Let me be clear first: the best keyboard for a programmer is whatever keyboard you have. There is a programmer out there with a ten dollar keyboard who could out-code a lot of us. As long as you have a keyboard, you can put in work.
This post (and the video above) is about something a little different. When we’re coding, we want a keyboard that makes us feel comfortable and lets us code flawlessly. And I’m not going to give you the usual “it depends.” I know there’s no one-size-fits-all, because if there were, the world would look pretty different right now.
The best keyboard for anyone is a custom one, but custom boards get pricey. That’s why my pick is the Drop ALT. Here’s why.
What’s in the box
The ALT arrived in a plain brown box, nothing fancy. Inside is a 65% modular keyboard with 67 keys instead of the usual 87, and a floating keycap design. It comes with:
- A USB-C to USB-A cable
- A keycap puller and a key switch puller
- Magnetic feet, so you can prop the board up at an angle
Build and features
The construction is solid: an aluminum frame with very slim bezels. The standout features:
- Hot-swappable switch sockets, so you can change switches without any soldering
- Fully programmable with QMK, for macros and custom key bindings
- RGB backlighting and underlighting, which is a nice touch
- Double-shot PBT keycaps
Mine came with Halo Clear switches. I usually type on Cherry MX Browns, and these were really nice. They have a 65 gram actuation force, and I think they’ll be my new typing switches.
Four reasons it’s my pick
1. It’s highly customizable
If you use a keyboard every day for a living, you want it set up your way. With hot-swappable sockets you can swap any key to suit you: a heavier press on the delete key, a softer one on the space bar, mix and match however you like. Tired of Cherry MX Reds? Try Browns without paying for a whole new board. I think that’s huge.
On top of that, QMK lets you create a macro for a specific key press or remap keys. You shouldn’t have to buy a new board for that. Use the configurator they offer, flash the firmware, and you’re good to go.
2. It supports every operating system
As a programmer you’ll sometimes be on Windows, sometimes on a Mac, maybe on Linux. You shouldn’t need a different keyboard for each. The ALT works out of the box with Windows, Linux and macOS, and you can always flash the firmware for whatever configuration you want.
3. It’s reliable
Since I got my ALT I’ve had no problems at all. The build quality is great, my key presses are flawless, and I love the texture of the keys. It lets me glide across the keyboard.
I like the 65% layout because I don’t use a number pad much, and the number row above the letters covers what I need. It also keeps the arrow keys, which I do use.
4. It teaches you about your keyboard
I had never swapped switches or taken a board apart and put it back together. The ALT encourages me to do all of that: to program macros, change key bindings, and learn how a keyboard actually works. That’s a big bonus for me.
If programming your board makes you nervous, the ALT comes with a cheat sheet of the default mappings so you can find your way around as-is.
Your turn
If you made it this far, drop “we here” in the comments on the video so I know you rode with me from beginning to end. Whatever keyboard you’re thinking about or already bought, tell the community what it is and let’s talk about it. For me, the ALT is my keyboard of choice.
This is my own opinion and not a sponsored post.
Bonus tip
No matter which keyboard you have, spend the time to get proficient on it. Typing speed and accuracy are a secondary skill that complements your coding. You don’t want to keep looking down at the keys and fidgeting. Practice on whatever you have, get good at it, and you’ll be a rock star.