The Best Keyboards for Programming

It also runs for up to 12 months. A compact layout is unique to it among these picks, while the Arteck 2.4G uses a compact with touchpad layout. You get a quiet low-travel keys key type here, which sets it apart from the Pro Fit and its a quiet keys key type.

You get a 2.4GHz USB receiver only connection here, which sets it apart from the Pro Fit and its a wired USB connection. You also get Windows, Mac, ChromeOS and Linux support. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Macally compact the next step up. What it gives up: battery life of up to 12 months, behind the K380s (up to 36 months); by contrast, the K380s runs for up to 36 months.

The 78-key layout drops the number pad to save desk space but keeps 12 shortcut keys for media and system functions. A 2.4GHz USB-A dongle handles the connection, so there's no Bluetooth pairing to manage. It is the only pick here with a compact (78 keys) layout; the Pro Fit has a full-size ergonomic layout instead.

No other pick in this guide offers a slim keys key type; compare the K380s, which has a quiet scooped round keys key type. Its price falls between the TECKNET mini and the Arteck 2.4G, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed battery life should compare it with the K380s, which runs for up to 36 months.

A nano receiver plugs into a TV-connected PC, and the built-in touchpad replaces a mouse on the couch. Its 10-metre range covers most living rooms. It works with Windows and ChromeOS, and two AAA batteries and a 24-month warranty come included.

It suits a media PC under the TV. Media hotkeys control playback without reaching for the touchpad. The receiver works with smart TVs and HTPCs as well as PCs.

It is the only pick here with a compact with touchpad layout; the TECKNET mini has a compact layout instead. No other pick in this guide offers a low-profile keys key type; compare the K380s, which has a quiet scooped round keys key type. Its price falls between the Macally compact and the K380s, based on our last check.

Logitech offers up to 36 months on its batteries, and the Fn keys can be customised in Logi Options+. You get a quiet scooped round keys key type here, which sets it apart from the Pro Fit and its a quiet keys key type. It also comes with a 3-year battery life claim and auto-sleep.

Check that your computer has Bluetooth, or use the included receiver if there is one. It supports Windows and macOS layouts, which helps if you switch between computers. It was priced above the Arteck 2.4G and below the Pro Fit at the time of writing.

It needs no pairing or charging. You get a full-size ergonomic layout here, which sets it apart from the Arteck 2.4G and its a compact with touchpad layout. A quiet keys key type is unique to it among these picks, while the Macally compact uses a slim keys key type.

A wired USB connection is unique to it among these picks, while the TECKNET mini uses a 2.4GHz USB receiver only connection. Being wired, it needs no pairing or charging, which suits shared desks and IT-managed PCs. At our last price check it topped the group, with the K380s the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed battery life, look to the K380s instead: it runs for up to 36 months, while this one gives no figure.