PCElectronicsAccessoriesKeyboards

What are the best keyboards to learn touch typing?

7
Options 
Considered
0
User 
Recs.
Last 
Updated

Filco Majestouch-2 vs Das Keyboard 4 Professional vs Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2

 vs Kinesis Advantage2 vs Ultimate Hacking Keyboard vs Das Keyboard 4 Ultimate vs Truly Ergonomic 209

Specs

Available Switches

Cherry MX (Blue/Red/Brown/Black)

USB Hub

No

Key backlighting

No

Media keys

No

Detachable USB Cable

Yes

Keycap Material

ABS

Weight

-

Dimensions

-

Warranty

-

Accessories

-

Key layout

-

N-key Rollover

-

Layout

-

Macros

-

Backlighting

-

Detachable cable

-

Programmable macros

-

Layouts

-

Media controls

-

Cable

-

Length

-

Width

-

height

-

Case colours

-

Bridge cable

-

Switches

-

Available Switches

Cherry MX (Blue/Brown)

USB Hub

Yes

Key backlighting

No

Media keys

Yes (dedicated)

Detachable USB Cable

Yes

Keycap Material

Laser-printed ABS

Weight

2.9 lbs. (1.3 kg.)

Dimensions

18×6.8×0.8 in. (45.7×17.3×2 cm.)

Warranty

3-year

Accessories

Ruler footbar for keyboard tilting

Key layout

QWERTY

N-key Rollover

Yes

Layout

-

Macros

-

Backlighting

-

Detachable cable

-

Programmable macros

-

Layouts

-

Media controls

-

Cable

-

Length

-

Width

-

height

-

Case colours

-

Bridge cable

-

Switches

-

Available Switches

Topre

USB Hub

Yes

Key backlighting

No

Media keys

No

Detachable USB Cable

Yes (71 in./1.8 m. Mini USB-B)

Keycap Material

-

Weight

1.17 lbs. (0.53 kg.)

Dimensions

11.6×4.3×1.6 in. (29.4×11×4 cm.)

Warranty

1-year (purchased in Japan/from elitekeyboards.com only)

Accessories

-

Key layout

QWERTY

N-key Rollover

-

Layout

Ten key-less, no arrow keys

Macros

No

Backlighting

-

Detachable cable

-

Programmable macros

-

Layouts

-

Media controls

-

Cable

-

Length

-

Width

-

height

-

Case colours

-

Bridge cable

-

Switches

-

Available Switches

Cherry MX Brown

USB Hub

Yes

Key backlighting

-

Media keys

-

Detachable USB Cable

-

Keycap Material

-

Weight

2.2 lbs. (1 kg.)

Dimensions

16.5 x 8 x 2.9in. (42 x 20 x 7.3cm.)

Warranty

3 years

Accessories

Quick Start Guide, self-adhesive palm pads, keycap puller and 4 extra keycaps ( 2 Command keys, 1 Alt/Option key and 1 Alt key)

Key layout

-

N-key Rollover

-

Layout

-

Macros

-

Backlighting

No

Detachable cable

No

Programmable macros

Yes

Layouts

QWERTY / Dvorak

Media controls

No

Cable

-

Length

-

Width

-

height

-

Case colours

-

Bridge cable

-

Switches

-

Available Switches

Kailh (Blue, Brown, Red, Black), Cherry (Green, Clear)

USB Hub

-

Key backlighting

-

Media keys

-

Detachable USB Cable

-

Keycap Material

-

Weight

1kg

Dimensions

-

Warranty

-

Accessories

-

Key layout

-

N-key Rollover

-

Layout

-

Macros

-

Backlighting

-

Detachable cable

-

Programmable macros

-

Layouts

-

Media controls

-

Cable

180cm, removable

Length

left: 13.5cm, right: 15.4cm, combined 28.9cm

Width

13.2cm

height

2.9cm

Case colours

Black, white, red, yellow, blue

Bridge cable

11-35cm, replacable

Switches

-

Available Switches

-

USB Hub

-

Key backlighting

-

Media keys

-

Detachable USB Cable

-

Keycap Material

-

Weight

-

Dimensions

-

Warranty

-

Accessories

-

Key layout

-

N-key Rollover

-

Layout

-

Macros

-

Backlighting

-

Detachable cable

-

Programmable macros

-

Layouts

-

Media controls

-

Cable

-

Length

-

Width

-

height

-

Case colours

-

Bridge cable

-

Switches

Cherry MX

Available Switches

-

USB Hub

-

Key backlighting

-

Media keys

-

Detachable USB Cable

-

Keycap Material

-

Weight

-

Dimensions

-

Warranty

-

Accessories

-

Key layout

-

N-key Rollover

-

Layout

-

Macros

-

Backlighting

-

Detachable cable

-

Programmable macros

-

Layouts

-

Media controls

-

Cable

-

Length

-

Width

-

height

-

Case colours

-

Bridge cable

-

Switches

-

Pros + Cons

Pro
 Compact and simple design

The overall aesthetics of this keyboard are very clean and simple. The finish is not prone to fingerprints and the printing of the key labels on the side of the keycaps (on the ninja version) makes the keyboard look minimalistic while still being easy to see which keys are where.
Comment

Pro
 Key labels don't fade out

The ninja version has the key labels printed on the front of the keys to avoid them fading out over time.
Comment

Pro
 Good to learn touch typing

The key labels are printed on the front of the keys, not on the top. This means they don't stand out as much and this helps the process of learning where the keys are without looking at them.
Comment

Con
 Not backlit

The Filco does not come with key backlighting. This makes it harder to use in the dark (especially when hunting for special characters) and also isn't as flashy as RGB models.
Comment

Con
 ABS keycaps aren't as durable as other materials

Some alternative keyboards have keycaps made from PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) which are more durable, have a nicer texture and generally are of better quality. Many Filco keyboard users switch out the default ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) keycaps for PBT caps, but this is going to cost you an extra ~$60.
Comment

Pro
 Highly moddable

There are a lot of mods available for this keyboard, including rounded keycaps or colored cases.
Comment

Pro
 Uses Costar stabilizers

Filcos use Costar stabilizers, which are generally preferable for people who prefer a "snappy" feel to their keyboards.
Comment

Pro
 Great build quality

Filco keyboards are renowned for their fantastic build quality. The keyboard weighs nearly 3 pounds and is built like a tank with virtually no flex in the backplate.
Comment

Con
 No calculator button

Unlike some other keyboards, the Majestouch-2 doesn't have a calculator shortcut button.
Comment

Con
 Has no number pad

Some users require a number pad as it makes number crunching in spreadsheets much quicker, easier, as well as more accurate.
Comment

Pro
 Each key has the perfect stabilizer for its size

This keyboard uses an innovative mix of Cherry and Costar stabilizers. Costar stabilizers have many advantages, but they don't work very well on large keys, like spacebars. To get the best of both options, Das uses Costar stabilizers on all keys, except on the space bar, where it uses Cherry stabilizers.
Comment

Con
 Not suitable for use in the dark

The Das 4 Pro keyboard doesn't have any backlighting. This means you will probably find it a bit hard to use on a dark environment.
Comment

Pro
 Reliable and long-lasting mechanical switches

Das 4 Pro keyboards feature Cherry MX switches, know for their established reputation. They have excellent durability and outstanding performance. Users can choose between the Cherry MX Blue and Cherry MX Brown switches. The main difference is that the first ones are clicky and the second ones are quiet.
Comment

Pro
 Ultimate version is good to learn touch typing

The Ultimate version of the keyboard looks badass with its blank keycaps. On top of that, blank keycaps greatly helps with learning how to touch type.
Comment

Con
 Not very portable

The Das 4 Pro keyboard has external dimensions of 18'' x 6.8'' x 0.8'' ( 457 x 173 x 20 mm ) and weight of 2.9 pounds (1.3 kg). Hence, it’s not an easy keyboard to carry around. This makes the fact that it’s the slimmest mechanical keyboard on the market loose value.
Comment

Con
 Expensive

This keyboard is quite expensive, especially if compared, in terms of extra features, to similarly priced keyboards made by other brands. It notably misses features like USB passthrough or RGB lighting, which is surprising for a keyboard with a retail price of $169.
Comment

Pro
 Solid, durable construction

The Das uses the best materials available to create a stable, durable board. Some parts are made of aluminum which prevents any flexing and others of resistant textured plastic, making this a keyboard that withstands damage very well. And the switches are genuine Cherry MX switches, which are durable and reliable. The keycaps text is laser etched, meaning it withstands the test of time pretty well.
Comment

Pro
 Beautiful design

The Das 4 Pro keyboard has a beautiful nearly-minimalist design. The volume wheel and slight protrusion on the top right help it stand out from the crowd. The front is covered with a matte aluminium finish that resists fingerprints.
Comment

Pro
 Comes with dedicated media controls and an oversized volume knob

There are three rectangular media keys: previous, play/pause, and next. Just above the next key there's a circular mute button, and on the right of all the other media keys is a volume knob that can be spun to adjust the volume.
Comment

Pro
 Conveniently located two-port USB 3.0 hub

The location of the hub, on the top right side, makes adding a mouse very convenient.
Comment

Pro
 Very thin

Das claims that this keyboard is the thinnest mechanical keyboard available on the market.
Comment

Pro
 Top panel resists fingerprints and provides rigidness

It has an aluminum top panel which not only feels great, but also resists fingerprints and prevents any flexing.
Comment

Con
 No calculator button

There's no calculator shortcut button.
Comment

Con
 Potentially uncomfortable to use, depending on your wrist placement

The edges of the keyboard are not rounded, so it can be painful if you rest your wrists on them.
Comment

Pro
 Designed to keep you in home row

Eiiti Wada (a Japanese computer pioneer), the co-developer of this keyboard, is a UNIX user and wanted to make life easier for programmers, particularly vim and emacs. He aimed for a keyboard layout that allowed fingers to stay in the home row most of the time. For example, he placed the Control key where the Caps Lock traditionally is. Most *nix users and general power users know that Control is used more often than Caps Lock for various shortcuts. Therefore, this key repositioning makes sense, since it makes access easier, using the pinky fingers while keeping one's hand on the "home row" of keys.
Comment

Pro
 Easily programmable and highly modifiable

This keyboard comes with the standard DIP switches to modify key behavior, but you can also completly swap out the controller board or even fork the TMK firmware to make your own keybindings in the firmware. Also available is the TMK controller board custom made for HHKB users.
Comment

Pro
 Compact & minimalistic

This keyboard uses a 60% layout that forgoes unneeded keys and merges the extra set of keys into the Fn layer. This mimics the behaviour found on most laptops due to size restrictions. Despite this, the more commonly used keys are left intact so that one does not feel too unfamiliar with the more compact layout. In addition to reducing the keyboard's size, it makes accessing virtually every key on the keyboard a breeze.
Comment

Pro
 Fluid key feel with Topre switches

This keyboard’s keys use Topre switches, which have a smooth, interesting feel: each key’s resistance is quickly lost once it starts being pressed. This sensation is accompanied by a unique and pleasantly organic “thock” sound. These hybrid switches have both a rubber dome and a spring which create the initial tactile bump feel and subsequent continuous action. If you want, these switches can be silenced, either by the manufacturer before purchasing or by following some DIY steps (easy to do, but time-consuming).
Comment

Con
 Lacks versatility outside of typing

The Pro 2’s design focus on typing and coding results in compromises that hinders other kinds of uses. It’s not an ideal keyboard for gaming: many games use the Function and arrow keys extensively and with the Pro 2, that requires double strokes or completely reconfiguring the key binds to fit the layout. Also, when it comes to crunching numbers and spreadsheet work, the absence of the arrow keys and a dedicated number pad makes this keyboard completely cumbersome and inefficient to use.
Comment

Con
 It's popular because it is ridiculously overpriced, even though it's underfeatured

This keyboard's price is much too high for the features it offers.
Comment

Con
 Manufacturer warranty is only valid under certain conditions

The warranty conditions specifically imply that the one year manufacturer’s warranty is only valid within Japan or if bought within the US from elitekeyboards.com. For all other countries, the warranty is considered void by default.
Comment

Pro
 The keycaps are made from PBT and the inscriptions are dye-sublimated

PBT plastic is a very brittle material that is able to withstand high temperatures, doesn't yellow or wear out easily. The dye sublimation process ensures the inscriptions don't wear off easily (compared to pad printed ABS, for example). This process usually requires keycaps to withstand high amounts of heat for the ink to transfer from one material to the other, something that's not possible with other commonly used plastics, like ABS. Dye-sublimated inscriptions are also better than laser, etched, or engraved inscriptions in the sense that they don't get dirt or dust as easily.
Comment

Pro
 The arrow keys, the page up/down keys and the media keys, among others, are easily usable via the Fn key, comfortably within reach

Even though there aren't dedicated keys for these functions, they can be easily used by pressing an easy-to-reach Fn key, placed just below Enter. Functions accessible via the Fn key are printed on the front of the keycap.
Comment

Pro
 Contributes to a more ergonomic workspace

The positioning of the numpad on traditional keyboards forces users to keep the mouse far on the right-hand side. With this keyboard's compact layout, a more ergonomic workspace can be created by allowing the mouse to be placed closer.
Comment

Pro
 Very well built

The Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional 2 is a very well built keyboard that uses materials that give it a tough body resistant to bending.
Comment

Con
 Expensive

There are many potential reasons as to why this keyboard is as expensive as it is, like the use of certain materials or the remarkable build quality. However, at the end of the day, its price is still quite higher than what most people are willing to spend on a keyboard.
Comment

Con
 No dedicated arrow keys

The HHKB Pro JP and Lite 2 are the only versions that have dedicated arrow keys. On the HHKP2 , these functions have to be used via the Fn key.
Comment

Con
 The traction feet are weak and the height feet are short

The traction feet do not actually provide much traction just as the height feet do not add that much height.
Comment

Con
 Lack of keycap/switch customization options

Due to the nature of the Topre switch, customization is very limited. On other keyboards, like those with Cherry MX switches, it is easy to swap switches. With Topre switches, this is only possible if a keyboard with the right set of rubber domes/cups is bought. This leads to a higher customization cost.
Comment

Con
 No metal backplate

The HHKB lacks a metal backplate. Most decent mechanical keyboards have a metal backplate that is usually mounted to the underside of the PCB. The inclusion of such a plate, aside from increased build quality, adds more stability by dampening vibration during use.
Comment

Con
 The USB hub only has 100 mW power

The USB hub on the HHKB only has 100 mW of power, so it might struggle to power some devices.
Comment

Pro
 Optimised, ergonomic shape that significantly reduces the risk of RSI

This keyboard is sculpted to fit the curvature of your hand more naturally than regular flat boards. This helps reduce the risks of suffering repetitive strain injuries.
Comment

Pro
 Tweaked layout that saves your hands

This keyboard has numerous ergonomic advantages over a keyboard with a standard layout. Some of them are obvious and some are subtle, but they are synergistic and result in a typing experience that places far less stress on the hands. Learning a tweaked keyboard layout is a small price to pay to avoid RSI (repetitive strain injury).
Comment

Pro
 Good for learning how to touch type

This layout, because of its uniqueness, is perfect to learn touch typing. Even for those that were never able to learn it with common keyboards. It still requires practice to get proficient, of course.
Comment

Con
 Proficiency means overcoming a learning curve

Becoming an expert at using this keyboard’s optimized design needs time and patience, since it’s so different from what most people are used to. Some of its drastic layout changes can be disorienting at first. For example, the four arrow keys are separated: up and down on the right side cluster; left and right on the left side cluster. It’s also built to enforce healthier hand posture and movements, that may feel weird at first. For instance, the keyboard trains you (using a deactivatable key feedback) to press keys smoothly instead of smashing down, which reduces hand strain. Usually, it takes between two to four weeks of regular use to feel completely comfortable at using this keyboard.
Comment

Con
 Not great for gaming

This keyboard is amazing for typing, but not great for gaming. Many games make intensive keys such as the Arrow keys or the Alt, Control and Shift keys. With this keyboard, it's not very comfortable to use them so frequently.
Comment

Pro
 No thumb conflict over the spacebar

On common keyboards, both thumbs rest over the spacebar, meaning they can knock against each other. On the Advantage2 keyboard, only one thumb can press the keyboard, eliminating this problem.
Comment

Pro
 No undesirable movements

Because of its size, this keyboard stands firmly on the desk and doesn't suffer from unwanted movement during use.
Comment

Pro
 Prepared for macOS, Windows and Linux

Besides the option of easily changing between preprogrammed layouts of these 3 systems, extra OS-specific keycaps come with the keyboard.
Comment

Pro
 Comfortable palm rests

The large, raised palm rests provide comfort while typing.
Comment

Pro
 Very programmable

This keyboard has several programmable options, like Macro recording, key remapping or keyboard layout (the keyboard can be changed from QWERTY to Dvorak with the touch of a button).
Comment

Pro
 Clusters of keys under each thumb means less reaching

Having multiple keys under the thumbs lets you keep the rest of your hands still, and helps prevent reaching. For example, the backspace key on a regular keyboard is way in the top right corner, while on the Kinesis keyboard it's under the left thumb. So, to hit the backspace button you just need to move your thumb while on regular keyboards you need to move your whole right hand and stretch your pinky to reach it.
Comment

Pro
 No need to constantly move hands sideways

One of this keyboard's best features is that the keys are vertically aligned in straight columns, so that you're not constantly exercising the muscles to move your fingers slightly to the left or to the right. It makes a huge difference.
Comment

Con
 Different switches for the function keys

The functions keys are not build with the same switches than the other keys: they use Cherry ML switches instead of Cherry MX Brown switches. Because of their shorter travel distance, the ML feels quite different. It's awkward to have such different sensations for different parts of the keyboard.
Comment

Con
 Quite bulky, therefore not very portable

As a direct consequence of its unconventional ergonomic shape, the Advantage2 is quite bulky. At 16.5 in’ x 8 in’ x 2.88 in’ (419 mm x 203 mm x 73 mm), it's not the most portable keyboard.
Comment

Con
 Can be a bit flakey at times

The downside of this keyboard is that it can occasionally act up. The biggest problem is that the up-event for a key occasionally gets lost and then some key will auto-repeat until you press it again. Or even worse, it's a key that has no visible effect like an Alt key, and then you have to figure out which key it is that is in the virtual down position, and press it again. It has had this same problem for the last 20 years. You learn to live with it for the sake of your hands.
Comment

Pro
 Modular and disassembly friendly

The UHK is modular and has disassembly instructions embossed onto components and even printed on the circuit board. It records use data, so when key switches have reached the end of its lifespan, users can replace them.
Comment

Pro
 Feature customization via add-on modules

You can attach trackpoint, trackball, trackpad and additional key clusters to the board. This allows for extensive feature customization, for increased productivity and convenience.
Comment

Pro
 No need to leave the home row

For maximum touch-typing productivity, one's hands should not leave the home row frequently. With conventional keyboards, this is not the case when navigation and function keys need to be used. On the HKB, via a thumb key press, several function layers can be activated, turning the home row keys into function keys.
Comment

Pro
 Ergonomic design

The UHK has a split design, since two keyboard halves result in a more natural typing posture. The halves are connected by a bridge cable, which expands and contracts as needed, occupying minimal desk space. The halves can be merged together as one, which is useful for transportation purposes or if you happen to prefer a one-piece keyboard.
Comment

Pro
 Programmable

Through the use of an app called Agent, users can configure the UHK to their liking.
Comment

Pro
 Cross-platform keycaps

Keycaps can be bought in half-ISO or ANSI layout. And the keycap printing come in Windows (Ctrl, Windows [symbol], Alt, Fn, Enter), mac (Ctrl, Option, Cmd, Fn, Return), Linux (Ctrl, Super, Alt, Fn, Enter), or blanc (entire keyboard)
Comment

Pro
 Separetely sold Premium palm rest

Premium palm rests can be bought separately. These palm rests are made of natural beech wood which get machined, pickled, lacquered, and fixated to a powder-coated steel plate. They attach firmly to the keyboard.
Comment

Pro
 Replaceable outer case

The outside case can be replaced. Their shop lets you buy replacement cases (black, white, blue, red, yellow). Replacement cases are identical to the original case. Useful in case you scratch or damage the original.
Comment

Con
 Some keycaps are non-standard

A few of the keycaps are non-standard sizes, making replacing the keycaps slightly more difficult.
Comment

Con
 Palm rest sold separately

Their custom shaped palm rest must be bought separately.
Comment

Con
 Not shipping until Spring 2017

The HKB is not shipping yet. Manufacturers predict they will start shipping during Spring 2017.
Comment

Pro
 Blank keycaps

The blank keycaps on this keyboard will help you learn to touch type.
Comment

Pro
 Non-staggered keys for easier typing

This keyboard's keys are arranged in a non-staggered way. This allows for a more efficient, easier typing process.
Comment

Pro
 Blank keys look sly

The 209 comes with blank keycaps, which looks great. It also helps learning how to touch type.
Comment

Pro
 Comfortable and ergonomic

The 209 is designed ergonomically, so it fits user's hands naturally, making it comfortable to use.
Comment

Pro
 Key layout customization

The 209 key layout can be altered: users can move functions between keys as they please. Settings are firmware-saved, so they apply even if the keyboard is moved to a different computer.
Comment
undefinedurl nextprice drop