I found the Perfect Keyboard for programming (170 wpm typing speed)
Ex-Google TechLead compares the top keyboard for coding in 2020 in a classic showdown. Here are the keyboard links if you want to learn more:
Logitech G915 TKL amzn.to/30CLfJW (Full-size: amzn.to/3gPhTh3)
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL amzn.to/30zTUNr
Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition amzn.to/3kkrajA
Razer Huntsman amzn.to/3keA4Ps
Logitech MX Keys amzn.to/3gC85Ho
(For key remapping on Mac OS, I use karabiner-elements.pqrs.org/ to swap the command and option keys.)
Here is a follow-up video on the "The Top Mouse for Programmers": • I found the best Mouse...
And here is also a follow-up video I did on a few other mech keyboards • The dark truth about M...
Best mechanical keyboard 2020
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[update] Also check out my "Top Mouse for Programmers" video: kzhead.info/sun/mL2uaKeymHivoI0/bejne.html (This video wasn't sponsored for a fair review.) 👨💻 Join ex-Google/ex-Facebook engineers for my coding interview training: techinterviewpro.com/ Check the description for links to all keyboards.
Make video for monitors too!
I don't know if you will see this but the apex pro has customisable actuation point too. it goes down to 1 mm, it is actually the second fastest actuating keyboard in the world.
Check out DasKeyboard 4 w/brown switches.
WE NEED A SYNTAX COLORING REVIEW
Keyboard selection is very limited. In the comments people mentioned other models. We need more top PRO keyboards to compare because it is essential tool for PRO programmers.
I wish the speed of my fingers was the bottleneck in my coding ...
I don't honestly think that the speed of my fingers was ever the bottleneck in ANYTHING I've done with a computer. None of those keyboards (except the MX keys) are boards I think I would ever want to use as a programmer. I prefer boards with a bit more utility than off the shelf gamer boards. The Logitech MX line (mouse and keyboard) are legitimately pretty amazing for the software if nothing else, but Logitech screwed up by not making it a mechanical. Pity.
Lol - if only I could code like they do in the movies... :D
I have never written code. But I am a very fast typist. I used to write reports for my previous companies and the keyboards I have used made all the difference.
@@alicenien5015 did u use TeX?
@@bradarnett8632 have you seen Keychrons keyboards? They have best of both worlds plus loads of functionality
Which one will copy code faster from Stackoverflow
I think u should start looking for a mouse
@@mushyclicks2028 Real Stackoverflow Copy-Pasters Don't Use Mouse. That's why they're so leet. ;)
@@JohnDoe-qz9ji Of everything! CPU! SSD! Internet! Quantum Computing! Even Microsoft FS 2020 at Ultra! :D
😂😂😂😭😭😭😭😭😭
@@JohnDoe-qz9ji remember that razer chroma is best but you will have to use some oil on middle button.
*this man takes “RGB makes you faster” seriously*
That's untrue, he said "RGB will inspire you", which is as dumb a take as "makes you faster" though
@@zilliq humans are dumb and are drawn to shinny things, thus rgb is actually good. Would you be more motivated if your work office was in a ghetto, or on the top floor of a luxury skyscraper? In the latter, one would be more willing to get up early and head into the office increasing productivity.
@@pluto8404 well in the first one you have a reason to work yourself out of there I guess :D
@@pluto8404 all i'm really taking from this comment is "just buya keyboard that you think looks good lel"
it was satirical
1:35 Standart Apple Magic Keyboard 2:58 Razer Huntsman 5:06 Logitech MX Keys 7:21 Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition 9:09 SteelSeries Apex Pro 12:01 Logitech G915
The Logitech G915 is loud when you're clicking
Apple has nothing to do with art
Is there a version of the g915 that doesn't rattle?
Legend.
ah yes the standart apple magic keyboard, fairly standart but starting off strong, have a nice day standart Yana T
When a millionaire says it is expensive, it is expensive.
Although wealthy people tend to be very careful with their spending so not really...
@@judahhays189 Grahpham Stephan has entered the chat
@@judahhays189 *MrBeast left the chat*
Lmao u obviously don't know the custom keyboard community
Yeah lol
I'll just take the one that's tears-proof
I don't get it. Tears from coding?
@@solidwaterslayer Must be lol
wrap it in saran wrap?
Tears from depression?
Use a keyboard with Kailh box switches. It's rated for IP58. None of your tears or maybe coffee splash will ever get inside of the switches. lol
Thankyou for a solid, informed review on keyboards, based around typing! Most reviews assume a keyboard is used to play games and wish to turn my desk into a disco... I found this very informative and thought out thankyou!
“you can put it in your backpack and take it to the cafe” *I do not want to spill coffee on a $220 keyboard*
well, maybe if it's expensive coffee
Right!
Don't spill your coffee ☕ then.
“So I can do 150 wpm with this but it’s not enough...” Me: cries in 50 wpm
i can only do 35wpm
I can do only 60😭
I never even knew WPM matters when writing code. How many words does a typical Python list comprehension constitute?
mine 40wpm 😞
@michael It definitely matters. When I'm helping a coworker who's a slow typer or can't touch type, I want to throw them out of their chair and type it for them.
Millionaire normal people: I'll buy a car and jewels Millionaire programmers: Buys a dozen fancy keyboards
normal ppl: show off RPM programmr: show off WPM
Jewels? Wtf
Fancy keyboards... dont look into custom mechanical keyboards then...
IMO those keyboards are pretty bad looking.
I can type 35 WPM with no errors on my 24K Gold Keyboard.
Very thorough and detailed review!! I love it! Keep up the good work. This has helped me in my future buying/purchasing decisions. Thank you!! :)
This video was very helpful. Thanks very much for taking the time to post this. I'm not a gamer but I am a Mac user looking for a keyboard with more "depth" or a more solid tactile feedback so to speak. And the "Rockstar" factor you mentioned is one of the more subtle, subjective areas which is really valid. I fully agree with you there. Thanks again!
1:08 "The keyboard is the way we interact with the world" I felt that one
You look like Seth Rogan
@@dannykth1 you look like Lion
I use Windows 10's on-screen keyboard. It's free. No RGB, though.
You paid for your mouse.. haha. Or do you have a touch screen
There are always “rgb” in pixels of your screen where your screen keyboard is
@@KeepAnOpenMind yep. I too love black rgb
@@KeepAnOpenMind No those are red, green, blue subpixels. RGB is the high tech external lighting that comes on pro programmer computer hardware.
171 wph
Thank you so much for the detailed keyboard comparison. I was going for the MX keyboard but now I am leaning toward the G915...great work and please produce more tech clips!
"With great sensitivity comes great typos". - TechLead.
Tech lead : I have 800$ dollars worth of keyboards r/mechanicalkeyboards: .... So only one kb?
That's almost the price for just a GMK keycap set like Mizu lmao
Ruben Sousa are you sure about that
@@sakurakos88 yeah that's like way overblown (unless you're talking about the aftermarket that is)
@@jacksmile6669 yes in mechmarket
Yeah and two of them are logitech junk. The apple keyboard is not great. What no full mechanicals?
TLDR he likes 2.5mm key travel as opposed to 4.0mm standard, 50grams of force on a switch, and a linear switch type. That is HIS perfect keyboard, you might have different preferences, so following his recommendations might be disappointing to you. That's why the market has different switch types (linear tactile or clicky), spring forces (35g - 90g), and key-travel (2.5, 3.6, 4.0mm), to match everyone's particular tastes. P.S also brands Cherry, Gateron, Kailh, Otemu, Greetech (Razer), TTC (Xiaomi)
Thank you for the video. I appreciate all of the details and hard work.
I'd love to see a video about the most comfortable chair to sit in for 8 hours every day.
get a cushion for your tailbone, helps relieve a lot of pressure
herman miller
I wonder what those kneeling chairs are like. Surely they can’t be good for your knees.
Herman Miller Aeron hands down
@@rashadarbab2769 nah them things are no good for sitting longer than an hour a day. Also I guarantee you after a good month of using that knee chair you'll develop health problems in your legs
What an awesome keyboard comparison. Straight to the issues that matter. As well as reporting on short term typing speeds, and long-term comfort. None of those stupid slow-pans, generic music soundtracks, and wasting time reading stuff from the spec sheets.
7:00 "...it's late at night and you're tired and you just need that extra boost of inspiration and confidence thats' going to make you feel like a rockstar programmer " ah you're so right ! it is exactly what I look for with these keyboards !
You mean parsing raw data in Clojure is not inspiration enough?
I’m just now getting into mechanical keyboards. You made it really easy for me to understand some of the differences between the keyboards. 😃
Watching this made me glad to buy an MK typist- can't wait to try it out. There seems to be different tiers of how in-depth reviewers go into keyboards, but it looks like the top-tier consumer boards are something like ducky or leopold.
Just wait until he discovers r/mechanicalkeyboard. "How I built a Mechanical Keyboard (as a Millionaire)
What is the appeal of mechanical keyboards? seems they are just noisier
Matt Waters you would only get noisier keyboards if you choose noisier switches. Membrane keyboards are normally louder than boards that don’t use clicky switches. You should see how quiet some people get their boards to be. The main appeal of mech keyboards besides them being a much higher quality is that you can personalize them however you like. You can choose switches that will wake up half the neighborhood, or you could go the more silent route. If you want your keystrokes to take minimal effort then you can do that, or you can choose to need a firm push in order to activate each key. The possibilities are pretty endless especially when you consider that every single key can be personalized to be completely different in a mech board. The scary part is how lost you can get in researching and customizing mech boards lol. I’ve only been talking about the switches instead of the numerous other factors including keycaps, plate material, stabilizers, and of course the almighty rgb; each of these factors and the many that I didn’t list can drastically affect the overall experience of using your mech board. I would suggest taking some time to look at r/mechanicalkeyboards to learn more and find out what you would like in a mech board.
@@xallen7346 thanks. That was pretty informative.
Matt Waters np
r/mk is for morons, r/ck is for true customs
I bought my brother the Razer Huntsman Elite for Christmas all because I heard about it from you. My brother loves it. I don`t have one, but I like it too, because of the sound it makes. I thought it was a pretty cool gift. Thanks!
07:00 RGB makes you feel like a rock star programmer ;) Best remark ever on RGB lights....!
You are amazing 🙂 I haven't seen so thorough and clear test and explanation 🙂
This is so enlightening! Thanks for making this!
For me, I love my Logitech MX Keys paired with my MX Master 3. Since I work from home, I use Logitech's Flow feature to swiftly move from my desktop to my work laptop throughout the day. The keyboard itself is so comfortable to type on and the mouse is near perfect to me.
Thank you for this video! I was just searching Amazon for a better keyboard. Perfect timing, great video! 👏🏽🙏🏽
You really do the best reviews for Coders! Please never stop this channel.
*Roasts tech reviewers* .... a few days later: TechLead: "Now what we're doing today is a showdown between the top keyboards...."
exactly ...
Tech reviewers don't review keyboards.
Im pretty sure it's intentional
On the roast video, he said: "if tech reviewers were comparing keyboards, people would be hyped about keyboards." Basically lifestyle marketing 101.
The review style is actually of good quality. Focused on actual functionality and targeted audience. IMO.
Wow, you are the first one I've encountered that also shares the fear I experience when using a keyboard with overly sensitive actuation! I'm not alone!
yeah, I do have left hands pinky issues because of "tab", "shift" and "ctrl".
It's why I stopped using gateron clears and switched to blues. Far less fatfingering and the tactile feedback feels really nice, imo.
Thank you for your videos. Really appreciate the experience and advice.
Wow! Great video! You provided details that I normally have no clue of looking into.
I’ve owned all of them. My daily driver is currently the MX Keys, I preordered the G915 TKL but was pretty disappointed, nothing wrong with the keyboard itself - had higher expectations, lacking USB-C etc. Not to mention, I find RGB distracting when programming so I’d personally recommend MX Keys for the average developer / user, they even released a Mac version a few weeks ago.
does it make your finger tired after few weeks of working as the reviewer said
Great roundup using experience and data. I haven't found a review like this before. Unfortunately, I am sticking to my MS Sculpt ergonomic keyboard because Logitech doesn't seem to care about our wrists. EDIT: they released a new ergonomic keyboard this year, as did MS. I think you should do a comparison.
Great content! Very informative and concise. Keep up the good work.
Love your points about the little things, making a difference on your mental state....sooooo true !
Thanks! My team helped designed the G915 A decent budget version of this is the is the HAVIT HV-KB390L. It comes with both kailh blue and red switches. The blue switches are quite loud but offer stiffer suspension and tactile feedback to control compression. The red keys are as you suspect, linear. Additionally if you game and code as I do a very nice balance is found in the Cherry Low Profile series switches. I use the Filco Stingray TKL Ninja, because clean.
I just ordered the G915 after hopelessly looking for a spanish layout blackwidow v3 pro (wireless). Everything is hyperinflated due to transport strikes, COVID, petrol prices etc xD I can type at about 135 wpm but have ADHD, so I think in the end the Logitech will be a much better choice due to the extra media keys and better bluetooth connectivity (so I can swap to mobile or tablet etc). I look forward to testing your product! :D
@@piposanchez Qué tal te va con el logitech? quiero comprarlo, pero estoy dudando... existe el layout en español? no lo encuentro, soy de latam.
The design has one small but fatal flaw, the lack of backlight behind the secondary function keys…
I used a $13 logitech K120 when coding for about the last six years. Just got a G815 today for gaming, and I really like it. I'll probably use it for coding too.
Just purchased the Linear for programming. Nice to know you made this your pick! Heading over to check out your fav mouse. Thanks!
This video was really helpful, thank you for reviewing these keyboards!!!
How to breathe ? TechLead - " Well as an ex-google , ex-facebook employee, let me tell you...."
RGB! your breathing must have RGB!
Great and detailed video, thank you.
Thank you for sharing all these details!
Super comprehensive review, beautifully done! Just so expensive but if you type 9am to 5pm, and beyond, probably gotta give your fingers / health this added boost and comfort, no?
RGB is not a gimmick... If you are looking for the best "biology wise" then red backlit is best. Especially if you can get the RED in wavelengths that is near infrared because those colors are used in eye recovery therapies. Certain blue light, which white often contains will damage your eyes. Plus Red light impacts circadian rhythm far less than blue light does.
Can't wait for, "Top Programming Mouse Pads for 2020 (as a Millionaire)."
mousepad is the foundation of all your movement, don't go into battle unprepared.
Best comment
He isn't a millionaire.
Flat clicker
Very cool video. I am considering a new keyboard, and you gave me a very good comparison of good keyboards. Thank you man.
I really was looking for a major keyboards review on programmer's view. Thank you very much!!
Wonderful wonderful video. Only true lovers of computers, programming/coding and high quality tools know what a gem this video is. Thorough, quantitative (your tests and metrics) and at the same time sensitive (to the subtle joys of using a high quality tool). Thank you very much for this video and wish you all the best @TechLead . I thoroughly enjoy and appreciate your videos
If what you're looking for is a low profile mechanical keyboard, you should try out the Keycrhon K1, which is a low profile keyboard with a wireless mode, with gateron low profile switches, in addition to that is almost half the price of those other keyboards in the showcase. Hope this helps a little. Greetings!
I love you man, always good stuff from you!
i'm really thankful . i bought the razer huntsman yesterday depending on your opinion. it's really comfortable even after a long hours of coding .
I got the logitech G815 based on your review, and I have to say the keyboard is awesome.. My only complaint is as a programmer the arrow keys are too far away.. I have to stretch my pinky constantly and it's annoying. That's my only gripe, and the distance to travel is slightly higher than I'd like from key to key which requires a little more dexterity but other than that, this is a sweet keyboard.
just got a G915 as a birthday present and so far I'm pretty happy with it
Thank you TechLead. Very informative
I love how analytical and thorough your review videos are!!!!
NOT!
If you think your keyboard isn't important now, you'll figure out how important it is (or was) when you've been typing for 30+ years. EXCELLENT review dude ... many thanks!! That Apex Pro apparently comes in different versions with different switches to suit your taste. Are some of those keyboards expensive? Yes. Is it nice not to have carpel tunnel when you're 50+ and been banging on a keyboard your whole career? YES.
sooo if we use cheap keyboard what we miss? chronic finger pain lmao 😂😁
Switching to a better layout than QWERTY will help much more than changing the feeling of the buttons.
apex pro doesnt have different switches, u mean the apex 7?
@@Rubindy Yeah, I'm not sure why the TKL version is called the Apex 7 vs. just the TKL version of the Pro?
@@andrewpoloni4197 the apex 7 comes in blue, brown, red and apex pro and tkl with only omni switches afaik
Loved this type of video! Can you do something where you compare the different IDE's that you've used? This isn't something that i've seen done before.
Thanks for this comparison and sharing of your experience. I am looking to replace my MX Keys, and one of my potential choices is G915, but few people have used both and, more importantly, compare it in a productivity perspective. This video helped me quite a bit. I also have some pain with the the left pinky as well. But one problem I seem to have with MX Keys is that I have occasional double type and capitalised the second character instead of just the first one. I am not sure if it is due to wireless interference, or just that the keys are heavier, but this prompted me to look for alternatives.
You have the best review so far. Keep it up!
I bought all the keyboards you mentioned above, I love G915 best!
"The keyboard is the way in which we interact with the world" Right in the feels man...
very technical and accurate review. As programmer, I really appreciate it. My everyday keyboard is standard Lenovo, Italian layout, with big L return key, and I love it. It's not too noisy, all its keys - except for the space bar - are concave which helps to center the finger on the key and not pressing the wrong one - something that happens very often with Apple keyboard. You explained very well exactly what I thought and felt about Apple keyboard which I had to use many times for programming iOS apps... until I "found out" I could use a window keyboard with an Imac. My fingers need at least 3 mm for exhausting their force when pressing . A lower range key means my fingers feel traumatized when the key reaches the bottom. I'm searching for a quiter and backlighted keyboard for programming at night, but unfortunately most of them are wifi and I don't want to waste my time and money with batteries or recharging them. Logitec 915 you incluced seems a very good compromised... but 270€ it seems to me insane.
Thanks for the content! Im on the G915. What first got me interested was the profile (the full version I have is still king when it comes to space economy) while retaining an extremely polished feel. I have the clicky version and I use it for Office work, games, writing, AND programming. Couldn't recommend it enough.
I am considering between the clicky and tactile version. Is the clicky "too clicky" ? Does it become annoying after a while ?
@@Thadnill it has not been annoying for me. The last mechanical keyboard I had was a bit of a beast and sharply clacked with every keystroke. The logi G915 has a soft click that I find more tactile than the tactile keys. It's not obnoxious like some gaming keyboards. I tried it out at a best buy near me before buying. I bet it's still on display as it's a popular keyboard. When my first one stopped holding a charge, it was replaced by Logitech quickly. Logitech had always been the king of "budget" hardware accessories. The top end of the cheaper stuff that has 90% of the features for much less than the luxury or niche, purpose built stuff. I definitely recommend it. It's a nice feeling and looking keyboard.
This man just said the craziest thing ive heard "Huntsman is my budget pick"
“...as a millionaire”
Huntsman is actually the cheapest out of his stash there...
Just wait until this guy hears about $250-350 custom keyboards being a "budget" pick.
@Arturo Ochoa gateron switches just as good.
Got a slightly used one for 55€, pretty damn cheap
I have the Logitech G Pro predecessor to this keyboard and honestly, it's great and has been for almost 4 years now. Click without being annoying, fits in a backpack (TKL), comfortable spacing, nice lighting. Now that they've got replaceable keys, I'm not sure there's much else to ask for. TKL + trackball FTW for programming.
Are you still using it or what are you using now my man?
@@austinmitchell2746 hey buddy, still recommend 100%. I did switch to the ZSA Moonlander due to carpal tunnel, but if I had not gone to an ergo keyboard, I would not have switched at all. The G Pro now lives on my sim racing rig. I totally stand by everything I said in the original comment. That being said, that keyboard is my preference and there are all sorts of preferences out there, e.g. The Plank or the Magic Keyboard. Some people want open source software, or they prefer no RBG, or they want this that or the other feature.
THX, just as I broke my old LogiTech keyboard improving code - I stumbled over this video. Thx for programming perspective.
Thank you so much for this video
Nice review man. I like what you said about RGB...some truth right there on the grind
My first TechLead video, didn't know what I got myself into but I'm glad I did😂
He's addictive
very well put video! thanks for making it
This is the best review I have seen for keyboards
The perfect keyboard is likely not one of the mainstream offerings. There is a world of options out there.
While there are keyboards out there that you might objectively call just plain bad and not suited for anyone, mostly it all comes down to personal preference. What might be the perfect keyboard for one person might be the worst keyboard for another...
@@Aomicplane true. My point is simply that the choices are endless. The odds of a mass market offering nailing YOUR ideal preferences is slim. There are good ones but if you want something tailored to your taste, build it that way.
As a keyboard enthusiast, I would personally recommend the GMMK TKL it has RGB, and hotswappable sockets, so it can be setup with any type of switch. It's in the general price range of the keyboards in this video. The Massdrop CTRL is also great for a larger budget
I love my GMMK! I swapped the caps for Ducky low profile ones and the RGB looks incredible. Kemove makes a really decent low budget keyboard that is fully hot swappable.
Nice, I have a GMMK TKL as well, and I obviously really like it
good review thank you very much. typing this with the g915 because of your review.
Thank you. This is very informative.
Totally agree, I've a G915 too and I realized that the day I receive it, that speed while typing... at the beginning is a bit weird but hey, you get used in few minutes, it's amazing! Of course, tactile switches too
Wow. I really had no idea such consideration went into keyboards!
Great video! I like your review style.
This is a damn great video, awesome reviews
Following this comprehensive review I purchased the Razer Huntsman. Great keyboard. Thanks TechLead.
"go out and do battle every day" lmao, this is why I TechLead
Sold. Great review. Thanks!
Professional evaluation. Thank you.
You might be able to like the Keychron K1 v4. It's low profile, has a brown switch (tactile) option, and Windows and iOS modes. Also has keycaps for the Windows-Alt. Command-Option keys. Operates both on BT 5.1 and wired.
In most cases your speed is not the bottleneck in coding. It propably is the code itself especially when coding while thinking 😉
For sure! But when your code or your message breaks upon your uncomfortable and byggy typocal keyboard it gets clear how important this interface is.
Great review! I almost switched from mechanical to magic keyboard but after your review I figured out I will risk injury.
I recently bought a ducky one sf2 rgb for €150 + wristrest. I love my linear Cherry MX reds exchanged my keycaps for some pudding hyper x double shot pbt keys. Working feels great when your hardware is pleasing to look at and feels comfortable for you. Investing in proper hardware is worth it. For ergonomics also run a logitech MX Vertical it's expensive but worth the money
You should check out the Ducky One 2 SF RGB with Cherry MX Silent Red's :) Or a TKL if you need and want those extra keys. Quiet but clicky, comfortable, small and doesn't require any software to adjust macros or RGB light. And it uses USB-C. The Cherry MX reds have an actuation force of 45 grams.
You can remap command and option keys under System Preferences - Keyboard - Modifier Keys. No need for Karabiner.
noice, thanks for the tip!
Karabiner is useful and needed for other reasons as well.
I enjoyed this review! Thx
Thank you sir I probably won’t buy any of these but the reviews really help get a good idea of the product which many reviewers don’t do
The greatest 15 minutes AD for keyboards that i ever seen. Deep.
Just go to Taeha Types, the channel is full of great keyboard videos.
Pros: Everything Cons: Sounds like jellybeans.
Not to mention it's $200.
It’s not thatttt bad for something you use for 8-10 hours a day 5 days a week.
that's why he recommended it. because it sounds like jellybeans.
@@viperrius not a problem when you're a millionaire
I've been watching many video on tech channel so far this is the best review