Many professionals prefer mechanical keyboards, be they writers or pro gamers. But what about engineers?
Last update on 2024-04-07 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
In this article, we will discuss whether it makes a difference to use a mechanical keyboard for engineering and what the best models for such a task are.
Are mechanical keyboards good for Engineers?
Mechanical keyboards can be very good for engineers. While there aren’t specific models designed with engineering tasks in mind, this type of keyboard brings certain benefits for engineers.
After all, mechanical keyboards last more, are more precise and fast, and increase your productivity.
What to look for when buying?
Engineering professionals can choose between clicky-tactile and quiet tactile keyboards. The most clicky yet tactile switches are the Green and Blue, with Grey and Clear being less noisy options, and Brown is the most silent.
Moreover, many mechanical keyboards often have programmable keys, which are excellent for streamlining your work and becoming more productive. Programmable keys, different from macros, are additional keys.
Is a mechanical keyboard suitable for work?
A mechanical keyboard is absolutely suitable for work. After all, mechanical keyboards increase productivity due to keystroke precision and response.
Programmable keys are a plus on that matter, too. And what’s more, mechanical keyboards are unmatched in durability.
Also read Do Mechanical Keyboards Last Longer?
4 Best mechanical keyboard for engineers
Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum
Last update on 2024-04-07 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Features
What makes the Logitech G910 Orion Spectrum a great keyboard for engineers is the presence of 9 programmable keys and 3 profiles. In other words, you get additional 27 keys.
So, the device is perfect if you spend a lot of time working on software and need a way to make some actions quicker.
Benefits
Aside from programmable keys, this keyboard also counts with anti-ghosting, media keys, and RGB lighting to help you keep working at late hours. Plus, its software is very intuitive, so you shouldn’t have any trouble setting up your profiles.
Drawbacks
If you’re a fan of clicky switches, you might get disappointed with the lack of noise. While this is good news for many users, others love the sound of the keys.
What sets this product apart from competitors?
The impressive number of programmable keys is enough to set this apart from most mechanical keyboards in the market. Plus, Logitech uses Romer-G switches, which you might want to test.
Evolutions from previous models
Rather than previous models, the G910 Orion has different versions: the Spark presents faceted keycaps and full, asymmetrical palm rest. The Spectrum has smooth keycaps and full, straight-line palm rest.
Koolertron SMKD72-A
Last update on 2024-04-07 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Features
This Koolertron keyboard isn’t meant to be your primary keyboard but in addition to what you already use. That is because it’s a 48-key fully programmable keyboard.
If all you ever dreamed about is having the maximum programmable keys, this is the device for you.
Benefits
With 48 programmable keys, there shouldn’t be any commands missing when you need to increase your productivity. As a result, all your work will seem a breeze, and you will see tasks finished earlier than before.
Drawbacks
If you’re looking for a replacement for your old keyboard, this isn’t it. Also, all of the caps on this keypad are blank, so you’ll need to mark them with stickers, a pen, etc. This is a bit more of work.
What sets this product apart from competitors
This is one of the single best additions to productivity any engineer could want. It makes any task quicker, saving a lot of time to think harder about troubles that matter.
Evolutions from previous models
Koolertron offers plenty of keypads with fully programmable keys, but this model is the only one with whopping 48 keys.
Logitech G613
Last update on 2024-04-07 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Features
Finding a great mechanical keyboard with wireless connectivity is not easy, but here it is for those that don’t want trouble with cables (while maintaining a 1ms response time).
This keyboard offers six programmable keys to help your working hours become more efficient.
Benefits
If tiring your wrists is a problem, this keyboard eliminates the issue with its included wrist rest.
Also, the Romer G switches are excellent for use at the office since they are not as noisy as the Cherry MX linear models.
This keyboard has two heavy-duty alkaline batteries that should need replacement only after 18 months. This way, your keyboard won’t run out of charge when working.
Drawbacks
While the wrist rest is comfortable, it isn’t detachable, which might become a headache if you need to zip it into your backpack. Also, it doesn’t have lighting, so you’ll need to keep the lights on when working at late hours.
What sets it apart from its competitors
This is one of the most comfortable keyboards with programmable keys included.
As an engineer, that factor weighs a lot when choosing a keyboard for work, as you want to reduce stress on your hands, wrists, and arms at maximum.
Evolutions from previous models
The G613 is a unique keyboard without alternative or previous iterations.
Keychron K4 v2
Last update on 2024-04-07 / As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more about us.
Features
If you don’t need programmable keys but just a simple mechanical keyboard that you can carry around and connect to any device without worry, the Keychron K4 is one of the best options. It has a great aluminum build that endures being taken around.
Benefits
This keyboard comes with caps for either Windows or iOS, so you can buy it without visual troubles when you take it out of the box.
Moreover, you can choose between six switch options to ensure you get the exact type you need.
Drawbacks
This keyboard is in the middle price range, so it is a compact model without dedicated macro keys or wrist rest.
What sets this product apart from competitors?
Other compact keyboards sometimes sell for less. However, they aren’t durable. On the other hand, the Keychron K4 has received plenty of positive reviews from customers due to being a dependable keyboard.
Evolutions from previous models
We’re linking Keychron K4 version 2. Its improvements over the first version include Bluetooth 5.1, inclined bottom frame, relocation of the Del key, new keycap color scheme, and dedicated caps lock indicator light.
What is the quietest mechanical keyboard?
It is impossible to say for certain what the quietest mechanical keyboard is because we’d need to test them all. However, the Das Keyboard 4 and the SteelSeries Apex M750 are super silent.
Alternatively, you can choose MX Brown switches whenever you have the chance (Keychron 4 has this option) and buy O-rings to go along.
200 Pieces O Ring Keyboard Clear Rubber...Final thoughts and best pick
Engineers who work a lot on the computer will love the Logitech G910 Orion Spark because of its programmable keys. If you need a new keyboard and want one that offers the most possibilities, this is the one.
