The Best Keyboards for Graphic Designers in 2024 (April)

Looking for the best keyboard for graphic design? As professional designers ourselves, we share the best options for you below based on performance, usage, and our personal hands-on experience.

When someone starts the process of buying tech to fill their office and help their business grow, the most likely piece that is forgotten about is the keyboard.

Honestly, when you buy a desktop computer, are you really buying it for the keyboard or for the specs in the computer tower?

Along with the mouse, the keyboard is easily the most important piece of tech you can own as you use it the most, so why not get the best one that you can?

With that in mind, we wanted to help you get the best keyboard to make that PC hum and that’s just what we’re going to do with our Best Keyboards for Designers, Artists & Illustrators in 2024 post.

What is the best keyboard for graphic design?

Logitech Craft is the best keyboard for graphic designers. See our comparison table below for more choices including the best mechanical, ergonomic, and wireless keyboards.

Also see our posts on the best tablet keyboards and the best trackpads for your creative endeavours.

The Best Keyboards for Graphic Design 2024

1. Logitech Craft (Editor’s Choice)

The best keyboard for designers overall

Weight – 2 lbs | Range – Wireless to 30 feet | Power – Rechargeable USB-C

While it is on the pricier side than many may be comfortable spending on a keyboard, we loved using this Logitech keyboard.

Logitech Craft is targeted specifically at those doing work in creative fields, and the options it provides you with can easily boost the performance and creativity that you put out there.

We loved using the multi-function dial, nicknamed the Crown as we could customize our settings in our favorite Adobe Creative Cloud programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Premiere Pro.

The functions were easily controlled and can also extend to the Microsoft Office Suite although we did not try this personally.

With the Crown, you can easily zoom in and out as well as fine-tune parameters for you tools including scale, the opacity of objects, and even tracking of text. A designer’s dream!

With all of the options it provides you with, we consider this the best keyboard for designers but for a more than compact keyboard option see the Apple Magic Keyboard which we feature below.

 

 

2. Apple Magic Keyboard

The best keyboard for a Mac

Weight – ½ lbs | Range – up to 30 feet | Power – Rechargeable Battery

The very same keyboard used by Jacob Cass, the Magic Keyboard is the best option when using a Mac.

While there are many options for wireless models out there for you to choose to pair with your Mac, only the magic keyboard connects automatically right out of the box.

The battery within the keyboard can provide you mobile devices with up to a month of use with one charge.

The minimal design will appeal to the most loyal Apple fans and the compact nature will leave you with more desk space.

While the overall Apple design is high-quality as always, make sure that your Mac or iOS device supports Bluetooth.

The only detraction that some have had is that the keyboard can feel a bit cramped compared up to 3 devices and others out there but it is still one of the best keyboards out there today, especially for those who love the Apple aesthetic.

 

 

3. Kinesis Advantage2 LF

The best ergonomically designed keyboard

Weight – 2.2 lbs | Switches – Cherry MX Switches | Power – USB

For those who sit at a computer for long periods of time using a keyboard, the risk of repetitive strain injuries or carpal tunnel syndrome can be a very real thing. With the ergonomic design of the Kinesis Advantage2 LF, the concave keyboard can minimize the strain put on your arms and fingers while you type.

This keyboard also carries “Genuine Cherry mechanical switches” for a premium typing feel and performance with less noise. The keys require a low activation force, have a linear feel and are rated for 50M key presses for unmatched durability. 

Many creatives and designers like to use shortcuts on their keyboard to help make their work easier and the Kenisis doesn’t skimp on giving you options that you can program to your liking with a whopping 448 programmable macros. The only real downside is the learning curve and the cost, but if RSI is a real concern for you, then it may be worth the money.

 

 

4. CORSAIR K95 RGB PLATINUM Mechanical Keyboard

The best mechanical keyboard for designers (and gamers)

For those looking for a pro mechanical keyboard, at an affordable cost, the CORSAIR K95 RGB PLATINUM Mechanical Keyboard is a top choice, especially amongst gamers as it is lightweight yet rugged.

The keyboard features CHERRY MX Speed key switches backed by a lightweight aluminum frame, making the feel of typing on the keyboard fast, comfortable and silent.

There is 8MB profile storage and 6 programmable G-keys for your customisation, although if you are a Mac user, the included software for such customization is not compatible and an open source alternative is required.

There is also an option to include a matching mouse, although this is tailored towards gamers.

This is one of the most popular mechanical keyboards on the market and a worthy contender for your design needs.

 

 

5. Anker Universal Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard

The best budget keyboard

Weight –  less than 1 lb | Range – Wireless to 30 feet

When you first start out, you may have drive and passion to take on the world, but for many, the one thing they don’t have is a lot of money.

Thankfully, the Universal Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard from Anker is an affordable, ultra-compact wireless keyboard that with it’s low-profile, matte finish keys, provide a very satisfying typing experience.

While the overall design does have a look and feel of an Apple keyboard, the keyboard connects through Bluetooth to any Android, iOS, Window, or MacOS device you want to use it with making a very versatile piece of tech at a very affordable price.

This keyboard deserves your attention not only because of the price, but also the versatility which can be hard to find on wired keyboards.

 

 

6. Logitech k480 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard

The best value multipurpose keyboard

Weight – 1.81 lbs | Range – up to 33 ft | Power – 1 Battery – included

The biggest draw of the k480 keyboard from Logitech is the versatility that comes with it. Usable with just about every device you could own from a PC to a Mac, and even to an Android or iOS device with ease.

Switching between them is also very easy, keeping downtime to a minimum especially if it is your keyboard for your PC, as well as your iPad.

While some may argue that it’s not small enough to truly be a mobile keyboard, the level of comfort when it comes to the keyboard might make a believer out of just about anyone.

A really affordable keyboard, the k480 could easily be a great backup keyboard or a mobile keyboard for those on the go.

With a strong wireless connection using Bluetooth, you will rarely lose a signal which can be very important if you’re working on something important. It also comes in white, but at a premium price.

 

 

7. Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard

The best keyboard for travel

Weight – under 1 lb | Range – Wireless/Bluetooth 4.0 | Power – Lithium Ion Battery

Being mobile is so much more important these days than it has ever been. Busy people will rent office spaces for an hour to get work done and many will choose to work in the park or at a coffee shop and for those people, lugging around a bulky laptop keyboard just isn’t very mobile friendly.

Thankfully, the Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard is a compact option for creatives and designers not looking to carry a lot of gear.

Foldable to roughly the size of a pack of cards, which is perfect for traveling and fitting into already packed bags. Compatible with multiple devices both Android and iOS over Bluetooth, the keyboard can charge through USE port.

The only real downside is that you need a flat stable surface to use the keyboard. Placing the keyboard in your lap won’t be very comfortable.

 

 

8. Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo

The best keyboard for engineers

Weight – 5.3 ounces| Range – up to 30 feet | Power – Rechargeable Battery

The Roccat Vulcan 120 Aimo keyboard is designed especially for ROCCAT engineers and developed for gamers.

This technology is optimized for gamers to ensure every keystroke of the most-used keys is registered no matter how frantic the action gets.

This keyboard contains mixer-style media keys and controls. How it works is that, the volume dial and the backlit media buttons let you adjust volume, mute and unmute on the fly, and toggle over the lighting control to adjust brightness.

The durability and battery life of this keyboard lasts longer than other keyboards. Another coolest feature of this keyboard is the detachable palm rest.

It has a premium magnetic solution and the palm and the wrist rest allows you to adjust your setup according to your comfort.

 

 

9. Costom XVX M84

Weight –2.01 pounds | Range – up to 30 feet | Power – Rechargeable Battery

The best stylish keyboard

This cute graphic designing keyboard contains new XVX’s new 75% layout.

The COSTOM XVX M84 keyboard contains dual modes of wireless connectivity, supporting both wired and wireless connections. It also provides ultimate personalization with RGB lightning on the keyboard making it suitable for a variety of aesthetics.

COSTOM XVX M84 keyboard comes with 19 RGB backlight modes, 9 colors selection, 5 brightness levels, and 4 customization modes for the ultimate customization experience.

This RGB gaming keyboard can enhance your gameplay atmosphere and can be quite beneficial to use for designers that require a compact workspace.

 

 

10. Logickeyboard

Best keyboard for Adobe Graphic Designer 

Weight – 3.34 pounds |  Color – Black   |  Power – Through USB

The LogicKeyboard is designed for Adobe Photoshop CC, Illustrator CC, InDesign CC and anyone else who requires all the custom key commands to be readily accessible from a dedicated, clearly labeled, color-coded keyboard.

It makes controlling a lot simpler and faster and provides an easy way to learn its key commands. Furthermore, LogicKeyboard features all the regular letter, number, and symbol labeling that you will find on a conventional keyboard.

The keyboard comes with a dimmable light with five levels of brightness and this USB keyboard is compatible with Windows 7-10 which helps you enhance your productivity.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How to Choose the Best Keyboard for Design

When choosing the best one for you from a varied list, there are a few points to remember.

Use case

Before you choose the best keyboard for your needs, you must identify your use case, which means understanding why you want a keyboard and how you will use it. For example, gamers need quick-response keyboards, but designers might choose a comfortable one.

You need to choose it according to your personal needs. So there are a few important questions that you need to ask yourself before buying a keyboard.

• What kind of work will I do with my keyboard?
• How big or small do I want my keyboard?
• What should my keyboard look like?
• Do I have any particular features in mind?

Key Switch 

All keys on a keyboard are not equal because they have features and actuation points depending on the manufacturer. The three main categories of switches other keys you need to know are,

• Linear switches: These are easy to depress. They do not have a tactile bump along the way to bottoming out. These are mostly preferred by gamers. These are preferred mostly because they are easy to press repeatedly, quickly,  and are quiet.
• Tactile switches: They are featured by a noticeable bump that offers clear feedback before bottoming out. They increase the required actuation force. It is preferred mostly by writers, and typists, because they make it easier to feel each keypress.
• Clicky switches: These are tactile switches yet they make noise when they hit the bump in the keypress. Some people prefer these when working alone.

Form Factor 

When you are looking for the best keyboard for design, most will be either a full-size keyboard laptop with a number pad or tenkeyless (TKL).

Some people who spend a significant time on spreadsheets would prefer using a keyboard with a number pad, but those who spend time on gaming or coding will appreciate the desk extra space afforded by a TKL design.

There are also 60%- 70% of keyboards that skip the arrow and navigational keys, giving you the most desk space. But these low profile keyboards are not that appealing, due to more limited functionality.

75% of keyboards might work well for someone looking for full size layout on a slightly downsized tenkeyless keyboard.

Eventually, as key switch choices, the choice of form factor is personal and depends on your needs.

Other features

After identifying the use case, key switch, and form factor, you should now identify the features you want in your keyboard. These features may help you enhance the keyboard experience and functionality.

Backlighting

The illumination of keyboard keys so that they will be visible in the dark is both eye-catching and functional. You may switch them on or off to full RGB syncing with your mouse, computer, or headset.

N-Key Rollover 

They allow your keyboard to register an unlimited number of concurrent keystrokes without creating any problems, making this desirable for gamers.

Macro Keys

The user may make programmable macro keys as discrete and additional function keys, to serve a variety of purposes. They are useful for multiplayer role-playing games because the player may program tedious player actions with a single keystroke. They can also be used for office professionals who can use macro keys to copy, paste, rename, or transfer files in bulk.

Keycaps

These keycaps can affect the aesthetic quality of your keyboard. Some keyboards come with keycaps and have side-printed legends or no legends. While buying keyboards, you must ensure to have a look at keycaps that might make an unwanted visual flair.

Budget

Determining your budget is an essential step. Not just in choosing a mechanical keyboard, but with any product in general.  You must narrow down the wide breadth of keyboards into a select group suitable for needs and budget.

In terms of pricing, keyboards can range from as low as $20 to as high as $250. In this article, the list includes the best budget keyboards as well as more premium keyboards.

 

The Best Keyboard for Graphic Design Summary

Finding the right keyboard can help you be more productive and in turn, help you put you on a path to success.

While many people will just look past the keyboard as a forgettable piece of technology, with our list of the Best Keyboards for Graphic Designers in 2024 we hope that we’ve given you some guidance on why it’s such an important part of your work life.

Do you have a keyboard that is an important part of your business? Let us know in the comments below.

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