The role of a graphic designer is not just to design sketches and illustrations. It’s also about using your creativity and imagination to come up with an idea for the product, maintaining the message, and translating it into something visual as well as meaningful.
If you’re a budding graphic designer or if you’re looking for best keyboard for graphic designers, then you should know that there is no one-size-fits-all keyboard that will work well with your needs. Instead, it depends on what type of design and what specific tasks you need to perform.
The best keyboards for pc would be those that offer the most convenience and flexibility in terms of types of tasks they can be used for.
A good and easy to use keyboard is a must, so finding the best keyboard for graphic designers can be difficult. Here we have compiled a list of popular and well-known keyboards in the market along with their features, pros and cons so you can choose wisely.
Why are keyboards important for graphic design?
For a graphic designer, having a keyboard is nothing less than an essential tool. It’s the ultimate way to control the software and your workflow. The keyboard can also help you generate ideas and improve your design skills. Here are some of the most important reasons why keyboards are important for graphic design.
- An essential tool for graphic designers,
- They reduce repetitive strain injury (RSI),
- A way to control your workflow,
- They help designers create content quickly and efficiently,
- An essential part of improving design skills,
- They save money on production costs.
Keyboards allow the graphic designer to create a variety of different types of designs with ease. They can also make it easier for the typographer to work with their keyboard rather than mouse and touchscreen.
In addition to this, some people might choose to use a keyboard because they have dyslexia or other learning disabilities that prevent them from using their hands well enough on the computer. In this case, they would use keyboards that have larger keys and more letters on them.
How to Choose the Best Keyboard for Graphic Designers?
Choosing the best keyboard for graphic designers is not an easy task. This is because there are so many different products in the market and they all come with their own pros and cons.
It is important to consider your specific needs when it comes to choosing a keyboard. What do you need it for? How much will you be using it? Is typing speed the most important criterion for you?
To get more from their keyboards, graphic designers should look for a type of computer keyboard that have the following features:
1. Ergonomic Design to prevent cramping and wrist pain
Ensuring your health and happiness through ergonomic keyboards. We know how crucial it is to keep our work environments as healthy as we can so we’ve made sure ours adheres to the latest ergonomic standards.
Repetitive strain injuries can limit your productivity, so it is a good idea to try a keyboard before buying.
2. Mechanical Keyboard
Unlike regular keyboard switches, which are just pressed & released again with every keystroke, these ones are built with mechanical switches that can be actuated in basically two modes: spring actuation or press/release actuation.
What you get is almost imperceptible internal friction that becomes significant when you press down hard on a key – something that feels a bit more solid and satisfying.
There are a lot of different mechanical keyboards out there and they all have pros and cons. Some people might prefer the tactile feel that a mechanical keyboard offers while others might be more inclined to spend less money on a cheaper keyboard.
3. Wireless Keyboard
Wireless keyboards have now become a standard at work. They allow people to work pretty much anywhere and even if they don’t own one themselves, the ability to use someone else’s wireless keyboard has cut down on their office clutter.
Bluetooth keyboards cover a broad range of options, whether you need something that is quick but small or has advanced comfort features like mechanical switches.
Your choice in keyboards will be based on personal preference, so consider all your choices before purchasing one.
4. Highly responsive keys
When you buy a keyboard, make sure that you’re getting a tool that’s comfortable and easy to type on. Typewriting is known for its difficult and tedious typing experience–which was likely why it had such high production costs. Make sure to test out the keyboard before you take it home with you.
The type of material the keys are made from helps determine how soft they feel and how responsive they will be. Everyone has a different preference for what feels best to them. Keyboard switches are crucial when it comes to typing for different reasons.
They make the most difference when it comes to what you feel, how they respond, and how much noise is created with each keypress.
5. Compatibility with others
When PCs first came out, keyboards were plugged in using a PS/2 connector which is thankfully obsolete now. Now, many keyboards connect in one of two ways: either via neither connector or via USB.
A majority of keyboards made today come with a USB connection method that can be the most common for many computer manufacturers.
6. Design Type
The change of keyboard colors doesn’t only reach the outside of a keyboard. It’s also found in the innards, where manufacturers have had to update their layouts to provide more efficient typing on these keyboards. There are tons of options out there for the best keyboards out there.
Whether it be ergonomic, foldable, or compatible with your tablet, whatever you feel comfortable with should surely capture your attention.
7. Extra Features
As previously mentioned, any keyboard makers design their products to fit certain niches (Keyboards) in order to serve them better.. With the design changes like extra function keys, you can do anything on the keyboard easily.
These designs are also becoming increasingly popular for making your computer easier to use day to day.
8. Price or Budget
If you have read our other guides, you know that choosing the best piece of tech is all about comparing prices. Sometimes they can be more expensive than others, but that really just comes down to your budget.
Buying the best keyboard is a matter of personal preference. for instance, a keyboard for video editing, keyboard for iPad, keyboard for typing, keyboard for finger position, keyboard for desktop, keyboard for tablet, keyboard for mac, and so on.
For some people, spending crazy amounts of money on a keyboard may be ok with them, while for many others, keyboards are an underrated but necessary tool for any computer user.
The Most Popular Models of Graphic Design Keyboard in 2023
Logitech’s new Craft keyboard is an ideal tool for designers, digital artists, & small office teams. It fits nicely with the work you’re doing in both your creative and productivity aspects of the job.
The coolest feature of the Crown is its multi-functional dial which allows you to control your favorite Adobe apps–Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro.
You can zoom in and out, change the properties of objects easily with this amazing tool, and adjust everything from the scale & opacity of objects to their size, leading & tracking.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Compatibility: Mac, Windows
- Connection Type: Wireless
- Weight: 960g
- Range: 10m
- Power: Rechargeable (USB-C)
For design work, the Apple Magic Keyboard remains a versatile option. It is thin and also comfortable to use. In addition, this keyboard comes with satisfying tactile feedback when typing to make it easy for you to focus on your work.
Apple has created new mechanisms in its wireless keyboards that allow for great travel while keeping the overall size of the keyboard down.
These mechanisms are cool new little tweaks that keep Apple on top of your device choice. It’s also the best keyboard for laptops.
The Apple Wireless Keyboard is more than just a gorgeous-looking keyboard; it’s also really well built.
It’s easy to set up and pairs automatically with your Mac, plus its battery lasts for an amazing 40 uninterrupted hours.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Compatibility: Mac
- Connection Type: Wireless
- Weight: 0.2kg
- Power: Rechargeable (Build-in)
- Switches: Scissor
3. Corsair K95 RGB Platinum
amazon
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Backlit RGB LED, Cherry MX Speed RGB Silver, Black (CH-9127414-NA)
$121.49
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Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Backlit RBG LED, Cherry MX Speed, Black
Anyone who values the feel of a good-quality mechanical keyboard should know about the benefits that come with buying a higher-quality brand, such as Cherry MX.
They provide crisp, tactile feedback and there’s not much you can’t do with them – use any type of switches and enjoy great performance and overall satisfaction.
Mechanical keyboards offer a lot of benefits – they last longer, don’t need any software drivers, and also enable faster & more accurate typing.
The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum is no exception to these improvements. Incorporating them into your design work can be very helpful, especially when you’re trying to assign macro functions.
They don’t just support software developers, they also make them more proficient in their work.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Compatibility: Mac, Windows
- Connection Type: Wire
- Weight: 1324g
- Range: Wired (2m USB cable)
- Switches: Cherry MX switches
4. Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Editor Keyboard
If you edit in DaVinci Resolve, this custom keyboard is your editing dream come true. Its most obvious video-centric feature is the integrated Search Dial Control. The Jog/Shuttle dial helps you accurately position your timeline and provides a clutch for more precise movement.
Metal construction and roller bearings allow for high-quality smoothness. Individual keyboard keys are all pre-set to make your life easier. When you edit, the standard qwerty layout means this could double as a standard keyboard for word processing.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS
- Connection Type: wired
- Weight: 2450g
- Power: USB Type-C
5. LogicKeyboard Adobe Graphic Designer - PC ASTRA 2 Backlit Keyboard
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Logickeyboard Adobe Graphic Designer Astra Backlit US English Keyboard for Windows 7-10
$149.95
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Logickeyboard Designed for Photoshop CC, InDesign CC and Illustrator CC Compatible with Win 7-10- Astra 2 Backlit Keyboard # LKB-AGDA-A2PC-US
The Adobe Graphic Design Shortcut Keyboard is a 3-in-1 keyboard from Logickeyboard.
It works with three of the most popular Adobe graphic design software – Photoshop CC, Illustrator CC and InDesign CC – providing you with more creativity.
The Adobe Graphic Designer Keyboard allows you to use all the important shortcuts while switching between applications.
It makes your workflow efficient and seamless.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Compatibility: Windows
- Connection Type: Wired
- Power: USB Type-A
- Weight: 1kg
- Switches: Scissor
6. Corsair K83 Wireless Entertainment Keyboard
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Corsair K83 Wireless Keyboard - Bluetooth and USB - Works w/ PC, Smart TV, Streaming Box - Backlit LED
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Corsair K83 QWERTZ Mini Wireless Keyboard - Black,Grey - German Layout
The Corsair K83 wireless is the latest keyboard from Corsair, designed to help streamers & content creators. It’s loaded with great features that are perfect for any serious player at work.
The K83 isn’t just a wireless keyboard, its features include a small joystick that comes with click buttons, an integrated touchpad that can be adjusted with customizable settings, and a volume roller for an experience to enjoy.
Creative professionals will be most interested in the wonders of hotkeys and the power that USB provides.
Media playback and navigation are also a space they can take advantage of.
The Logitech Keyboard K120 is built with built-in 128-bit AES wireless encryption, which helps protect keystrokes from thieves.
Bluetooth software will allow the pairing of your smartphone or tablet to it for mobile use, and easy integration is possible with entertainment consoles thanks to the “app shortcuts” button.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Compatibility: Mac, Windows
- Connection Type: Wireless
- Weight: 480g
- Range: 10m
- Power: USB
7. LogicKeyboard Astra for Adobe Premiere Pro CC
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Logickeyboard Designed for Premiere Pro CC Compatible with macOS- ASTRA Backlit Keyboard # LKB-PPROCC-A2M-US
walmart
LogicKeyboard Adobe Premiere Pro CC For Apple MAC Astra USB Wired Keyboard Part# LK-LKBU-PPROCC-AMBH
$145.00 out of stock
LogicKeyboard can help you design a custom keyboard for your favorite video editing software– like Davinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, and After Effects.
With over 100 unique preset layouts and creative options like color gradients and embedded fonts, you’re sure to find the right creative workflow.
Getting the perfect settings in your Premiere Pro editing software is always a struggle, but this keyboard helps out with dedicated shortcuts for all your favorite tools.
Get used to using the key backlighting & you’ll be able to edit in the dark without blinking.
LogicKeyboard has tried to make your experience more enjoyable with the availability of USB 2.0 hubs on the back of their keyboards, but they also offer versions for Windows or Mac computers.
Be sure to pick the right model for your rig when you buy.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Compatibility: Windows, Mac OS (separate keyboard versions)
- Connection: Wired
- Power: USB Type-A
- Weight: 950g
- Switches: Scissor
Final Thought
Keyboards today are very different than the ones that came with most computers. They have specific niches that fit snugly into them, which is due to the amount of technology in keyboards themselves.
With specialized keyboards, it’s very easy to change settings that are the most relevant to the job you’re doing. That said, picking a keyboard that can help you with your work is a very important decision.
That is why Most Graphic designers rely on keyboards to make their creative processes easier to streamline. They can provide inspiration & drafting, saving them time and effort.
These keyboards are typically designed with certain key combinations in mind to make working with design software easier. Do you know these graphic design keyboards before? Share your thoughts.