There’s a misconception about creative beings that we don’t spend much time when it comes to selecting a keyboard for designers.
It’s not true!
The selection of a keyboard is as important as selecting a sword for a knight (don’t worry, we’re not going to a war!).
If you don’t have the right keyboard for graphic design work, you’ll often find yourself having a scuffle with one of the keys as you type an important email or take quick notes during a Q&A session with the client.
And being a graphic designer myself, I’ve gone through some bad phases, too, before I discovered the right wand (right keyboard) for graphic design work.
And now I want to share some of the awesome keyboard options that are made for creative beings.
Come, let me share this comprehensive list of the best keyboard for graphic design work, below.
Let’s dive in!
Before I start telling you about the best keyboard for designers, I want your 2 minutes to share some key selection tips. Yes, there are various features a keyboard can have but you only need to focus on the most important one. So, keep reading and discover what exactly to seek into an ideal keyboard for graphic design work.
Whether you’re a graphic designer or not, knowing the purpose of your purchase would definitely add clarity to your vision. There are keyboards made for gamers, for common use, and for creative minds like us. So, whenever you’re seeking a keyboard for designers, do consider what are the different purposes of the keyboard that you want to have.
If we look a decade back, there were PS/2 ports for connecting any peripheral device but things have changed very much today. While you search for the best keyboard for graphic design work, there are two popular connectivity options – USB or Wireless. So, be sure to decide which one you want to have in your new keyboard.
Nope! I’m not referring to key styles as most keyboards have QWERTY style!
My concern with the design metric is if you want to buy a simple keyboard or an ergonomic design. While buying a new keyboard for graphic design work, you must protect your wrists against RSIs that graphic designers usually encounter more frequently than any other injury.
So, in my opinion, using an ergonomic keyboard for graphic design work is always a better approach.
There are two popular options for keyboard users – wired or wireless!
Usually, a wireless keyboard comes with a 10-meter range and has Bluetooth connectivity. And if you get a wired keyboard, there’ll be a few meters of wire that connects you with the laptop/desktop. But the only downfall of using a wired keyboard is that it gets in the way as you change the sitting posture.
So, pick wisely!
As you pick a perfect keyboard for graphic design work, be sure you’re not buying a keyboard that feels more like a typewriter. The rule of thumb is to check its keystrokes and see how gentle they feel when you press any key. Because soft keystrokes make much difference in your overall experience when you seek the best keyboard for graphic design work.
Do you like controlling certain functions of your computing routine?
Then look for a keyboard that comes with programmable buttons that help you in achieving this goal. Yes, there are keyboards that offer you this additional functionality and if you’re looking for some advanced user experience, do look for more features in prospective keyboards for graphic design work.
It’s a simple rule when it comes to pricing!
The more a keyboard has awesome features, the higher its price is and the simpler the keyboard, the lower the price. So, be sure to check your purchasing limits, too, before finalizing a keyboard for graphic design work. Because it’s the only way you can pick the perfect keyboard depending on the budget and features that you want to have in it.
While suggesting the right keyboard for graphic design work, I wanted to maintain a proportion between premium choices and affordable options so you may pick the right one. Feel free to check out all of the options and select the most ideal one that goes with your budget as well as work preferences.
Weight: 2.2 pounds | Type: USB | Design: QWERTY | Power: n/a
The first one comes from KINESIS Store that offers you a very comfortable experience with its advanced ergonomic design.
Kinesis Advantage2 is a fantastic keyboard for graphic design work that minimizes RSI risk and offers you more control over your typing experience. It comes with a standard QWERTY layout but they made a little change in the design.
It supports both Windows and Mac OS platforms and the Plug-n-Play feature is a smart move on part of the creators.
What I liked the most about Kinesis Advantage2 is the Cherry Mechanical Switches that offers you a fantastic touch-typing experience and the ergonomic design that adds comfort in its overall usage.
Weight: 2.2 pounds | Type: USB | Design: AZERTY | Power: 1 AA Battery
The second premium keyboard for designers comes from Microsoft in the shape of Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000!
It has 104 keys and comes with an AZERTY layout with a very strategic ergonomic structure that not just let you type but also keeps your wrists safe. There’s a cushion at the bottom for palm rest along with some additional keys that let you perform more tasks in one tap.
Plus, Mac OS users may attach it with their devices, too, with IntelliType Pro or IntelliPoint software.
I personally liked the inclusion of additional keys in it that makes it an ideal keyboard for graphic design work. Plus, the wire has a considerable length, too, which I found an ideal inclusion in it.
Weight: 3.14 pounds | Type: USB | Design: QWERTY | Power: n/a
If you’re seeking to have a wireless keyboard for graphic design work, I present to you the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro Mechanical Wireless Gaming Keyboard!
Originally made for gamers, this keyboard is a fantastic option for creative beings, too, with its versatile range of features and awesome performance. It comes with a flat structure and a palm rest that eliminates the risk of RSI or other wrist related injuries.
The keys have ABS double shot keycaps specifically made for preventing faded labels. And the leatherette palm rest is another fantastic inclusion that sets it as an ideal keyboard for designers.
I just loved the backlit buttons that offer you a fantastic feel especially when you need darkness to focus on the work.
Weight: 2.92 pounds | Type: USB | Design: QWERTY | Power: n/a
Don’t settle on Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro until you check out Corsair K95 RGB Platinum Mechanical Gaming Keyboard!
Not only does it weigh less (2.92 pounds) but also comes with an aluminum frame that gives it a durability seal. What I liked the most about this keyboard is a set of dedicated keys that further make your design work easy and comfortable.
You can use this keyboard on all Windows operating systems and avail such a comforting experience that comes with the backlit feature, too.
I personally adored the inclusion of Cherry MX Speed RGB mechanical key switches that offer this keyboard a unique strength and durability factor, too.
Weight: 2 pounds | Type: Wireless | Design: QWERTY | Power: n/a
Here’s another fantastic choice for graphic designers if you’re looking for an ergonomic keyboard in the shape of Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard!
It comes with 107 keys and a doomed design that offers your hands a comforting experience as you start typing an email or press any command in an editing software. Also, it comes with a separate number pad that gives you full freedom to customize your workspace as you please.
There’s one prominent feature of this keyboard that makes it an ideal choice for the best keyboard for graphic design work, the key’s structure. The arc-like shape of each key offers your fingers such a soothing experience that doubles the comfort level during work.
Weight: 2.6 pounds | Type: USB | Design: QWERTY | Power: n/a
If you’re seeking an ergonomic keyboard for graphic design work, I’ve just the perfect option to suggest in the shape of Goldtouch GTN-0099 V2 Adjustable Ergonomic Keyboard!
Not only it comes with a finger-friendly structure but also offers you dual connectivity options in the shape of USB and PS/2 ports. Also, it lets you adjust the height up to 30 degrees for a more comforting typing experience. Plus, it offers you a 5 feet long cable that lets you connect the keyboard with the device and sit at a distance to save your eyes, too.
I became a fan of Goldtouch GTN-0099 V2 Adjustable Ergonomic Keyboard due to its RSI-free design that saves every designer from such painful experience during longer working hours.
Weight: 1.97 pounds | Type: Wireless | Design: QWERTY | Power: 3 years
And if you don’t like using a wired keyboard for graphic design work, I’ve a wireless option, too, in the shape of Microsoft Wireless Comfort Desktop Keyboard!
It saves you from irritating wires, has an ergonomic design and even comes with a wireless mouse, too, that let you work at a lightning speed. This keyboard offers you a pretty nice range along with support for both Windows as well as Mac OS.
What I personally liked in this keyboard for designers is the set of special keys on the top that makes your work extremely easy. And the ambidextrous design allows you to type with both hands, too. So, feel free to consider this keyboard if you’re in search of an ergonomic option especially for graphic design work.
Weight: 2.43 pounds | Type: Wireless | Design: QWERTY | Power: n/a
Here’s another mid-range keyboard for graphic design work in the shape of a Kensington Pro Fit Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard!
It comes with a split and sloped keyboard design that’s specifically made to sooth your fingers, wrists and forearms with an extended hand-rest. Apart from that, it offers you a mouse, too, that comes with multiple buttons to make your work swift and easy.
I really liked the idea of three-mode power-saving buttons that let you switch between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz sensor. Plus, the 128-bit AES encryption is another fantastic feature of this keyboard made for graphic designers in order to offer them a maximum comfortable experience. In my opinion, with all these features it’s an ideal option to be used as the best keyboard for graphic design work.
Weight: 0.88 pounds | Type: Wireless | Design: QWERTY | Power: 2 AAA Batteries
Adesso offers you another awesome keyboard for graphic design work in the shape of its Adesso WKB-1500GB!
Along with offering you a soft touch type experience with its specialized keys, it also offers you a palm rest that’s an essential feature to prevent RSI and keep your wrists safe. The wavy structure of this keyboard allows you to work pain-free and the additional mouse inclusion makes this combo a must have in case you prefer using a mouse, too, during work.
I’m a big fan of the hotkeys on the top row that makes access to certain apps very quick and easy. So, do consider Adesso WKB-1500GB if you’re in search of a pain-free keyboard for designers!
Weight: 3 pounds | Type: USB | Design: QWERTY | Power: n/a
Here’s one last recommendation from Microsoft in the shape of its Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Palm Rest Comfort Keyboard!
Along with offering you the comparatively ideal weight (3 pounds), it comes with a long wire to offer you more space for saving your eyes during the work in case you sit in front of the screen for longer hours. Plus, there are special keys to control various minor functions on a single press during the work. Play, pause, magnify, or control volume with these special keys and make most out of this keyboard.
I really liked the idea of dividing the keys into two parts according to the comfort of your hands during the work.
Weight: 1.76 pounds | Type: USB | Design: QWERTY | Power: n/a
Here’s another wonderful keyboard for designers in the shape of Adesso Tru-Form 150 3-Color Illuminated Ergonomic Keyboard!
Keeping up with its tradition, Adesso has given this keyboard various awesome features that prove to be a blessing for a creative being like you and me. And the ergonomic design is one of the most prominent ones along with large print keys that are easy to detect for the human eye from a considerable length.
Plus, the design offers your wrists and palms a relaxing feeling, too, that’s a much-needed feature in the life of a designer who works straight for 10 hours or more. This keyboard is an ideal investment if you’re more into comfort and control than pricing.
Weight: 2.28 pounds | Type: USB | Design: QWERTY | Power: n/a
Perixx is a known name in the accessories industry and I’ve a wonderful keyboard suggestion to make in the shape of Perixx Periboard-512 Ergonomic Split Keyboard!
It comes with a tactile keystroke set that is specifically designed to comfort your fingertips in case you work for longer hours and need a trusted option. Along with that, the resting space at the bottom is another fantastic feature that Perixx has added to this keyboard for graphic design work.
And it comes with a USB port that lets you connect it with any device in a fraction of a second.
I personally loved the inclusion of special keys at the top of the keyboard that makes your work extremely easy and quick.
Weight: 1.81 pounds | Type: USB | Design: QWERTY | Power: n/a
Perixx has another awesome keyboard for graphic design work in the shape of Perixx PERIBOARD-413B Compact Keyboard!
It’s the fantastic design that fits into your lap and gives you a comfortable working experience that compelled me to add this option in the list. I simply adored how they maintained proportion between each part of the keystrokes that goes with our work patterns and minimizes the RSI risk.
The widest palm rest is another wonderful inclusion in this keyboard that I really adored along with the support for all Windows versions.
Weight: 2.20 pounds | Type: USB | Design: QWERTY | Power: n/a
As I conclude this list of the best keyboards for graphic design work, let me introduce Lenovo’s 510 Wireless Keyboard & Mouse Combo!
Not only does it come at an ideal cost but offers you a cord-less experience, too. This keyboard is an ideal option that comes with spill-protection keystrokes, too, if you keep the coffee cup near to the keyboard.
Plus, there’s an additional mouse that supports your designing activities, too.
Also check:
So, this was a handy list of mentioning some of the ideal keyboards for graphic design work that I wanted to share with fellow designers for maximum comfortable experience. There are premium options like Kinesis Advantage2 Ergonomic Keyboard that’s loaded with various features. But I recommend you to check other options that come at an ideal cost, too, like Lenovo 510 Wireless Keyboard & Mouse Combo.
Pick the best keyboard for graphic design work and continue without worrying about RSI or any other wrist-related injuries. Adios!
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