look at Logitech MX Keys next.

  • @theashen
    @theashen3 ай бұрын

    Having tried many, many keyboards, I’ve ended up using MX Keys in all my setups. In the end it just feels really good, it’s quiet and it works really well.

  • @piyh3962

    @piyh3962

    3 ай бұрын

    It has 15x the battery life as all the others, that's what sold it for me

  • @walid7189
    @walid71893 ай бұрын

    Hello Arjan! I think we're like-minded about this, so I do recommend you check this out: I have been using the old K2 for years too (as a work from home keyboard), and recently swapped to the FEKER ALICE 80. The downside of it is that it doesn't have the F keys. But you might not use them directly as I do.

  • @AaronLance
    @AaronLance3 ай бұрын

    I don't know how it works with the other keyboards, but the Logitech MX Keys has three buttons to switch between multiple PCs on separate monitors (for example, a Linux server with a MacBook on one side and Windows laptop on the other or any other combination. It works a lot like Synergy+, with hardware instead of software, so you can move the dongles around pretty easy. I use it with a personal laptop and work laptop, so I can switch back and forth seamlessly with one keyboard and mouse. I found it works best using three unifying USB dongles instead of Bluetooth, but it can use either The Logitech MX Master mouse can be set up to switch automatically by moving the cursor between monitors. The feature is called Logitech Flow. The Logi Options+ software has to be installed and the feature enabled for Flow to work. They devices also have to be on the same network, since that's how it allows the PCs to communicate switching. Even if you only occasionally use a keyboard and mouse for troubleshooting, it's a good option to move a spare unifying receiver dongle around instead of needing a spare keyboard and mouse.

  • @regularSenseAppeal
    @regularSenseAppeal3 ай бұрын

    Been using the wired mac numeric keyboard for 15 years. Have it at work, at home and in the summerhouse. Highly unlikely that I'll ever change. Tried the magic keyboard for a while but backtick sits wrong, so it had to go.

  • @OldManDeej
    @OldManDeej3 ай бұрын

    Been using a Filco Majestouch 2 TKL (browns) for many years. My only regret was not buying it sooner..

  • @nilsmach6399
    @nilsmach63993 ай бұрын

    The game changer for me was to use a split keyboard (Moonlander). Because I have broad shoulders and with a normal keyboard my hands are abnormal rotated that leads to carpal tunnel syndrom.

  • @joelffarthing
    @joelffarthing3 ай бұрын

    Kinesis Advantage 360!!

  • @teprox7690
    @teprox76903 ай бұрын

    I think the most important thing is to get used to the keyboard you use. I use the small Apple keyboard and it works well for me. I think changing keyboards irritates your brain. After your video I visited the Keychron site and found this old waved Microsoft keyboard style that brings me to interesting thoughts. I looked at how I use my keyboard and it's very interesting. My keystrokes depend on the next and sometimes the overnext character I need to reach. I'm left-handed and use from the f-g-h columns on my right hand, but when I have to reach the outer right letters, my left hand takes over up to g, which I normally only use for the a-s-d columns. The advantage seems to be that I have an absolutely insane reach time for Tab, Shift, Control, Option and Command and combinations with my left hand, including all combinations up to the a-s-d columns). But I struggle with my very fast writing when I have to use a different keyboard because I start to think about the positioning. Have you had similar experiences? What is your experience of using different keyboards?

  • @mke7605
    @mke76053 ай бұрын

    I use a keycron K3. I like the small size 75%, the mechanical switches and the relative low profile compared to the K2.

  • @DaveOBrien

    @DaveOBrien

    3 ай бұрын

    The Keychron keyboards are excellent value for money (Typing on a C1). I love the Mac/Windows switch, as I switch between Mac/Linux/Windows all the time.

  • @feldinho
    @feldinho3 ай бұрын

    I like quiet, stealthy keyboards. To me, the shorter the travel, the better. All tactile feedback I need is the key bottoming out.

  • @sprue_goose
    @sprue_goose3 ай бұрын

    Keychron k pro series is via compatible

  • @sENkyyy
    @sENkyyy3 ай бұрын

    I have the Keychron K2 and the Logi MX Keys. I prefer the Logi because the Keychron is too thick and therefore very uncomfortable for the wrist. Also the battery on the Logi is way batter. And the "cold start" of the Keychron is too long and therefore super annoying. The Logi registers the hands before typing and therefore its "cold start" is way faster, also any key pressed while in "sleep mode" are send to the machine with the "cold start" delay, while the Keychron is not able to do this ... As I like mech keyboard but favour the technical advantages vom Logitech, I will get the MX Mech in the future.

  • @FernandoCordeiroDr
    @FernandoCordeiroDr2 ай бұрын

    Now let's do split keyboards!

  • @remcogreve7982
    @remcogreve79823 ай бұрын

    Numpad on a keyboard is also important for blender not just for accounting.

  • @duartelucas5746
    @duartelucas57463 ай бұрын

    In terms of feel, my ducky with silent reds is the best. I have a bunch of keyboards, from those mx silent reds, mx browns, kalih reds and browns and yellows, and the ducky makes me almost forget I’m using a keyboard.

  • @gavintillman1884

    @gavintillman1884

    3 ай бұрын

    I have a Ducky which I find unreliable. Every so often it dies, which you can see by the RGB going static, and lighting one row only. When that happens, you have to unplug and plug back in to reset it. I find it laughable that it is sold as a gaming keyboard.

  • @duartelucas5746

    @duartelucas5746

    3 ай бұрын

    @@gavintillman1884 I have got two since 2018 and they’re still rocking!

  • @quillaja
    @quillaja3 ай бұрын

    After using a cheap logitech K360 for years, I tried the nuphy air 75 and 96 (both v2). I missed the numpad on the 75, which I use a lot when doing calculations. But on the 96, because the arrow keys have nothing significant (eg space) to differentiate them from the surrounding keys by touch, I often hit 0 or some other key instead of the arrow I'm aiming for. At least on the 75, the arrow keys are "registered" to the corner. For now, I've gone back to the old K360, but I've recently ordered a separate numpad to give the 75 another shot. And yes, 1,000% agree about the tiny arrow keys like on the mac mini keyboard being an abomination. They're on my Dell XPS 15, and I HATE them with a passion as I often have to use my laptop keyboard while on the go. Almost every decent laptop now has arrow keys like this. Another disgusting example of everyone trying to copy Apple to the detriment of their customers.

  • @walterppk1989
    @walterppk19893 ай бұрын

    Not the nuphy. I own it. Tbe keystrokes aren't registered consistently. It's been screwing up my code.

  • @ArjanCodes

    @ArjanCodes

    3 ай бұрын

    Hm, I haven't noticed that myself. Maybe you got a fluke? Or perhaps I just hit the keys really hard by default, haha :).

  • @tubeathrun
    @tubeathrun3 ай бұрын

    From my family pov, which one is the most science one 😂

  • @kotslike
    @kotslike2 ай бұрын

    i have a cherry 20euro keyboard and i ll never change it. Keyboards are just overrated.

  • @11rshan
    @11rshan3 ай бұрын

    Like for 1st comment